50+ Fun, Free, and Unbelievably Cheap ($5 and below) Things to Do in Greenville, SC

Posted on | 11 Comments

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!

Free Things to Do in Greenville, SC

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.

Hours and openings are subject to change, so be sure to check with venues before visiting.

Also, we have the following articles about free things to do!
Downtown Free Things to Do in Greenville, SC
Free Things to Do with Toddlers in Greenville
Summer Free Things to Do in Greenville
Free Things to Do in the Winter in Greenville
Inexpensive or Free Things to Do Over Spring Break in Greenville
Free Dates in Greenville

Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park in North Carolina
Rainbow Falls, Gorges State Park, NC

Free Things to Do Outside in Greenville

Have your photo taken at the Medusa tree, Reedy River Falls, or Liberty Bridge in Falls Park on the Reedy.

Explore the Children’s garden and sculptures at the Cancer Survivor’s Park.

Go bird watching at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve.

Spend the day at the expansive Unity Park near Downtown, Greenville.

Explore the parks around Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Visit one of these amazing gardens near Greenville or if you have time to drive take in the views at Pretty Place at Camp Greenville. (Just be sure to check their schedule as many weddings take place during the warmer months there).

Volunteer with REI to help keep our beautiful trails trash-free. You can keep tabs on the REI events and join a guided hike or take an outdoor skills class. Or, try one of these places to volunteer outdoors in the Upstate.

Put your hiking shoes on and try one of these great local hikes. If you have small children, try a hike that’s perfect for small kids.

Visit a FREE car show, Cars & Coffee. There are several locational ones throughout the Upstate each month.

Play tennis in this cooler weather and use our comprehensive list of public courts.

Free fishing thanks to the South Carolina Fishing Tackle Loaner program where you can borrow a rod, reel, and tackle box for FREE. Check out Jackie Vest’s best fishing spots list.

Free mini-golf at McPherson Park in Greenville, SC

Enjoy some free mini-golf at McPherson Park.

Extend the frisbee fever and play disc golf at one of these local parks for free. The Upstate Disc Golf Club has a great review of the courses.

Chase waterfalls near Greenville with Kristina, our waterfalls expert. If you prefer waterfalls with no hiking, try our waterfalls driving tour.

Other than your picnic blanket, don’t forget your kite! See Greenville’s great spots for flying a kite.

Ride bikes on one of these trails or parks that are perfect for bike riders. Runway Park and Cleveland Park are perfect for little bikers!

Discover tons of free things to do in Downtown Greenville, SC

In Downtown Greenville? Be sure to see our list of Free Things to Do in Downtown Greenville!


Historic & Educational Free Things to Do Near Greenville

Great for visiting friends and family, take a free tour of downtown Greenville and ride the Downtown Trolley.

Anderson County Museum is open to the public and free to visit (donations accepted) and has many kids’ events. During your visit, you can explore a one-room schoolhouse, a water well, and a harness shop.

Be a tourist in your own town and find out the story behind all those sculptures around town. Use the Art in Public Places Downtown Public Sculpture Guide.

A baseball fan? Don’t miss the newly relocated Shoeless Joe Jackson’s Museum and Baseball Library, see the player’s former home, and enrich your knowledge of baseball trivia. Admission is free.

A great way to learn about history is to experience it! Check out Poinsett Bridge and Stumphouse Tunnel.

Unplug and learn what life was like during the pioneer days with a visit to Hagood Mill. Admission is free.

Our little Biltmore, have you been to the Kilgore-Lewis Historic House by Greenville Garden Club?

Venture out with the kids to one of these local, free storytimes!

The Greenville County Library System of tons of free programs to check out! The Hughes Main Library is a personal favorite.

Join Greenville Center for Creative Arts every first Friday of the month for a fun art activity at their kid’s art table, snacks, and a peek at some great art studios. Guests can also meet with local artists during their visit. This event is free.

A Greenville gem, visit Greenville County Museum of Art to see a fine collection of art and historical artifacts including rare pieces by potter and poet David Drake. Admission is free.

