Ever driven past Roper Mountain on a school day and wondered if you could just… go in? Turns out you can. From September through May, Roper Mountain Science Center opens to the public every Thursday and Friday afternoon for a program called Afternoon Explorations, and it might be the easiest science adventure in Greenville, SC.
Roper Mountain is part of Greenville County Schools, so most weekdays it’s busy hosting field trips. Afternoon Explorations is the exception, and for families with preschoolers, homeschoolers, or a kid who gets out early on Fridays, it’s a gem. Here’s everything you need to know before you go.
Special thanks to Roper Mountain Science Center for sponsoring this article!
What is Afternoon Explorations?
Afternoon Explorations is Roper Mountain’s school-year public program. It runs September 17 through May 7, Thursdays and Fridays from 1:30 to 5:00 pm. For one admission price, you get access to some of the center’s most-loved spaces, indoors and out.
Think of it as a self-guided afternoon. There’s no schedule to follow and no rush. You can wander the Dinosaur Adventure Trail for an hour and spend the rest of your time at the touch tank if that’s what your kids want.
What You’ll See and Do
Environmental Science and Sustainability Building. This is where Roper Mountain suggests you begin your visit. Explore the Our Water Story and Sustainable Future exhibits, then head to the highly popular Nature Exchange, where kids can trade in rocks, shells, moss, and other treasures they’ve found outside for points to spend on fossils, crystals, and other cool finds. (Bring something from your backyard!)
Harrison Hall of Natural Science. Home to more than 100 animals, this is where our family could spend the whole afternoon. Discover a wide variety of plants, animals, and invertebrates in the Indoor Rain Forest and Rainforest Classroom, then head to the Marine Lab, where kids get to pet stingrays, sea stars, and horseshoe crabs. The Ecology Lab walks you through South Carolina’s major ecosystems and the native animals that live in them.
Dinosaur Adventure Trail. Have a larger-than-life adventure as you search for life-size models of both young and adult dinosaurs along Roper Mountain’s ever-popular outdoor trail. Keep an eye out for the little ones tucked along the path.
Living History Farm. Step back in time and discover what it was like to live in the Backcountry of 19th-century South Carolina. The farm is included with Afternoon Explorations, weather permitting.
Pirate Adventure and Dinosaur Playgrounds. When the kids need to burn off some energy, the playgrounds are right there. Tap into the power of imagination with creative play on the Pirates of the Carolina playground and in Wildwood, Roper Mountain’s outdoor play space.
Butterfly Garden. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you stroll through the garden’s native plants that draw butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Fall and spring afternoons are especially pretty here.
Gift Shop. Open on Fridays only, so plan accordingly if your kid has their heart set on a souvenir.
Special Event Days at Roper Mountain Science Center
Throughout the year, Roper Mountain layers a themed event on top of the regular Afternoon Explorations. These are the days to circle on your calendar:
- October 16 – Science Magic
- November 20 – Fall on the Farm
- December 11 – Grinchy Christmas
- January 15 – Winterfest
- February 19 – Future Engineers
- March 12 – Dinosaur Adventure
- April 23 – A Pirate’s Life for Me
Tickets and Pricing
- Adults: $8.00
- Children (ages 3–12): $7.00
- Senior/Military: $7.00
- RMSC Members: Free
Buy tickets online here. If you think you’ll visit more than a couple of times this year, an RMSC membership pays for itself quickly.
Tips for Visiting Afternoon Explorations
- Arrive close to 1:30. Three and a half hours goes fast, especially if your kids fall in love with the touch tank.
- Dress for the outdoors. The Dinosaur Adventure Trail, farm, playgrounds, and Butterfly Garden are all outside, so bring layers in the colder months and check the forecast for rain.
- Bring nature finds for the Nature Exchange. Rocks, shells, pinecones, feathers, and moss all count.
- Come on a Friday and stay for Starry Nights. Afternoon Explorations wraps at 5:00, and Friday Starry Nights at the Hooper Planetarium picks up in the evening, so you can turn one trip into a full day of science.
- Check the RMSC website before you go. Public programming occasionally pauses around school holidays and special events.
More Roper Mountain Fun
Afternoon Explorations is just one piece of what Roper Mountain offers families. Get the full picture in our Roper Mountain Science Center overview, and don’t miss the Holiday Laser Shows at the planetarium later this season.
Roper Mountain Science Center
Afternoon Explorations
402 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville, SC 29615
864.355.8900
ropermountain.org/afternoon-explorations