Looking for Free Things to Do in Greenville, SC? We have some great ideas on this extremely packed list. This list is an ode to that song, “The Best Things in Life Are Free.” Make memories and take advantage of all the great things around Greenville. Enjoy!
Do you want to keep tabs on all the things to do in the Upstate? Don’t skip our giant list of Things to Do Near Greenville, SC, full of fabulous family fun any time of the year.
(more…)Are you looking for a restaurant for Easter brunch in Greenville, SC? Or maybe a restaurant offering take-out for Easter? It’s been a long year, and we understand if a huge home-prepared meal isn’t on your 2025 bucket list. The good news is, there’s no better time to support a restaurant in Greenville, SC.
(more…)A Chinese restaurant and Bubble Tea bar in Greenville that goes beyond the usual General Tso’s Chicken and Beef and Broccoli, count us in! Although we love our Chinese American fare, we have sorely missed the freshness of authentic Chinese cooking.
I first visited Asia Pacific Supermarket with a good friend from Hong Kong, now also based in Greenville. She knows about my hankering about finding an authentic Chinese restaurant in the Upstate. I have been back many times since, to shop and to eat, and have never been disappointed. Most visitors come to visit the aisles of the 14,000-square-foot supermarket, but the real gem is the non-descript restaurant quietly located right behind the cashier.
The restaurant is bright, spacious, and very clean. The staff is efficient and friendly. You may find your supermarket cashier sometimes taking your order after she rings you up at the aisles. Located a few blocks from Greenville Technology College, the supermarket and restaurant is frequented by students and Asian regulars.
Cantonese cooking consists of wok-fried and steamed dishes. But what I miss the most are the roasted meats. And yes, they have roasted duck and Char Siu or roast pork. We’ve tried the duck and it’s to die for!
Other dishes we’ve tried are their pickled mustard with pork and bean sprouts and eggplant with pork. Unlike Western cooking, the vegetables take center stage alongside the meats and are chopped up in small bites.
The eggplant dish was delicious and actually overshadowed the pork (in a good way of course).
On their menu is a long list of seafood items, beckoning for me to come back. Pan-fried fish with tofu, spicy salt and pepper grouper, seafood with rice noodles, spicy salt, and pepper shrimp, and so on. I’ve tried the fillet Tilapia fish with black beans. The saltiness was jarring at first till I remembered that it must and should be eaten with white rice. Dishes are priced between $10 and $20.
The menu is constantly transforming, and has a daily special you can try. If you don’t find one to your liking, there’s also the option of having fresh seafood from their fish tanks and have them prepare it as you wish. Now that’s really bringing me back to Asia!
Asia Pacific Supermarket:
Asian Grocery, Chinese Kitchen, Fish Market, and Bubble Tea Bar
420 N. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville SC, 29607
Restaurant Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am to 8:30 pm
Sunday from 10 am – 7:30 pm
Supermarket Hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 am to 9 pm
Sunday 10 am to 8 pm
Have you checked out Asia Pacific Supermarket yet?
Find more delicious options!
Are you looking for a kid-friendly race in Greenville this season? Check out this list of some of the fun races for the whole family.
Greenville is a great place to go for a run, a jog or a walk. The weather is fairly cooperative, even during the colder winter months, to run outside all year round. But as the trees bloom and the milder temperatures are more predictable, getting in daily exercise is pretty easy and enjoyable. If you have little ones and a jogging stroller, running is a great way to get in a workout and entertain your kids. While you may not be as fast as you are without the jogger, entering a local race is a fun way to enjoy the great weather, meet other runners, and run your way around Greenville.
There are so many fun things to do this spring in Greenville, SC!
Planning a birthday party for a baby and searching through the first birthday party venues in Greenville, SC? What are the perfect spots in Greenville for a baby’s birthday party? What places can I take one-year-olds for a birthday? Babies are a little tricky. They need a lot of supervision and a safe space. Many times, they need an indoor playground or indoor play area. That’s why we came up with this list full of first-birthday party venues, parks, and other creative spots that would be perfect for babies and toddlers in Greenville, SC.