For a small fee, visit one of Greenville’s relatively new special interest museums, the Sigal Music Museum.

Mice on Main sign in Downtown Greenville, South Carolina

Free and Cheap Things to Do in Greenville for Kids

Always at the top of any free things list is our all-time favorite, Mice on Main.

Don’t forget to get your free kids’ workshop kits at local home improvement stores. Here is the Home Depot Free Kids Workshop schedule. We also have information on the DIY Kids Workshops available free at Lowe’s.

If you have a kid who loves crafts, head to JC Penney for their monthly free craft activity for kids.

If downtown Greenville has Mice, downtown Greer has Toads on Trade! Another fun hunt for kids has been revived thanks to a ten-year-old’s efforts.

Toads on Trade in Downtown Greer, South Carolina
Toads on Trade

There are many awesome free playgrounds in Greenville and here’s a list to prove it.

Take your family to one of these free (or cheap) spring festivals.

Earn prizes for free by reading in the summer with this list of places that offer free summer reading programs.

During the summer enjoy a free scavenger hunt at our local parks and earn prizes with the annual Park Hop.

Another secret free destination for little animal lovers is a visit to Petco or local pet stores around. Kids love examining the fish and animals in their dens. Check out more Secret Spots in Greenville.

Love bowling? During the Summer, Kid’s Bowl Free through several bowling alleys throughout the Upstate

In the summer, head to one of the free splash pads near Greenville.

Greenville County Animal Care’s Doggy’s Day Out program is a fun full-day option for animal-loving families, as well as the canines in their care! You get the company of a dog for a full day and one of their dogs gets a break from the shelter for a day by going on an adventure with you and your family.

Go to a free outdoor movie at one of our local parks. If you prefer indoor movies, try the cheap summer movies near Greenville offered by some local theaters.

Musgrove Mill in Clinton is a Revolutionary War Historic Site and is only $3 for adults, $1 for kids 6-12, and free for kids 5 and under to visit. Special events occur there throughout the year.

Take a free tour of the Duke Power Plant in Huntersville, NC and learn what happens when atoms collide! Open by appointment only.

Or, visit Duke World of Energy at Oconee Station.

The children's garden at Linky Stone Park in Greenvile, SC
Children’s Garden at Linky Stone Park

Food, Fitness, and Fun Things to Do

Many of our local Farmers’ Markets have a festive atmosphere with live music and more.

At Christmas, take the family on a free driving tour to see Christmas lights.

Want to add to your gardening knowledge? Check out free garden workshops by local master gardeners, or take a stroll, jog, or power walk through one of these Gardens Near Greenville.

Go on a free date with one of these ideas.

Celebrating your birthday? Sign-up for these goodies and get your free birthday treat thanks to these thoughtful local businesses.


Free Events for Families: Greenville, SC

These events and things to do have no admission and may have other free things like crafts and activities. Just click on each event for more information.

fri01mar10:00 amfri10:30 amStorytime @ TaylorsTaylors (Burdette) Library, 316 W Main Street Taylors, SC 2968710:00 am - 10:30 am(GMT-05:00)

fri01mar6:00 pmfri9:00 pmFirst Friday Art CrawlDowntown Greenville6:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-05:00)

sat02mar11:00 amsat2:00 pmThe Toasty FarmerFireforge Crafted Beer, 311 East Washington Street11:00 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-05:00)

mon04mar10:00 ammon10:30 amStorytime @ MauldinMauldin (W. Jack Greer) Library, 800 W Butler Road Greenville, SC 2960710:00 am - 10:30 am(GMT-05:00)

fri08mar5:00 pmfri7:00 pmEaster Egg Hunt/Spring Open HouseKroc Center Greenville, 355 South Hudson Street, Greenville5:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-05:00)

fri08mar5:00 pmfri7:00 pmKroc Center Egg HuntKroc Center, 424 Westfield St5:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-05:00)

sat09mar9:00 amsat11:00 amConestee Clean-upweatherConestee Nature Preserve, 840 Mauldin Road9:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-05:00)

