Are you looking for free things to do in Spartanburg, SC? Do you have an idea in your head that doing something fun with your kids in Spartanburg is going to cost money (and probably a lot of it)? We are setting the record correct today once and for all: Spartanburg has tons of fun free things to do and even more that are really cheap.
And here’s where you can find a giant list of things to do in Spartanburg, SC!
Want to go camping with kids in Greenville, SC? When it comes to hitting the Great Outdoors, there are lots of great options for unforgettable camping adventures! From primitive camping to RV sites, our area abounds with family-friendly campgrounds. Travel a bit further to camp in the wilderness or near sandy beaches. Read on to learn more about some of our readers’ favorite spots!
For even more outdoor adventure ideas, see Things to Do Outside.
Looking for pool memberships in Spartanburg, SC for your family this year? Even if you do not have a pool in your backyard or neighborhood, several community pool memberships are available for Spartanburg families. Check out the list below of neighborhood pools offering memberships in Spartanburg!
Pools require time and maintenance in order to enjoy them. What if there was a way to enjoy a pool without all that chlorine testing, skimming leaves, and other work that comes along with pool access? There are several pool membership options in Spartanburg, SC that can have you floating in no time, without any work involved!
🌟 PRO TIP: Always call or visit the front desk to ask about specific discounts for which you may be eligible! Community pools commonly offer discounts for students, seniors, additional family members, and more!
210 Bomar Avenue, Spartanburg, SC 29306 | 864.596.3710
💦 Pool Types: Seasonal outdoor pool
🛟 Pool Programs: Fitness classes, lifeguarding classes, swim lessons, open swim
👨👩👧👦 Membership Options:
NOTE FOR CHILDREN: Minor children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at this facility, but they get in FREE with their paying adult! The only exception is for the Pool-Only Daily Passes, which cost $1 per child for non-residents of the City of Spartanburg.
211 Sydnor Road, Spartanburg, SC 29302 | 864.707.5558
💦 Pool Types: Seasonal outdoor pool
🛟 Pool Programs: Swim team, open swim
👨👩👧👦 Membership Options:
NOTE FOR FIRST-TIME MEMBERS: All first-time memberships require a one-time initial joining fee of $250 and 3 character references from current members!
399 Blackwood Drive, Spartanburg 29307 | hillbrookpoolspartanburg@gmail.com
💦 Pool Types: Seasonal outdoor pool
🛟 Pool Programs: Swim team, open swim
👨👩👧👦 Membership Options:
NOTE FOR FIRST-TIME MEMBERS: All first-time memberships require a one-time initiation fee of $150 and 2 character references from current members!
⚠️ We received word that Lantern Ridge Pool has closed and are working to determine whether this change is temporary or permanent. We will update or remove this listing once we receive confirmation.
199 Lantern Ridge Road, Spartanburg, SC | lanternridgepoolspt@gmail.com
💦 Pool Types: Seasonal outdoor pool
🛟 Pool Programs: Fitness classes, swim lessons, open swim
👨👩👧👦 Membership Options:
207 Mohawk Drive, Spartanburg, SC | 864.707.5288
💦 Pool Types: Seasonal outdoor pool
🛟 Pool Programs: Swim lessons, swim team, open swim
👨👩👧👦 Membership Options:
2420 Andrews Road, Spartanburg, SC 29302 | 864.582.5050
💦 Pool Types: Seasonal outdoor pool & year-round indoor pool
🛟 Pool Programs: Fitness classes, swim lessons, open swim
👨👩👧👦 Membership Options:
255 Plantation Drive, Woodruff, SC 29388 | 864.476.3614
💦 Pool Types: Seasonal outdoor pool
🛟 Pool Programs: Open swim
👨👩👧👦 Membership Options:
1650 Skylyn Drive, Suite 100, Spartanburg, SC 29307 | 864.285.0589
💦 Pool Types: Year-round indoor pool
🛟 Pool Programs: Fitness classes, swim lessons, swim team, open swim
👨👩👧👦 Membership Options:
NOTE FOR CHILDREN: Minor children must be accompanied by a responsible adult at this facility, but they get in FREE with their paying adult! The only exception is for the Pool-Only Daily Passes, which cost $1 per child for non-residents of the City of Spartanburg.
