Looking for free things to do this summer in Spartanburg? Thank goodness we live in Sparkle City! There are tons of free or super cheap things to do during the summer when kids are out of school. Bookmark this list of 30+ free things to do this summer in Spartanburg to have the best summer ever.
We love summer break! Between the sun staying out later and no homework, it might be our favorite time of the year. But, let’s talk about the hardest part of summer – keeping your kids occupied and entertained all summer long! Eventually, they will get tired of sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and even tv. Fortunately, there are tons of things to do in and around Spartanburg this summer that are perfect for families. Best of all? We have come up with over 30 things to do in the Upstate that are free (or pretty cheap).
Don’t forget to join our corresponding Kidding Around Spartanburg Facebook page to stay plugged into the fun all summer long! P.S. Our definition of “cheap” is approximately $5 or less per person. For fun activities that cost more but are still fun see our calendar and don’t forget to subscribe to our Family Fun Planner to get our email each week.
This list may contain unpaid mentions of Kidding Around Spartanburg sponsors.
Free Things to Do in Spartanburg
Spartanburg County Public Library hosts a fun-filled Summer Reading Program. There are rewards for reading plus tons of free events for kids, teens, and adults all summer long at all the library branches.
Kids bowl 2 free games each day all summer long at Paradise Lanes in Spartanburg.
Pop some popcorn, put the folding chairs in the trunk, and head to a free outdoor movie.
Let the kids get wet at one of Spartanburg’s Splash Pads (including Barnet Park, Tyger River, and Airport Park).
Play mini-golf for free downtown at Sparkle City Mini Putt.
Enjoy a whole week of fun at local VBS (Vacation Bible School) events.
Go on an Artbulb scavenger hunt through downtown.
Take some time to park hop and visit some that you have not been to before, such as Cleveland Park, Happy Hollow Park, and more.
Check out some library e-books and use this fun library BINGO sheet.
Visit the Hub City Farmer’s Market on Saturdays.
Picnic at Milliken Arboretum.
Trek through Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve.
Bike the Mary Black Rail Trail.
Hike the Cottonwood Trail or one of the nearby trails that have kid-friendly hikes.
On a windy day, fly a kite at Barnet Park.
Visit the Hub City Railroad Museum.
Play frisbee (disc) golf at one of the several local parks that has a disc golf course.
Watch airplanes and play (and get wet in the splash pad) at the Spartanburg Memorial Airport Park.
Look at some art at Spartanburg Art Museum.
(Really) Cheap Things to Do in Spartanburg
Explore Croft State Park. Admission for kids aged 6-15 is just $1 and aged 5 and under are free.
There are tons of cheap summer movie options while school is out.
Go back in time at Cowpens National Battlefield, Musgrove Mills State Historic Site, and Walnut Grove Plantation.
Hunt for the best ice cream.
Visit the Spartanburg Science Center for $5 for those 5 and up (free for those under 5!).
Spend some time at Hot Spot Skate Park for $3.00 (depending on age).
Visit the Children’s Museum of the Upstate – Spartanburg and see why it is perfect for kids 5 and under.
Pick fruit at one of these great orchards, farms, or berry patches.
Beat the heat with some shaved ice.
Free (or Cheap) Things to Do Nearby that are Worth the Drive
Visit one of the many upstate gardens.
Hike Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap.
Visit Kings Mountain Revolutionary War Battlefield.
Find all the Mice on Main in downtown Greenville.
Learn some Upstate history with a visit to a textile mill.
Visit the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock, NC.
Spend some time at Lake Lure.
Grab sand toys and a beach chair to hang out at any of these sandy mountain beaches in the Upstate.
Chill out at the foot of a local waterfall.
Explore Hands On! Children’s Museum in Hendersonville, NC.
Get back to nature at Reedy Creek Nature Center.
Final Helpful Tips for Saving Money this Summer
Save money during the summer with our Kids Eat Free guide.
If you are not already a member of a Moms’ Group in Spartanburg, summer is a great time to get connected. Many of these local groups host free or cheap events for moms and their kids.
These are great ideas thank you for sharing them. Would you mind if I refer to your blog in our newsletter? Thank you!
Sure. That’s fine!