sat09mar9:00 amsat1:00 pmMarch Craft Pop-up - Greenville State Farmers MarketGreenville State Farmers Market, 1354 Rutherford Road9:00 am - 1:00 pm(GMT-05:00)

sat09mar11:30 amsat1:00 pmWSBC Egg HuntWest Spartanburg Baptist Church, 431 Silver Lake Road11:30 am - 1:00 pm(GMT-05:00)

sat09mar12:00 pmFootball Family Fun DayTetrad Brewing Co., 603 East Stone Avenue12:00 pm(GMT-05:00)

sat09mar1:00 pmsat3:00 pmFREE Easter Bunny PicturesHobo Hollar Farms, 124 Old Converse Road1:00 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-05:00)

sat09mar1:00 pm2024 Downtown DribbleNOMA Square, 220 North Main Street1:00 pm(GMT-05:00)

sat09mar1:00 pmEaster Egg Hunt @ Trinity PresbyterianTrinity Presbyterian Church, 405 Trailblazer Dr, Travelers Rest, SC1:00 pm(GMT-05:00)

sat09mar11:00 amsat2:00 pmThe Toasty FarmerFireforge Crafted Beer, 311 East Washington Street11:00 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-05:00)

sat09mar12:00 pmsat3:00 pmWinter Farmers Market Pop-UpsTrailblazer Park (Travelers Rest), 235 Trailblazer Drive12:00 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-05:00)

sat09mar2:00 pmsat6:00 pmMusic on the Mountain @ Table Rock State ParkTable Rock State Park, 158 Ellison Lane 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm(GMT-05:00)

mon11mar10:00 ammon10:45 amLeprechaun Hunt: Mauldin BranchMauldin (W. Jack Greer) Library, 800 W Butler Road Greenville, SC 2960710:00 am - 10:45 am(GMT-04:00)

mon11mar10:00 ammon10:45 amLeprechaun Hunt: Travelers Rest BranchTravelers Rest (Sargent) Branch, 17 Center Street Travelers Rest, SC 2969010:00 am - 10:45 am(GMT-04:00)

tue12mar10:00 amtue10:45 amLeprechaun Hunt: Berea BranchBerea (Sarah Dobey Jones) Library, 111 N Hwy 25 Bypass Greenville, SC 2961710:00 am - 10:45 am(GMT-04:00)

wed13mar10:00 amwed10:45 amLeprechaun Hunt: Pelham Road BranchPelham Road (F. W. Symmes) Library, 1508 Pelham Road Greenville, SC 2961510:00 am - 10:45 am(GMT-04:00)

wed13mar10:00 amwed10:45 amLeprechaun Hunt: Fountain Inn BranchFountain Inn (Kerry Ann Younts Culp) Library, 311 N Main St, Fountain Inn, SC 29644 10:00 am - 10:45 am(GMT-04:00)

wed13mar10:00 amwed12:00 pmPositive Parenting Discussion Group: Managing Fighting and Aggression*Location details in description10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

wed13mar11:00 amwed11:45 amLeprechaun Hunt: Pelham Road BranchPelham Road (F. W. Symmes) Library, 1508 Pelham Road Greenville, SC 2961511:00 am - 11:45 am(GMT-04:00)

thu14mar10:00 amthu11:45 amLeprechaun Hunt: Augusta Road BranchAugusta Road (Ramsey Family) Library, 100 Lydia Street Greenville, SC 2960510:00 am - 11:45 am(GMT-04:00)

thu14mar10:00 amthu11:45 amLeprechaun Hunt: Simpsonville BranchSimpsonville (Hendricks) Branch, 626 NE Main Street Simpsonville, SC 2968110:00 am - 11:45 am(GMT-04:00)

fri15mar10:30 amfri11:15 amLeprechaun Hunt: Five Forks BranchFive Forks Library Branch, 104 Sunnydale Drive10:30 am - 11:15 am(GMT-04:00)

fri15mar5:00 pmfri8:00 pmFood Truck RolloutGreer City Park, 301 East Poinsett Street5:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat16mar9:30 amPlant Swap and Seed LibraryPelham Road (F. W. Symmes) Library, 1508 Pelham Road Greenville, SC 296159:30 am(GMT-04:00)