For even more ideas of where to throw the perfect party for your kid see our comprehensive guide to birthday parties in Greenville.
Birthdays are supposed to be fun. But let’s be honest – sometimes they’re not. I am usually so stressed out on the day of my kid’s party, I find myself counting down the minutes until it’s over.
It doesn’t have to be that way. I’ve compiled a list of (what I feel are) the best party ideas for your baby (for babies and toddlers) that won’t break your budget. These ideas include easy DIY birthday ideas for home and birthday party venues specializing in parties for babies.
Assuming you live in the Greenville area, you’ve probably been to Herdklotz Park. Or, you’ve at least heard of it. Located off Rutherford Road, it’s the perfect party destination. I would gear this one more towards your toddler child.
There are two ways to do it:
The Greenville Zoo is perfect for ANY age, and you can even rent one of the picnic shelters.
But, if you ask me (and you did, right?), for a baby’s birthday, I would stroll through the zoo with my friends and finish up with cake and ice cream under the picnic shelters in Cleveland Park. Then, let the kids have some free play on the playground. Children 2 and under can visit the Greenville Zoo for free and several of the membership packages come with extra tickets for friends and family.
Falls Park is the perfect idea for an infant party. I say infant, because if you carry a group of toddlers, the likelihood of your blood pressure sky-rocketing into the danger zone is high. And that would defeat the purpose of this list. I’m not signing up to chase two-year-olds around in an attempt to keep them out of the creek. No, thank you.
But count me in for a picnic lunch and playing on a blanket with other mommies and their babies. Stop by the Dollar Store, grab a few bottles of bubbles, and head downtown. Don’t forget the cupcakes! Also, remember to pack paper products, juice boxes, and lots of wet wipes. The only downside is you’ll need a backup plan if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
This may sound a little unconventional. You wouldn’t want to invite twenty friends, but if you are willing to keep it small (up to 3 friends & their babies), the library could be a really cool place for a party! There are computers and an entire room for your babies and toddlers. Be sure to check the Play-And-Learn (PAL) schedule to be sure it’s open during your party time. If the weather is nice, pack your blanket and serve up cupcakes (or cookies) on the front lawn.
The Little Gym in Greenville, SC offers birthday party packages for babies and toddlers. There are a couple of different packages you can choose from, as well as some add-ons. But what a great way to let your tiny human play with friends while getting some major energy out!
If you haven’t visited the Children’s Museum of the Upstate yet, be sure to add it to your calendar. The Spartanburg location is GREAT for kids under 6 years old! And you guessed it—you can host your child’s birthday party at either location! The TCMU staff party hosts will set up, decorate, and clean up in the party room, keeping the party stress-free and very kid-friendly, of course. There are a couple of birthday party packages to choose from to make sure your needs are met. But if you’re looking for a birthday party venue for your baby or toddler, definitely consider hosting it at TCMU.
There are several companies near Spartanburg that rent inflatables, such as bounce houses. Children, even babies, love playing in bounce houses! Adding an inflatable to the backyard birthday party is a perfect choice for a first birthday. Just make sure the inflatable is properly secured before allowing any children to play.
If you would rather head outside of your house, consider celebrating at one of Spartanburg’s Parks. Many of the local parks, such as Anchor Park at Lake Bowen, have covered picnic areas that you can rent and reserve. Other parks offer picnic tables on a first-come basis. Choose your child’s favorite playground, invite their friends, and serve goldfish, cupcakes, and juice boxes.
Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve is beautiful all year long, and children love the chance to explore nature up close. With several different seating areas and picnic tables, you can find the ideal spot to sing “Happy Birthday” to your baby.
If your baby has a summer birthday, consider celebrating at Shipwreck Cove. Children will get to splash around and enjoy the birthday festivities.
