Do you feel like you have done or seen everything Greenville has to offer? Think again! Local mom, Deborah, has compiled a list of 100 fun things to do in Greenville. From outdoor adventures to indoor relaxation, we are confident you will find some things to add to your short-term bucket list. And if you’re visiting, we welcome you to our wonderful town and hope this list will help you to find the best things to do here with your family.
Love to learn and be active? Check out our list of Classes and Activities in Greenville where you’ll find some fantastic offerings for your kiddos.
Need more inspiration? Here is our list of things to do inside in Greenville and our list of things to do outside in Greenville.
Parks
Greenville County has more than 60 parks! Here are some of our favorites. If none of these sound like the perfect park, not to worry. Try this list of Greenville Parks with Great Outdoor Spaces or this giant list of Parks and Greenville Park Reviews.
Runway Park
Watch the planes take off at Runway Park while enjoying a large, fenced-in park with two playgrounds, a covered pavilion and a paved loop for all your wheels.
Cleveland Park
Enjoy a large playground with swings as well as a play train at Cleveland Trail, all along the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
McPherson Park
Right in the heart of Greenville, McPherson Park is a shady park with mini-golf, a tennis court, two playgrounds and a paved walking trail.
Herdklotz Park
Invite your friends and family to play sand volleyball, have a cookout in the large pavilion, and let your children play on the amazing playgrounds at Herdklotz Park.
Legacy Park
Modeled after NYC’s Central Park, you will love the large grassy space for picnicking, relaxing, and playing together. There are also two playgrounds and a sand volleyball court at Legacy Park.
Butler Springs
With a fenced-in toddler playground and another tall playground for the older children, every child will be happy at Butler Spring Park.
Holmes Park
Holmes Park is a neighborhood park featuring a fantastic frisbee golf course as well as a new playground.
Children’s Garden
There is so much to explore in this imaginative Children’s Garden in Linky Stone Park.
Cancer Survivors Park
Come relax at Cancer Survivors Park, a hope-filled garden where you will find art, paths, and the sound of water.
Poinsett Park
Take a break from your Traveler’s Rest excursion at Pointsett Park, a tree-themed playground and paved walking loop.
Timmons Park
A fun frisbee golf course goes over and around a creek in Timmons Park that also features a playground and tennis court.
Gower Estates Park
You can climb an Army tank and then enjoy tennis, frisbee golf and a new playground at Gower Estates Park.
Pelham Mill Park
Bring your dog to enjoy the dog park at Pelham Mill Park, but do not forget to walk along the remains of the old mill around the Enoree River at this historic site.
Greer City Park
Walk along the path at Greer City Park and enjoy the music-timed fountain, a lake and a fun playground.
Farms & Orchards
You don’t have to go far to have fun on the farm. Greenville has a large number of local Farms and Orchards. We’ve listed some of our favorites here, but have a big list of Apple Orchards near Greenville and also Pumpkin Patches near Greenville that you’ll want to visit.
Beechwood Farms
Enjoy picking strawberries and getting other seasonal produce throughout the year at Beechwood Farms. Look out for their annual family fun days in the fall.
Fisher’s Orchard
You can pick peaches at Fisher’s Orchard, but also plan to enjoy their festival in October.
Sandy Flat Berry Patch
While you can pick strawberries at Sandy Flat Berry Patch, this farm has so much more produce to offer.
Hikes
Set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville is near some truly spectacular hiking. Enjoy these walks in the woods for wide range of hiking abilities. Need more options? Kidding Around has you covered. Here’s our guide to Places to Hike in Greenville.
Paris Mountain State Park
Toddlers to seasoned hikers will enjoy a trail in this Paris Mountain State Park.
Campbell’s Covered Bridge
This short trail begins at the Campbell’s Covered Bridge parking lot and goes up into the woods. At the top, you will have a beautiful view of the bridge.
Lake Conestee
Your whole family, including your dogs, will love the trails, bridges and overlooks at Lake Conestee. There is also a dog park and two playgrounds.
Table Rock
From a strenuous 7.5 mile round trip hike to the top of Table Rock to an easy two-mile trek (with waterfalls!), this state park not far from Greenville is a great destination year round. They have a lake for swimming in the summer plus you can camp there as well.
Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve
Enjoy walking along the creek and then walking up Squirrel Mountain on this moderately hard dirt trail.
Waterfalls
These hikes will take you to waterfalls right in Greenville County. If you love waterfalls, don’t miss Kidding Around’s Waterfalls near Greenville.
Wildcat Branch Falls
No hike is necessary to wade in and enjoy the lower falls at Wildcat Branch Falls. Walk up the steps beside it, and you can take a short hike to the middle and upper falls.
Rainbow Falls
Located in Jones Gap State Park, Rainbow Falls is a breath-taking waterfall worth the strenuous hike.
Cedar Falls
You may think there are just playgrounds and sand volleyball at Cedar Falls, but there is a short, paved trail down to the Reedy River where you can enjoy the waterfall.
Ravencliff Falls
Starting near Caesar’s Head State Park, you can take this moderate hike for a view of Ravencliff Falls.
Moonshine Falls
Moonshine Falls offers a moderate, 6-mile hike requires a cable crossing to reach the 40’ falls. Be sure to call Asbury Hills Camp (864.836.3711) for permission.
Falls Creek
After a short, but strenuous hike ascending 600 feet, you will be rewarded with the 125’ waterfall at Falls Creek.
Vistas
No hiking is necessary to get lost in breath-taking vistas.
Pretty Place
Located in YMCA Camp Greenville, Pretty Place simply cannot be captured in a picture.
Bald Rock Heritage Preserve
On your way to Caesar’s Head, park on the side of the road and walk out on to Bald Rock Heritage Preserve, a massive rock overlooking an incredible view of the mountains.
Caesar’s Head State Park
Walk right up to this amazing view at Caesar’s Head State Park. Don’t forget to walk around to view the side of mountain which looks like Caesar’s Head. In the fall, you can see thousands of raptors.
Shows and Concerts
There are so many venues for enjoying a fantastic show.
Logos Theater
Come enjoy family-friendly musicals and dramas at Logos Theater in Taylors.
Peace Center
From broadway shows and symphonies in the concert hall to outdoor concerts in the amphitheater, you will love the Peace Center, the Upstate’s cultural center.
Greenville Little Theatre
You can enjoy shows from broadway, dramas and concerts at Greenville Little Theatre on Heritage Green. Young children will love the Theater for Young Audiences.
NOMA Square
Enjoy Downtown Alive, Main Street Fridays, Oktoberfest and more special events at NOMA Square, a fun plaza outside the Hyatt downtown.
Bon Secours Wellness Arena
Home to the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, the Bon Secours Wellness Arena hosts thrilling concerts throughout the year. Join the Well Walkers Tuesdays and Thursdays to walk the 1/4 mile concourse.
South Carolina Children’s Theatre
Greenville’s own South Carolina Children’s Theatre presents main stage shows, smaller performances for young children, classes, camps and workshops right in downtown Greenville.
Museums
From artwork to trains, there is a museum for everyone in Greenville.
Children’s Museum of the Upstate
Have an exciting day playing and learning together at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate.
Museum and Library of Confederate History Museum
Find out more about the Civil War at Confederate History Museum, which is free to explore.
Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum
Learn about Shoeless Joe Jackson in the house where he lived and died.
Upcountry History Museum
Hands-on activities will help you learn more about our upcountry’s history at this museum at Heritage Green.
Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery
While the museums have been closed for now, you can still view and schedule a private tour of some of these sacred masterworks throughout the campus of Bob Jones University.
Greenville County Museum of Art
This free museum holds watercolors by Andrew Wyeth and contemporary art by Jasper Johns.
Carolina Music Museum
Open your children’s eyes, and yours, to pianos from centuries ago at this new, free museum.
Model Trains Station
Come enjoy this new train display in Taylors Mill. There’s lots to play and do.
Sporting Events
Our area is full of sports teams to cheer on. College, professional – take your pic and head to a game!
Greenville Drive
Ride the trolley to Fluor Field and enjoy affordable concessions, a playground and a great minor league baseball game. Lookout for special nights that include fireworks!
Swamp Rabbits Hockey
The whole family will love a game of ice hockey with Greenville’s Swamp Rabbits.
