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.
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!
Take a photo with Santa Claus at the Greenville Christmas Market at Grand Bohemian Lodge, where European-style holiday festivities meet Southern tradition with local vendors, live music and festive food and drinks.
📍 Location: Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, 44 E Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC
👉 Read more
Dress up and celebrate Jane Austen’s birthday with parlor games and dances, themed treats, and discussion with other fans about her work and world. Please register online in advance. For teens ages 12-18 or in grades 7-12. Registration may be required.
Even the Grinch wouldn’t miss this. Join us for a movie night at the Middle Tyger Library on December 17 at 6:00 p.m. Enjoy seasonal snacks and watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas with us.
The 41st Festival of Trees, a cherished Greenville holiday tradition since 1986, fills the lobbies of two downtown hotels with nearly 100 uniquely decorated Christmas trees. It benefits the Freissle Family Women’s Center. Free and open to the public.
🎟️ Cost: Free. On view Nov. 20–Dec. 26, 2026, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
📍 Location: Hyatt Regency Greenville & Courtyard by Marriott Greenville Downtown
👉 Read more
Catch The Polar Express (rated G) for free at NCG Cinema Spartanburg’s Holiday Free Film Fest! A young boy rides the Polar Express to the North Pole and learns about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas.
🎟️ Cost: Free (reserve free tickets in advance)
📍 Location: NCG Cinema Spartanburg, 1985 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307
👉 Read more
Here’s the full list of movies and times: NCG Holiday Film Fest.
Take a photo with Santa Claus at the Greenville Christmas Market at Grand Bohemian Lodge, where European-style holiday festivities meet Southern tradition with local vendors, live music and festive food and drinks.
📍 Location: Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, 44 E Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC
👉 Read more
Catch The Polar Express (rated G) for free at NCG Cinema Spartanburg’s Holiday Free Film Fest! A young boy rides the Polar Express to the North Pole and learns about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas.
🎟️ Cost: Free (reserve free tickets in advance)
📍 Location: NCG Cinema Spartanburg, 1985 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307
👉 Read more
Here’s the full list of movies and times: NCG Holiday Film Fest.
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 last market of the year -Trailblazer Christmas Market 2026! – to find those last minute gifts for everyone on your Christmas list this year, and maybe a few things for yourself
You’ll find perfect hand crafted products, decor, candles, pet products, wood burned art, farm goods, sourdough, sweets, salsa and SO MUCH MORE! We proudly present a wide variety of vendors! There will be over 60 small businesses in attendance for you to shop from, delicious food trucks, hot coffee, face painting, pictures with Santa, and MORE!
This is an all OUTSIDE event! It is rain or shine but will be reassessed if dangerous weather is expected
Catch The Polar Express (rated G) for free at NCG Cinema Spartanburg’s Holiday Free Film Fest! A young boy rides the Polar Express to the North Pole and learns about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas.
🎟️ Cost: Free (reserve free tickets in advance)
📍 Location: NCG Cinema Spartanburg, 1985 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307
👉 Read more
Here’s the full list of movies and times: NCG Holiday Film Fest.
Take a photo with Santa Claus at the Greenville Christmas Market at Grand Bohemian Lodge, where European-style holiday festivities meet Southern tradition with local vendors, live music and festive food and drinks.
📍 Location: Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, 44 E Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC
👉 Read more
Catch The Polar Express (rated G) for free at NCG Cinema Spartanburg’s Holiday Free Film Fest! A young boy rides the Polar Express to the North Pole and learns about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas.
🎟️ Cost: Free (reserve free tickets in advance)
📍 Location: NCG Cinema Spartanburg, 1985 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307
👉 Read more
Here’s the full list of movies and times: NCG Holiday Film Fest.
Take a photo with Santa Claus at the Greenville Christmas Market at Grand Bohemian Lodge, where European-style holiday festivities meet Southern tradition with local vendors, live music and festive food and drinks.
📍 Location: Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, 44 E Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC
👉 Read more
Catch The Polar Express (rated G) for free at NCG Cinema Spartanburg’s Holiday Free Film Fest! A young boy rides the Polar Express to the North Pole and learns about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas.
🎟️ Cost: Free (reserve free tickets in advance)
📍 Location: NCG Cinema Spartanburg, 1985 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307
👉 Read more
Here’s the full list of movies and times: NCG Holiday Film Fest.
Take a photo with Santa Claus at the Greenville Christmas Market at Grand Bohemian Lodge, where European-style holiday festivities meet Southern tradition with local vendors, live music and festive food and drinks.
📍 Location: Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, 44 E Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC
👉 Read more
Catch The Polar Express (rated G) for free at NCG Cinema Spartanburg’s Holiday Free Film Fest! A young boy rides the Polar Express to the North Pole and learns about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas.
🎟️ Cost: Free (reserve free tickets in advance)
📍 Location: NCG Cinema Spartanburg, 1985 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307
👉 Read more
Here’s the full list of movies and times: NCG Holiday Film Fest.
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!
Take a photo with Santa Claus at the Greenville Christmas Market at Grand Bohemian Lodge, where European-style holiday festivities meet Southern tradition with local vendors, live music and festive food and drinks.
📍 Location: Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, 44 E Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC
👉 Read more
The 41st Festival of Trees, a cherished Greenville holiday tradition since 1986, fills the lobbies of two downtown hotels with nearly 100 uniquely decorated Christmas trees. It benefits the Freissle Family Women’s Center. Free and open to the public.
🎟️ Cost: Free. On view Nov. 20–Dec. 26, 2026, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
📍 Location: Hyatt Regency Greenville & Courtyard by Marriott Greenville Downtown
👉 Read more
Catch The Polar Express (rated G) for free at NCG Cinema Spartanburg’s Holiday Free Film Fest! A young boy rides the Polar Express to the North Pole and learns about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas.
🎟️ Cost: Free (reserve free tickets in advance)
📍 Location: NCG Cinema Spartanburg, 1985 E. Main St., Spartanburg, SC 29307
👉 Read more
Here’s the full list of movies and times: NCG Holiday Film Fest.
Take a photo with Santa Claus at the Greenville Christmas Market at Grand Bohemian Lodge, where European-style holiday festivities meet Southern tradition with local vendors, live music and festive food and drinks.
📍 Location: Grand Bohemian Lodge Greenville, 44 E Camperdown Way, Greenville, SC
👉 Read more
The 41st Festival of Trees, a cherished Greenville holiday tradition since 1986, fills the lobbies of two downtown hotels with nearly 100 uniquely decorated Christmas trees. It benefits the Freissle Family Women’s Center. Free and open to the public.
🎟️ Cost: Free. On view Nov. 20–Dec. 26, 2026, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
📍 Location: Hyatt Regency Greenville & Courtyard by Marriott Greenville Downtown
👉 Read more
The 41st Festival of Trees, a cherished Greenville holiday tradition since 1986, fills the lobbies of two downtown hotels with nearly 100 uniquely decorated Christmas trees. It benefits the Freissle Family Women’s Center. Free and open to the public.
🎟️ Cost: Free. On view Nov. 20–Dec. 26, 2026, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
📍 Location: Hyatt Regency Greenville & Courtyard by Marriott Greenville Downtown
👉 Read more
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!
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?