The Kroc Center is the Perfect Indoor Play Destination

Have you been to The Kroc Center in Greenville, SC?
One of its key features is the kid-friendly heated indoor waterpark. Greenville, SC residents can also enjoy a lap pool, tennis, indoor basketball courts, a gym, soccer fields, and so much more when they visit the Downtown Greenville location. We have all the information you need to enjoy a day at The Kroc Center, or maybe even become a member.

Kroc Center in Greenville, South Carolina

The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center

So we all know the weather in the Upstate can be unpredictable. With cold winters, rainy springs, and hot sunny summers I was pleasantly surprised to discover an amazing place to bring the kids swimming no matter what the weather.

Not only is there an indoor heated pool (it’s heated to 80-82 degrees), but it is equipped with a playground structure with slides, water guns, and water pouring down in all directions for the kids to splash around in. The Kroc Center near downtown Greenville is a best-kept secret that I feel all moms with little ones need to know about!

The center also offers a multipurpose gym, fitness center, performance arts center, and so much more! As one of 26 locations throughout the US, The Kroc Center prides itself on maintaining a positive relationship with the Greenville community. The community center provides several programs to empower families and youth through specialized programs.

The Aquatics Center at the Kroc Center

Sometimes, we all just need to escape the weather at an indoor waterpark. Greenville, SC has one at the Kroc Center! The Aquatics Center at The Kroc Center is not only a great indoor play place for kids, it’s perfect for kids of all ages. If you have a baby that isn’t walking yet they can enjoy the water too. With its beach-style entry including a rubber floor, the pool area is perfect for crawlers! And, here’s the best part, you get to take the day off from wrangling kiddos for sunscreen!

At its deepest point, the water is only 4 feet deep. Behind the play structure, there’s a place where buckets dump water down on the kids below. If you have children over 48″ tall they will enjoy the big slide that actually goes outside the building. Heck, it’s even a blast for the parents!

Did I mention they have a rock climbing wall? Plus a lap pool, hot tub, and benches to place your towel on. Readers have mentioned that the pool can be closed during inclement weather. So if storms are threatening, you might want to call ahead.

In addition to the kid-friendly section of the aquatics center, The Kroc Center also has a 25 meter x 25 yard competition pool where you can get in some laps during your visit. You will also find a warm therapy pool in the corner of the recreation center, perfect for after a long day.

Aquatics Reservations

You will need to make reservations before heading to the aquatics center, as they are currently required. Spots occasionally fill up quickly, so if you know you are planning to go, make your reservation the day before. Guest passes are $12/person.

Swim Lessons

The Kroc aquatics center also offers swim lessons for all ages starting at 6 months old. Swim lessons are typically once per week, for 8 weeks. Prices are currently $100 for members and $120 for nonmembers.

Kroc Center indoor waterpark in Greenville, SC

Fitness at The Kroc Center Greenville

The Gym

The Kroc Center has more than a cool indoor pool! It is a full gym with childcare available and lots of activities for the entire family. The gym has basketball courts that you can utilize, and it can also be used for a variety of sports, including indoor soccer, volleyball, pickleball, and others.

The Fitness Center

Adjacent to the gym is the fitness center. The center is well maintained and has over 50 pieces of equipment, a weight room, and a track. You will also find group fitness classes and a cycling studio at the Kroc Center, so you will never be bored with your fitness routine.

Tennis

If you love tennis, then you will find the courts at The Kroc Center Greenville to be excellent. Kroc Standard Tennis memberships include access to the courts, clinics, and lessons for juniors and adults. You will also find a pro shop on location, where you can purchase everything you need to keep your tennis game strong. Tennis memberships start at $115 per month for a family, but you can get a Kroc Plus membership that will allow you to access the tennis courts in addition to the entire Kroc Center for $155 per family/month.

The Kroc Center Youth Sports

Never miss a season with youth sports at The Kroc Center! The facility offers sports throughout the year, with youth soccer, basketball, flag football, swim team, cheer, tennis, and dodgeball. Members do receive discounts, but nonmembers are allowed to join the teams for an additional fee.

Homeschool Programs

If you are homeschooling your kids, then The Kroc Center is an excellent way to supplement your curriculum. They offer music, art, and P.E. homeschool classes where you can drop your kids off for an hour (or 2 for P.E.) on Wednesday and Thursday to receive instruction on the subject you choose. Prices start at $65 for members/ $80 for non-members.

Birthday Parties, The Kroc Way!

Nothing is quite like a Kroc Center birthday party. Parties include rental time at the Kroc Aquatics Center where your kids can swim, splash, and slide into the indoor waterpark. Greenville parties have never been better!

Birthday party guests also have access to a party room, where they can enjoy food, cake, and more from the Kroc Kitchen. There is also a game room to enjoy while celebrating the birthday kid. You can find more information by filling out the birthday party request form. Parties are a max of 25 people, including parents.

Sports Camps at The Kroc Center

Need a way to keep your active kid happy over the summer? Then check out the camps at The Kroc Center! They offer a variety of camps for ages 6 – 12 that run from Monday – Friday. Each camp focuses on a different sport, changing each week from June through July. Camps start at $160 per week for non-members and are priced per week.

You will also be pleasantly surprised to find that The Kroc Center also has day camps during school break holidays throughout the year. These camps are posted a few weeks before each break, so keep an eye out for updates.

Membership and Guest Passes

If you are looking for a regular gym that has a lot to offer for the value, then The Kroc Center Greenville is a great option. A standard family monthly membership is only $76 a month with a $39 registration fee. This rate includes Kroc Kids childcare for 6 weeks – 8 years. There are additional membership rates for Kroc Plus, which includes access to tennis courts. These rates start at $169 per month for a family Kroc Plus & Tennis Standard membership.

If you want to just go and enjoy the facilities and pool you can purchase a two-hour guest pass for $12 and children 0-2 years old are free with a paid adult. The guest pass allows you to use all of the facilities, but you will need to make reservations for aquatics or to use the basketball/pickleball gym. If you are not a member there is a fee for using the child care.

If you would like to join The Kroc Center Greenville, but lack the funds, we recommend applying for a Kroc Cares Scholarship. The goal of the scholarship is to increase access for everyone to the facility and what they offer. You can download a paper scholarship and submit it directly to the front desk.

Visit the Kroc Center

Kroc Center Greenville
424 Westfield Street, Greenville
864.527.5948

Facility hours:
Monday – Thursday, 5:30 am – 8:00 pm
Friday, 5:30 am – 7:00 pm
Saturday, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday, 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Have you ever taken your kids to the Kroc Center to play indoors?

Guide to things to do indoors, Greenville, SC

Looking for more ideas for things to do indoors? Check out our Ultimate Indoor Activities Guide to Greenville!

Pinckney-Fludd Park Has a Climbing Structure Your Kids will Love

Are you looking for a new park to explore in downtown? KAG contributor and local mom, Deborah, has the scoop on Pinkney Fludd Park and some other exciting ways to enjoy your time downtown. Pinckney Fludd Park offers a fun playground, climbing structure and more, all within a short walk of Heritage Green.

