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.
Dust off your dance moves — Thriller rehearsals kick off Oct 6, leading up to performances at Falls Park and TD Saturday Market this Halloween season.
Thriller Rehearsals & Performances
Rehearsals:
- Oct 6 at 6:00pm
- Oct 13 at 6:00pm
- Oct 20 at 6:00pm
All rehearsals at KROC Greenville
Performances:
- Oct 29 at Falls Park — 4:30pm
- Oct 31 at TD Saturday Market — 9:15am
A third performance is being finalized — details to come
Register / learn more: https://www.dancecollab.org/events
Language we have to include for grant purposes: Thriller is funded in part by the Metropolitan Arts Council which receives support from the City of Greenville, MVW Manufacturing Company, SEW Eurodrive, and the South Carolina Arts Commission.
Storytime is for children ages 2-5. STEM Storytime will be on the first and third Wednesday of the month in 2026. Updates will be on the Spartanburg Science Center’s Facebook or website.
https://www.spartanburgsciencecenter.org/stem-storytime/
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!
Ages 6-12.
🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: 17 Center Street, Travelers Rest, SC 29690
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Ages 6-12
Join us on Wednesday, October 21 from 5:30-7 PM, at Bethesda UMC for Trunk or Treat. In addition, we will have games, crafts, corn dogs, S’mores. All are welcome! Our address is 516 Piedmont Rd, Easley.
JBF Greenville Fall & Winter Children’s Consignment Sale
Kids grow fast. Shopping for everything they need doesn’t have to break the budget!
Shop JBF Greenville’s Fall & Winter Sale, October 21–24 at Hejaz Event Center, where local families come together to buy and sell thousands of new and gently loved children’s items—all in one convenient place.
Families can shop for Fall & Winter clothing, shoes, toys, books, baby gear, strollers, nursery furniture, bikes, outdoor play, maternity, holiday items, gifts and more at prices well below retail.
Whether you’re looking for the next size up, stocking up on baby essentials, getting a head start on Christmas shopping, or just love finding a great deal, JBF makes it easier to stretch your family’s budget while giving great kids’ items another life.
EVENT DETAILS
📅 October 21–24, 2026
📍 Hejaz Event Center | 119 Beverly Rd., Greenville, SC 29609
🎟️ Early Access shopping available Wednesday, October 21
💗 FREE General Admission shopping October 22–24
🚗 FREE parking
FREE General Admission tickets are available online, or shoppers can choose an Early Access ticket to shop before the public sale begins.
Come see what thousands of local families are buying, selling and passing along at JBF Greenville!
JBF Greenville Fall & Winter Children’s Consignment Sale
Kids grow fast. Shopping for everything they need doesn’t have to break the budget!
Shop JBF Greenville’s Fall & Winter Sale, October 21–24 at Hejaz Event Center, where local families come together to buy and sell thousands of new and gently loved children’s items—all in one convenient place.
Families can shop for Fall & Winter clothing, shoes, toys, books, baby gear, strollers, nursery furniture, bikes, outdoor play, maternity, holiday items, gifts and more at prices well below retail.
Whether you’re looking for the next size up, stocking up on baby essentials, getting a head start on Christmas shopping, or just love finding a great deal, JBF makes it easier to stretch your family’s budget while giving great kids’ items another life.
EVENT DETAILS
📅 October 21–24, 2026
📍 Hejaz Event Center | 119 Beverly Rd., Greenville, SC 29609
🎟️ Early Access shopping available Wednesday, October 21
💗 FREE General Admission shopping October 22–24
🚗 FREE parking
FREE General Admission tickets are available online, or shoppers can choose an Early Access ticket to shop before the public sale begins.
Come see what thousands of local families are buying, selling and passing along at JBF Greenville!
Drop-in event for families. Supplies are limited.
Trunk or Treat at Bellamore in Greer!
Thursday, October 22
5:00 PM until the candy runs out!