This party takes place in the comfort of your own home. Invite your guests to wrap their favorite children’s book. Have a special guest or “storyteller” read a handful of the books to your tiny audience. If you’re feeling really energetic and creative, have a few friends lined up to perform a puppet show. Your baby will have a fresh new library at the end of this party!
Obviously, this one is more suitable for kids who are walking or toddling around. Who doesn’t love music?! Kidz Bop is awesome because it allows you to enjoy all the current tunes without being exposed to inappropriate lyrics. Toddlers LOVE to move! Music and dancing is always a crowd-pleaser.
Splish! Splash! You might suggest that your friends pack a towel and an extra pair of clothes. Put out a large tarp in the middle of your living room floor. Fill the table with lukewarm water. Add a drop of baby soap for bubbles or bath colors for a more exciting look. On the invitations, you can ask that each friend bring a bath toy as their gift. Your child will have fun opening their new toys before playtime. *This can also be done outdoors on a deck or patio.
Let’s get creative! This is sure to be a hit with your two (maybe 3) year olds. Crayola makes paint that is completely safe for little hands. Spread a LARGE white piece of paint paper on the kitchen floor or table. (I would tape it down if I were you). Squirt a few different colors onto the paper and watch them (closely) as they go to town!
After about 30 minutes, clean them up and transition to the table for Play-Doh fun. Like with the other parties, you can ask your guests to bring their own Play-Doh and/or Play-Doh accessories and leave them for the birthday girl or boy.
At the very least, I hope this list will alleviate some of your birthday party anxieties. All that really matters is that our children feel loved and celebrated on their special day.
Where has your child’s favorite birthday party been held?
Looking for some other things to do with your babies and toddlers? Be sure to read our entire Baby/Toddler Guide in Greenville with things to do, places to eat, and more.
Have you heard of Gather GVL? This set of shipping container restaurants, entertainment, and gathering space is located in Downtown Greenville. We think you’ll want to check out this unique spot pronto.
Have you ever wished you had a place to go spend time with other adults, maybe enjoy a grown-up beverage and let your kids run around, without someone having to host it? The answer to that wish and more is in downtown Greenville, and there are so many reasons to be excited.
Utilizing shipping containers, they’ve created a unique space where people can “Gather” and enjoy local food, beverages, and entertainment. Creating a space downtown where people could dine without making reservations or having the option of a drive-through was one of the inspirations for creating this space.
Another inspiration for Gather was the young children in Mack and Doug Cross’ lives. The father and son duo behind this unique new dining hall told me that having space where families could enjoy going out and not have to worry about the kids just being kids, was one of the reasons they created Gather. If your kids are four-legged and furry, don’t worry they’re welcome too!
Gather GVL is a 2025 Finalist in the KABOOM Awards for the Best Places in Greenville to Eat & Play.
Food, glorious food of all different types is what you’ll find at Gather GVL. This is the perfect place for a group outing because no one will have to compromise. Gather GVL has something for everyone, even people on plant-based diets will find numerous choices on the menu.
How has no one thought to do this before? When the tenants of Gather were announced, this North Carolina-based restaurant was among the most talked-about by Kidding Around team members. With good reason, donuts and fried chicken – who wouldn’t want that?
HenDough creates artisan donuts that will make you throw your diet out the window and never look back. Donut flavors like Creme Brulee, chocolate chip cookie dough and apple bacon bear-claws had people lined up waiting for a bite. Did we mention that the chicken biscuit sandwich on the menu is the size of a child’s head? It is, and it’s juicy and goes perfect with the Brussel sprout side dish on their menu.
Diners can get a juicy burger with all the fixings, hot dogs, and veggie burgers. The Chicken sandwiches here are the size of a child’s head!
Mercado Cantina offers diners a full bar, tacos, nachos, and more. Order up some tacos and a Paloma and you have the perfect meal!
Finally a place in Greenville where you can get a proper lobster roll!
The junior version of the downtown sushi staple Murisaki,
diners will be able to order hibachi, poke bowls and sushi from Saki Saki.
