Posts Tagged ‘things to do outside’

What You Need to Know for a Day at Carolina Panthers Training Camp

The Carolina Panthers Training Camp is a unique opportunity to watch a professional football team up close, and it should be on every Spartanburg family’s bucket list! After a two-year absence from the training facility at Wofford, the Carolina Panthers are back in Spartanburg.

We’ve got all the info you’ll need if you plan on going to watch the Carolina Panthers train at Wofford this year!

Play 60 Park in Spartanburg, SC — Play 60 Carolina Panthers Park in Spartanburg, SC

This article includes:
How to Attend Panthers Training Camp in Spartanburg, SC
Things to Do in Spartanburg During Training Camp
How to Get a Panthers Autograph
“Back Together” Free Panthers Fan Event in Spartanburg, SC
See the Panthers in Charlotte, NC at Fan Fest

Carolina Panthers Training Camp In Spartanburg, SC

The 2023 Carolina Panthers’ Training Camp will be held July 22nd – August 10th, 2023

When Carolina Panthers Training Camp roars into Wofford College in Spartanburg, fans of professional football should be sure to head to this beautiful campus to watch!

Whether you have multiple trips under your belt or are visiting for the first time, this information will be handy to help you make the most of a day watching the Carolina Panthers Train.

What to Expect at a Carolina Panthers Training Session

Not sure what to expect? Here’s a video of a 2021 practice session.

2023 Carolina Panthers Training Camp Schedule

Most training sessions are at 10:15 am but see the schedule below. Attendance is completely free, but NEW this year, you will need to reserve your free Panthers training tickets on Ticket Master.

There is a great parking map available on the Panthers Training Camp site.

The free Carolina Panthers’ training schedule is as follows:

July 26th, 2023 at 10:15 am
July 27th, 2023 at 10:15 am
July 31st, 2023 at 10:25 am
August 1st, 2023 at 10:15 am
August 4th, 2023 at 10:15 am
August 5th, 2023 at 10:15 am
August 6th, 2023 at 10:15 am
August 8th, 2023 at 10:15 am
August 9th, 2023 at 10:15 am (Joint Practice with the New York Jets)
August 20th, 2023 at 9 am (Joint Practice with the New York Jets)

There are two events not happening at Wofford Field. These are: July 29th, 2023 at 11 am (Back Together Saturday at Gibbs Field) and August 2nd, 2023 at 7 pm (Fan Fest Charlotte, NC- tickets are $5)

Attending The Carolina Panthers’ Training Session in Spartanburg, SC

Seating is first come – first serve along the grassy hillside of the training practice field at the back of the campus. Strollers, coolers, and non-alcoholic beverages are welcome at the training camps, as well as sunshade umbrellas and folding chairs. Pop-up tents are not permitted.

In the event of inclement weather, practice times may be shifted or canceled. Updates for training camp status will be posted by the Panthers on Twitter.

Can I bring food to the Panthers Training Camp?

Yes! Coolers are allowed, with food and non-alcoholic beverages. No glass is permitted for safety reasons. You can also bring backpacks and bags, strollers, blankets, folding chairs, etc.

Visiting Spartanburg, SC for Training Camp

Fans of the Panthers will be visiting Spartanburg, some for the first time. The training camps are just a few hours in the morning, so that leaves the rest of the day to explore!

Guest Itinerary for Spartanburg Visitors to Carolina Panther Training Camp

Here are a few great things to do from Kidding Around Spartanburg:

Visit the Panthers themed Play 60 Park where kids can train like the pros. FREE
Summer equals kids wanting to splash around in the water, and who can blame them? Luckily Spartanburg has several splash pads and a waterpark to enjoy while you are visiting Spartanburg!
Grab the family, and hit the road, grabbing breakfast from a local coffee shop on the way to your chosen splash spot. Enjoy the sounds of kids laughing and having fun!
When lunchtime hits, you can grab another perennial summer favorite! We’ve got a list of local places where readers love to grab a hot dog, and then you can return to the splashing!
A long day in the sun will make everyone tired, so why not grab a family meal of BBQ to eat at the place where you are staying. If everyone has the energy and room in their bellies, you can treat the family to a frozen dessert at a local favorite!

Make The Most of Your Time With This Weekend Itinerary For A Trip to Spartanburg, SC

Where to Stay in Spartanburg, SC

Getting An Autograph From A Carolina Panther

Autographs are back this year! Fans will be hopefully able to get an autograph after practices are over. Look for the signs that will direct you to the area along the Field 1 fence. All players don’t necessarily stop there but there is certainly the potential for players to stop and sign autographs for fans.

Attending The Carolina Panthers’ Fan Fest in Charlotte, NC

Fan Fest is August 2nd at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. They have entertainment, inflatables, fun things for kids, and fireworks. Tickets are $5 a person.

