Want to teach your kids basic navigation and map reading skills while learning to love daily strolls around the neighborhood? Pokemon Go in Greenville, SC has entered the chat.
Maybe you just want to get your kids excited about any errand? Maybe you just need one more way to get them to go play in the yard. Well, then you’ll probably want to download the highly popular (and FREE) game app Pokemon GO, if you haven’t already.
Based on the old card and video games many of us had growing up, you can “catch” Pikachu, Squirtle, Bulbasaur and all your old after-school cartoon favorites. You can meet up with other players to battle at a “gym” as well. You can even join a local Pokemon Facebook group for pointers.
How does Pokemon Go work?
The premise is fairly basic. You walk around with the app on and Pokemon (pocket monster for those not in the know) randomly pop up on the screen. You can then throw Pokeballs at them to capture them by dragging the ball toward them on your touch screen.
This is where the crazy pictures you’ve seen online are coming from (but my phone’s AR mode never seems to work sadly). You can power up or evolve the various Pokemon into stronger forms; “transferring” excess Pokemon will give you more “candies” to develop the ones you keep.
Need more fun ideas?
Here’s your giant list of things to do near Greenville, SC!
Once you’ve reached level five, you can battle at gyms after joining either Team Mystic, Instinct or Valor. My five-year-old chose without even telling us, so yay Team Valor! Luckily the game isn’t cut-throat competitive so you can still progress and enjoy it even if say, your two-year-old, uses all the stardust you’ve been saving.
You can buy extra supplies with coins earned from gyms or purchased with real money and get lures, incense, et cetera to attract more Pokemon or otherwise improve your game. You can also hatch eggs with incubators but this can require walking up to 10K! If you’ve ever wanted to explore the Swamp Rabbit Trail, this would be good motivation!
Even if you can’t yet or don’t want to go to Poke-gyms, you can find various “poke-stops” all around town, most of which are Google points of interest. They both appear as blue pillars on the screens. When you are near one (even if just in your car) you can spin them to give you supplies like extra Pokeballs and eggs.
Pokestops can be various landmarks like say Haywood Mall or even just someone’s random “dog with basket” statue in their driveway. Many Chick-fil-A’s have one so we find ourselves often turning into their parking lot. However, never play while driving, and always be alert. You can pull over or backtrack if needed to a Pokestop. They’re not going to disappear. My kids can play while I drive but under strict instructions not to distract me in traffic.
📍 Best Pokémon GO Spots in the Greenville, SC Area
| Location | Address | Why Go |
|---|---|---|
| Gary L. Pittman Memorial Park | 420 Blacks Rd, Greenville, SC 29615 | Pokéstops, walking trail, playground — great for a dedicated GO outing |
| Mauldin Cultural Center | 101 E. Butler Rd, Mauldin, SC 29662 | Pokéstops and gyms on spacious open grounds |
| Swamp Rabbit Trail | Multiple access points, Greenville, SC | Long walking/biking route with Pokéstops along the way — perfect for hatching eggs |
| Haywood Mall | Greenville, SC | Pokéstop cluster; a handy option during errands or bad-weather days |
Pokéstop and gym locations are managed by Niantic and can shift over time. Always check the in-app map for the most current placements in your area.
Safety first when playing Pokemon Go
If you’re walking when playing be sure to stay alert, stop in a safe spot to check your phone, and look both ways before crossing streets. Seek out sidewalks or walking trails as to be more pedestrian-friendly. There are some great spots to play like Gary L. Pittman Memorial Park (420 Blacks Rd, Greenville, SC 29615) and Mauldin Cultural Center (101 E. Butler Rd, Mauldin, SC 29662). Check your in-app map to see current Pokéstop and gym placements — Niantic updates them regularly. Pokemon makes life into a big scavenger hunt so have fun and be safe!
Is your family playing Pokemon Go yet?
Frequently Asked Questions: Pokémon GO in Greenville, SC
Is Pokémon GO still active in 2026?
Yes! Pokémon GO remains one of the most popular mobile games in the world, with tens of millions of monthly active players. Niantic continues to release new Pokémon, seasonal events, and global Go Fest celebrations — so there is always something new to discover, even for longtime players.
Where are the best places to play Pokémon GO in Greenville, SC?
Parks and public spaces tend to have clusters of Pokéstops and gyms. Local favorites include Gary L. Pittman Memorial Park (420 Blacks Rd, Greenville, SC 29615), Mauldin Cultural Center (101 E. Butler Rd, Mauldin, SC 29662), the Swamp Rabbit Trail, and Haywood Mall. Always check the in-app map for the most up-to-date Pokéstop and gym locations near you.
Can I play Pokémon GO while driving?
No — and the game itself slows down or disables features when it detects you are moving faster than walking speed. Always pull over safely to catch Pokémon or spin Pokéstops. Passengers can play; the driver should always keep their eyes on the road.
Is Pokémon GO free?
The app is free to download on Android (Google Play) and iPhone (App Store). Optional in-app purchases let you buy extra Pokéballs, incense, and other supplies, but the core game is entirely free.
Nice article. Our family loves Pokemon Go!