Organic Acai/Pitaya smoothie bowls, smoothies, and fresh-squeezed juices from CocoBowlz were first introduced to the Upstate at their Haywood Mall location.
This is the dining hall’s very own taproom, provided by the Greenville Beer Exchange a local craft beer shop.
The place to head if you are looking for the summer staple – Frose!
The newest creation from the owners of Tacozzini, YOLO serves up pizza to the guests at Gather GVL.
They offer Greek food including gyros, greek fries, and other Greek food.
The place to go for fresh Italian eats including subs, parmesan fries, and more.
Here you can build your own seafood boil or enjoy fish and chips, hushpuppies, and more.
Here you can get your pub food fix and order Philly cheesesteaks, cheese curds, Reuben sandwiches, and other pub fare.
The large green space and stage at Gather were created to provide patrons with a place to enjoy more than just food and beverage. Live music will be scheduled regularly and there are plans for other entertainment like sporting event broadcasts and family movie nights.
If you want to stay informed about all the cool events happening at Gather GVL you can follow them on Gather GVL Facebookor sign-up for their mailing list.
On busy weekend nights, parking for free at County Square -301 University Ridge is recommended. The West End parking lot is located right next to Gather GVL and parking is just $1 an hour, paid through a kiosk.
Gather GVL Website
126 Augusta Street, Greenville
Are you looking for more restaurants to enjoy in Downtown Greenville? Check out our Kidding Around Downtown Greenville restaurant guide!
Have you been to Herdklotz Park in Greenville? It’s such a beautiful park, is close to Paris Mountain, and gives you an unexpected view of the downtown Greenville skyline. With two large playgrounds, unique climbing structures, and two multi-purpose athletic fields, this park has it all.
If there’s one thing my child loves, it’s heading to the park and playing on the playground. And to be honest—I love the opportunity for her to be outside and get some energy out. Herdklotz Park is a perfect place for her to play and run around.
To read more park reviews see our Kidding Around Greenville Parks page.
First, a little history. Herdklotz Park is named for former county councilman, Dick Herdklotz, because of his desire to advance outdoor recreation in the Greenville area. So, even if the name is hard to remember, the sentiment behind it is very much appreciated. The location of this beautiful park is that of the former Hopewell Hospital, built in 1930 to treat patients with tuberculosis. The original building burned down one morning in 2002, but you can still walk by one remaining building and read about its history.
This spacious county park sits on 17 acres at the base of Paris Mountain. You will find very large athletic fields on both sides of the playground. Games and team practice are often going on, but if you’re lucky enough to find the fields open, they’re perfect for running and playing.
Herdklotz boasts one of the few county parks that has a sand volleyball court and horseshoe pits (you furnish the horseshoes). The pavilion shelter is up on the hill overlooking the park and is a lovely spot for a gathering (be sure to reserve your time in advance!). Bathrooms are just on the other side of the pavilion. And the panoramic view of downtown Greenville can be seen from the top of the hill.
The Herdklotz Park playgrounds are some of the best playgrounds in Greenville (see our list of the 5 best playgrounds in Greenville for even more choices). The larger playground has a three-story tower for climbing. There are 6 slides, a climbing wall, a large swing set and a kid favorite—the sliding handle. Because it’s so large and challenging, this is definitely the place for older children or younger ones who are good at climbing.
The smaller playground is fenced in and has its own covered pavilion with a few picnic tables (perfect for a mid-visit snack!). This smaller playground is where you’ll find the swings for toddlers and the much smaller playset geared toward the little ones.
Between the two playgrounds is a .545 walking trail, perfect for exercising while the children play. You can see the larger playground no matter where you are on the path. If you want to take the children on a walk with you, there is a learning path with signs and many teaching opportunities.
Favorites:
Drawbacks:
Herdklotz Park is tucked away off Rutherford Road, right behind Half Mile Lake subdivision at 126 Beverly Road in Greenville. The parking lot is vast, with spots close to the playgrounds. And if you’re lucky, you’ll watch a train go by on your drive to or from the park.