Greenville Triumph
Greenville’s new minor league soccer team, the Triumph, are thrilled to play for fans in town.
Water Activities
Water parks, splash pads and pools will keep you cool and active.
Otter Creek
This waterpark has water slides for big and little kids as well as a splash pad. Be on the lookout for Wagging at the Waterpark once a year.
Discovery Island
Not only does this waterpark have water slides and a splash playground, but you can ride a surf board on the simulated waves and float around the lazy river.
7th Inning Splash
The highlight of this waterpark is the bowl slide, but there are two small water slides and a splash pad as well.
Children’s Splash Pad
This train-themed splash pad is by the Lazy Goat downtown in Falls Park. While in Falls Park, be sure to enjoy Liberty Bridge and all the beautiful places to swing and relax by the Reedy River.
Westside Aquatic Center
You can swim year-round at this beautiful pool and your kids will love the Fun Zone.
Kroc Center
The Aquatic Center features a zero entry play area with a climbing wall and even a water slide that goes outside the building. The center also has a fitness center, lap pool and hot tub.
Tours
Take time to appreciate Greenville.
Greenville Glides
Rent bikes or a hover board to see the city, or take a haunted Segway tour, Holiday lights tour, or even a tasting tour.
Symphony Tour of Homes
Experience beautiful residences at this annual, self-guided tour.
Art in Public Places
Download the map and discover over 70 pieces of artwork throughout Greenville.
Greenville History and Culinary Tours
Featured in top magazines, these tours will take you to the best places in Greenville.
Mice on Main
Mice on Main will take you on a scavenger hunt right down Main Street in downtown Greenville. This is a totally free activity and we love it!
Art and Music
Greenville is full of places where families can learn about art, craft, paint, create and make music. If you have a little one who lights up at the site of paint, canvas or clay, you do not want to miss this list of Places in Greenville Where Kids Can Make Art.
TR Art Maker Co
Have a play date making art together at TR Art Maker Co.
Creating Artists for Tomorrow
Visit the drop-in Table Time at Creating Artists for Tomorrow and enjoy art activities without the clean up. Have an older child? You’ll definitely want to check out Creating Artists for Tomorrow’s camps and classes.
DRUM Percussion Studio
DRUM Percussion Studio studio offers lessons, classes and multiple percussion ensembles including drum set and multi-cultural percussion. Kids can learn about pitch and rhythm and participate in performance opportuniteis.
Activities
Get moving!
Frankie’s Fun Park
Have fun playing arcades, mini-golf, go-carts and more at Frankie’s.
Craft Axe Throwing
Learn how to throw an axe and then compete with up to three people on a target.
Breakout Games
See if you can escape the room with the help of your friends and the clues around you.
Sharpshooters
Not only can you buy guns at Sharpshooters, but you can learn to shoot them and practice at the range.
United Community Bank Ice on Main
From November to January, ice skate outside on Main Street.
Gravitopia
You can bounce, dunk, dodge, balance and more at Gravitopia.
Sky Zone
At Sky Zone your kids (and you!) can joust, climb, bounce and more at this trampoline park.
Big Air
Spend hours at this enormous trampoline park with dodge ball, rock climbing walls, ninja walls, a sky rope course, and indoor cafe.
Pump It Up
Designed for children under 12 and their parents, come to the open jump or family jump to bounce together at Pump It Up.
Pavilion
This park has more than just a dog park and two playgrounds. At the Pavilion you can also go ice skating or enjoy the bounce house inside. Lookout for the Enchanted Forrest around Halloween.
Nerf Gun Wars
Bike Trails
Here are trails to train the beginner and challenge the experienced.
Swamp Rabbit Trail
Paved, shaded and mostly flat, the Swamp Rabbit Trail will take you from Traveler’s Rest to Lake Conestee.
Gateway Park
There are three mountain bike trails at Gateway Park, ranging from easy to hard.
Beginner Road Ride
Take a guided bike ride along paved surfaces designed for beginners.
Pleasant Ridge
Mountain bike on the trails through the woods at Pleasant Ridge.
Spring Festivals
Spring brings an abundance of celebrations in Greenville.