What you’ll find at Pinckney-Fludd Park

The small neighborhood park of Pinckney Fludd is on Pinckney Street just up from the beautiful, historic district of Hampton-Pinckney. The first house in this district was built by William Pinckney McBee, Vardry McBee’s son, before the Civil War, so you can expect mature trees and a wide street in a quiet neighborhood.

Just three minutes away from Heritage Green, this park makes the perfect addition to a day at the Children’s Museum or the Hughes Main Library!

Parking for the Pickney Fludd Park is conveniently located on Pinckney Street right in front of the gate. The park is fully enclosed and includes a basketball net as well as a picnic table and shaded bench. The new playground equipment did not disappoint!

My boys loved trying to climb across the playground without ever touching the ground. They even made it a race by timing themselves. As your children tryout the playground’s climbing structures, they will build confidence, determination, and important motor skills.

The go-round was a highlight to the playground. You can safely spin around in it very quickly, and even when you stop pushing it, it will continue to turn around slowly when children are in it. My son was super excited when he noticed the “space ship.” He called it this because of the clear dome at the top of the slide. These kinds of features really ignite the imagination of a child!

Pinckney Fludd park in downtown Greenville

More to do after you visit the park

After the playground, we decided to drive down to the Greenville Train Station and were thrilled to watch a long train pulling all sorts of military vehicles! Trains and tanks – how can you go wrong!

Last, but not least, this park is only a block from two trolley stops on the Arts West line, or green line. Catch a free ride downtown to the farmer’s market from 10 am – 2 pm on Saturdays.

Or, enjoy our exciting downtown Thursday through Sunday evenings. Be sure to download the Trolley Tracker app so you know exactly when the next trolley will arrive.

Grab a basketball and bring your entire family out for a fun day or evening together!

parks and playgrounds spartanburg greenville

Did you know there are TONS of parks and playgrounds near you? We’ve got the Ultimate List of Parks and Playgrounds Near Greenville, SC.

Pittman Park Has A Shaded Playground for a Hot Summer Day

Have you visited Pittman Park?
This Greenville area park has a shaded playground with mature trees that make it perfect for those hot summer days when you want to avoid the sun at all costs. The Gary L. Pittman Memorial Park is one of KAG Contributor Lindy Wilson’s favorites! It offers a shaded playground, a walking trail, space to roam, soccer fields to practice on, and more!

View of the playground at Pittman Park in Greenville, South Carolina

About Pittman Park

Pittman Park is located off Blacks Road, which runs from Pelham Road to Roper Mountain Road. This makes it a very convenient stop when running errands in that area or Woodruff Road, as well as close to the 385 and 85. It also is near the Pelham Road branch of the library. The location makes Pittman Park the perfect park to stop by on a hot summer day!

The Playground at Pittman Park

If your kids need space to run, they’ll love Pittman Park as it offers many fields and is great for soccer. Or bring your child’s bike and circle the fields on the paved trail. It’s the perfect spot to burn some energy between errands!

The playground is a bit old school with a tall metal design, but it is fun. There are lots of slides including smaller ones you can assist an older baby down. There is no toddler playground, however, there are toddler swings as well as standard ones. The ground is covered with wood chips which are much less messy than the sand found at some playgrounds. Our 1-year-old has no issue navigating the playground and loves the double slide where we can ride down together safely.

Pittman Park tends to be a good warm weather park as there is plenty of shade thanks to the trees surrounding the park. The ice cream truck even stops by occasionally. You’ll find various benches for sitting or even having a picnic. While there are no reservations for use, it’s a popular spot for birthday parties. (See our list of Inexpensive Birthday Party Ideas in Greenville for even more suggestions.)

Restrooms

The bathroom is relatively close but it’s up the hill so it can be a little trek from the play area. Keep that in mind if you have newly potty-trained toddlers. The bathrooms are outdated but are usually kept clean and maintained. You’ll also find water fountains next to the bathrooms.

Soccer & Sports Fields

The park can be busy as there are several soccer fields. However, it’s so big that crowding is almost never an issue. You will regularly see groups using the fields to practice volleyball, soccer, rugby, and even flying kites in the lower fields.

Parking & Landscape at Pittman Park

The parking lot is pretty unique in that it’s oriented longways so there are many spots right along the grass/sidewalk. This is nice because kids can jump out of the car and hit the park without crossing through the parking lot. The fact that the park is downhill from the parking lot also means it’s harder for kids to run off. The landscaping retaining wall also helps as does the more open playground design. I can usually spot my kids without running around to see past walls. This puts my mind at ease while allowing my kids to freely explore.

Kids Biking and Scootering

The park is a great place to ride a scooter or bike, but do know that there are places on the paved trail where roots have pushed up the asphalt, so it gets a little bumpy in places.

Overall, Pittman is a great park. A fun playground, a nice trail, lots of grassy fields, and some nice places to sit in the shade all make it a winner in our book. We hope you enjoy it too!

Visit Pittman Park

Pittman Park
420 Blacks Road, Greenville

What do you and your kids love the most about Pittman Park?

Looking for more parks in Greenville? Check out our KA Park Guide, with all the information you need for a perfect park day!

You Can Salsa Dance Under the Stars in Greenville, SC

Did you know that you could take free lessons in Salsa dancing in Greenville, SC. Local mom Kristina shares her favorite places to Salsa dance in Greenville, the perfect romantic date night. You can even dance under the stars!

Salsa dancing is quite close to my heart, and it’s pretty awesome that we can do it in Greenville, SC! Despite my current last name, I have zero Latin blood in me, but rather I’m the typical American mix of European ancestry, ones that arguably aren’t known for their superb dancing styles.

So when I had the chance to take salsa dancing lessons back when I lived near Washington, DC, I jumped at the opportunity. I had seen a beautiful couple at the bar/restaurant where the lessons occurred, twirling, laughing, and swaying their hips with the Latin beats. I wanted to be that girl, and I wanted to learn how to dance like that.

And I did.

Salsa dancing at Salsa at Sunset in Downtown Greenville, South Carolina — Salsa dancing at Camperdown Plaza

This was before marriage and kids, so I had time to go several times a week to lessons and dancing. But I got more out of it than I ever expected. I met my husband during one of those early classes. He had been taking lessons for a few months and easily impressed me. We went dancing together for nearly three years before we started dating and then got married.

We don’t go as often as we’d like to now, but when I heard about dancing salsa in the plaza at the Peace Center last summer, I got a babysitter and made plans to go. After all, when does the chance come up to dance under the stars? Not often enough.

Salsa at Sunset

On Fridays throughout the summer, Upstate International hosts the amazing Salsa at Sunset event at Camperdown Plaza in downtown Greenville. It’s a free outdoor event that features free group salsa lessons, a live band that plays salsa, merengue, and bachata (other Latin dance styles), and a beer and wine cash bar.

The event is family-friendly as well. We saw lots of kids there getting their groove on. There were dancers of every age and ability.