Here is the schedule:
5:30 pm Gates Open
6 pm Entertainment Begins
7 pm Practice Begins
~9:15 pm Fireworks and laser show

Carolina Panthers Training Camp News

The Carolina Panthers have launched an app to help fans keep up do date and informed of all the things going on with the team.
Head Coach Frank Reich will take part in the training camp practices at Wofford this summer.
Rookie Quarterback first overall pick Bryce Young will also be at training camp, giving fans an early chance to likely see a new leader in action.

For more fun to be found when visiting the Carolina Panthers hometown, Check out the Kidding Around Ultimate Guide To Fun With Kids in Charlotte

Spend The Day At The Anne Springs Close Greenway In York County, SC

Have you heard of the Anne Springs Close Greenway? Are you looking for a new wide-open space to explore with your family? I recently spent a few days exploring York County, South Carolina and found so many wonderful things. This nature preserve was just one of the discoveries we made while there.

The Anne Springs Close Greenway in York, South Carolina

Anne Springs Close Greenway is really the perfect spot for any outdoor adventure you are looking to enjoy. It’s family-friendly, with a restaurant, live music events, hiking, horseback riding, historical relevance, paddle sports, and over 2100 acres to explore. At about 90 minutes from the Upstate in Fort Mill, SC, this is the perfect day trip for your family. We spent several days in York County and left without getting to do everything on our list!

Things to do in York County, South Carolina

Check out the Kidding Around guide to York County, SC for more adventures to be found in this destination, just a few hours from Greenville.

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Owens Field Park in Columbia, SC is Full of Exciting Attractions

Have you ever been to Owens Field Park in Columbia, SC? If not, let us be the first to tell you, you’ve got to give it a try! Owens Field Park features an all-inclusive playground, a huge skatepark, a unique bicycle course, disc golf, ball fields, and more. Whether you’re planning an all-day outing or just need to pass the time for a few hours, you and your children will have a blast!

Columbia, SC: Owens Field Park

Owens Field Park is one of the most unique parks in all of Columbia, SC! Located directly across from the Jim Hamilton airport, this park is packed FULL of great things to do. You could spend as much or as little time here as you’d like. Bring a ball, a lunch, bicycles, or whatever your kiddos are interested in as there is PLENTY of room for just about any outdoor activity.

What is There To Do at Owens Field Park?

There is no shortage of family-friendly attractions at Owens Field Park! They’ve got an all-inclusive playground, skate park, pump track, ball fields, and more!

Skate Park

There is a large skatepark at Owens Field that is full of some super cool equipment! You will find stairs, metal rails, ramps, and even a “pool bowl”. The skate park is free and available for skateboards, in-line skates, and bicycles. Pads and helmets are required!

Pump Track Course

You’ll DEFINITELY want to load up your children’s bikes before your trip! The pump track is arguably one of the coolest features at Owens Field. You can often find it full of kiddos of all ages, biking levels, as well as a variety of bikes – balance bikes, training wheels, traditional bikes, etc. One lap around the track is about 0.2 miles. It is full of neat obstacles such as rolling hills, bridges, and wood roller corners.

Pump track and bikes at Owens Field Park

Playground

There is also an all-inclusive playground at Owens Field! Children of all ages and abilities will love it here. The playspace features 2 zip lines, a saucer swing, musical instruments, slides, climbing apparatisies, and more! It even has padded turf! At our recent visit, my kids loved relaxing on the saucer swing and my 4-year-old couldn’t get enough of the ziplines.

Disc Golf Course

Do you know about the 18-hole disc golf course at Owens Field? The course is well-marked and winds all throughout a large portion of the woods next to the soccer fields. The walkways along the course are manicured and on a day when there aren’t many people playing disc golf, it also doubles as a fantastic and easy walking trail. Because of the tree roots, I wouldn’t recommend it for strollers or bicycles, however for a quick nature walk it’s perfect!

On our recent trip, my son had a fun time leading our family on a “bear hunt” along the course. Much to his disappointment, we didn’t come across any bears, but we did see a lot of other neat creatures!

More to Love at Owens Field

It’s hard to believe, but there are several other fun attractions at Owens Field:

12 Soccer Fields
Several Baseball Fields
Outdoor Track
Miracle League Field
Free Little Library

Owens Field Park
1401 Jim Hamilton Boulevard

What is your family’s favorite attraction at Owens Field Park?

Parks: Columbia, SC with playgrounds and fun places to explore

Discover more of the best playgrounds and parks in Columbia, SC!

Ideas for Everyone!

Things to do Outside in Columbia, SC

Ideas for Everyone! Things to Do Outside: Columbia, SC

Are you looking for things to do outside in Columbia, SC? The weather is finally gorgeous and you’re looking for spectacular things to do to enjoy this beautiful day. That sunshine and breezy fresh air is calling your name. Good news. You’re here on the Kidding Around Outdoor Guide to Columbia. And, what does that get you? Lots and lots of family-friendly ideas about how to enjoy a perfect day outside, plus all the information you need to know to make it happen.