1650 Skylyn Drive, Suite 100, Spartanburg, SC 29307 | 864.285.0589
💦 Pool Types: Year-round indoor pool
🛟 Pool Programs: Fitness classes, swim lessons, open swim
👨👩👧👦 Membership Options:
💦 Pool Types: Year-round indoor pools
🛟 Pool Programs: Fitness classes, swim lessons, open swim
👨👩👧👦 Membership Options:
Middle Tyger YMCA (Moore-Duncan)
720 Shoals Road, Duncan, SC 29334 | 864.433.9623
Thomas E. Hannah YMCA (East Spartanburg)
151 Ribault Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302 | 864.585.0306
Willis Road YMCA (West Spartanburg)
501 Willis Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301 | 864.310.6400
Where does your family swim during the summer?
Looking for other places to cool off this summer?
Here are all the best places to swim in Greenville, SC!
Inside: Local parents share inexpensive things to do during Spring Break in the Upstate, SC.
Searching for cheap things to do for spring break? Spring Break fun doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. There are plenty of things to do in the area and at home that will quickly fill up the downtime during the break and even better, don’t require a ton of energy or planning. Plus, they won’t break the bank or require a road trip.
Read on to discover ten cheap things to do for an affordable spring break.
Looking for more about spring break in Greenville? Go to our Ultimate Guide to Spring Break in Greenville, SC for things to do, local travel, and more.
(more…)Are you looking for fun or adventurous hiking for teens in Greenville, SC? Here’s our list of great hikes in or near the Upstate! Some are challenging and some a bit more relaxed, but they all make for a great day with friends or family.
Plus, there are plenty of trails with gorgeous views that are perfect for the ‘gram. For even more hiking ideas, see our list of our favorite local hiking trails.
There are so many great hiking trails in or near the Greenville area that it’s truly hard to choose where to go. Luckily, the weather here can lend itself to hiking all year round for the most part. And that means a lot of weekends to take the teens out on adventures.
For other ideas of things to do with teens, see our Ultimate Teen Guide.
Let’s face it. Teenagers are sometimes known for their lapses in judgment. It’s crucial to be careful on trails at all times, especially around waterfalls and drop-off points. While getting out on a ledge or traversing slippery rocks can make for a stunning Instagram photo, it’s not worth a significant injury or worse. Use common sense and obey posted signs.
It’s also wise to bring enough food, snacks, and water during a hike, whether you intend to eat lunch or not, especially during the hotter months. Some of the trails are strenuous, and hikers need to carry enough water for the journey.
Lastly, it’s smart to bring some type of defense. There are bears in the Upstate and Western North Carolina, and carrying bear spray along on the hike, just in case, is a good idea. You can get some at most outdoor stores or on Amazon.
Additionally, most South Carolina state parks have entrance fees of around $5-$8/adult, but almost all North Carolina state parks do not. For important tips on recreating responsibly, please see this story on the seven Leave No Trace principles.
Here are a few of our favorite hikes in or near the Upstate for teens. They’re a little longer and more difficult than ones we’d choose for younger kids.
Keep your teen
engaged and enjoying life!
The Ultimate Guide for Teens
The Carrick Creek Trail at Table Rock is a great place to start for an easy-to-moderate two-mile hike. It has elevation changes, creek crossings, and waterfalls.
For a challenge that will give any teen bragging rights, the 7+ mile round trip Table Rock Trail is very hard but totally worth it. The view is spectacular at the top, but the trek up is no joke. Recommended for the more conditioned teen.
Table Rock State Park | 158 Ellison Lane, Pickens, SC 29671
Nestled in the Caesars Head State Park and Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, this trail is moderately hard with a gorgeous overlook of Raven Cliff Falls. With a 420-foot drop, Raven Cliff is the tallest waterfall in the state. The hike is about five miles roundtrip from the parking lot, which isn’t large by the way. Get there early if you plan to go.
There are other trails in the same area, including the aptly named Dismal Trail (this is strenuous and teens who choose this trail need to be very careful). The entire Dismal Trail loop isn’t fully open due to Helene, but you can access the bridge as an out and back. The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area connects to Jones Gap State Park, which is the location of the next best trail on our list.
Raven Cliff Falls | 8155 Geer Highway, Cleveland, SC
Navigating boulders, jumping creeks, and hiking steep inclines are features of the trail at Jones Gap State Park. The hike to the gorgeous Rainbow Falls is under five miles and isn’t easy, but again, the payoff of seeing the stunning waterfall is certainly worth it. You’ll have to reserve a spot on weekends. You don’t need reservations on weekdays.
Jones Gap State Park | 303 Jones Gap Road, Marietta, SC
Get your heart pumping with the 6+ mile trek to the top of Looking Glass Rock in Pisgah National Forest. Use caution at the top, and don’t go near the edge. The trailhead parking lot is small and fills up quickly. Go early to secure a spot and avoid the crowds.