All of the events are from 6 pm to 10 pm and include free dance lessons and lots of dancing. The free dance lessons start around 6:15, so we recommend it if you want to learn before taking the dance floor.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Upstate International SC (@upstateint_sc)

In my experience of Latin dancing, it really doesn’t matter your age or ability or anything else you’re nervous about, and that may be holding you back. Everyone just wants to have fun.

Dancing is a great equalizer. Most dancers are patient and eager to teach and learn. Dancing is a wonderful activity to let your body take over and move with the music, and give your brain a break from doing any thinking. It’s relaxing and a great date activity.

Other Places for Salsa Dancing: Greenville, SC

Greenville has an active little salsa dancing community.

Salsa Greenville regularly hosts salsa dancing events at local clubs and organizations. Many of these events come along with fun themes, like Bachata Under the Stars and Pasion Thursdays. Social Latitude regularly hosts events with Salsa Greenville called Salsa Latitude on the 1st Saturday of each month.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Susan Zaglin (@salsagreenville)

What to Wear and Other Questions

For women, a shoe with a smooth bottom and a heel not more than two inches is preferable (tennis shoes aren’t the best because they stick to the floor, but I’ve seen women wear them and do fine). I usually get my shoes at this website, which is so fun, but I’ve also danced in regular shoes I’ve bought at some big box discount store. At Salsa at Sunset, I usually just use sneakers, and it’s fine.

Dresses are enjoyable to wear, but just be sure they either don’t fly all the way up when you spin or wear shorts underneath. Be comfortable because you’ll be moving around a lot.

For men, shoes with smooth bottoms are ideal as well. And just dress comfortably.

You don’t need a partner for lessons. You rotate around and get to dance with everyone there, so it’s not necessary to come with anyone.

Give it a shot – you may just love it.

Have you ever tried salsa dancing?

For more date night ideas, see our full Date Night Guide to Greenville, SC.

Conestee Park Has an Amazing Playground, Open Green Space, and Even a Dog Park

If you haven’t been to Conestee Park in Greenville, SC, then we highly recommend you go! This park features two playgrounds that are nature-themed, a huge open field to fly kites or laze around in, a shaded picnic pavilion, and even connects to a nature preserve that is an ecological gem in Greenville County.

What You’ll See at the Park:
🌳 Two Nature-Themed Playgrounds with fences!
🧺 Beautiful Shaded Pavilion with a covered picnic space
🪁 Huge Open Green Space that includes a walking trail and dog park
🦆 Direct Access to Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

The Conestee Park in Mauldin, South Carolina.

Here’s some Greenville trivia for you. What is the former baseball field of the double-A minor league team, the Greenville Braves? If you’ve been in the area for a while, you know that the Braves used to play at the Greenville Municipal Stadium. This is the current home of Conestee Park. What you may not know is that Conestee Park adjoins Lake Conestee Nature Preserve, Greenville’s best nature park!

What you’ll find at Conestee Park

Nature Themed Playgrounds

Upon entering the park, you will drive past the ballfield and find the playgrounds and pavilion at the back of the lot. There is plenty of parking. And, in true Greenville fashion, there is a fenced playground for younger children right next to larger playground for the older kids. The playgrounds are nature-themed, with a variety of unique climbing and balancing structures that make this park a kid favorite.

Covered Picnic Tables

The Conestee pavilion is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen at Greenville parks. With its rows of plentiful square picnic tables, wood-paneled ceilings, and a perfect view of the larger playground, the pavilion is a great place to rest in the shade for a snack or lunch. The pavilion can be reserved for events just like other parks. Right beside the pavilion and playground is a well-maintained bathroom.

Open Green Space

In addition to the playground, there is a huge grassy area perfect for kicking a soccer ball or tossing a frisbee. There are even porch swings for the adults to sit on and relax while the children play. Around the lot is a paved path for running and walking. And over to the side is a dog park tucked away in the trees.

Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

But, in my opinion (and my children’s too) one of the best parts about a trip to Conestee Park is that you can easily access Lake Conestee Nature Preserve. Several options are available for walking trails. Each trail has learning stations describing everything from river bed erosion to wild bird life. Trails are clearly marked and areas that are prone to mud have boardwalks. The trails even connect to the extensive Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail. You’re kids are going to love the nature playscape that was installed in 2025. This play area inside the preserve is a true combination of nature and play! For more about the trails and layout, in our KAG guide to Lake Conestee Nature Preserve Guide.

Check out our Guide to Lake Conestee Nature Preserve and see what makes it so special to Greenville, SC.

Plan your own adventure at Conestee Park

The large parking lot near the playground is at 840 Mauldin Road in Greenville, SC. This is just a ten-minute drive from the Butler Road exit of I-385. Make sure to use this address, which is “Greenville Municipal Stadium,” in your GPS search. If you search Conestee Park, your map might take you to other entrances to the park.

There’s something for everyone at Conestee Park. Have you ever been?

Birding at its Finest!

Find out why Lake Conestee Nature Preserve has the best bird-watching sites in Greenville, SC

Birds and birding at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Find the perfect park for your family in our HUGE Guide to Parks Near Greenville.

Fun Days Start Here

Find lots more things to do in Greenville in our huge guide.

Find Out Why Legacy Park is a Favorite Park for So Many Families

Inside: Local parents share what they love about Legacy Park, Greenville, SC.

Are you searching for a park that offers something for everyone in your family? We’ve got just the place! Our review of Legacy Park in Greenville shares all that this awesome park offers, including walking trails, tons of open space to play, great playgrounds and more! Read on and plan your own trip to Legacy Park!

Quick Facts on Legacy Park:

Legacy Park is located at 336 Rocky Slope Road in Greenville.
Park space is 20 acres, including 10 acres of open green grass and miles of trails.
Legacy has two playgrounds including a fenced in playground for small children.
The park contains a picnic shelter (available for rental) and several wooden swings and benches.
Scenery includes a small man-made pond and a scenic brook with gardens.
Sports include a sand volleyball court and paved paths (perfect for strollers and tricycles).

About Legacy Park

When we ask local parents about favorite Greenville parks, Legacy Park near Verdae almost always rises to the top of the list. Inspired by NYC’s Central Park, Legacy offers a unique spread of green free spaces and scenic walking paths. It’s a favorite park for picnicking, kite-flying, and strolling.

Legacy Park in Greenville picnic shelter playgrounds walking trails

Playgrounds at Legacy Park

The smaller playground at Legacy Park is quite nice. The play area is fenced in and low enough for smaller children to play safely. Benches are available on the perimeter and the playground for older children is within sight. A sign posted on the gate requests that only children 2-5 play on the playground.

The playground for older children is not as large as some of the other parks in town offer and is sometimes overcrowded as a result. With all the space for running around though, kids will still find plenty to do.

playgrounds at Legacy Park in Greenville

Scenery at Legacy Park

The green areas are open enough where you can enjoy kite flying, Frisbee throwing, bubble blowing, or sports. Bring a blanket if you choose to picnic as the park does not have many picnic tables and it’s not unusual for the shelter to be rented out for a party.

