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.
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
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 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. They alternate between a couple of locations throughout the Upstate each month, so follow their Facebook for locations.
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 our best fishing spots list.
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!
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.
Travel around and find all the amazing murals throughout Greenville county!
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 which opens back up April 1st, 2026 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 South Carolina Children’s Museum has a free Tell-Me-a- Story theatre twice per month.
You can also enjoy Storytime on the Steps at M. Judson Booksellers in Downtown Greenville on Wednesdays and Saturdays weekly!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Check out your local state parks Kids in Parks program (find which parks have the program here).
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.
★ FeaturedHave a child turning 6 years old in Greenville or Laurens County this month? Head to Pepsi of Greenville to pick up the birthday kids’ very own FREE Pepsi birthday party pack! This week only, your birthday kid can receive:
– 12 Pepsi Cans
– 12 Pepsi Balloons (not inflated)
– 12 Pepsi Pencils
– 12 Pepsi Tattoos
– A Pepsi party birthday certificate
Bring your child’s birth certificate to the Pepsi of Greenville office located at 751 State Park Road, Greenville, SC 29609.
– Pepsi Party Packs are available the month of or the month after your child’s 6th birthday.
– The Party Packs are available during the first full week of the month between 1–5 pm, M-F.
– Park in front of the building and enter through the front office.
Click Here to Find The Exact Dates Each Month Plus What You’ll Find in Your Prize Pack
The holiday season kicks off at Haywood Mall with Santa’s arrival! Enjoy a festive family evening with free holiday activities, character appearances, and live performances. Santa arrives at the Texas de Brazil entrance before heading to his set to meet families. The first 100 children to visit Santa’s helpers at that entrance will get a ticket for a free gift. Bring it to Santa’s set that evening to receive your gift and meet Santa. Photos with Santa will be available for purchase.
Grab lawn chairs and blankets for First Fridays: Movies in the Park at Trailblazer Park! This month’s showing is Fantastic Mr. Fox, starting at dusk. Come early to explore downtown Travelers Rest and grab a bite before the movie begins.
★ FeaturedFamilies walk together to simulate the daily trek millions of women and children make to collect water, raising funds to bring safe water to 1,500 people in need.
It’s a meaningful, hands-on way to introduce kids to global water issues, with a dedicated kids’ page for young walkers and options to join a team, volunteer, or start a church group.
Register: https://walkforwater.rallybound.org/2026-greenville-walk-for-water
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Event opens at 9 a.m.
Walk begins at 10 a.m.
Join us in Easley for a two-day shopping event filled with unique finds, curated treasures, and local handmade goods! Whether you’re refreshing your wardrobe, or searching for one-of-a-kind home accents, we’ve got something special for everyone.
- Dates: Friday, Nov. 6 & Saturday, Nov. 7
- Time: 9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Daily
- Location: 159 Mount Calvary Church Road, Easley, SC
- Admission: FREE
- Parking: FREE
What You’ll Find:
- Vintage and Antique Home Decor & Furniture
- Vinyl Records, Cassettes & VHS Tapes
- Vintage Clothing
- Toys & Collectibles
- Repurposed & Upcycled Finds
- Handmade Artisan Candles
Fretwell Market is a monthly, pet-friendly community market held on the Fretwell Lawn in Spartanburg. Shoppers can browse local vendors offering seasonal food and drinks, handmade goods, artisan crafts, and unique gifts. It’s a relaxed, family-friendly way to support local makers and enjoy a Saturday morning near the Rail Trail. The market takes place on the first Saturday of each month from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM.
👉Learn more here> Fretwell Market January | Fretwell Spartanburg
2026 Market Dates: January 3, February 7, March 7, April 4, May 2, June 6, July 4, August 1, September 5, October 3, November 7, December 5
Home Depot Kids Workshops happen on the first Saturday of every month from 9 AM–12 PM, offering free, hands-on building projects for kids with all supplies included (kit, tools, paint, apron, and instructions). Each month features a new themed project kids can build and take home, plus they’ll earn a collectible pin and certificate.
Find this event at your local Home Depot
👉Learn more about the upcoming Home Depot Kids Workshops
First Saturday of the month Other Lands has crafts, snacks, and rotating themed activities.