Looking Glass Rock Trailhead | Brevard, NC 28712
If you want to stay close to home but still get in a good day of hiking, head to Paris Mountain State Park here in Greenville. There are lots of trails to choose from, including really easy ones around Lake Placid to the harder Sulphur Springs Trail, a 3.6-mile trek. Brissy Ridge Trail is also fun as it’s not too long, about two miles, and hugs the ridge of the mountain.
Paris Mountain State Park | 2401 State Park Road, Greenville
This is one of my favorite hikes in the Upstate because it’s a bit challenging at a little over four miles round trip. It includes a small waterfall where you can cool off, a stunning overlook of Lake Keowee, and the opportunity to swim in the lake at the halfway point. You can access the Raven Rock Trail through the Keowee-Toxaway State Park, and there is no charge for parking.
Keowee-Toxaway State Park | 108 Residence Drive, Sunset, SC
I may have a thing for waterfalls. I feel that if you’re going to go hiking, be sure there’s a waterfall. It’s kind of instant gratification, or at least a good reason to keep going. Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park is the farthest location from Greenville on this list, but it’s just so awesome.
The waterfall is enormous, and you can get a really good view from the overlook on the trail, or you can take a smaller trail down to the bottom of the falls (just be careful). But if you keep going another quarter-mile , you’ll come to more waterfalls! Turtleback Falls isn’t as stunning but still worth the extra half mile.
The trail is about four miles round trip and of moderate difficulty. The hike back is harder and more uphill than the hike to the waterfalls.
Gorges State Park | 976 Grassy Ridge Road, Sapphire, NC
Daniel Ridge Loop is in North Carolina’s Pisgah Forest and is past the trailhead for Looking Glass Rock. It’s a loop (go left at the fork unless you want to have a really tough climb) and is over four miles.
It’s a pretty trail with lots of little waterfalls and different scenery. It’s about an hour and 20 minutes from Greenville. This is another favorite of mountain bikers so be prepared to jump off the trail if they fly by.
National Forest 475 Road, Brevard, NC
For a multi-day challenge, take the 77-mile Foothills Trail from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park. The trail is beautiful with intricate bridges, flowers, waterfalls, and views.
Many people will split up the trail and just hike segments. It’s great for backpacking as well. Please note: portions of the trail are still closed or heavily damaged from Helene. Check the website for conditions and updates.
Located in Cashiers, this trail is just over two miles and has incredible views. It’s totally worth the trip. You can add on Glenn Falls or Secret Falls for an entire day trip of hiking in the area. There is a fee of a few dollars for parking.
Located in the High Country of North Carolina, Grandfather Mountain is about 2.5 hours from Greenville, and it’s amazing. You have to pay to get into Grandfather Mountain and reservations are required during busy times, but the trail consists of ladders on the sides of mountains and views for days. Adventurous teens will love this trail.
Hike More, Worry Less
The Ultimate Guide to
Hiking Near Greenville, SC!
Find more fun things to do with teens in the Upstate!
Here’s the KA Guide to Adventures with Teens
Are you looking for things to do outside in Spartanburg, SC? Spartanburg has some of the most beautiful parks, playgrounds, gardens, waterways, and outdoor spaces to explore in the Upstate. Below you will find a comprehensive list of guides and Kidding Around reviews of places and activities we recommend your family explore while enjoying the natural beauty that Spartanburg County has to offer.
With our diversity of needs and desires, Kidding Around Spartanburg has put together a guide to help you find the park best for your family in Spartanburg County. ~Deborah Pope
You don’t have to venture far from the upstate to enjoy a day outdoors with your children. With these playgrounds offering such a different atmosphere, each one will create a brand-new adventure. ~Erika Morelli
Just off of Ashville Highway and right inside the city limits of Spartanburg is Cleveland Park, a large, beautiful old park with a new playground. It is one of my family’s favorite places to go for outings! Our kids love not only the amazing play structures but also the footpaths around the park where we can walk and enjoy the beautiful scenery together. ~Christina Goshorn
This park is perfect for a long day of fun in the sun, there is just so much to do! A FREE splash pad, two large playgrounds, over 60 ft climbing structure, and so much more.
If you have a plane lover in the family, this is the perfect park for them. Located right beside the airport, your kids can watch planes come and go while playing on the play structures and splashing in the free splash pad.
Located in Boiling Springs, this park has EVERYTHING! Seven sports complexes, soccer and football goal posts, Sholley Creek Disc Golf course, large play structures, and more.
This park it situated right beside Shipwreck Cove in Duncan. It has some nicely shaded areas to rest while watching your kids play on the playground structures.