The sand volleyball court is a fun place to let the kids play with buckets and shovels. Kids also love playing near the water areas (Note: playing in the water is prohibited).

The Pavilion at Legacy Park is a popular choice for birthday parties. The current fee is $150. You can check the availability and make reservations online.

Plan your own visit to Legacy Park

336 Rocky Slope Road, Greenville
Visit Legacy Park website.

What’s your kid’s favorite thing to do at Legacy Park?

For more reviews of local parks see our Park Guide to Greenville, SC.

Your Family Guide to the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System

If the creation of Falls Park was the spark that set Greenville, South Carolina on track to become a beloved hometown and vacation destination to thousands, then it’s the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System that has become the locomotive still pulling us forward today!

This Guide To the Swamp Rabbit Trail Offers:

🚴‍♂️Overview of the entire SRT!
🚶‍♀️Travelers Rest portion of the SRT and Things to Do While in TR.
🏃‍♂️Furman University SRT > West Greenville & Things to Do!
🦮Downtown Greenville > Laurens Road on the SRT: Greenville Zoo & more!
🌲SRT in Conestee Nature Preserve, Simpsonville, Fountain Inn, and Laurens.

Which Section of the Swamp Rabbit Trail Should You Explore?

Travelers Rest: North End of SRT

Furman to West Greenville: SRT South of Furman University

West Side of Greenville on the SRT

End of the SRT: Conestee Nature Preserve to Fountain Inn

Itinerary of SRT Links to Do With Kids

Swamp Rabbit Cafe right off of the Swamp Rabbit Trail

Moving to Greenville, SC?

Learn why the SRT is so iconic in Dan Hamilton’s Guide to the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System!

The Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System: From Travelers Rest to Laurens County

The old Carolina, Knoxville, and Western Railway line was nicknamed for the large cottontail rabbit that roamed these parts back in the day. Although the tracks have been replaced by a paved trail (and locomotives by runners, walkers, and cyclists), the name stuck.

The 28-mile network of trails stretches from Travelers Rest to downtown Greenville, with additional sections in Lake Conestee Nature Park, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn. There is even a section that opened in 2023 in Laurens County with the Loop Trail. The Loop Trail is the official starting point of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail.

There is yet another extension off Laurens Road that rides by Holland Park called the Green Line Extension. It was completed in June 2023 and runs from the Greenville Zoo to Verdea Boulevard.

It could be that in the future the entire length of the Reedy River will be covered. Then, residents would have a multi-use trail connecting the Upstate to the Saluda River. The SRT project will continue to add trails and extensions, branching from the main trail into the community to increase accessibility and improve commutability throughout Greenville County!

Northern Greenville County: Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System

The trail starts in Travelers Rest (often referred to as “TR”), the gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains. What used to be a sleepy mountain town was transformed with the advent of the Trail into a hub for outdoor adventure. Today, TR is a destination in itself, not just a stop on the way to Caesars Head and Table Rock.

Local Swamp Rabbit Businesses

The trail system has become so intertwined with the legend of Greenville that dozens of local businesses have jumped on the train; for example, in Travelers Rest you will find the Swamp Rabbit Brewery & Taproom, Swamp Rabbit Inn, Swamp Rabbit Storage, and Swamp Rabbit Tees.

Travelers Rest

For ideas on what to do with a day in TR, check out this sample itinerary that includes parks, restaurants, and shops all within an easy walking radius. If your visit falls on a Saturday, be sure to stop by the TR Farmers Market in Trailblazer Park and check out the kids’ table that features a new activity every week. You can also rent bikes from Sunrift Adventures if you do not have your own, making TR the perfect place to start the SRT.

Day Trip to Travelers Rest: Things to Do, Where To Eat, and More!

Furman University

Soon after crossing Roe Ford Rd. (and passing mile marker 26) you’ll reach Furman University. A couple of access points allow visitors to connect to the path that circles Swan Lake, and just before Duncan Chapel Road (about MM27.5), you’ll spot the old rail car that marks the location of a public parking lot and rest stop. Be sure to check out the Kidding Around Furman University article for more on this beautiful campus!

Visiting Furman University: Where to Stay, Things to Do, and Where to Dine

South of Furman University

Just after the intersection of the trail with Sulphur Springs Road, you’ll find Swamp Rabbit Station. There is a pocket park at MM29 with train cars (a boxcar and locomotive) – a perfect stop for those kids who love everything train-related!

Old railroad car at Swamp Rabbit Station off of the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville, SC.

Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery

Then push on another two miles to reach the Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery (MM31.5) and the outskirts of downtown Greenville.

Hampton Station Orange Line of the SRT

Once you begin your adventure from the Swamp Rabbit Cafe toward downtown, you can make a pit stop by veering off of the main trail onto the Orange Line of the SRT, and check out Hampton Station. Here you will find restaurants, a coffee shop, some breweries, and even art classes and axe throwing. Learn more about Hampton Station, and why it is a wonderful stop-off point on the SRT, in our KA Guide to Hampton Station.

Things to do at Hampton Station in Greenville, SC

Your Guide to Hampton Station in Greenville, SC

Downtown Greenville on the SRT

Unity Park

As you pass the Kroc Center and head toward Downtown Greenville, you come to Unity Park, one of the best places to ride the SRT. Here, you can grab food at one of the various places to eat, let your kids play at the immaculate park, hang out in the open fields, or explore the wetland preserve.

Check out this Huge Playground and Splash Pad at Unity Park in Greenville, SC

The Children’s Garden

Where the Swamp Rabbit Trail turns to pass under South Academy Street, you know you’ve reached the Children’s Garden at Linky Stone Park (MM33.5), a perfect place to stop and rest before entering downtown.

Greenville’s Hidden Gem: Linky Stone Park in Downtown Greenville

Linky Stone Park in Downtown Greenville, SC.

Falls Park to Cancer Survivors Park

After passing through River Street underpass you’ll be right alongside the Reedy River all through Falls Park on the Reedy. There are dozens of adventures waiting for you here with trails leading every which way. Falls Park is a highlight of the trail you won’t want to leave! Regular trail users are pretty familiar with this portion of the SRT, simply because it is one of the best parts.

As you leave Falls Park, you will come across Cancer Survivors Park. Here, there are gorgeous gardens, statues, and memorial sites to take a rest and ponder over.

Learn more about Falls Park and what you can do there during your ride on the SRT.

Greenville Zoo and Cleveland Park

From Cancer Survivors Park, it’s just a short ride to Cleveland Park. Cleveland Park is an old favorite; the trail passes Maj. Anderson’s memorial F-86 Saber jet fighter plane (MM35), numerous picnic shelters and playgrounds, and spur trails to the Fernwood Nature Trail and Greenville Zoo.

Once at the Greenville Zoo, you will find one of Greenville’s most popular children’s playgrounds which is filled with play equipment ranging from swings and monkey bars to slides and other amazing activities that will have your child moving. There are covered shelters with picnic tables within the park.