sat16mar10:00 amsat2:00 pmCommunity Easter Egg HuntLeroy Mathis Park, 50 Bishop Street 10:00 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat16mar10:00 amsat3:00 pm11th Annual Bellfest 2024Devils Fork State Park, 161 Holcombe Circle10:00 am - 3:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat16mar11:00 amsat2:00 pmThe Toasty FarmerFireforge Crafted Beer, 311 East Washington Street11:00 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sun17mar11:00 amsun3:00 pmBohemian Bull’s Leprechaun Brunch*Location details in description11:00 am - 3:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sun17mar3:30 pmAmerican Classics ConcertChapman Cultural Center, 200 East Saint John Street3:30 pm(GMT-04:00)

sun17mar12:00 pmsun4:00 pmMarket on MillDowntown Inman, 3 Main Street12:00 pm - 4:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sun17mar5:00 pmsun8:00 pmSt. Patty's Day PartyGroup Therapy Pub & Playground, 320 Falls Street Suite G5:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

mon18mar6:00 pmmon9:00 pmBohemian Bull’s Movie Mondays - “Elementals”*Location details in description6:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

tue19mar6:00 pmtue7:30 pmTown of Lyman FREE Easter Bunny PicturesLyman Event Center, 59 Groce Road6:00 pm - 7:30 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat23mar9:30 amsat11:30 amEaster EGGstravaganza at Southside Baptist ChurchFree family fun!Southside Baptist Church, 410 South Main Street9:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00)

sat23mar10:00 amsat12:00 pmResurrection Egg HuntEl Bethel Baptist Church, 313 Jones Avenue10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat23mar10:00 amEaster Egg Hunt @ Roper Mountain Baptist ChurchRoper Mountain Baptist Church, 300 Roper Mountain Road Ext10:00 am(GMT-04:00)

sat23mar11:00 amsat1:00 pmEggtastic Easter EventGreer City Park, 301 East Poinsett Street11:00 am - 1:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat23mar11:00 amsat2:00 pmEaster JamEaster Jam at GFN ChurchGFN Church, 1201 Haywood Rd, Greenville, SC 2961511:00 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat23mar11:00 amUnderwater Egg HuntDr. T.K. Gregg Community Center, 650 Howard Street11:00 am(GMT-04:00)

sat23mar12:00 pmsat2:00 pmChildren's Easter CelebrationJackson BaptistJackson Baptist Church, 2668 John Dodd Road12:00 pm - 2:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat23mar1:00 pmsat3:00 pmA Hoppy Springtime HuntMain Street Travelers Rest, Main Street1:00 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat23mar11:00 amsat2:00 pmThe Toasty FarmerFireforge Crafted Beer, 311 East Washington Street11:00 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sun24mar1:00 pmsun3:00 pmPre-Easter Pizza Party! FREE and fun for the whole family!Todaro Pizza, 116 North Markley Street1:00 pm - 3:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

mon25mar6:00 pmmon9:00 pmBohemian Bull’s Movie Mondays - "Finding Nemo"*Location details in description6:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

fri29mar3:00 pmfri4:30 pmEaster Egg Hunt and Community CookoutWest Village Post - Acute, 8 North Texas Avenue3:00 pm - 4:30 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat30mar9:00 amsat3:00 pmEaster Event @ Famoda FarmFamoda Farm, 3 Camp Creek Road Extension9:00 am - 3:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat30mar10:00 amsat11:00 amFREE Drum Circle*Location Details In Event Description, Location in the event description 10:00 am - 11:00 am(GMT-04:00)

