Ideas for summer fun, indoors, outdoors and a few hidden gems

It's summertime here in the Upstate and that means fun in the sun! It also means it will be hot and you’ll want some indoor options as well. There are so many places to explore right in our area and here are some of my family's favorites.

Chau Ram Park – Oconee County's best kept secret is a secret no more. With a swimming hole right under waterfalls and walking trails, this is the perfect spot for a hot afternoon spent cooling down. With campgrounds on site, this is also a great place for a local weekend getaway. Directions can be found at experienceoconee.com/parks/chau-ram-park.

Unity Park – Coming in at over 60 acres of outdoor fun, Unity Park in Greenville has it all. There's a splash pad, green space, and picnic areas perfect for an afternoon of fun. The park also hosts basketball courts and multiple walking trails for family activities. More information can be found at unityparkgreenville.com.

Greenville Zoo – Everybody loves the zoo and with everything from anteaters to vultures, this Greenville staple has 14 acres of animals and fun. Bring a picnic and visit adjacent Cleveland Park as well. Buy tickets online greenvillezoo.com.

South Carolina Botanical Garden – With almost 300 acres of trails, ponds, flora and fauna, the South Carolina Botanical Garden is an outdoor lover's dream. Kids will love the children's area and feeding the ducks, while adults will appreciate the beauty and diversity within the garden. Learn about their events and more at clemson.edu/scbg/index.html.

Barefoot Acres – This high-adventure farm in Fountain Inn is not your typical farm. Featuring a zip line and high-ropes course, thrill-seekers will enjoy themselves here. They also offer farm tours and fresh, seasonal produce. For booking a tour or to get on the ropes, visit barefootacressc.com.

Happy Cow Creamery – For over 40 years, the Happy Cow Creamery in Pelzer has been bringing wholesome deliciousness to the Upstate with their homemade ice cream and fresh milk. Tours are available for families and groups and can be booked on their website at happycowcreamery.com/tours.

The Children's Museum of the Upstate – This Greenville staple is perfect for busy feet and a hands-on approach to learning fun. With kid favorites like the mini-grocery store and the pretend farm, little ones always enjoy playing and learning here. Get more information at tcmupstate.org/greenville. For the youngest kiddos, TCMU-Spartanburg is a delight. Visit tcmupstate.org/spartanburg.

Upcountry History Museum – Kids of all ages will enjoy the interactive exhibits while learning about history right in downtown Greenville. This summer features a hands-on Eric Carle exhibit. Find out what else is happening at upcountryhistory.org.

Spartanburg Science Center – Aimed at providing children and families with all the STEM activities they can handle, Spartanburg Science Center offers camps, daily activities, and interactive exhibits everyone will enjoy. Find out what your family can learn at spartanburgsciencecenter.org.

projectROCK – This Easley attraction boasts the tallest indoor climbing gym in America. With climbing walls up to 84 feet tall and activities that range from teen climbing nights to weekly yoga, there's something for everyone. Learn more online at projectrock.com/easley.

Big Air Trampoline Park – If your kids are bouncing off the walls, a trampoline park like Big Air in Greenville is just what they need. Kids can bounce until they drop while adults can grab a soda or sit in a massage chair and enjoy the free wi-fi. Learn more at bigairusa.com/greenville.

Hot Wheels Skating Center – Sometimes a good old-fashioned skate is needed, and this Spartanburg skate center is ready for you to boogie down and skate around the town. And with their Kids Skate Free program, it's an affordable option for the whole family. Chek them out online at hotwheelsskating.com.