126 Beverly Road, Greenville
What is your kid’s favorite thing about Herdklotz Park?
Looking for movie theater in Greenville, SC? Fun for the family, fun with friends, or a great date night, whatever the reason, a movie at the theater is great entertainment. For the next time you are wanting to head to the theater, we have a list of the movie theaters in Greenville to help you find the best place to watch a movie.
If you want something fun to do with your kids, seeing a movie is always a hit. Rain or shine, seeing a movie on the big screen is fun for all ages. We recently took my 3-year-old daughter to her first movie, and it was a blast.
We loaded up this list of movie theaters in our area with some of the extra activities and amenities they offer.
Pro-tip: If you’re a member of a warehouse store such as Costco or Sam’s Club, check their web site or store for discounted tickets!
For more ideas of fun things to do inside, see our Ultimate Guide to Things to Do Inside in Greenville.
Located at 1029 Woodruff Road in Greenville, this theater has a lot to offer. It is situated close to several shopping centers and restaurants for a complete night out. This is one of the busier theaters in Greenville, so buy tickets in advance if you are seeing a new release and get there early for a parking space close to the box office.
Tickets can be purchased at the box office, printed at home, sent to your mobile phone, or purchased from a kiosk at the theater. Amenities include digital projection, 3-D movies, a game room, listening devices, stadium seating, concessions, and reserved seating.
The Regal Crown Club Rewards program offers reward credits just for going to the movies. Credits are earned by purchasing tickets and concessions, which can then be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including free movies and concessions.
Membership is free, so make sure to ask the next time you visit or check the Regal Crown Club Rewards website. Special events can be held at this facility such as birthday parties, meetings, and private screenings. Also featured at this theater is My Way Matinee, a regularly -scheduled sensory-friendly movie program that features films with lower sound and brighter lights.
Located at McAlister Square, 48 E Antrim Drive in Greenville, this independent, locally owned theater is quite a bit smaller than some of the others in the area. It features concessions (which include beer and wine), clean facilities, and friendly staff.
The facility is also available for special events such as birthday parties, group events, fundraisers, corporate functions, and spirit nights. There is rarely a long line to purchase tickets or concessions, and there is ample parking. Camelot Cinemas also has the cheapest ticket prices around!
This theater is located at 3221 Pleasantburg Drive in Greenville and is in close proximity to some excellent restaurants and shopping. They offer mobile tickets, print-at-home tickets, and a ticket kiosk in the lobby. Movies can be viewed in standard format, RPX, or 3D.
This theater also offers the Regal Crown Club Rewards program which gives rewards for going to the movies. Credits are earned by purchasing tickets and concessions and can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including free movies and concessions.
Membership is free, so make sure to ask the next time you visit. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, printed at home, sent to your mobile phone, or purchased from a kiosk at the theater. Amenities include digital projection, 3D movies, and concessions. Special events can be held at this facility such as birthday parties, meetings, and private screenings.
This theater is located at 780 South Street in Simpsonville. If you haven’t seen a movie at an IMAX theater, you are missing out! The booming sound, huge screen, and overall experience are incredible. The theater is situated close to several shopping centers and restaurants in town so there is plenty to do for several hours of fun.
Tickets can be purchased at the box office, printed at home, sent to your mobile phone, or purchased from a kiosk at the theater. Amenities include a game room, listening devices, mobile tickets, a party room, print at home tickets, reserved seating, stadium seating, 3D and IMAX viewing options, and wheelchair accessibility.
The Regal Crown Club Rewards program offers rewards for going to the movies. Credits are earned by purchasing tickets and concession and can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, including free movies and concessions. Special events can be held at this facility such as birthday parties, meetings, and private screenings. See theater management or click here for more details.
While it is about a 40-minute drive from Greenville, the NCG Cinema in Spartanburg—and its reclining seats—might be worth your while! Located at 1985 E. Main Street in the Hillcrest Shopping Center, NCG Cinema gets consistently high marks for its comfortable theater, quality snacks, and friendly staff.
