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Family Harmonies: Darius Rucker’s Family-Fun Favorites
Contributing Writer
Whether they’re checking out the newest restaurants or enjoying a stay at a bed-and-breakfast, contributing writers share their unique insight and stories from exploring the Palmetto State.
When it comes to spending quality time with his loved ones, Darius Rucker has a wealth of favorite attractions and activities.
Grammy-winning superstar Darius Rucker is not only known for his soulful voice and chart-topping hits — from both his solo career and as the frontman of Hootie & The Blowfish — but he’s also well known in South Carolina for his love of family and community.
This proud father of three received a humanitarian award for his work supporting underprivileged children in Charleston with the annual Hootie’s Homegrown Roundup. Plus, his Darius & Friends benefit concert and golf tournament has raised millions of dollars for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
When it comes to spending quality time with his own loved ones, this born-and-raised South Carolinian has a wealth of favorite attractions and activities. Make some lasting family memories of your own at these kid-approved spots.
Greenville Area
Greenville Let kids live out their wildest zookeeper dreams at the Greenville Zoo, home to more than 200 animals from around the world. Step up to the elevated platform and hand-feed giraffes at the delightful Jim and Janice Cordes Giraffe Encounters. Or get your teens in the mood for some friendly competition at PKL Park, an urban hub of play offering eight professional-quality pickleball courts, outdoor games on the lawn and gourmet food options. Want plenty of dining options for the whole crew? At The Commons food hall, explore a world of flavors, such as Indian street-food style dishes at Indigo Kitchen, cold-pressed juices and fresh salads at Kuka Juice and smoked meats at MooHogz Craft BBQ.
Travelers Rest Active families: make your way to Sunrift Adventures to rent bikes and helmets for the whole family, then pedal the 28-mile Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, a mostly paved multi-use greenway system that meanders alongside the scenic Reedy River, an old railroad corridor and several city parks. Along the path is Trailblazer Park, where free outdoor movies, live concerts and a farmers market bring locals and visitors together throughout the year. Let kids burn off more energy on the Adventure Park, a nature-themed playground with a double zipline, jungle dome and ADA-accessible features.
Greer For kids (and kids at heart) who like fast cars and sleek machines, the BMW Zentrum is an engaging experience with plenty of eye candy. Take the self-guided tour of the museum for interactive technology exhibits, rare BMW models and restored classics, or book a guided tour of the manufacturing plant for a behind-the-scenes peek at how the “ultimate driving machine” is made.
Spartanburg Education and fun come together in Spartanburg, where numerous museums offer play-based learning. The Children’s Museum of the Upstate is a haven for young minds, with sensory and STEAM-based stations. Another educational gem, the Spartanburg Science Center features 23 interactive exhibits with live animals, robotics, virtual reality and fossils. Then fill up at Cribbs Kitchen, offering a kid-approved menu with burgers and Southern-style dishes like pimento mac and cheese.
Pendleton At The Clemson Little Theatre, discover family-friendly shows that entertain and inspire, with beloved holiday productions, classic literature-turned-plays and Disney musicals.
Clemson At Lake Hartwell, rent your choice of watercraft and enjoy a day on the water, whether you’re kayaking, jet skiing, sailing or fishing. Or get a thrill navigating one of the inflatable obstacle courses. After a day in the sun, unwind with wings, nachos and sliders at The Esso Club, a long-time favorite sports bar for Clemson University students and visiting families.
Rock Hill & Fort Mill
Rock Hill See what roamed in the Carolinas during the Ice Age at the Museum of York County, then explore the universe at its fully digital, full-dome Settlemyre Planetarium. With a mac-and-cheese menu and tasty starters like chicken and waffle sliders, Burgers & Barley is sure to be a hit.
Fort Mill Explore the trails at the Anne Springs Close Greenway nature preserve and stop at the Schroering Forest Playground with age-appropriate climbing structures for numerous age groups. Spend a whole day on more than 60 amusement park rides, plus water slides and wave pools, at Carowinds and Carolina Harbor on the South Carolina-North Carolina border.
Midlands
Columbia As a former University of South Carolina student, Darius Rucker looks back fondly on his days living in Columbia. Experience the natural beauty of the capital city tubing down Lower Saluda River with Palmetto Outdoor, suitable for ages 10 and up. More water fun can be found with a day of boating on Lake Murray or by playing on the splash pad at Sesquicentennial State Park.
For indoor fun with little ones, EdVenture stokes the imagination with play scenarios like a fire truck, ambulance, grocery store and airplane cockpit.
At night, take teens to a live music show at Colonial Life Arena, where Rucker himself has performed, or catch a Fireflies baseball game at Segra Park to enjoy America’s favorite pastime with the whole family.
Monetta Experience the nostalgia of a drive-in movie at The Monetta Drive-In Theatre (a.k.a. The Big Mo), screening hit blockbusters under the stars.
Aiken Go for a leisurely stroll amid live oaks and water features at Hopelands Gardens, and then treat the family to scoops of ice cream served in a waffle taco at Flanigan’s Ice Cream Parlor.
Charleston Area
Charleston Spend some time in Rucker’s hometown of Charleston to experience the culture and fun of this historic city. Start the day at Daps Breakfast & Imbibe, known for inventive pancakes and breakfast sandwiches. At the South Carolina Aquarium, explore marine life exhibits and pet hermit crabs and Atlantic stingrays at the interactive touch tank.
Mount Pleasant Tour a historic naval ship and delve into interactive exhibits that provide a glimpse into maritime history at Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, showcasing the USS Yorktown.
Folly Beach Pack your sunscreen and sand toys, and spend a relaxing day on Folly Beach building sandcastles, picnicking and playing in the ocean.
Murrells Inlet Enjoy surf fishing, bird watching, hiking and exploring the historic Atalaya Castle at Huntington Beach State Park. For lunch or dinner, sit on the patio at The Claw House to savor fresh seafood with waterfront views.
Myrtle Beach Attractions abound in this seaside city. Bring kids and teens to play a round of miniature golf at PopStroke, or gear up for laser tag or virtual reality adventures at Hickey’s InterActive Adventures. Discover marine life up close at Ripley’s Aquarium with jellyfish, seahorses, sharks and sawfish.
Whether they’re checking out the newest restaurants or enjoying a stay at a bed-and-breakfast, contributing writers share their unique insight and stories from exploring the Palmetto State.
