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.
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.
Join us Saturday, October 24 from 2-4 pm for our Fall Festival! It is FREE and features a trunk-or-treat and bouncy house! Costume or not, load up the kiddos and head over to 400 Dupre Dr in Spartanburg (29307) on Oct. 24th, 2-4 pm! Questions? Visit our website (stchrisepiscopal.org)
Downtown Travelers Rest comes alive with costumed trick-or-treaters for this favorite fall tradition! Bring the family for trick-or-treating with participating local businesses along Main Street, plus games at the gazebo, free face painting, and lots of candy. Costumes encouraged; candy buckets required.
The Town of Duncan South Carolina hosts a Spooktacular Halloween Family Fun Night filled with free rides, trunk-or-treat, music, and fun for all ages! A Kid Sensory Only hour runs from 3–4 PM, followed by the main event from 5–9 PM. Local businesses, churches, and organizations will be handing out candy. Costumes are encouraged! Food and drinks are available for purchase.
Parkwood Baptist Church in Anderson invites the whole family to their Fall Festival! The evening features trunk or treat, a bounce house, refreshments, a cake/sweet treats walk, games and prizes, and live music. Everyone is welcome — bring your friends, neighbors, and family for a wonderful community evening of fall fun!
FREE TO THE PUBLIC!
We are teaming up with Blue Ridge Little League again to bring you an awesome, family fun filled evening at David Jackson Park! Memphis Fresh will be hosting a LARGE vendor/craft market on ball field #3 in addition to BOUNCE HOUSES, TRUNK OR TREATING, A COSTUME CONTEST, DELICIOUS CONCESSIONS, Spirit wear, GAMES, and MUCH more!
Join Fully Involved Events and Spare Time Greenville for a car show and trunk-or-treat with decorated rides, awesome characters, and lots of candy! Family friendly fun for all ages — dress up and enjoy free admission for the general public and trunk-or-treat. Car show entrants pay a $20 fee (includes a Spare Time play gift card) to compete for awards across five classes.
🎟️ Cost: Free (trunk-or-treat/general admission); $20 to enter a car in the show.
📍 Location: Spare Time Greenville, 822 Congaree Road, Greenville, SC 29607
👉 Read more
Boo on Mill returns to Inman. Come dressed in your best costume for the all age costume party. Enjoy trick and treating, DJ, and lots of spooky fun.
HopePointe Church invites you to our annual Trunk or Treat—a fun, safe, and family-friendly way to celebrate fall in the Upstate! This year, we’re keeping the spotlight on what everyone loves most: creative trunks, plenty of candy, and a welcoming community atmosphere. Mark your calendars, bring the whole family, and join us on our mission
Free Fall Festival at Keowee Marina with games, candy, vendors, DJ, and costumes.
This is a free family fun event complete with face painting, hot dogs and of course candy!
Join Advent UMC for a Trunk or Treat on October 25th from 4 pm – 6 pm.
Bible Baptist Church in Simpsonville hosts their Fall Festival — a free, family-friendly evening packed with fall fun! Activities include trunk or treat, face painting, bounce houses, hay rides, a raffle, and delicious food. Free entry and open to everyone in the community. Invite a family and come make great memories together!
Hope Point Church in Spartanburg hosts a safe, family-friendly Trunk or Treat in their parking lot! Families are invited to walk from trunk to trunk collecting tons of candy in a welcoming community setting.
📍 Location: Hope Point Church, Spartanburg, SC
Pelham First Baptist Church
2720 S. Old Hwy 14
Greer, SC 29650
Put on your Halloween costumes and go candy hunting down our Trail of Treats!
FREE Candy
FREE Boiled Peanuts
FREE Popcorn
FREE Prizes
Halloween-themed nursery rhymes create nurturing play experiences for babies; max 3 kids per adult caregiver.
Family Fun Night Oct. 26
Free balloon art from Joy Set Entertainment, a Halloween craft and a treat for every kid, and a reason to wear the costume one more time
BOILING SPRINGS, S.C., Oct. 14, 2026 – Blaze Pizza Boiling Springs, owned and run by local father-son team Stewart and Will Coates, will host its first Family Fun Night on Monday, Oct. 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. The event is free. Five days before Halloween, kids are invited to come in costume for free balloon art from local favorite Joy Set Entertainment, and every child will take home a Halloween craft and a treat, while supplies last.
Event Details
What: Family Fun Night at Blaze Pizza Boiling Springs
When: Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, 5 to 7 p.m.
Where: 861 Double Bridge Road, Unit B, Boiling Springs, S.C. 29316 (in the Target parking lot, beside the Boiling Springs Library)
Cost: Free. No tickets or RSVP required.
Babies and their caregivers are invited to wear costumes for a special Halloween bash featuring stories, songs, and finger plays.
🎟️ Cost: Free
📍 Location: Five Forks Library Branch, 104 Sunnydale Drive, Simpsonville, SC
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: 1-18 mos
Babies and their caregivers are invited to wear costumes for a special Halloween bash featuring stories, songs, and finger plays. 🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: Simpsonville Library, 626 NE Main St, Simpsonville, SC
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: 1-18 mos
Kids are invited to wear a costume and enjoy spooky stories and songs.
Kids are invited to wear a costume and enjoy spooky stories and songs. 🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: Berea (Sarah Dobey Jones) Library, 111 N Hwy 25 Bypass, Greenville, SC
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🧒 Ages: 5 & under
Kids are invited to wear a costume and enjoy spooky stories and songs. 🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: Greer (Jean M. Smith) Library, 505 Pennsylvania Avenue, Greer, SC
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: 5 & under
Bring your Pokemon cards and games to trade, battle, and more. Cards provided for game play or use your own. Ages 6-12.
🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: 25 Heritage Green Place, Greenville, SC 29601
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: Ages 6-12
Children are invited to wear costumes for Halloween-themed stories, songs, movement activities, and instrument play. 🎟️ Cost: Free.
📍 Location: Five Forks Library Branch, 104 Sunnydale Drive, Simpsonville, SC
👉 Read more
🧒 Ages: 18 mos-4 yrs
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?