While my family usually foregoes concessions, NCG offers free refills on sodas and popcorn! That’s a game-changer!
The NCG Rewards program yields you points for every dollar spent at the theater, which can then be used to earn free concessions. Their Sensory Friendly movie series is at 10 am on select days, during which the volume of the movies is lowered, the lights are up, and moviegoers are welcome to walk around, talk, or even shout if they want to.
Don’t forget the summer movie deals that happen at several theaters throughout the Upstate.
Which Upstate theater is your favorite?
Miss the local farmer’s markets in the winter? We’ve got the scoop on Greenville’s best indoor farmers market and it’s really a lot more than a farmers market. The Toasty Farmer is no longer an Upstate secret; however, parents in the know have discovered that the family-friendly winter farmers market can be the perfect outing on a dreary winter’s day.
After years at an Upstate brewery, the Toasty Farmer has a new location for their 2024-25 season: New Realm Brewery right in downtown Greenville, at the old Cigar Warehouse.
Our love of supporting local businesses, artists, and makers makes The Toasty Farmer a perfect fit for all of us at Kidding Around and we so appreciate the opportunity to enjoy the best of the Upstate all in one place, especially during the drearier winter months.
The Toasty Farmer launched in 2015 as an outlet to provide farm produce and goods during the winter season (in addition to bringing customers to the brewery).
Adrienne Hawkins, the creative force and the first Executive Director of the Travelers Rest Farmers Market at Trailblazer Park, is the founder of The Toasty Farmer. She wanted to create a cozy indoor experience during the colder winter months where artisans and farmers could thrive during the winter months.
The Toasty Farmer had its home at Brewery 85 for seven years but moved locations after the brewery shut its doors earlier this year. The decision to move to Fireforge was suggested by Brewery 85’s owner and it was an easy decision to make once Hawkins saw how Fireforge’s mission aligned with theirs.
And because of the new location, the Toasty Farmer’s market is able to add 20 new vendors, which is awesome! Guests will be able to shop from over 50 local vendors every week.
The Toasty Farmer will span the entire street on Irvine, partnering with non-profit Spirit of Greenville, Stone Family Properties, Sum Bar, and Coffee Coffee.
“Market goers can expect a unique experience with these partnerships providing high-quality coffee, lunch and treats from Fireforge Kitchen and Sum Bar, food trucks, and local crafted brew each Saturday, plus the best vendors come from all around to join the winter farmers market, and it is like a reunion every year,” said Hawkins.
Doors are open Saturdays from 11 am to 2 pm starting in mid-November through March.
The Toasty Farmer will be located at New Realm Brewery in Greenville. In addition to the 50 vendors, there is also music and food trucks.
Indoors you’ll find all the great, local vendors that make the Toasty Farmer the Upstate’s longest-running winter farmers market, selling things like soaps, candles, farm-fresh produce, trout, cheese, elderberry and ciders, tomato pies, pimento cheeses, and many unique specialty sweets from cupcakes to delicate and perfect macarons.
I’ve been to many farmers markets and the Toasty Farmer has some of the very best vendors. They are all local and make their own products. I’ve found some local artisans there that I still purchase from years later. A vendor list will be added to the Toasty Farmer website but they also do a great job of highlighting them on their Facebook page.
The kids’ favorite vendor has a sweet pastry that we allow them to dig into while shopping, and I enjoy browsing cheeses from the creamery and perhaps purchasing a local wine or beer. When the weather is warmer the kids can run around outside while the parents enjoy a beverage at one of the picnic tables, while in cold and rainy weather we seat them with a snack and relax and enjoy the atmosphere indoors.
This is the tenth season for the Toasty Farmer, which runs November through April, 2024 and 2025 every Saturday except for some additional select dates.
912 South Main Street, Greenville, SC
864.300.4809
For more information, visit The Toasty Farmer Facebook page.