Wooden dock, clear lake, tiny minnows sparkling in sunny shallow waters, tall trees, horses, hiking trails, and a playground. Sound good? Then you’ll want to check out Croft State Park the next time you’re looking for a family adventure. ~Maria Bassett
Anchor Park offers a fenced-in playground area to enjoy while your family fishes, enjoy the lakeside views, and you may even decide to rent a boat while there.
One of Spartanburg’s lesser-known parks is also one of its best. Tucked away in the historic neighborhood of Converse Heights, Happy Hollow Park spans one block at the corners of S. Fairview and Glendalyn Avenue. Small and secure, Happy Hollow Park provides a safe and shady place for children of all ages to play. ~Juliet Wright
Located near the Beacon Restaurant, this smaller park offers basketball courts, a playground, and a splash pad!
The Vic Bailey Subaru Bike Park is located along Spartanburg’s Mary Black Rail Trail. The park has features for bikers of all skill levels from beginners to advanced including a pump track, easy street, and advanced skill features like table-top jumps, a vertical wooden bridge, and more. ~Maria Bassett
Looking for a place to take the kids where they can grow their skateboard skills? Hot Spot Skate Park is the place! Located at 339 Union Street in Spartanburg, Hot Spot features a variety of street style steps, ramps, ledges, rails, half-pipes, and bowls for kids ages 6 and up. ~Nikki Hulton
No matter what part of North Spartanburg you live in, these parks are all worth the short drive it takes to get your family out of the house. Each park is perfect for playdates with friends, picnics with families or even quiet solo walks. ~Jennifer Curry
Once it gets to be summer (and 90 degrees) in Spartanburg, it’s time to find the nearest or best water park to cool off. That’s why we have created this list of 11 water parks and splash pads that are near Spartanburg. This list includes some free splash pads connected to playgrounds as well as larger water parks that are worth driving to (one even is connected to a hotel). ~Erika Morelli
Park Hop has come to Spartanburg, SC and now you can join the fun with this FREE park scavenger hunt with prizes for the kids! Since 2013 the kids of Greenville County have been discovering the local parks and earning prizes with this annual summertime event.
Kids in Parks is a user-friendly website that includes an always-expanding list of nationwide locations that are considered TRACK trails. It allows families to search for locations near their hometown or even for an out-of-town adventure. That includes 160 TRACK Trails in 10 states, Washington DC, and the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation with dozens of locations just a short drive away in North Carolina and Congaree National Park in South Carolina.
Ready to enjoy some camping in Spartanburg? With all of the natural beauty surrounding us in the Upstate, the best way to enjoy it is by immersing yourself. We have a guide to all the places you’ll want to check out when looking for a place to camp near Spartanburg.
Kings Mountain State Park offers both tent camping and RV camping. There are designated tent camping spots, as well as primitive camping spots to reserve.
Croft State Park has primitive camping spots for organized groups of up to 100! They also have RV spots that are packed with gravel with electrical and water hookups.
Just a couple miles off of I-26 in Spartanburg, amongst shopping and restaurants on the busy main thoroughfare of John D. White, Sr. Blvd, is a 10-acre botanical garden and woodland preserve. The beautiful space is full of ponds, waterfalls, wildlife, trees, and gardens with a wide variety of leafy and flowering plants. Hatcher Garden is open free to the public and should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Spartanburg. ~Maria Bassett
We are lucky to live near so many beautiful and diverse gardens. Here is a list of some of the best gardens and arboretums in Spartanburg and around the Upstate. ~Kristen Alcock
Drayton Mills Trail & Beaumont Mill Village Pathway– This paved trail can be accessed at a couple of points, the easiest is probably the large parking lot across from Drayton Mills. Or, start at the small parking lot for the Beaumont Mill Village Pathway beside Adam’s Park on East Boundary Drive. This is where the Story Walk trail starts if you have kids who would enjoy that.
Check out this video of the Story Walk trail.
The Cottonwood Trail is the perfect space for your children to experience the seasons in the Upstate. Lush and green in the summer, crackling with autumnal colors in the fall, sparse and atmospheric in the winter, and brimming with new life in the spring, your children can observe the seasonal changes while exploring the great outdoors. ~Juliet Wright
Enjoy the South Carolina winter’s cooler temperatures and the great outdoors with a wintertime hike. There are several parks and trails perfect for cool weather hikes for the whole family near Spartanburg. ~Hope Evans
Lake Cooley has so much to offer, including boat and kayak rentals, fishing, a playground, plenty of spaces for picnics, and even the Lake Cooley Outdoor Education Center!
