Looking for South Carolina day trips? While we love Kidding Around Greenville, we also love kidding around other areas of South Carolina. If you are looking for some South Carolina day trips that are perfect for families, we have you covered! Check out our list of nearby family-friendly destinations for your next day trip.
As awesome as Greenville is (yay, Greenville!), sometimes we want to take our family to a new experience in a different place. Personally, I hate packing for overnight trips, so day trips are a perfect compromise.
After polling Kidding Around Greenville’s Facebook followers and questioning a few long-time natives, we have compiled a list of the most recommended day trip locations, all within easy driving distance of Greenville.
Are you looking for more day-trip ideas? See also:
- The Ultimate Guide to Day Trips near the Upstate, SC
- Day Trips in Western North Carolina
- Summer Day Trips
- Day Trips for Couples
- Our Greenville Travel Page
Please check original sources for the most current information on prices and times.
Day Trip Ideas in Columbia, SC
Eudora Farms
See our review of Eudora Farms, a drive-thru animal safari.
Check Eudora Farms Facebook for daily updates
Hours:
10 am – 4 pm daily, but check Facebook for updates as hours change depending on the line size to get into the park, weather, and other factors.
Admission:
$45 per car (up to 6 people), $5 for a bucket of animal food, $8.50 per extra passenger
219 Salem Lane, Salley SC | 803.564.5358
Check Eudora Farms Facebook for daily updates
Riverbanks Zoo
River Banks Zoo Website
Kidding Around Review of Riverbanks Zoo
Hours:
9 am – 5 pm daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas
Admission:
Adults (13-61): $24.99 + tax
Children (2–12): $21.99 + tax
Under 2: Free
Military: $22.99 + tax (show military ID)
Senior Citizens (62+): $22.99 + tax (show photo ID)
Parking: $5 per vehicle
Note: Riverbanks Zoo is not currently accepting reciprocal memberships.
EdVenture Children’s Museum
EdVenture Website
Kidding Around Review of EdVenture
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday-Saturday: 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm
Tuesdays: Closed
Admission:
Children and Adults: $13
Under 2: Free
Members: Free
State Capitol
Hours:
Guided and self-guided tours of the State House are available Monday – Friday at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 1:30, and 2:30
Admission:
Free
South Carolina State Museum
Hours:
Tuesday– Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
Sunday: 12- 5 pm
Admission:
Adults (13 and up): $8.95
Children (3-12): $6.95
Under 2: Free
(Blockbuster exhibits incur additional charge)
Day Trip Ideas in Anderson, SC
Diamond Hill Mine
Hours:
Sign in is 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, guests may dig until dark
Open 365 days a year
Admission:
Adults (18+): $20
Teens (13-17): $10
Children (7-12): $5
6 and under: Free
More Places to Mine Gems in the Upstate
Day Trip to Aiken, SC
Check out this full day trip guide to Aiken, SC on our sister site, Kidding Around Columbia.
Day Trip Ideas in Seneca, SC
High Falls Park
See our review of High Falls Park. Swim, play on the beach, climb on the playground, boat on the lake or enjoy a picnic.
Hours: 7 am – 10 pm
Admission: $3 per car
671 High Falls Road, Seneca, SC
World of Energy
Duke World of Energy Website
Kidding Around Review of Duke World of Energy
Hours:
Wednesday – Friday, 10 am – 4 pm
Call in advance to verify hours
Admission:
Free
South Cove County Park
Read Kidding Around’s Review of South Cove County Park. Hang out on the beach area, swim, shoot some hoops, enjoy the playground or a picnic, and a lot more at South Cove County Park.
Hours: 7 am – 10 pm
Admission: $3 per car
Day Trip Ideas in Clemson, SC
SC Botanical Garden
SC Botanical Garden Website
Kidding Around Review of SC Botanical Garden
Hours:
Sunday – Saturday: dawn to dusk
Admission:
Free
Sunset, SC
Sassafras Mountain
Visit the observation tower at Sassafras Mountain. This is the highest point in South Carolina, and you can get there for fabulous views without any hiking.
Admission: Free
1391 F Van Clayton Memorial Hwy, Sunset, SC 29685
South Carolina State Parks
Find all of our reviews of nearby State Parks in our Guide to South Carolina State Parks in the Upstate.
Devil’s Fork State Park/Lake Jocassee
Devil’s Fork State Park Website
Lake Jocassee Website
Hours:
Late spring to mid-fall: 7 am-9 pm, daily
Late fall to mid-spring: 7 am-6 pm, daily
Admission:
Adults: $8
Children: $4
5 and under: Free.
Table Rock State Park
Hours:
Sunday-Thursday 7 am-7 pm
Friday-Saturday 7 am-9 pm
During Daylight Saving Time: Sunday-Thursday 7 am-9 pm; Friday-Saturday 7 am-10 pm
Admission:
Adults: $6
Children (6-15): $3.50
5 and under: Free
Keowee-Toxaway State Park/Lake Keowee
Hours:
Saturday-Thursday 9 am-6 pm, Friday 9 am-8 pm
During Daylight Savings Time: 9 am-9 pm, daily
Admission:
Free
Lake Hartwell State Park
Lake Hartwell State Park Website
Hours:
Sun up to sun down, daily
Admission:
Adults: $3
Children (6-15): $1
5 and under: Free
Caesar’s Head State Park/Raven Cliff Falls
Hours:
9 am- 6 pm, daily
during Daylight Saving Time: 9 am-9 pm, daily
Trails close one hour before dark, year-round
Admission:
Adults: $3
Children (6-15): $1
5 and under: Free
Super Lists of Upstate, SC Fun
You can turn almost anything into a day trip. Here’s a few lists with many places to do some of our most favorite things, like creek stomp, kayak, learn some history, and more!
Places to Creek Stomp Near Greenville, SC
Places to Go Tubing Near Upstate, SC
Places to Kayak in Upstate, SC
Historic Textile Mill Sites to Visit in Greenville
Where is this picture of the train taken? I would love to take my 3yr old son there he loves trains.
That is at the SC Botanical Gardens in Clemson. It’s a beautiful place and also has a children’s garden with a miniature Peter Rabbit house and garden.
How about Landrum, Woodruff, Abbeville and other small little towns?
Do you have any suggestions of events in those areas? Sometimes it’s hard to get accurate information for smaller more rural area, but if you can tip us off to something we will add it!
I’m the Community/Economic Development Director for the City of Woodruff. We have great community festivals and events as well as a brand new community park with a splash pad and a greenway trail. We are also growing in businesses and other activities. I’d be happy to share details with you. We also post everything on our Facebook page (CityofWoodruff) and website (CityofWoodruff.com).
Just sent you an email Alyson.
Walnut grove plantation in spartanburg, cowpens battle field, historic brattonsville