Will you be visiting The Toasty Farmer this winter?
There are lots of places to Shop Local in Greenville! Check out our whole Shop Local Greenville Guide. You’ll find everything from local food to locally owned shops, and places to purchase great locally-made gifts.
Have a homeschooler and need a little time outside, away from all the books and computers? Pick a day and participate in one of the educational programs at the Greenville Zoo. They have lots of special events to help your family learn and enjoy the zoo like story time or with the zoo keepers for questions. They even offer special classes just for homeschoolers. KAG Contributor and local mom Maria Bassett is sharing some of the educational opportunities you’ll find at the Greenville Zoo.
Be sure to check out our Homeschool Guide for tons of ideas, resources, and more!
Sure a trip to the zoo is fun any day, and it can be an educational adventure. Sometimes, though, my kids run from exhibit to exhibit and we never really take the time to read the signs, observe and learn. That’s frustrating, and doesn’t feel very educational. Sometimes we bring along some animal classification work (if you’d like some freebie worksheets checkout this homeschool giveaways site for some options.)
But sometimes, it’s really just more fun to listen to the great folks at the zoo, than it is to listen to mom! That’s why I am so thankful for the many educational gems that the Greenville Zoo offers. They have so many educational programs, and many of them are completely free with admission.
The zoo offers a homeschool day once for kids ages 2-11 years old. My two oldest boys love these classes! They get some hands-on time with various animals and critters. (After the class that featured a number of invertebrates, I heard a lot about how they got to touch the hissing cockroach. Yuck!)
And they really learn lots of neat facts. Each class costs $8 for homeschool kids and their families. You can find the next date on the Greenville Zoo’s website.
Free! (with admission) At 10:30 am and 12:30 pm on Tuesdays you will find zoo staff at specific exhibits talking about and answering your questions about the animals they highlight. Tell Me About it Tuesdays is a great opportunity for homeschool students to get answers straight from the source.
Need something for your toddler or preschooler? Zoo Tots is designed specifically for kids ages 2-4 years old. These programs are 45 minutes long and give children a chance to explore and engage with crafts, sensory bins, and educational stations.
There’s also a structured circle time and animal encounter. Prices are $15 for members and $20 for non-members. See Greenville Zoo’s website for dates and times.
Want to see some zoo creatures up close? Check out the Learning Safari Thursdays for kids ages 5-7 years old on Sundays from 3:00-4:30 pm and Mondays from 10:00 – 11:30 am. These are fun, hands-on exhibits. What a great chance for homeschoolers to learn from zoo staff, without the added cost! Program is 1.5 hours. The cost is $20 for members and $25 for non-members.
This is a chance for your 8-11 year olds to see what it’s like to be a zookeeper! Each week will cover a different aspect of a zookeeper’s job, and kids will have the chance to play games, participate in activities and experiments, chat with zookeepers, and have animal encounters up close.
Programs are 2 hours from 10 am – 12 pm. Price is $25 for members, and $30 for non-members. See the Greenville Zoo’s website for the next date.
Note: All three of the above free programs meet September through May.
If you have a 6th-12th grader who shows interest in becoming a zookeeper, then definitely take a visit to Greenville Zoo for Career Day! You’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo and even participate in some of the zoo’s daily tasks. Cost is $50 per person. Check the Greenville Zoo’s website for upcoming dates.
Families with older children might enjoy the zoo’s free conservation lecture series. The zoo has partnered with Furman to bring educational lectures about conservation efforts for specific animals. Lectures take place at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, The Upcountry History Museum, or a Greenville Library and are scheduled in the evening. These lectures are totally free!
150 Cleveland Park Drive, Greenville
864.467.4300
Greenville Zoo Website
Online ticket prices: Adults $13; kids 3 – 12 $10; kids 2 and under are free. Members: free
Walk-up ticket prices: Adults $15; kids 3-12 $12; kids 2 and under are free. Members: free
What is your favorite program for your homeschooler? Tell us in the comments!