This trail offers 4 miles of perfectly flat ground to get outside and exercise or take a leisure stroll. The trail is perfect for biking, and is actually a converted trail rail!
This list of trails offers the best trails for hiking during the cool winter months in Spartanburg.
We went out on a hot summer day for some visits around Spartanburg, SC. We had a great time each place we went! We spent our day inside the city limits and had an enjoyable family experience in this picturesque, friendly location. ~Christina Johnson
A FREE mini golf course in the heart of downtown! You can borrow a club and ball from several local businesses.
When talking to friends and acquaintances who live in Spartanburg, I’ve noticed that one particular attraction has come up repeatedly in conversation: the Hub City Farmers’ Market. This local market meets on Saturdays from March-December at Northside Harvest Park from 8 a.m.-noon. The market boasts an invigorating, exciting atmosphere with an emphasis on health, all while supporting local businesses and farms. The food and handmade goods sold there are all locally grown and produced. ~Christina Johnson
If you haven’t tried Disc Golf (frisbee golf), now is a perfect time. There are multiple courses throughout Spartanburg, many of them scenic and shaded so you can play throughout the summer months as well! Play as a family, or even on a day date with your loved one.
Whether it is strawberry picking, sunflower galore, or pumpkin patch season, there is always something going on at Stewart Farms in Enoree. They offer a u-pick for both strawberries and pumpkins, along with lots of other goodies and groceries in their store.
The Upstate was one of the country’s hubs for the textile industry, with remnants of those mills being renewed through a transformation into places to explore their ruins, including Glendale Shoals in Spartanburg.
Have a family of swimmers that crave the water when the temperature starts to warm up? Check out this list of pool memberships throughout Spartanburg so you can soak up the sun poolside all season long.
Waterpark! Say no more. Shipwreck Cove in Duncan will have you spending all day by the pool, or getting drenched under the splash pad. This water park has a lazy river, waterslides, and more!
This comprehensive list of places that offer outdoor dining in Spartanburg, SC is loaded! There is something for everyone to enjoy while hanging out on the patio or even under the stars while enjoying your meal!
You can enjoy dinner under the stars at Dray Bar + Grill, who offer an expansive patio as well as seating out amongst the mill area where you will find the location. They occasionally offer movie nights and other events outdoors as well!
Kite Flying is mesmerizing when it is just one kite, now imagine dozens whipping and gliding through the air. You can see that and more at Spartanburg Soaring!
This list of Spring Festivals in Spartanburg has a little something for everyone to enjoy as the weather begins to warm and we are all itching to get outside!
As the crisp, cool air and autumn begins to make its way into the Upstate, these Fall festivals will have you heading outdoors to enjoy the beginning of the season.
Looking for other things to do in Spartanburg? Check out our Giant List of Things to do in Spartanburg, SC!
We also have a huge list of Things to do Indoors in Spartanburg if you’re wanting to avoid the heat or rain.
What are your favorite things to do outdoors in Spartanburg, SC?
Are you looking for the perfect way to keep those kids busy during spring break? Greenville, SC has so much to do, you’ll never be bored! Here’s a list of things to do, including day trips and great places to visit. Spring break for Greenville County is March 16th to March 20th, 2026.
This list focuses on things to do that are appropriate for families with school-age children. While there will still be activities that are appropriate for smaller kids, we didn’t include activities that are only for toddlers or preschoolers. Our Greenville calendar is the best place to find those activities.
Want to know more about spring break in Greenville? View our Ultimate Guide to Spring Break in Greenville for things to do, budget-friendly ideas, local travel, and more.
For more great adventures, see our huge list of Things to Do Near Greenville and Upstate SC
Don’t miss our list of Spring Break Camps in Greenville and Spartanburg. We’re updating it as more camps are announced, so check back often. Just don’t wait too long to register!
Check out one of our 8 favorite playgrounds in Greenville.
Find one of these hidden gems in Greenville.
Take a frisbee and head to one of these 17 top parks with great outdoor spaces in Greenville.
Learn a new sport and play frisbee golf at one of these local courses.
Plan a hike at one of our favorite hiking spots near Greenville.
Try one of the places to mountain bike near Greenville.
Go on a train-inspired day trip with this list of everything train-related in Greenville.
Fly a kite at one of these perfect places for flying a kite.
Try one of many free things to do in downtown Greenville.
Watch for birds at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve.
See the waterfall at Cedar Falls Park or hike to one of these waterfalls near Greenville.