So, what are you waiting for? Snatch up one of these ideas for things to do outside! Columbia, SC adventure waiting.

Outdoor Things to Do in Columbia for Everyone

We have real ideas for families, by the way. You’ll find outdoor fun here for families with little kids, older kids, teens, couples, and ideas that fit every budget. Totally free ways to enjoy outdoor things to do in Columbia, SC? We have them.

This outdoor list is for everyone in Columbia, SC.

Parks and Playgrounds

Go for an hour or go a whole afternoon. Pack a picnic with some favorite snacks to really maximize the fun. Just don’t forget a hat and some suncreen!

Our favorite parks and playgrounds in Columbia, SC

The playground at Carraway Park in West Columbia — Carraway Park

Carraway Park: Great for kids of all ages in West Columbia, SC

Leo's Landing Playground in Columbia, SC at Saluda Shoals — Leo’s Landing

Leo’s Landing: Very large, inclusive playground at Saluda Shoals in Irmo, SC. ($5 per vehicle, or $55 per year)

Playground at Elmwood Roy Lynch Park in Columbia, SC — Elmwood Roy Lynch Park

Elmwood Roy Lynch Park: Splash pad, zipline, and playgrounds

Hiking in Columbia

You’ve got sneakers, water bottle and maybe some bug spray. You’ve filled up a backpack with trail mix and favorite snacks. You’re ready for some hiking in Columbia, SC. All you need now is the perfect trail and that’s where we come in.

Hiking Trails Near Columbia, SC

Sesquicentennial State Park

Discover Sesquicentennial State Park! This is one of the South Carolina State Parks’ most unique parks. We love that this park has a splash pad for summer fun! Don’t forget you can purchase an annual membership to the state park system that will grant you entrance to all 47 South Carolina State Parks for a year.

Summertime splash pad
Hiking
Camping
Dog park
Playground

Sesquicentennial State Park
9564 Two Notch Rd, Columbia SC 29223

Congaree National Park

Kayak, Canoe, and hike at Congaree National Park in Hopkins, SC. Take advantage of ranger-led programs like the Owl Prowl, explore an old-growth forest, and see native wildlife. It’s a unique national park you don’t want to miss!

Congaree National Park
100 National Park Road
Hopkins, SC 29061

Three Rivers Greenway trails in Columbia, SC

Three Rivers Greenway Trail: Paved trails to enjoy along the river. Free!

Harbison State Forest has a variety of trails, including an ADA-compliant trail!

Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve has the midlands’ only naturally occurring waterfall!

Sports Teams in Columbia

Root for the home team!

Columbia’s local sports teams

Columbia Fireflies baseball team at Segra Park

Riverbanks Zoo

There’s so much to see at Riverbanks Zoo. You can spend the day checking out the bears, giraffes, penguins, sea lions, and more.

But River Banks zoo is also home to an arboretum and Waterfall Junction, which is a splash pad area and a playground. It’s a full day of fun in one spot.

Riverbanks Zoo
500 Wildlife Pkwy, Columbia

Eudora Farms

At Eudora Farms Wildlife Safari Drive-Thru you’ll be able to drive through fields of animals like llamas, camels, cattle, goats, antelope, ostriches, emu, and more. Food for the animals is available for purchase, which you can offer them as you drive along.

Eudora Farms
219 Salem Lane, Salley SC
803.606.6325

Petting Zoos Near Columbia

Petting Zoos Near Columbia, SC

Ride a pony or get lost in a maze, there’s fun to be found at these farms near Columbia, SC.

Enjoy the water- splash pads and more!

Where can you enjoy the water in Columbia?

Here are 30+ places where you can swim and splash!

Fishing in Columbia, SC: fishing spots that are great for kids

9+ Great places to take the kids fishing in Columbia, SC

Bonus: Did you know you can borrow a pole and tackle for free?

Lakes in Columbia, SC

Lake Murray

Lake Murray Public Park

Enjoy the beach area and swim with the kids at Lake Murray Park in Lexington, SC.

Paddleboard on Lake Murray: California Republic SUP

Rent Paddleboards on Lake Murray!

California Republic SUP offers very affordable paddleboard rentals on Lake Murray.

Dreher Island State Park sits on several islands in Lake Murray. From there you can access hiking and camping as well as all that Lake Murray has to offer.

Swimming
Boating
Fishing
Camping

Lake Monticello

Managed by SC DNR, Lake Monticello is available for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Love hanging out at the lake? Check out more Lakes in the Carolinas.

Kayaking

Explore Congaree National Park by kayak.
Lake Murray Park, also, rent paddleboards at California Republic SUP on Lake Murray.
Canoes and kayaks can put-in to access the Broad River at Harbison State Forest Nature Preserve.
Dreher Island State Park
Sesquicentennial State Park: rent kayaks and paddleboards for just $10 an hour

Looking for more things to do?

Fun Days Start Here

See all the fun, amazing things to do in Columbia, SC