Relax by the river in Cleveland Park, right off the Swamp Rabbit Trail!

Green Line Extension

Opened in June 2023, the Green Line Extension was a major addition to the SRT. It connects the Greenville Zoo with Verdae Boulevard! There are plenty of places to stop along the way, including Holland Park, where you can hang out at a brewery, or even explore the aerial ropes course at Flying Rabbit Adventure.

Flying Rabbit Adventure aerial ropes course in Greenville, SC.

Take the SRT Green Line Extension to Holland Park, where you can do an aerial ropes course at Flying Rabbit Adventure Park!

Conestee map with Swamp Rabbit Trail system

The Final Stretch of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System

The continuous trail currently stops just north of Greenville Technical College’s main campus, at South Pleasantburg Drive. It then resumes north of Lake Conestee Nature Park at Parkins Mill and Mauldin Road. There is then another large jump from Conestee to Simpsonville and a final jump to Fountain Inn.

There are suggested connection routes to take you to Conestee. These travel busy thoroughfares and aren’t recommended for younger cyclists. These segmented portions of the Swamp Rabbit Trail will hopefully be connected in the future! They are great for a short bike ride or walk while exploring the family-friendly downtown areas of Simpsonville and Fountain Inn, SC.

Conestee SRT Trail

However, once you reach Conestee you’ll find an oasis of calm. A spur trail within the park connects the trail system to Conestee Park (where the playground and dog park are), while the main trail winds around with the Reedy River to the historic Conestee Mill and dam. Here you’ll find a parking area and kiosk at the trailhead, mile marker 41, and the terminus of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System.

Read our complete overview of the Lake Conestee portion of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System.

Swamp Rabbit Trail through the Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

Simpsonville SRT Trail

The Simpsonville, SC portion of the SRT is another jump from Conestee to the heart of downtown. Here, you can ride from West Trade Street down Main Street Simpsonville for 0.93 miles. You will find dining options, places for a picnic, and more!

Spend the day in Downtown Simpsonville after riding the local portion of the Swamp Rabbit Trail!

Fountain Inn SRT Trail

The final stretch of the Swamp Rabbit Trail is located in Fountain Inn. It’s a large jump from Simpsonville to Fountain Inn. This portion is best explored when visiting the growing town at the bottom of Greenville County. You will find a 0.87-mile extension of the SRT at 107 Mt. Zion Drive in Fountain Inn.

Cool off at this free splash pad in Downtown Fountain Inn after riding the local SRT!

Loop Trail in Laurens

The official beginning of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail officially opened in 2023 with the two-mile Loop Trail. The trail is mostly shaded, and will hopefully one day connect to the trails fully into Greenville County as the expansion of the SRT continues!

For more information on the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System, please visit the Greenville County Rec website, where you will also find a detailed trail maps. You can also text swamprabbit to 99000 for alerts about closures, special events, and more. Be courteous while your ride, and follow all road crossings safely. Happy trails!

A itinerary of some of the best places to ride the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Swamp Rabbit Trail Itinerary: Fun Ideas for Using the SRT with Kids

If you are looking to enjoy the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail, but have young children who can only peddle (or be patient) for so long, explore one of these connections between fun places in Greenville County.

Cleveland Park to Linky Stone Park: Downtown Greenville (~ 1.2 miles)
- Begin at Cleveland Park, explore the monuments, and hang out under the trees as you pass by the gardens at Cancer Survivors Park. Then, cruise by the Medusa tree in Falls Park, and travel past the Liberty Bridge and the Peace Center until you reach Linky Stone Park. Here, you can explore a mini gingerbread-style house with your kids.
Downtown Greenville to Travelers Rest (~ 9 miles)
- Begin in Falls Park, head toward Unity Park, and travel along the SRT past Hampton Station. You can continue on past Furman University, and head to Downtown Travelers Rest for lunch before heading back.
Greenville Zoo to Holland Park (~1 mile)
- Begin at the Greenville Zoo and Cleveland Park and head toward Laurens Road until you reach Holland Park. This is a shorter trip and is great if you have younger kids. Take a pit stop at Holland Park and enjoy some delicious food and maybe a brew or two. This stretch of the SRT is part of the Green Line Connector and continues on toward Verdae Boulevard.

What’s your favorite portion of the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail System?

5 Best Breakfast Restaurants in Greenville, SC

Are you looking for some new awesome breakfast restaurants in Greenville, SC?

For a tired parent, the prospect of getting out of bed any earlier than absolutely necessary is totally absurd. The only thing that might make it happen is an epic breakfast cooked (and cleaned up) by someone other than you. We get it! That’s why we recently polled Kidding Around Readers to find out what locally owned breakfast places have the power to get you up and dressed in the morning!

Reader Picks for The Best Breakfast in Greenville, SC

1. Stax Omega

The reader favorite this year was Stax Omega! This family-owned restaurant has been around since 1988 and features a very diverse menu. Their breakfast is served all day.

74 Orchard Park Drive, Greenville

Fresh squeezed orange juice and country fried steak is the best!

Jackie D.

2. Biscuit Head

Another regular to this list (and bumping up a few spots this year) is one of Downtown Greenville favorite breakfast spots, Biscuit Head. Husband and wife Jason and Carolyn Roy opened Biscuit Head with a focus on reduced carbon footprint and locally sourced food. With seven scratch-made gravies and a jam bar with over 20 butter, jam, kinds of honey, and hot sauces; there is something for everyone.

823 S Church Street, Suite C, Greenville
In addition to the Greenville location, Biscuit Head also has three locations in Asheville, North Carolina.

Biscuit head bc of their amazing gluten free biscuits and their jam bar.

Stephanie M.

3. Tandem Creperie

Tandem Creperie remains in our Top 5 Breakfasts in Greenville again this year. Their sweet and savory crepes and house-made granola are favorites. Tandem Creperie prides itself in sourcing local items, and that includes the coffee, tea, and kombucha they serve.

2 South Main Street, Travelers Rest

When you want a culinary experience for breakfast!

Terry S.

Check this out if you want to learn more about where Some Of The Upstate’s Best Bagels Can Be Found

4. The Hungry Drover

If you are looking for delicious country food, then you have to head down Locust Hill Road to the Hungry Drover. They have homemade bread, all your breakfast favorites, omelets, grits, and just everything is delicious.

2601 Tigerville Road, Travelers Rest, SC 29690

Absoluely love their breakfast sammies, they make my day

Sam G./cite>

5. Stax Original

Stax Original is new to our list this year, but was one of the top favorites by our readers. Stax Original has been serving breakfast to Greenville residents and visitors since the early 1970s. Offering pancakes, french toast, omelettes, and eggs made every which way, you’re bound to find something to suit your palate.

1704 Poinsett Highway, Greenville

The best, by far.

Tosha S.