sat30mar10:00 amsat12:00 pmEGG-cessible Easter Egg HuntNorth Spartanburg Park, 1160 Old Furnace Road, Boiling Springs10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat30mar10:00 amsat12:00 pmThe Hunt @ Hillcrest High SchoolHillcrest High School, 3657 Industrial Drive10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat30mar10:00 amsat12:00 pmSpring Festival and Egg HuntBethesda UMC, 516 Piedmont Road10:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat30mar10:00 amsat1:00 pmPalmetto Spring FestPalmetto Baptist Church, 2730 Anderson Road10:00 am - 1:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat30mar10:00 amsat1:00 pmEggVentureAdvent United Methodist Church, 2258 Woodruff Road10:00 am - 1:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat30mar10:00 amsat2:00 pmThe Bunny Hive Greenville Easter Party Sip and SeeThe Bunny Hive, 107 Mills Avenue10:00 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat30mar10:00 amEaster Egg Hunt @ Open Hearts United MethodistOpen Hearts United Methodist Church, 2703 Augusta Street10:00 am(GMT-04:00)

sat30mar10:00 amEasterific Egg HuntFirst Baptist North Spartanburg, 8740 Asheville Highway10:00 am(GMT-04:00)

sat30mar10:00 amEasterific Egg HuntFirst Baptist North Spartanburg, 8740 Asheville Highway10:00 am(GMT-04:00)

sat30mar11:00 amsat1:00 pmLRC's Easter Egg HuntLife Restoration Center, 523 Old Easley Highway11:00 am - 1:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat30mar11:00 amsat1:00 pmLRC'S Easter Egg HuntFree Admission, Free food, Free EggsLife Restoration Center, 523 Old Easley Highway11:00 am - 1:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat30mar11:00 amsat2:00 pmEaster Eggstravaganza @ North Spartanburg COGNorth Spartanburg Church of God, 2069 Chesnee Highway11:00 am - 2:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat30mar1:00 pmsat4:00 pmThe City Market Easter Egg Hunt at Bridgeway Station*Location details in description1:00 pm - 4:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

sat30mar4:00 pmsat7:00 pmCommunity Egg Hunt @ Bethany BaptistPoinsett Park, 5 Pine Forest Road4:00 pm - 7:00 pm(GMT-04:00)

What are your family’s favorite low-cost things to do in Greenville?

parks with swings
About the Author
How does Kidding Around® bring readers high-quality and up-to-date content month after month and season after season? We have a dedicated team of writers and editors who regularly update our fabulous content to keep it current and relevant for our readers. This team combs lists of events, heads out into the community to experience new Upstate offerings, and communicates with local businesses. Many of our updated articles and event lists, like this one, reflect the contributions and hard work of multiple Kidding Around® team members.

Sign up for our email newsletter.

Subscribe
Notify of

11 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
SuzyV
10 years ago

I am so impressed with this site! It is refreshing and simple to navigate. Being a grandmother of two toddlers I am always looking for new and exciting things that we can experience together. Thank you for making my google search worthwhile!

Bethany Winston
10 years ago
Reply to  SuzyV

Thanks so much! We’re so glad that you have enjoyed Kidding Around Greenville SC. : )

Kristie Humbertson
10 years ago

How do we get to some of the wonderful things you mentioned? We are new to the area! We are hoping to ride the trolley and see the childrens garden! Any help greatly appreciated!

Bethany Winston
10 years ago

Hi Kristie! You can find a trolley map here: & The Children’s Garden is at Linky Stone Park. You can park over there or walk to it from Falls Park by walking past the water jets, down the sidewalk, across the street, and it will be on your left. You can recognize it by the tall painted poles on the overpass. Have fun!

Be sure to visit gcma.org/events to find upcoming children’s programming. Visit gcma.org/see to find summaries of exhibitions on view.

Admin
9 years ago

Thanks, GCMA! I just added that information into the post. I know that my family has enjoyed every program that we have experienced at the museum.

Bobby Mangum
7 years ago

I lived all my life in Greenville and i can remember when west end was noting and up town did not have much.know I can say Greenville looks so good now.my wife and I go downtown a lot .we now lived in Greer ,sc.So proud of Greenville and the people that put it together.people like you

LT
6 years ago

Do you know when the jets downtown will be up and working? They have been closed since June.

5 years ago

Thanks for the heads up about the burgers at Hall’s. My family will have to try them.

Gal
2 years ago

Apparently Halls Chop House no longer has the $5 burger?