You can view their calendar on their webpage – https://www.otherlandsbrew.com/weekly-calendar
Story-based performance with dancers from the International Ballet. Families welcome
Join the Clemson University Symphony Orchestra on the Village Green at Patrick Square in Clemson, South Carolina, for Sergei Prokofiev’s beloved musical tale, Peter and the Wolf, featuring special guest narrator Provost Cole Smith.
This family-friendly concert introduces audiences to the instruments of the orchestra through a timeless story brought to life by music. Arrive early for pre-concert activities hosted by the City of Clemson Arts Center and Trudel Music Studio, including mask making, an instrument petting zoo and a Kindermusik session. After the concert, stay for Trudel Music Studio students’ November Recital.
Schedule
10 a.m. | Mask making and instrument petting zoo
10:15 a.m. | Kindermusik session on the Village Green
11 a.m. | Peter and the Wolf performed by the Clemson University Symphony Orchestra, with special guest narrator Provost Cole
Trudel Music Studio’s November Recital to follow.
Bring your littles to the front steps of M. Judson for our twice-weekly story time! Enjoy some wonderful picture books read aloud to the crowd by our very own booksellers, and children will even get a sweet treat to go. If you catch them on a rainy day or cold day, storytime is held inside in the children’s section toward the back of the store. Keep up with changes to the schedule here> Book Store & Coffee Shop in Downtown Greenville Check out our Review of Storytime on the Steps at M. Judson Booksellers!
FREE TO THE PUBLIC!
Join us for our Autumn Vendor Market! There will be over 50 vendors set up OUTSIDE, wrapping around the building! There will also be delicious food trucks to grab lunch from, a beverage trailer, bounce house, a highland cow petting zoo AND MORE! You don’t want to miss this awesome event and opportunity to support your local businesses and get a head start on holiday shopping!
🗓️ When? Saturday, November 7th 2026
⏰ Time? 11 AM until 3 PM
📍 Where? Westside Market Greenville located at 3510 Augusta Road Greenville, SC
Event is rain or shine (but will be reassessed if dangerous weather is in the forecast)
Story-based performance with dancers from the International Ballet. Families welcome
The event will feature local vendors, food, a beer garden, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice and bounce houses for children.
Families can enjoy offerings from Rigsby’s Smoke, Burgers, Wings & Grill, Rigsby’s Taproom & Social, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice and Salsarita’s Fresh Mexican Grill. Organizers are also adding a special patriotic activity for younger attendees. Children who salute the American flag and recite the Pledge of Allegiance will receive a coupon for a free Jeremiah’s Italian Ice.
It’s a simple but meaningful way to encourage children to learn about patriotism, service and the importance of honoring those who’ve worn our nation’s uniform.
Join High Falls County Park for its third annual Día de los Muertos celebration! Enjoy music, food trucks, free activities for kids, crafts, and a community ofrenda where families are invited to honor loved ones. A movie showing at 7:15 PM wraps up the festival.
★ FeaturedCelebrate fall at Hampton Park Baptist Church’s free Harvest Happening, featuring carnival games, cookie decorating, touch-a-truck, bounce houses, hayrides, and face painting for the whole family.
Meet Santa for free at Bass Pro Shops! The season starts with Santa’s Arrival Party on Saturday, November 7 at 5 p.m., with a tree lighting, treats, and a free mini reindeer plush while supplies last.
Free photos with Santa then run daily from November 8 through December 24.
Learn more here.
Each family gets a complimentary 4×6 print and a shareable video, and up to eight people can be in the photo. Reservations are required and open November 1. Time slots run about every 15 minutes starting at 10 a.m., and weekends near Christmas fill up fast, so book early!
Hartness Performing Arts Center at Christ Church Episcopal School
Experience just how vividly an orchestra can paint pictures and tell stories without saying a single word.
Arnold Bax’s November Woods takes us into a late-autumn landscape filled with wind, changing skies, fading light, and turbulence. From there, we meet one of music’s great troublemakers in Richard Strauss’ Till Eulenspiegel’s Merry Pranks, as the orchestra brings Till’s mischievous adventures to life. We finish with Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé, Suite No. 2, a dazzling display of orchestral color that takes us from a breathtaking sunrise to an exhilarating final dance.
As a pre-Thanksgiving tradition, Foothills asks their audience to help Greer Community Ministries replenish their food pantry for needy families by donating canned goods at this performance.