More Great Breakfast Restaurants In Greenville, SC

Another Broken Egg – Greenville, Simpsonville
Kendall’s Grill – Greenville
Egg’s Up Grill – Greenville (Pelham Road, Augusta Street, Pleasantburg Drive, Woodruff Road), Greer, Moore, Simpsonville, Spartanburg
Maple Street Biscuit – Greenville and Simpsonville
Peggy’s Diner – Greer

Get our review of Eggs Up Grill, A great option for breakfast out with the family.

If all of these delicious options still aren’t enough to get you up and out of bed early, check out the 5 Best Brunch Restaurants in Spartanburg, SC

Complete Restaurant Guide to Greenville, SC

Looking for something other than breakfast? Here are the best restaurants near Greenville, SC.

Amazing Discoveries at Roper Mountain Science Center in Greenville, SC

The Roper Mountain Science Center in Greenville, SC is easily one of the coolest places you can visit in town. They have an astounding array of hands-on activities, exhibits, and even a dinosaur trail. Read on to learn all you need to know to visit.

Thank you to Roper Mountain Science Center for sponsoring this article.

Have you explored the Roper Mountain Science Center in Greenville, SC? You may have heard the name of the Roper Mountain Science Center and wondered what in the world this is or maybe your kids attended a field trip there. But really, do you know how cool this place is?

With a dinosaur trail, a living history farm, a Marine Ecology lab, and active classrooms you can explore, you can visit multiple times and find something new and exciting at each visit! Plus, RMSC has the only planetarium in Greenville, SC and a giant 23” refractor telescope that you can look through during special events. It doesn’t get much cooler than that!

Looking for more things to do near Greenville, SC? We’ve got you!

RMSC is part of the Greenville County School system and during the week they host classes for science exhibits and hands-on learning for the public school system. However, they have greatly expanded their offerings and hours for the general public in the last several years and there several wonderful opportunities to explore this gem in Greenville. Every season offers something new and exciting at the RMSC.

What is at Roper Mountain Science Center?

The Roper Mountain Science Center is absolutely the place to go for STEM activities in Greenville, SC that are fun and engaging. During special events throughout the year, Roper Mountain is open to the public, and it is truly worth a visit (or ten). From September through May, you can visit during Afternoon Explorations on Thursdays and Fridays.

You can also explore June through July during their Summer Adventure programming, during which an exciting traveling exhibit is set up. And don’t forget their year-round Friday Starry Nights at the Hooper Planetarium.

Kids of all ages will love the RMSC. There is so much for them to see and do from the Dinosaur Trail, the touch tanks in the Marine Lab, the rainforest with its small waterfall, the outdoor play area, the pirate and castle playgrounds, and traveling exhibits.

Environmental Science & Sustainability Building

There is so much to explore at Roper Mountain Science Center that we promise you’ll need lots of visits to see everything. When you first arrive, you will enter through the Environmental Science and Sustainability Building. The building is dedicated to water ecology and sustainability practices and is filled with immersive experiences, a traveling exhibit (in summer), live animal displays, and more.

You can see a Timber Rattlesnake and Copperhead snake mere inches away and see a Hellbender up close as well. Kids love the interactive exhibits that teach them what not to flush down the toilet (parents like this one as well) and how to lower and raise the water level in a lake. Pretty neat stuff.

One of the most popular exhibits is the Nature Exchange. Here, your child can bring in items they found in nature, including moss, rocks, shells, lichen, or other items in exchange for points that they can use to spend on awesome items like crystals, fossils, and even owl pellets.

The Environmental Science and Sustainability Building is only open to the public during special events and Afternoon Explorations and Summer Adventure.

Harrison Hall of Natural Science

As you leave the lower level exit of the Environmental Science building, you can follow the path toward the Dinosaur Trail to the left or the Harrison Hall of Natural Science to the right. I am a huge ecology lover, so I immediately gravitate toward Harrison Hall. Here you will find multiple active classrooms to explore. There are live animals to meet and even touch like docile snakes, lizards, and sometimes even an alligator.

I love the permanent rainforest exhibit since it’s nice and humid and has a small waterfall, cocoa tree, and benches to enjoy the warmth, which feels especially nice during the colder months.

You can explore taxidermied animals, bone collections, specimen collections, and living animal exhibits. Your child can touch snakes, meet a skink, and learn about ecology and biodiversity during their exploration.

The Marine Lab is super popular because you and your children will be able to touch stingrays, starfish, and other sea creatures in the tide pool while learning about them.

The Ecology Lab showcases South Carolina habitats with their native animals, which include a Mountain Trout Stream, a Beaver/Turtle Pond, a Cypress Swamp (with an alligator), and a Salt Marsh. Guests can also check out a live honeybee hive at work.

Harrison Hall of Natural Science is only open to the public during special events such as Summer Adventure and Afternoon Explorations.

Dinosaur Trail

If you decide to head to the Dinosaur Adventure Trail first, then your dino adventure will start with a meet and greet with a Triceratops. All the dinosaurs are life-size models, so be sure to notice the awe in your young kid’s eyes as they notice them towering above them.

Be mindful of the ropes, as RMSC does not allow climbing on the majority of the exhibited dinosaurs. There is a big slide and play area that was designed to look like dinosaur bones coming out of the ground that kids can play on.

Don’t miss the animatronics T-Rex , which moves and roars. It’s motion-activated so you have no idea it’s going to move until you (or your kids) walk in front of it.

The Dinosaur Adventure Trail is open to the public during special events, Afternoon Explorations, and Summer Adventure.

Pirate & Castle Playgrounds

Your kids will LOVE the two newer playgrounds: a large pirate playground for older kids and a smaller castle playground for toddlers.

Both are located next to Harrison Hall and are partially in the shade depending on the time of day. There are benches for parents to sit on as well. Kids really love these new playgrounds as they foster lots of imaginative adventures on the high seas and in the world of knights and ladies at the castle.

These playgrounds are open during Summer Adventure and Afternoon Explorations.

Living History Farm & Butterfly Garden

One of my earliest memories as a kid was visiting the Living History Farm when I was in Kindergarten. With authentic log cabins, a schoolhouse, a working barn, and a reconstructed former slave cabin, there is so much history that you can live the experience. Walking through the gardens, fields, pasture, farm pond, and farm animals certainly lend itself to easily imagining that time period.

The Living History Farm also has an incredible garden in the summer. You will find the Butterfly Garden on the outskirts of the Living History Farm. The garden has native plants that are frequently visited by butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.

The Living History Farm is only open to the public during special events and Summer Adventure while the Butterfly Garden is open during Afternoon Explorations, Summer Adventure, and special events.

Symmes Hall of Science

If you are a lover of all things STEM, then the Symmes Hall of Science will be the highlight of your trip to the Roper Mountain Science Center. Though Symmes Hall is only open during special events, it is worth it when you get to explore chemical reactions through experimentation, explore Tesla coils and solar panels, and interact with robotics.

Hooper Planetarium & Daniel Observatory

Last, but not least, the incredible Hooper Planetarium and Daniel Observatory. If you are wanting to spark a love for science in your child, this is a great place to start. The Hooper Planetarium is designed with a 360-degree dome with 4K projection and a truly immersive sound system.

