Have you visited the Clemson University campus in Clemson, South Carolina?
There’s much more than academics going on at this beautiful campus in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you’re visiting Death Valley, exploring the SC Botanical Garden and geology museum, or touring the Clemson University Equine Center, there’s something fun to do for the entire family!
Looking for more things to do in Clemson, SC? Check out our guide to visiting Clemson. You’ll learn where to stay, things to do, and where to dine while visiting the home of the Clemson Tigers!
Fun Things to Do: Clemson University Campus
Enjoy Ice Cream at Clemson’s ’55 Exchange
’55 Exchange
720 McMillan Road, Clemson, SC
864-656-2155
Did you know students handcraft Clemson’s ice cream? There are a variety of flavors, and also the “tiger slab” where you can mix ingredients into your ice cream. There are tables outside when it’s warm enough to eat outside. There’s also metered parking directly across from the ice cream shop
Play Frisbee on the Front Lawn at Bowman Field
Bowman Field
Old Greenville Highway, Clemson, SC
Bowman Field is right along Route 93 below Tillman Hall, the beautiful building with the clock tower. This is a great place to picnic with friends, throw a frisbee around, or get a game of football together. Throughout the year, Clemson University offers activities for kids on the field. There’s also several outdoor spaces to explore, relax, or play games with your family and friends. After playing some frisbee, grab lunch at the famous Esso Club!
Enjoy a Performance at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts
Brooks Center for the Performing Arts
864-656-7787
141 Jersey Lane, Clemson, SC
There’s always something going on at the Brooks Center. You’ll find musical performances, theatrical productions, academic lectures, art exhibitions, and so much more throughout the year. The university has wonderful choirs, the women’s TakeNote and the men’s Tigerroar. They’re entertaining and captivating! The center also has a wonderful program for students and homeschoolers called the Tri-ART series that offers inspiring and entertaining performances for ages 3 – 18.
Play Along with Clemson’s Tiger Band Practice
Clemson University Tiger Band
On the eve of every home football game, the Clemson Tiger Band opens up their practice for families to come and listen. Kids love hearing the instruments and dancing along to the beat. Also, 90 minutes before the start of every home game, the band practices at the Clemson Outdoor Amphitheater on campus. There’s so much spirit in the air, it will give you goosebumps.
Walk the Trails at the South Carolina Botanical Gardens
South Carolina Botanical Garden
150 Discovery Lane, Clemson, SC
864-656-3405
The botanical gardens consist of 295 acres of gorgeous flowers and landscapes. The gardens offer some of the most serene trails at Clemson. There are duck ponds for the children to visit, as well as an adorable children’s garden that encourages kids to play in the dirt. My son’s favorite is the red caboose that children can climb on and pretend to steer. The gardens offer a variety of classes for children throughout the year. If you love native plants, be sure to check out the exceptional rhododendrons that bloom in the spring!
Tour the Clemson University Equine Center
Clemson University Equine Center
815 West Queen Street, Clemson, SC
864-646-3554
The Clemson University Equine Center offers riding lessons for community members, from beginning to advanced levels. They also provide therapeutic riding lessons for individuals with special needs. Equestrian camps for high school students are also avaiable. You must request a tour of the facility if you would like to explore everything it has to offer! Tours are Monday through Friday at 3 pm or by appointment.
Tour Death Valley and Clemson’s Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium
MacMillan Rd, Clemson, SC
864-656-2115
Take a stroll through campus and visit the tiger statues in front of Clemson’s Memorial Stadium, nicknamed Death Valley. Be sure to check out Howard’s Rock while you’re there. The stadium offers events throughout the year to meet the Clemson University tiger mascot. Bring your camera for this adorable photo-op with the kids! There are tiger statues and paw prints scattered all around campus. See if you can find them all!
See Fossils and Dinosaur Bones at Bob Campbell Geology Museum
Bob Campbell Geology Museum
140 Discovery Lane, Clemson, SC
864-656-4600
The Geology Museum inside the Botanical Gardens is an extraordinary museum for children to visit. Filled with collections of gems and fossils, this is an affordable way to educate your children without them even knowing it. They offer children’s programs and tours. Learn more about what to expect before your visit by reading our KAG review of the Bob Campbell Geology Museum.
Experience the Rodeo at T. Ed Garrison Arena
T. Ed Garrison Arena
1101 West Queen Street, Pendleton, SC
864-646-2717
The T. Ed Garrison Arena on Clemson’s campus is home to many bull-riding events and horse shows throughout the year. The large arena is one of the most popular in the United States for these events, and also hosts dog shows, poultry shows, medieval combat national championships, and rodeos for children to enjoy.
Enjoy Hiking and Waterfalls at Clemson Experimental Forest
Clemson Experimental Forest
164 Pi Delta Circle, Central, SC
864-656-4833
The Clemson Experimental Forest is a 19,200-acre area designed for use as a natural resource management “living lab.” It’s open to the public and includes hiking trails, including several that lead to waterfalls! Don’t forget to download your trail map before you go exploring. You can also find additional hiking and water activities close to campus at the Larry W. Abernathy Waterfront Park.
Some Additional Fun Things to Do Near Clemson University
- The Escape Quest escape room
- Unlimited Outfitters
Where is Clemson University?
Clemson University is about 45 minutes west of Greenville and about 30 minutes from the Georgia border. The university sits on the the outskirts of Lake Hartwell and is one of the most popular destinations in Upstate South Carolina due to its status. The downtown Clemson area includes the campus with restaurants and local shops dotted throughout. Here’s a great map of Clemson University.
Clemson University
105 Sikes Hall, Clemson, SC 29634
Schedule a tour with the Visitor Center
Make a day trip out of your visit to Clemson University with the help of our guide on spending a fabulous day in Pickens, SC
Way to go!! What a great blog for finding good family activities! So proud of you!
Love it! I had no idea some of these things were even an option. My only request would be to include an idea of where these buildings are on campus. I didn’t go to Clemson, so “ground floor of the Edgar A. Brown university union building” and “Hendrix Student Center” don’t mean anything to me!
Great feedback. I’m sure we can add some of those details in or find a link to a good map of the campus.