Join us at the reception following the concert and get to know the musicians over food and conversation. This Classically Casual Concert, Reception and Parking are – absolutely FREE!
Hear Ye, Hear Ye! A Royal Family Adventure Awaits! 🐉
Calling all kings, queens, knights, princesses, and dragon slayers! Gather your little lords and ladies for an afternoon of merriment, games, and medieval mischief!
Prepare for a royal good time filled with jousting, Renaissance recreation, and family fun fit for the whole kingdom. And fear not, hungry adventurers—there’s no need to feast on a turkey leg! We’re bringing the Middle Ages into the modern age with delicious medieval-style pizza from Local Pie Pizza! 🍕⚔️
So dust off your crowns, ready your swords, and bring the whole family for an afternoon of Renaissance revelry. It’s sure to be a knight to remember!
📅 Sunday, November 8, 2026
⏰ 4:00–6:00 p.m.
📍 Sanctuary Church
302 Parkins Mill Road
Greenville, SC 29607
All ye are welcome! Bring your little princes and princesses and join us for a royal celebration of food, fun, and fellowship!
FREE TO THE PUBLIC!
Join us for our November Trailblazer Market!
You’ll find the perfect hand crafted products, decor, art, farm goods, sourdough, sweets, salsa and SO MUCH MORE! We proudly present a wide variety of vendors! There will be OVER 50 small businesses in attendance for you to shop from, delicious food trucks to grab lunch, face painting and more!
This is an all OUTSIDE event! It is rain or shine!
SC Veterans Upstate Salute is an all-ages event dedicated to honoring our nation’s veterans and active-duty military. Admission is complimentary. Claim your free ticket here.
Scheduled Events:
– Headline concert featuring rising country artist Dylan Marlowe
– Warbirds Flyover
– Special Forces Parachute Team jump
– Drone Team demonstration
– K-9 Team demonstration
– Military vehicles on display
– National Anthem sung by firefighter Jake Mantooth
– JL Mann H.S. Drill Team
– Bugler (TAPS) performed by Ted Brocklehurst
– Greenville Pipes and Drums
– Rifle Salute
– Veteran Recognition
– Clemson Pershing Rifles Soldiers Battlefield Cross
– Clemson Pershing Rifles POW/MIA Table Ceremony
– Pledge of Allegiance and Flag Retirement performed by Boy Scout #159
– Armed Forces Song performed by Vocal Matrix
– Invocation and Benediction
Gather at the Landing: Neighborhood Thanksgiving Potluck
Saluda Lake Landing invites lake neighbors and their households to Gather at the Landing, a neighborhood Thanksgiving potluck on Sunday, November 8, from 4–7 PM.
Join us for a relaxed evening of good food, friendly faces, and beautiful lake views as we celebrate the community that made this season so special. Bring a favorite side dish or dessert to share, catch up with neighbors, and help us raise one last glass to the 2026 season with 50% off all alcohol!
The gathering takes place at Saluda Lake Landing, 605 Motor Boat Club Road, Greenville, SC 29611.
RSVP is required. Please include your address, household guest count, and the dish you plan to bring using the form below:
Experience the remarkable true story of three animal species rescued from brink of extinction. Join this amazing adventure to save California’s enchanting Channel Island Fox, China’s fabled Golden Monkey and the wondrous migrating crabs of Christmas Island. Discover the heartfelt and ingenious human efforts to rescue endangered species around the world. Doors close promptly at 3:30 p.m. If you need to leave for any reason, you are welcome to do so, but you will not be able to reenter the theater until the show is finished. Food and drinks are not allowed. Electronic devices should be set to silent. Target audience 9-adult. Some scenes may be disturbing for small children. Loud sounds and bright, flashing lights may affect some audience members. Registration opens two weeks before the show and is required for this free show. The entire presentation runs 50-60 minutes. Registration may be required.
Crafts, coloring, and games for ages 6–12. Join the library for a free program for kids and families.
What are your family’s favorite low-cost things to do in Greenville?
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!
Thanks so much! We’re so glad that you have enjoyed Kidding Around Greenville SC. : )
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!
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.
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.
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
Do you know when the jets downtown will be up and working? They have been closed since June.
They are back up now!
Thanks for the heads up about the burgers at Hall’s. My family will have to try them.
Apparently Halls Chop House no longer has the $5 burger?