The Hooper Planetarium offers special space-themed programming called Friday Starry Nights throughout the year. The planetarium is also equipped with a Laser Fantasy projection system, which is spectacular, to say the least! You can enjoy Laser Days of Summer, Halloween Laser Shows, and Special Laser Events throughout the year.

If you’re looking for a truly magical experience for adults and kids, then head to the Daniel Observatory after your planetarium showing to look through the historic 23’’ refractor telescope. The telescope is the 8th largest of its kind in the United States! You’ll be able to observe Jupiter, Mars, Saturn, and more as you climb the steps to look through the scope.

Friday Starry Nights

Friday Starry Nights at the Roper Mountain Science Center on Friday nights is a favorite activity for many. Shows sell out quickly and RMSC suggests purchasing tickets online beforehand. You can find out everything you need to know about Friday Starry Nights in our KA review.

View of the earth from the planetarium at Roper Mountain Science Center

Friday Starry Nights are offered on Friday evenings throughout the year at the Hooper Planetarium. Typically, there are three showings (4:30 pm, 6:00 pm, 7:30 pm), with each showing offering a unique feature film themed around space. The 4:30 pm show is excellent for younger children to attend and is recommended for ages 4 and older. The 6:00 pm show is also kid-friendly and features a film that is more exploratory of space in a kid-friendly way. The 7:30 feature showing is most appropriate for older children and adults.

Tickets to Friday Starry Nights are $8/adults and teens, $7/kids ages 3-12. The shows are generally not recommended for kids three and under (I can vouch for this – to my dismay, my toddler was scared when we visited the planetarium during an event).

Laser Shows at the Hooper Planetarium

The planetarium also features several special events throughout the year, including Laser Days of Summer, Halloween Laser Shows, Holiday Laser Shows, Pink Floyd Laser Shows, and more. I saw the Laser Days of Summer Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon a couple of years ago, and it was EPIC.

These events are fully immersive, and allow you to sit back and listen to classic albums of the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Stranger Things, and more while lasers tell a story across the 360 degree screen. Regularly check the Roper Mountain Science Center website for updates about their upcoming special events and laser shows.

Tickets for Laser Days of Summer can be purchased now, and the event will begin July 17th, 2025. Multiple showings are offered from Thursday through Saturday from 4:30 pm to 9:00 pm on most nights. Tickets for Laser Days of Summer are $8 per adult or child.

The Nature Exchange

There are 12 Nature Exchanges in the country and they are like little shops for kids that focus on learning about things you find in nature and seeking out neat things that you may not otherwise see if perhaps you weren’t looking for them.

The Nature Exchange at the RMSC is the only one in the state but it’s connected to the other 11 through a database. When your kids sign up, they are entered into this national database. As they rack up points, if they visit another Nature Exchange on a trip, they can use those points to get something from that particular place they visit.

At the Nature Exchange at RMSC, there are lots of neat items already that kids can choose from if they earn enough points. Each person who signs up automatically gets 100 points plus they get points for their birthday, also. Kids can then choose something from the big Nature Exchange wall that is the same number or less than the points they have accumulated. Or, they can accumulate their points and save up for something super cool like a dinosaur fossil plate or a pretty stone or a big bug.

Kids will find everything from gemstones to intricate shells to mummified grasshoppers and tarantulas. The Nature Exchange is located on the top floor of the Environmental Science and Sustainability Building, to the left of the main entrance.

Afternoon Explorations

Afternoon Explorations is when RMSC is open to the public during the school year. They will open back up in the fall of 2025 likely on Thursday and Friday afternoons. Guests will have access to the Environmental Science and Sustainability Center, the Rain Forest Room, Marine Lab and Ecology Lab in Harrison Hall of Natural Science as well as the Living History Farm when weather permits.

You will also be able to hunt for dinosaurs on the Dinosaur Adventure Trail, play in Wildwood, visit the Butterfly Garden, and play on the Pirates of the Carolinas playground.

Tickets for Afternoon Explorations are $8/adults and teens, $7/kids ages 3-12. Members receive free admission.

2025 Summer Adventure & Traveling Exhibit

Summer Adventure 2025 opened May 28th and ends July 26th. Visit during Summer Adventure Tuesday – Saturdays from 10 am – 4 pm. Explore all the exhibits RMSC has to offer, including this year’s traveling exhibit, Wild Kratts: Creature Power—only accessible during the summer.

The traveling exhibit changes every year, so it’s something special and unique to experience. Summer Adventure also offers special programs, including cockroach racing, the Eat a Bug challenge, farm animal interactions at the Living History Farm, period costume volunteers, and more to get children engaged and excited about science.

The Butterfly Exhibit is a favorite of ours and many of our readers. Butterflies are in a greenhouse and guests can go in with some Gatorade on a stick and butterflies will land on it. Or they will land on you! We learned that if you are sweating and wear bright colors, you have a greater chance of a butterfly taking up residence on you.

If you really want to get adventurous, you can earn your membership in the Eat-A-Bug Club on Saturday’s at 11 am or watch a cockroach race on Saturday’s at 11:30 am. Both are worth going for, even if you don’t eat bugs.

Admission is free for members, and tickets are $15 per adult and $14 per child 3 – 12 years of age. EBT cardholders can purchase tickets for $5.

The Butterfly Garden

The outdoor butterfly garden is located beside the parking lot in front of the Harrison Hall of Natural Science. It’s definitely something to check out, enjoy the beautifully landscaped garden, and see some butterflies. If you’d like to make it a homeschool adventure, try some of the books, ideas and activities below.

butterflies at roper mountain science center

Make it Educational

Math: Draw the butterflies with colored pencils (maybe take pictures with a cell phone to reference later) and keep a tally count of how many of each variety you see. Once you return home, turn your tally count into a bar graph. Siblings can compare their graphs and see how they differ.

Science: Use some butterfly books or websites to help you name the different species of butterflies you see. If it’s too much to manage “in the field” just take pictures and look them up when you get home. The following resources may be helpful.

Discuss the butterfly life cycle before or after your visit to the garden. Here’s a great freebie kids’ resource of the life cycle.

Language Arts: Come up with some super sentences about butterflies. Make them factual or fictional. Use the bright colors and textures of the insects and the garden to dress up your sentences with adjectives. Look at how the butterflies move and what they do to pick some great verbs for your sentences.

Resources

This website deals with butterflies specific to our area, and has pictures that may be helpful to you when trying to name species.

The Life Cycles of Butterflies: from egg to maturity, a visual guide to 23 common garden butterflies (J 595.789 Burris) by Judy Burris and Wayne Richards -This book shows the life cycle of butterflies, but also shows pictures of common butterflies and areas where they are found. The Greenville libraries have many other fine books on butterflies with photographs under the call number J 595.789.

If you’d like to know a little more about the purpose of butterfly gardens, or the specific plants and landscaping you see at the garden, check out this portion of Roper Mountain’s website. It lists the host plants and nectar plants found at the science center’s butterfly garden. Many of these plants are labeled in the garden. Spend some time examining these plants.