Play at Northwest Park and then visit the horses at the nearby equestrian park or try one of our other sunny parks in Greenville that are perfect for cooler spring days.
Ride bikes on the Swamp Rabbit Trail and catch lunch at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery.
Enjoy the outdoors at Campbells Covered Bridge.
Don’t forget to check out our list of Inexpensive and cheap things to do over spring break
Here are 26+ places that are an easy drive from Greenville!
Traveling to Western North Carolina? Choose a city and plan out your trip with our Guide of Things to Do in Western North Carolina! Or just check out one of these 24 other spots in Western North Carolina that our readers love.
Take a day trip to Asheville to see the Western North Carolina Nature Center.
Pack a lunch and enjoy the beauty of Issaqueena Falls at Stumphouse Tunnel.
Try one of these places to zip line near Greenville, SC. We especially enjoyed Upstate Zipline at Keowee-Toxaway State Park.
For the brave, head to Asheville Adventure Park for a zip line day to remember.
Also, don’t miss this great itinerary for Flat Rock, NC. You can easily combine with a trip to the Carl Sandburg home or the Hands On! Museum in neighboring Hendersonville.
Traveling to Charleston? Don’t miss Kidding Around Charleston where we feature multiple attractions.
See the flowers and play in a Peter Rabbit-themed children’s garden at the South Carolina Botanical Garden.
Enjoy a fun day at Columbia’s Riverbanks Zoo, EdVenture, or the South Carolina State Museum.
For families on a budget, our list of 10 budget-friendly family trips (under $25 for a family of four) is a great place to start looking for that next fun trip.
Check out these 10 delightful things to do at Clemson University, or try one of these 10 cool indoor activities in Clemson.
Try one of our day trip suggestions for South Carolina.
Traveling to Myrtle Beach? Check out our Myrtle Beach Travel Guide with tips on places to eat, stay, and play so you can make the best of your family trip!
Visit the Georgia Aquarium and the World of Coca-Cola in Atlanta.
Drive to one of the nearby science museums that offer reciprocal membership benefits for Roper Mountain Science Center members.
Tackle some great hiking trails like Rough Ridge off the Blue Ridge Parkway in NC.
Play mini-golf indoors at Group Therapy in Greenville.
Have a day of play at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate.
Visit Greenville Zoo and check out all of the wonderful animals.
Head to the Upstate Pinball Museum in Simpsonville for $10 play all day!
Take a fun drive through the Upstate and Western North Carolina to waterfalls that don’t require a hike!
Head to Athens, GA to see their beautiful botanical gardens, art museum, amazing playgrounds, and nature center, all for free.
Try one of our 10+ suggestions of indoor bounce houses, play parks, and trampoline parks in our Indoor Guide to Greenville.
Go roller skating at Roller Sports in Taylors.
Spend the day in Travelers Rest with this day itinerary And don’t forget to eat at the Whistle Stop.
Learn something new with one of these educational things to do in Greenville, SC.
Fly through the air on zip lines and ropes courses at Flying Rabbit Adventures in Greenville.
Visit one of these Day-Trip Worthy Towns in the Upstate, and spend less time in the car and more time exploring!
Take a self-guided tour on Friday and Saturday at Split Creek Farm and see baby goats.
See a gorgeous sunrise or sunset at any of these places
If the weather is warm enough, hang out at one of these awesome mountain sandy beaches
Go pick flowers! Spring flowers are ready for picking at several nearby farms! Here’s our list of places to pick flowers near Greenville, SC!
Watch our visit to Thompson Family Farms in Campobello, SC. We picked tulips.
March is a wonderful time to get out with your family and enjoy the Upstate! Here are some events over spring break in Greenville, SC. You can find more events for April spring breakers in our events calendar!
The Coolest Things to Do Are Right Here!
We would love to hear what fun plans you have for Spring Break!
Are you looking for things to do to celebrate Easter in Greenville? From Easter Brunch to seasonal craft events, Easter Egg hunts, and socially distant activities, Greenville has a lot to offer at Easter. To help you find just what you’re looking for, we’ve pulled all our Easter content and put it right here in this Guide to Easter in Greenville.
Are you looking for a place to bring the kids for an egg hunt? The Greenville area has a lot of Easter Egg hunt options. You’ll find traditional hunts large and small, some with eggs dropped by helicopter, and so much more!
Many people have an Easter tradition of viewing the sunrise. Find the perfect place to see the sunrise near Greenville this year with our list of places near Greenville to see the sunrise or sunset.
