10+ Dates that Cost $0 This Summer in Greenville, SC

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Looking for something to do that’s free for a date in Greenville, SC? Budget dates in Greenville are totally possible. We get that parents don’t always have the money for extravagant date nights but still want to get away and reconnect away from the kids. You don’t need a lot of money to do that! In fact, we’ve come up with lots of dates that are totally free.

If you can get a grandparent or family member or friend to watch the kids, then you don’t even need to pay for a sitter.

Free Summer dates in Greenville, SC

Go Swimming

Grab your bathing suit, towel, and map and head out to any one of these swimming holes for a few hours away, soaking up the sun and enjoying the cool mountain waters that surround Greenville.

Midnight Hole
Midnight Hole

Help Others

Volunteering is a great way to learn how to be grateful for what we have – and who we have in our lives. By volunteering together as a couple, you can enjoy a shared experience that will not only bring you closer together but positively touch the lives of others. Here are several places to volunteer in the area.

Go Miniature Golfing

You can mini-golf for free at McPherson Park in Greenville – just bring your own putter and balls (we’ve seen them for cheap at local thrift shops).

McPherson Park

See an Outdoor Movie

This is an easy, free way to watch movies. Greenville offers lots of places to see movies outside this summer for free. Bring a blanket and food and enjoy the big screen.

Bike Around Town

If you have a bike, use it. There are many trails in the area where you can ride your bikes together, all for free.

Stroll Through a Garden

The SC Botanical Gardens at Clemson are beautiful and a wonderful place to just take a walk together. Or head up to Lake Lure to stroll on the Flowering Bridge.

For a local option, visit Hatcher Gardens in Spartanburg.

Or, take a short trip up to Hendersonville, NC, and visit the Fairy Garden trail at Bullington Gardens.

Hatcher Gardens
Hatcher Garden in Spartanburg, SC

Be a Tourist

Falls Park in Greenville is probably the most iconic and recognizable part of town. There are plenty of benches and swings and trails in the park to enjoy a stroll. Take the time to check it all out, just like the tourists do. Bring a picnic and extend that date just a bit longer.

Liberty Bridge at Falls Park
Liberty Bridge at Falls Park

Tour Local Murals

Love art? Take a driving tour of local murals around town. Kick it up a notch with your significant other and bring along some snacks and/or chocolate.

Enjoy a Free Concert

Live music is back! Several local venues offer free concerts over the summer.

Learn About History

I personally love history and strolling through a battlefield is actually my idea of an interesting time. If you and your date are history buffs, try the Kings Mountain Battlefield Trail, a 1.5 mile paved path that takes you through the Revolutionary War battle on October 7, 1780.

Get Cultured

First Fridays in Greenville are all about art. You can tour area art galleries for free and many places serve complimentary adult beverages. Win-win. And the Greenville County Museum of Art houses some amazing exhibits and admission is free.

Take A Hike

There are no shortage of hiking trails in and near the Upstate – including several with waterfalls and swimming holes, perfect for summer. And lots of parks in the are free to enter so grab your partner, a picnic lunch, and water and have an adventure together.

Little Bradley Falls
Little Bradley Falls

Learn about History

The annual Chautauqua Festival features historical figures telling their stories in front of a live audience. It’s a popular and fun way to experience history – all for free. The festival is in June and has over 25 live shows.

Enjoy Some Shakespeare

From May 26 – July 31, 2022, you can check out the free Upstate Shakespeare Festival in Falls Park, Thursdays-Sundays, at 7 pm.

Do you have a free date night idea to add to our list?

About the Author
Kristina Hernandez is a mom of two girls, freelance writer and photographer. Originally from New Jersey, she is in love with the Upstate and could not imagine raising her kids anywhere else. She enjoys hiking to waterfalls, kayaking, camping, cooking, and exploring all that Greenville has to offer. And she really loves baby goats. Follow her on Instagram at @scadventurer.

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Tiffany Vo
5 years ago

Would you please put a caption on photos you post? For example, the picture of the swimming hole,, it would be great to know the location. Thanks!