Posts Tagged ‘Educational Things to Do’

From Toddlers to Teens, This Free Museum Will Surprise You! 🖌️Greenville County Museum of Art

Want a quick, creative, and completely free outing with your kids? The Greenville County Museum of Art (GCMA) is a best-kept secret that offers a chance to teach kids about visual literacy and art right next to some of our favorite family spots in Heritage Green, downtown Greenville.

Why Visit GCMA With Kids?

Art appreciation doesn’t require an art degree. It just takes practice—and kids are natural at noticing details adults often miss. A visit to GCMA can turn into a playful scavenger hunt or a thoughtful discussion about what we see and feel. Best of all? Admission is always free.

Watch! What We Saw at GCMA

What to Look For: Art Exploration Ideas by Age

Whether you’re visiting with a toddler or a tween, there’s plenty to keep everyone engaged.

👶 Youngest Visitors

Turn your visit into an I-Spy game!

Look for shapes, colors, and lines
Spot overlapping or repeated shapes
Ask: “What looks a little weird or silly in this painting?”

🧒 Elementary-Age Kids

Encourage observation and storytelling:

Read the title and then look carefully—what do they notice?
Ask: “What do you think is happening here?” or “What’s the artist trying to tell us?”

🧑‍🎓 Middle School and Up

Check out the “Up for Discussion” exhibit, which features mature themes ideal for thoughtful tweens and teens.

Featured Artists to Discover

🎨 Jasper Johns
Explore repeated symbols and shifting meanings. Ask: “What looks the same? What’s different?”

🪶 Grainger McKoy
Marvel at lifelike bird sculptures and guess what materials were used. Ask: “Do you think that bird could fly away?”

Sundays Offer Events & Activities at GCMA

GMAC offers tours at 2 pm on Sundays as well as rotating activities such as Music in the Galleries, Sketching in the Galleries, and Poetry in the Galleries. One of our favorites is the monthly Family Art Adventure. It’s free but you do need to sign up in advance.

Pro Tips for Visiting with Little Ones

🖼️ The artwork is right there—within arm’s reach.

Remind your kids before entering that this is a museum where you can’t touch and that you need to stay 3 feet from the paintings.
Keep little ones in strollers or hold hands to ease stress (both yours and the guards’).

🕒 Don’t overdo it!
For toddlers, 10–15 minutes is perfect. Pair your visit with a stop at the Children’s Museum or the library nearby.

🚗 Free parking at Heritage Green on Saturdays and Sundays makes this an easy add-on to your weekend routine.

Museum Highlights

Largest collection of Andrew Wyeth watercolors in the world
Renowned Southern Collection—from historic portraits to abstract art
Fully accredited by the American Alliance of Museums

Accessibility & Group Info

Wheelchairs and walking canes available
Groups of 10+ should give three weeks’ notice (even for informal visits), but they can request a free tour.
Docent-led tours can be arranged on weekdays
Visitors with visual impairments can request special tours

📧 Email: education@gcma.org
📞 Call: 864.271.7570 x1017

Museum Etiquette (Especially with Kids!)

✅ Keep bags small
✅ No touching art (stay 3 feet back!)
✅ No food or drinks
✅ Photography is allowed but no flash or selfie sticks
✅ Sketching is allowed (pencil only)
✅ Keep voices soft and enjoy the calm

Whether you’re a regular or it’s your first time, a stop at the Greenville County Museum of Art can be the perfect family outing. And since it’s free, you can come back again and again as your kids grow—each time, they’ll see something new.🖌️

Ready to explore? Add GCMA to your family’s local adventure list today!

Open:
Wednesday through Saturday 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday 1 – 5 pm

Make your children’s worlds bigger at the Greenville County Museum of Art!

Don’t miss our list of Free Things to do in Greenville, SC!

Linky Stone Park Children’s Garden: Greenville’s Hidden Gem

Have you been to Linky Stone Park: Children’s Garden in Greenville, SC, yet? The best way to describe it is a magical, whimsical wonderland where you and your little ones can explore, learn, and play to your heart’s content! This charming garden that’s nestled and tucked away in the heart of downtown Greenville is a must-visit for families looking for a fun-filled day out.

View of the open space at Linky Stone Park

A Little Linky Stone Park History

Linky Stone Park: Children’s Garden opened in 1994. This storybook park was named after Allene Lawton Wyman “Linky” Stone. The park was dedicated to her by her children and grandchildren.

Discover a World of Wonders at Linky Stone Park

From the moment you step into the garden, you’re greeted with a sensory feast of sights, sounds, and smells. With colorful flowers, towering trees, and chirping birds all around, your little ones will be captivated by the garden’s natural beauty. Even in early spring, we could see hints of colorful flowers starting to bloom. I’ve made note to return in a month or two once all the greenery is fully revived… I’m sure it looks even more lush and magical.

But that’s just the beginning – countless surprises and delights are waiting to be discovered! From secret pathways and hidden nooks to bubbling creeks and whimsical sculptures, the garden is a treasure trove of wonders waiting to be explored.

Learn as You Play

The Children’s Garden is not just a place for play – it’s also an outdoor classroom where your kids can learn about nature and the environment in a fun and engaging way. Throughout the garden, you’ll find interactive exhibits and educational displays that teach kids about different plant species.

Various plants have plaques with QR codes that you can scan for more information about each species. There’s even an area where flowers are planted in a rainbow shape in rainbow colors.

Whether your kids are budding botanists or just love to explore, the garden offers endless opportunities for discovery and learning.

Create Lasting Memories

Most of all, the parks Children’s Garden allows families to connect, laugh, and make memories together. With a few benches and picnic tables, the garden is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or snack break.

Where is Linky Stone Park

The park sits quietly under the Academy Street bridge at River Street and Reedy View Drive, just off the Swamp Rabbit Trail. Unity Park is a short 0.4 miles away.