552 Memorial Drive Extension, Greer, SC What to Expect
Plenty of Halloween candy and treats
Fun and creatively decorated trunks
Costumes encouraged! Family-friendly Halloween funDiscover autumn festivals (Day of the Dead, Diwali, Halloween, and others) through crafts. Kids can wear costumes.
We’re hosting a night of Line & Swing Dancing at Gather GVL on October 22nd! Whether you’re a pro or have two left feet, we’ve got you covered—we’ll have instructors teaching both styles every hour from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. (No Cover Charge)
Family night just got better! Kids eat free after 5pm with participating vendors and a kid’s movie on the big screen starting at 6pm. Showing tonight is The Haunted Mansion.
Grab a blanket and settle in for a free outdoor screening of Rocky III at the Moonlight Movies series in Falls Park! Showings run Thursday evenings through September and October, with Poppington’s Gourmet Popcorn available each week.
Explore Science Event | Friday, Oct. 23 | 4–6 p.m.
Bring the family for a free, fun-filled afternoon of discovery hosted by Clemson’s Science Outreach Center! Try hands-on activities, meet fascinating specimens, explore the night sky, and see science in action. Free snow cones will be served.
Make elephant toothpaste foam, reveal secret messages with disappearing ink, create rainbow tornadoes, and discover the science of flight with paper airplanes and a trebuchet. You can also explore genetics through tiger stripes, twist a Möbius band, solve math and logic puzzles, watch a Rubik’s Cube demonstration, and more. Planetarium shows and Museum of Natural History specimens round out the adventure.
Location: 230 Parkway Dr, Clemson, SC 29634
Register here: Sign up for Explore Science
A wickedly good time is back at Fluor Field for monsters of all ages, including your pups! Gather your family, round up your friends, and put on your best costumes for your favorite Halloween tradition, Green Monster Mash, presented by Coldwell Banker Caine. Enjoy an unforgettable afternoon filled with: Trick-or-Treating through the concourse with Costumed Characters, including Jesse and Woody from Toy Story and Jack Skellington and Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas; the Spooky Clubhouse with family-friendly scares; and family play zone on the field. Dress up in your best Halloween costume; step aboard for hayrides on the warning track; and enjoy live entertainment.
The Howl-O-Ween Hangout, presented by Noble Dog Hotel, gives pups their own special place to join the fun on the first-base side of the stadium, with Noble Dog Hotel and its partners hosting activities especially for canine guests.
Green Monster Mash is a Halloween celebration for the entire family, including the tail-wagging, four-legged members.
Thank you to our partners: CB Caine, Publix, Noble Dog Hotel, and VEG ER for Pets!
Friday Night Frights brings the best of the Mauldin community together for a night full of costumes, candy, and fun. Fill your bag full of treats by visiting the tents of local businesses and City departments, then enjoy a movie under the stars — Monsters, Inc. (PG, 2001) at 7:30 p.m. Parking and entry are free; bring lawn chairs or blankets. Leashed dogs are allowed. Outside food/beverages, smoking, weapons, and wheeled devices are not permitted.
Presented by Friends of The Little White House, join families at the Golden Strip Pumpkin Patch for a movie night in the patch — pick pumpkins and enjoy hotdogs, popcorn, and drinks for sale while watching a movie under the fall sky.
📍 Location: Golden Strip Pumpkin Patch, 215 SE Main St, Simpsonville, SC 29681
FREE event (donations accepted)
“Obey The Crave Presents Cars and Coffee at BridgeWay Station” and “Cars & Coffee of the Upstate” are happy to announce their 2026 schedule of events. For 2026, there will two locations. Keep an eye on Cars & Coffee of the Upstate Facebook page for all current information. Be sure to check out our review of Cars & Coffee
JBF Greenville Fall & Winter Children’s Consignment Sale
Kids grow fast. Shopping for everything they need doesn’t have to break the budget!
Shop JBF Greenville’s Fall & Winter Sale, October 21–24 at Hejaz Event Center, where local families come together to buy and sell thousands of new and gently loved children’s items—all in one convenient place.
