Searching for cheap things to do for spring break? Spring Break fun doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. There are plenty of things to do in the area and at home that will quickly fill up the downtime during the break and even better, don’t require a ton of energy or planning. Plus, they won’t break the bank or require a road trip. Read on to discover ten cheap things to do for an affordable spring break.
Looking for more about spring break in Greenville? Go to our Ultimate Guide to Spring Break in Greenville, SC for things to do, local travel, and more.
Cheap Things to Do For Spring Break: Ideas
1. Get that Garden Going
Have a garden? Spring break is the perfect time to plant seeds or grab starter plants from the garden store and prepare for a bountiful summer of homegrown fruits and vegetables. Clemson University in South Carolina has this handy chart for the best times to plant during the year. You’ll also find budget-friendly tips for planning your garden out before the warm weather starts getting hot.
If you don’t have the space for a garden, small pots can be used without taking up too much space. If that doesn’t work, Greenville County offers Community Gardens all around town where garden beds are available to purchase inexpensively and where you can grow vegetables and get tips from other community members about best gardening practices. You can also grab free seeds from your local library during one of their pop-up seed library events.
2. Family Movie Night
This is my go-to solution for cheap fun at home with the kids. It’s easy to pop some popcorn and dig through our movies or rent something online. Spread out a blanket and pillows and enjoy a family movie night. Some of my family favorite films are any of the Shrek movies, Hook, Zootopia, and E.T.
3 . Camping in the Backyard or Living Room
The top spring break destinations can be in your own back yard! For the brave parents and their kids, set up a tent outside and camp overnight in the backyard (or do it during the day – still fun and adventurous). Grill hot dogs and roast marshmallows and you’ve got a legit camping experience. Plus, if anyone gets scared, you’re close to a real bed and roof.
You can even bring the tent inside as long as it’s clean! We regularly do this with our young kids, and they love piling in the pillows and our dogs before watching movies from the tent. Then, we can avoid the dampness that comes with Spring morning dew, and still enjoy the giggles.
4. Hang out at the Library
The Greenville County Library system is huge and they have an array of programs for kids of all ages. There are also kid-only areas with computers, Legos, and sometimes, little castles with knights and ladies available for play. If you can’t get to the library, check out their online offerings. Your local library will have tons of programs to enjoy, no matter where you live!
5. Become an amateur astronomer
Stargazing is a free activity that kids love. There are so many cool tales of the constellations in Greek and Roman mythology that parents can read to their children while trying to find the stars in the night sky.
- Here’s how you can Spot the International Space Station orbiting Earth.
- This NASA app is a fun way to explore space with your kids!
6. Take a Hike
We always put hiking on our list of inexpensive things to do in the Greenville area because there are tons of great natural parks here with awesome hiking trails. We even made a huge Hiking Guide to help you out.
7. Bike + Picnic
Either rent a bike or take your own along the Swamp Rabbit Trail for a nice ride. Make a day of it by packing a picnic (or picking up
If mountain biking is more your family’s preference, check out this list of mountain biking parks and trails near Greenville.
8. Let’s Go Fly a Kite
Most dollar stores or big box stores have cheap kites or for the crafty parents, you can make your own. Legacy Park is especially spacious for running around with a kite. Cleveland Park and many other good parks for kite flying in the area have big, open spaces that work, too.
9. Clean Out Those Closets
This is a great activity for a low-key or rainy day during the break. As you change over clothes from spring to summer, this is an ideal time to gather gently used clothes and donate them to Goodwill, Miracle Hill, Safe Harbor, or the Salvation Army.
10. Volunteer
Meals on Wheels encourages families to volunteer with them and deliver meals to those in need. (Be sure to do an orientation beforehand, which are every Thursday at 9:30 am). You can also volunteer with the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Carolinas, with children 8 and older being able to participate in most volunteer opportunities. Here is a list with some other ideas for volunteering in Greenville, too.
Bonus: Mini Golf at McPherson Park
You can play minigolf at McPherson Park in Greenville for free! There is also a playground and lots of picnic space, so you can enjoy a long morning or afternoon there. You will have to bring along some clubs and balls, but they are pretty inexpensive from places like Play it Again Sports.
Do you have an inexpensive idea on how to have fun this Spring Break?
For more ideas, check out our giant list of Free and Cheap Things to Do in Greenville, SC.
Spring Has Sprung!
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Spring to enjoy the beginning of warmer weather.