We’re currently updating this one for 2026. Check back soon for dine-in and take-out Easter brunch and dinner specials from Greenville’s restaurants. Planning to head out for brunch on Easter Sunday? It’s a popular day for brunch and many local restaurants offer special menus and seating times for Easter brunch. Don’t forget to make a reservation in advance! Many popular restaurants will fill up fast!
You’re dressing them up for Easter, so you might be thinking about getting that hair trimmed before those great Easter morning photo opportunities present themselves. We’ve got a list of the best places in Greenville for kids’ haircuts.
Have we missed some important Easter information you are looking for? Please let us know in the comments so we can add to this guide!
Searching for things to do in Greenville. SC this spring? Finally, the weather isn’t freezing and it looks like we made it through the worst of winter. There are even tulips showing their colors and trees flowering. It’s spring and time to get outdoors and enjoy all the great family-friendly events and egg hunts and festivals that come with this time of year in Greenville. We’ve gathered all our best spring content and set it up here so you can find something great to do this spring.
Are you in Spartanburg? Here’s our Spring Guide to Spartanburg.
Feel like playing with baby goats in the spring? There are places to do that. And want to join in all the Easter egg hunting fun? We’ve got that list here. What about hiking trails or camping spots? This part of the state is perfect for those activities. What about day trips or free things to do? Got those too.
Greenville is home to many local farms where you can spend some time with baby animals, especially in the spring. Not only can you see animals, but some farms even let you help out. Whether you want to bottle feed a goat, see a baby sheep, pet a horse, or just pick up some fabulous goat cheese, you’ll find a farm to visit in our list of places near Greenville to see baby animals.
We visited Thompson Family Farms in Landrum, SC for a little tulip picking. You’ll find everything you need to know in our review! Pick Tulips at Thompson Family Farms
Oh, does Greenville do festivals! And they do them well. Springtime has some of the best festivals the whole year like Artisphere showcasing visual and performing arts, or iMagine Upstate with robots, science and hands-on tech. And we can’t forget Greek Festival and the baklava! See our Spring Kid-Friendly Festival Guide for all of Greenville’s spring festivals.
What’s springtime without cute photos of your child racing for a brightly-colored Easter egg? Our Greenville Easter Guide features our Best Easter Egg Hunt list in Greenville. We’ll be updating our list as Easter gets closer. It has egg hunts, Easter Bunny brunches, bunny photo ops, and Easter activities. You’ll find tips for local egg hunts and a list of local restaurants with Easter Brunch in Greenville.
Whether your family plans to hang out in town, head out on a day trip, or hit the road on a family vacation, spring break means fun and we have some great ideas. Our Guide to Spring Break in Greenville features our gigantic list of 100+ Fun Things to do on Spring Break plus ideas for a budget-friendly break, travel destinations from Greenville, Vacation Rentals nearby, and a whole lot more!
There is no shortage of stellar hiking trails in Greenville and nearby in Western North Carolina. Our Guide to Hiking Near Greenville is large, and you’re sure to find an interesting trail to explore. You’ll find our readers’ favorite hikes, plus some that are perfect for families with little ones, and even a list of hikes for older kids.
If hiking is not the outdoor adventure you want, never fear. There’s no shortage of places to play outdoors in Greenville.
Places to Bike in Greenville
Places to Mountain Bike in Greenville
15 Awesome Places to Fish Near Greenville
Lake Jocassee with Kids
12+ Campgrounds Near Greenville Perfect for Kids
Best Places to Fly a Kite
Strawberries come into season right near the end of spring and picking berries with your kids can be really fun and entertaining. Plus, when you eat with the seasons, it can be so much cheaper! Pick lots of extra berries and freeze them to eat local all year round. Check out Where to Pick Your Own Berries This Spring for some ideas. We’ll be updating this list as berry-picking season approaches.
There are several berry festivals throughout the Carolinas and Georgia in mid spring and summer. There, you can enjoy pie eating contests, family friendly rides and games, and so much more in celebration of those juicy berries that we all love.
With spring comes gardens in bloom and there are several gorgeous ones in the area to explore, many of which kids will love. Here’s a list of more than 15 gardens near Greenville that you can visit. If you want to go a little farther, the gardens at the Biltmore are quite stunning. More on this incredible house in Asheville in our story, Visiting the Biltmore Estate with Kids.
There are so many beautiful and fun places to go that are anywhere from an hour to three hours away that make a terrific day trip. Our list of 26 Fun Day Trips for Spring is a great place to start your planning! Bonus: If you haven’t seen Kristina’s Western North Carolina Waterfall Driving Tour, you are missing out. It would be so fun to do over spring break!