Families can shop for Fall & Winter clothing, shoes, toys, books, baby gear, strollers, nursery furniture, bikes, outdoor play, maternity, holiday items, gifts and more at prices well below retail.
Whether you’re looking for the next size up, stocking up on baby essentials, getting a head start on Christmas shopping, or just love finding a great deal, JBF makes it easier to stretch your family’s budget while giving great kids’ items another life.
EVENT DETAILS
📅 October 21–24, 2026
📍 Hejaz Event Center | 119 Beverly Rd., Greenville, SC 29609
🎟️ Early Access shopping available Wednesday, October 21
💗 FREE General Admission shopping October 22–24
🚗 FREE parking
FREE General Admission tickets are available online, or shoppers can choose an Early Access ticket to shop before the public sale begins.
Come see what thousands of local families are buying, selling and passing along at JBF Greenville!
Each Saturday morning from early May through late October, two blocks of downtown Greenville’s Main Street are transformed into the TD Saturday Market, a vibrant open-air marketplace in the heart of the city.
The market features more than 75 vendors offering seasonal produce, prepared foods, and handcrafted goods, creating a lively community gathering space every week.
LEARN MORE HERE 🥕 Greenville Saturday Market, SC – Official Website | Official Website
Find special market happenings each week right here > Market Happenings | Greenville Saturday Market, SC – Official Website
Check for cancellations and special events on the TD Saturday Market Instagram
What to Expect
- Fresh, seasonal produce from farms located within 100 miles of Greenville
- Locally produced and prepared food items
- Handmade crafts and artisan goods
- Vendors encouraged to use locally sourced materials for crafts
Experience
The TD Saturday Market draws thousands of visitors each week who come to shop, explore, and connect with local growers, makers, and artisans in a welcoming downtown setting.
Why Visit
It’s a long-standing Greenville tradition that highlights local agriculture, craftsmanship, and community. The market offers a chance to experience the best of the region in one place every Saturday morning.
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!
★ Featured🎉 Join us for a day of celebration and creativity at the Greer Arts & Eats Festival on October 3rd from 11 am – 8 pm, taking place in the heart of downtown Greer! This vibrant event promises a delightful fusion of arts, music, culinary delights, and family-friendly fun.
🎶 Groove to the Rhythm: Immerse yourself in the electrifying atmosphere as we bring the streets of Greer alive with live music performances. Our carefully curated lineup of talented musicians will provide the perfect soundtrack for your day of festivities. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair!
👨👩👧👦 Creation Station: Bring the little ones along because we have an array of free kids’ activities that will keep them entertained from 11am – 3pm. From face painting to interactive crafts, there’s something for every age group.
🎨 Artisans Galore: Discover the creativity of over 80 artisans showcasing their unique and handcrafted treasures. Whether you’re looking for art, jewelry, home decor, or one-of-a-kind gifts, you’ll find it here.
🍔 Culinary Extravaganza: Satisfy your taste buds with an incredible selection of over 40 food vendors offering a diverse range of cuisines. From savory to sweet, there’s something to please every palate.
🍻 Craft Beer Haven: For the beer enthusiasts, we’ve got you covered! Explore our craft beer area and sample a variety of brews from The Southern Growl.
🌟 So Much More: Beyond the music, art, food, and beer, the Greer Arts & Eats Festival is an experience that goes beyond the ordinary. Expect surprises, interactive art installations, and a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the rich culture of our community.
Save the date, and make sure to invite your friends and family to this unforgettable day of entertainment and culture. Admission is free, and the festival runs from 11am – 8pm. Come join us for a day filled with creativity, delicious flavors, and endless fun in downtown Greer on October 3rd! We can’t wait to share this unforgettable experience with you. 🎉
Fun Run Start and Ribbon Cutting:
Anderson Recreation Center – 1107 N Murray Ave. Anderson, SC 29625
Linley Park – 1815 Park Dr. Anderson, SC 29625
Frightfully fun frolic with Spartanburg’s best-known ghost stories, plus local history research tools.
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?