Summer Camps

RMSC is focused on making STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics- fun for kids, and summer camps are no exception. But summer at Roper Mountain is more than just science: they also offer camps focusing on art, literature, moviemaking, mythology, photography and so much more. Summer camps at the Roper Mountain Science Center are available from K5 through Grade 12, and early drop-off and lunch stays are available for students attending separate morning and afternoon sessions.

Summer camp registration begins in March and camps fill up very quickly. Members will get first dibs on summer camp registration and if you really, really want your kid in a certain camp, you can get the concierge membership, which will ensure you will be able to register your kid(s) before anyone else.

Science on Wheels – Bring Science Lessons to You

If you are looking for a unique and science-driven demonstration for a school program or public outreach program Science on Wheels will bring the experimentation to you. They even have a portable planetarium! The program is perfect for school science days, preschools, library events, family audiences, afterschool groups, evening school events, summer camps, and community centers.

If you think RMSC’s Science on Wheels would be perfect for your group event, you can request more information by contacting the Roper Mountain Science Center directly. Educators can also utilize the many amazing programs Roper Mountain has to offer, including field trips, virtual field trips, e-learning Live From Roper, and more to boost their science curriculum for their students.

RMSC Membership

Speaking of membership to the RMSC, they have some worthwhile packages, especially if your family loves science and technology.

Memberships include free admission to Afternoon Explorations, Summer Adventure, and Friday Starry Nights, special pricing for special events and Laser Days of Summer, and early registration to summer camps. A family membership costs $125 and is easily paid for in just a couple of visits to the RMSC.

Additionally, members get free or discounted admission to over 300 science centers and museums worldwide. This is a great perk when traveling or planning day trips or summer vacations. Just know that the program only works if you live outside of a 90 mile radius of RMSC, so it would currently not work for free admission to the Schiele Museum in Gastonia or the WNC Nature Center.

Bottom line: A membership to the RMSC is a good investment in both learning and entertainment!

Top Things to Do at Falls Park: Greenville, SC

Have you explored Falls Park? Greenville SC, has one of the most gorgeous parks in the country! Falls Park on the Reedy River is the statement piece of the West End of Downtown Greenville, South Carolina.

Quick Take: Why You’ll Love Falls Park on the Reedy in Greenville, SC

✨ Stroll across the iconic Liberty Bridge for breathtaking city views
🌿 Relax in lush gardens, perfect for picnics and family fun
🎭 Enjoy seasonal events like Moonlight Movies and Shakespeare in the Park
🍽️ Dine nearby with park views—from French bistros to dessert bars
🎄 Don’t miss the magical Christmas Market during the holiday season

With the Liberty Bridge as the centerpiece, grassy fields to frolic in, gardens to explore, and even some special events throughout the year, the park makes a great place to play. Find out why Falls Park was voted as one of the Top 10 Reader’s Choice Awards for Best City Park by USA Today in 2025, and why we love it too!

Liberty Bridge at Falls Park on the Reedy River in Greenville, SC

What We Love To Do at Falls Park

If you are looking for something family-friendly to do in Greenville SC, Falls Park on the Reedy River is a wonderful place to spend the day. Its natural beauty has been amplified by strategic gardening and architectural planning, adding to its charm and Southern romanticism.

What used to be a grist mill has transformed into a charming area to relax and connect with our community, in large part due to a combined effort of Furman University, the City of Greenville, and the Carolina Foothills Garden Club. Good thing they put in so much effort because Falls Park is thriving!

Looking at the falls and Medusa Tree, Greenville, SC

Take in the Sights on Liberty Bridge

The suspension bridge, plastered on postcards, magazine articles, and Greenville merchandise, is stunning. The bridge is an architectural masterpiece that offers spectacular views of the falls.

If you walk out onto the bridge, it is a great place to take photos while taking in views of the falls and downtown Greenville. Liberty Bridge is particularly beautiful at night, as the area is lit up with lights, and the downtown area is illuminated.

Enjoy a Picnic on the Grassy Spaces

Located around Liberty Bridge are several open field areas to lie down a blanket for a picnic, play with your kids, or watch street performers and buskers on a warm afternoon. Though you may be tempted to take a dip in the river while playing in the grassy spaces, know that it is forbidden to play in the Reedy River. The river has a high level of bacteria that can make you sick!

Explore the Gardens

The Carolina Foothills Garden Club Sanctuary and Pedrick’s Garden at Falls Park are two of the most popular downtown attractions. These gardens feature mixes of foliage, literal tons of gorgeous stonework, and are a great way to have your kids burn off some energy. We always see a lizard or two while there.

Be sure to get the obligatory photo with the Medusa tree located near the Governor’s School. Many of the gardens run along the river, so be careful not to damage the plants while exploring. There are also a number of ducks, geese, and other wildlife you will want to be sure to avoid. Never feed the ducks bread!

Lawn areas and view of the Reedy River at Falls Park, Greenville, SC.

Explore more gardens near Greenville, SC, several of which are near Falls Park!

Special Events Held at Falls Park

Most of the popular events in Downtown Greenville spill over into the Falls Park area, but several regularly scheduled events occur here.

Reedy River Duck Derby

Every spring, thousands descend upon Falls Park to watch little yellow ducks float over the falls in hopes of winning a grand prize. Don’t worry, they are little rubber ducks, but the event is so much fun! Before the ducks fall over the falls, there are tons of family-friendly activities throughout the park, including face painting, duck-related crafts, and more.

Learn More about the annual Reedy River Duck Derby at Falls Park, Greenville, SC

Upstate Shakespeare Festival

This FREE festival runs from the end of May until the end of July each year in Falls Park. Performances on held on the stage located down the stairs and to the right of Liberty Bridge on the grassy field at the TD Amphitheatre.

Shows are around 2 hours long, and showcase classic Shakespearean plays such as Macbeth, The Merry Wives of Windsor, King Lear, and more! Bring a lawn chair, a picnic blanket, and maybe even a bottle of wine (21 and older with a $1 wristband) to have a perfect night out!

Moonlight Movies

Every Thursday in September and October, you can watch a free movie on the lawn of Falls Park. There are local food vendors, and alcohol is allowed if you purchase a $1 wristband. The movies are typically teen and adult-friendly and include some popular titles that you will actually enjoy watching.

The Greenville Christmas Market at the Grand Bohemian Lodge

The annual Greenville Christmas Market is located right off the end of the Liberty Bridge on the grassy field in front of the Grand Bohemian Lodge. This outdoor market runs from late November to Early January and has gifts, treats, and more for the perfect gift. Your kids can also meet with Santa. There is also a stunning 20ft Christmas tree you can smell from the other side of the bridge.

The Greenville Christmas Market at the Grand Bohemian Lodge is the place to be during the holiday season!

Dining Near Falls Park

There are dozens of dining options near Falls Park, but if you’re looking for views of the park, then these restaurants and cafes will fit your criteria.

Looking for More Things to Do? Check out our KA Guide to Downtown Greenville, SC in Greenville County.