Artisphere
Artisphere is a celebration of art in downtown Greenville with exhibits, music and food.
Gallabre Greenville Scottish Games
This festival celebrates Scotland with competitions, Border Collies, a British car show, a parade and music.
Summer festivals & farmers markets
Enjoy farmers markets, 4th of July festivities and more during the summer months.
Wells Fargo Red, White and Blue Festival
Come see one of the state’s largest fireworks displays.
Upstate Shakespeare Festival
Get your blanket and chairs and enjoy free Shakespeare plays in Falls Park.
TD Saturday Market
Come get fresh produce from farmers and enjoy music. Take your kids to Touch a Truck and other special events at the TD Saturday Market.
Second Fridays At the Mill
Taylors Mill will have open studios, forty vendors at their indoor farmer’s market, and live music at Second Fridays At the Mill. Get some dinner at the Farehouse.
Travelers Rest Farmer’s Market
There are over 70 vendors at the Saturday market and then special markets throughout the year.
Autumn festivals
Fall brings art festivals and cultural celebrations to the Upstate.
Indie Craft Parade
Come buy local, hand-made goods at this exciting annual event.
Trains, Trains and More Trains
Here is a miniature train show that will bring a smile to everyone’s face.
Euphoria
Celebrate Euphoria, the great food in Greenville.
Sooie Mauldin BBQ Cookoff
Enjoy BBQ and music. at Sooie BBQ Cookoff.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest celebrates German food, music and games.
Get Out! Greenville
Have fun doing all things outdoors at Get Out! Greenville.
Artoberfest
Help support the Shriner’s Hospital with your purchases of local art, food and music at ARToberfest.
BB&T Fall for Greenville
Taste food from restaurants around Greenville at the annual Fall for Greenville.
Art on the Trail
At Art on the Trail you can shop at the art market, enjoy performances and readings, and let your children play.
Greenville Open Studios
Take the self-guided tour at Greenville Open Studios and visit over 100 studios in Greenville.
Winter festivals and celebrations
Celebrate the holidays in Greenville.
Greenville Poinsettia Christmas Parade
Santa comes to town at this formal beginning of Christmas in Greenville.
St. Francis Festival of Trees
Relish the Christmas spirit as you gaze at beautifully decorated trees in four hotels downtown.
Walks
Enjoy beautiful and historic strolls.
Poinsett Bridge
Once you visit this 200 year old, Gothic-style arch bridge, you will want to return to Poinsett Bridge again and again.
Liberty Bridge
Yeah, THAT Greenville! Stroll across this iconic bridge to enjoy the waterfalls and gardens in Falls Park.
Major Rudolph Anderson Jr. Memorial
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, our local hero, Major Anderson was shot down in the plane proudly displayed at this memorial along the Swamp Rabbit Trail.
Kilgore Lewis House
Book a historic tour of this 1838 house or enjoy walking through the large garden right in downtown Greenville.
Springwood Cemetery
Enjoy the beauty and history found in this one acre cemetery.
Rock Quarry Garden
This small garden has a lovely waterfall and stream cutting through manicured gardens.
Enrichments
Enjoy the arts, visit with the animals or explore the programs offered at the local library system.
Greenville Center for Creative Arts
Every first Friday of the month at GCCA, you can view and purchase art by local artists and your children can do a free art project.
Greenville Zoo
Not only can you enjoy animals from Africa to the farm at Greenville Zoo, but you won’t want to miss Boo in the Zoo or Safari Santa.
Riverbend Equestrian Park
At Riverbend Equestrian Park you can enjoy a petting zoo with barnyard animals and watch the horses.
Greenville County Library
With 12 branches, the Greenville County Library System offers hundreds of free programs from crafting to concerts throughout the year.
Roper Mountain Science Center
Take your kids to see the arboretum, nature trails, two treehouses, butterfly garden and sensory wall at Roper Mountain Science Center. Of course, do not miss their planetarium shows.
Home Depot Kids Workshop
The first Saturday of every month, build something with your child at Home Depot for free.
Treehouse Cafe & Art Studio
Grab a latte and muffin and then create art till your heart’s content at this unique cafe and art studio in downtown Travelers Rest.