The more free stuff to do with families, the better, right? You’ll find some great ideas on our massive list of Free and Cheap Things to Do in Greenville.
Kids Eat Free List
10 Free Things to do in Downtown Greenville
Our Parks and Playgrounds Reviews and Guide
Take a FREE tour of Split Creek Farm, a goat farm!
Visit a locally owned nursery to grab some plants and start that garden. Here’s where you can buy plants for your garden in Greenville.
What’s your favorite thing about spring in Greenville?
Are you looking for inexpensive date night ideas or cheap dates near Greenville, SC? Don’t worry. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to enjoy time with your loved one. Here’s a list of inexpensive dates in Greenville.
Dates nights can get pricey with dinner, a babysitter, and entertainment. But they don’t have to be expensive or fancy. You can still keep grown-up date night high on your priority list with creative and inexpensive date ideas.
There are tons of things couples can do around the area that won’t wipe out the month’s entertainment budget. Here are great opportunities to spend quality time with your loved one and even try something new together.
Falls Park is the gem of downtown Greenville. A walk around this beautiful park, over Liberty Bridge, and along the river is romantic and a perfect opportunity to talk, hold hands, and your loved one’s company. Grab an ice cream or coffee from Spill the Beans near the bridge, or pack a picnic and enjoy the view.
Rent bikes or bring your own for a ride along the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Stop at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe for incredible baked goods and coffee or hot chocolate.
No, not that kind of hike. This is supposed to be a fun day with your partner. The Greenville and Spartanburg areas have numerous natural parks with dozens of hiking trails ranging from easy to intermediate to difficult. Pack a lunch and make your escape.
For even more hikes, see our complete guide to hikes near Greenville, SC,.
Or, check out Hatcher Gardens in Spartanburg. It’s totally free to visit and a fabulous place for couples to walk and chat.
Salsa at Sunset is available at Camperdown Plaza over the summer and features a live band and dance lessons, all for free. The Foundry hosts line dancing every week with a minimal cover charge.
The Greenville Library System has so many cool classes for adults that include everything from art to knitting to music trivia to games. And it’s all free.
Tickets to Friday’s Starry Nights at the Roper Mountain Science Center are just $8 per adult (or free if you’re a member!). This is a lot of fun to do together. Be sure to see the night sky at the Observatory afterwards.
Many local breweries and entertainment facilities, like New Realm Brewing, Vaughn’s Food Hall, and Group Therapy, host weekly trivia nights. They usually don’t have a charge, and you can buy a drink to keep costs down instead of a full dinner.
If hiking isn’t your thing, consider a walk with more urban scenery. Downtown Greer is a fabulous place to take a walk, do a little window shopping, visit the park, or grab a coffee.
Helping others together is not only a beautiful example to children but also a wonderful bonding experience and a way to remember your own blessings. Try Greer Soup Kitchen or any of the places on this list of places to volunteer in Greenville.
GVLtoday put together this great list of places to have lunch under $10 in Greenville. Plus, lunch is usually cheaper than dinner at most places.
Watching a live sporting event is a fun way to spend quality time together. Tickets to see the Greenville Swamp Rabbits play hockey or the Greenville Drive play baseball are pretty cheap and a great way to do date night.
Instead of going out for a pricey dinner, consider taking a couple of hours in the morning to relax with a great cup of coffee. Here is a list of some great coffee shops in the area (or go with hot chocolate if that’s your thing). A breakfast date is also a cheaper alternative to a dinner night out.
Try Tandem Creperie in Travelers Rest for the best crepes ever. Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Scandi Tiny Coffee Shop are two other great places to check out.
The sunrises at Pretty Place at YMCA Camp Greenville are incredible. Get up early and go see for yourself. Bring hot coffee and muffins to make it extra special. Be sure to check the chapel’s calendar before you go to make sure there aren’t any private events.
Grabbing a great drink with your significant other in a cozy setting can be reminiscent of those first months of dating. Southern Growl in Greer has an extensive craft beer list and incredible food.
The art scene is vibrant at First Friday events in downtown Greenville, the Village of West Greenville, and Taylors Mill. Patrons can roam from gallery to gallery for free and enjoy the art.
The Greenville County Museum of Art is always free. They are open Wednesday – Sunday and also have special events that are often free so check out their website before heading out.
Groupon and Living Social are great places to find inexpensive tickets to area attractions. There are tons of restaurants, events, and activities available for discounted prices that make for fun and inexpensive date nights.
Looking for more fun date night ideas? Here’s your ultimate guide to date night in Greenville, SC!
RELATED ARTICLE: 10 Romantic Dates in Greenville