24 Reedy View Drive, Greenville

Parking at Linky Stone Park

There’s a public pay-to-park parking lot right across the street from the park. You can also try parking across River Street at the River Street Garage or Riverplace Garage, or toss your luck at finding an empty spot on the street.

So what are you waiting for? Pack a picnic and head to the Linky Stone Park Children’s Garden today. Your little ones will thank you for it!

Editor’s Note: The Children’s Garden at Linky Stone Park is in a semi-secluded setting. Some mothers may prefer visiting during the busier hours on the weekend or with a group.

Looking for more gardens to explore near Greenville, SC? We’ve got a list of the best beautiful gardens in the Upstate.

Take your kids on an adventure to one of the many parks and playgrounds near Greenville, SC.

Parks and Playgrounds Greenville and Spartanburg

Textile Mills in South Carolina: Upstate Historical Mills That You Can Visit

Looking for a unique history lesson at textile mills in South Carolina? The Upstate of South Carolina has a rich history of textile production. Many cities and towns were heavily influenced by the presence of textile mills and the eventual closure of those mills. When the mills were at their prime, Mill Villages boasted homes, schools, baseball teams, and even vacation destinations. You can see evidence of this mill history and mill village life all around the Upstate if you know where to look.

Many previous textile mills in South Carolina are now home to parks where you can explore their history, as well as enjoy some time outdoors. Load up the kids and check out these historic textile mill sites for today’s history lesson and get some sun while you’re at it! It’s so much more fun than learning history in a textbook, right?

Here’s a map of where they are located:

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Zoos, Nature Centers, & Aquariums Within 2.5 Hours of Greenville

Inside: Zoos and aquariums to visit with your family. All are within 2 and a half hours of Greenville, SC.

Looking for an aquarium or zoo near Greenville, SC? What kid doesn’t love getting up close and personal with a gray wolf, black bear, a giant shark, or a creepy tarantula? Which is why you might be thinking, “Where are all the zoos and aquariums near me?” If you live near Upstate, SC, you’ve found the list you’re looking for.

Families can check out all of those animals and more with the many zoos, nature centers, and aquariums all within a two-and-a-half-hour drive or less from Greenville, SC. This list includes zoos and aquariums in Greenville, SC, Columbia, SC, Atlanta, GA, Charlotte, NC, and Western North Carolina.

Check out all these educational things to do near Greenville, SC!

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Baby Goats = Pure Happiness at Split Creek Farm in Anderson, SC

Do you love baby goats? KAG’s Kristina Hernandez sure does. She visited local farm, Split Creek Farm in Anderson, SC, and got to spend some time with baby goats. You can head to Split Creek Farm and see goats, too. This farm offers tours, events, a farm store with delicious cheese and more.

For more fun things to do during the spring, see our gigantic Spring Guide.

When you have the chance to play with baby goats, you play with baby goats. You get insanely happy. You wear a silly smile on your face for hours. And then your heart breaks a bit when you can’t take them home.

That’s what happened at Split Creek Farm, an award-winning goat farm in Anderson, SC when I visited one morning. Time flew by as I got a tour from co-owner and goat-lover Sandra. We saw mama goats who were about to have their kids, baby goats playing together, baby goats sleeping all piled up together, baby goats eating my pants, and little tiny baby goats getting trained on bottle feeding.

I fell in love with a three-day-old little girl baby goat that had soft, black fur and let me hold her (ok, Sandra let me hold her). Seriously, this was blissful. It made me happy, which for me, is kind of hard to come by some days.

What Happens at Split Creek Farm

The stellar reputation of this farm precedes them. This farm has so many awards for their cheeses, goat milk products, and actual goats that they have a legitimate little museum on site to house all their trophies, ribbons, and plaques.

In 2022, they came in third place in the world for their Feta Marinated in Olive Oil and first place in the United States. In 2017, they beat out every single American producer and farmer in the cheese category for their feta. And in 2010, they took home the Gold Medal at the World Championship of Cheese Contest in Madison, WI, beating cheeses from France, Italy, and the US.

This little farm plays in the big leagues and they are darn proud of it, as they should be. They’ve been providing grade A goat milk for over 30 years and their passion just radiates from every aspect of the farm, from the little goat babies to end products of cheese, fudge, and yogurt.

You can purchase their products at the shop on the farm or online but also enjoy the cheeses at many Greenville restaurants such as The Anchorage, Farm Fresh Fast, Stella’s Southern Bistro, Passerelle, and a dozen others.

Kidding Season

Springtime is their busy season as kidding has begun, which is a round-the-clock operation. As a mother, I understand nighttime feedings, little sleep, and running on fumes. Split Creek Farm estimates they will have around 100 baby goats by the end of kidding season in April. These cute little animals that need round-the-clock care and feeding every two hours for the first two days of their lives, then hands-on care as they learn to feed themselves from the bottle for the next few days.

This goes on for months! I snuck a peek into one of the employee-only rooms off the little shop at the farm. There were five or six pack ‘n plays all lined up. I had stumbled into the goat nursery. Unfortunately, no newborn goats were there but just imagining the care that these little guys and girls need when they are born is overwhelming. Sandra told me she has a similar setup at her house, as does her co-owner, Jessica Bell.

Whoa.

I asked Sandra if she sleeps, which was like asking a new mom the same question. You can guess the answer.

Can I See Baby Goats, Too?

Yes! Split Creek Farm is all about educating the public on what they do, how they treat their animals, what they produce from the farm, and how cool goats are. They have Adirondack chairs and benches all over the place for guests to just come and hang out. They have a little shop that sells their goat cheeses, fudge, and milk plus all kinds of other goodies like goat stuffed animals, soap, and trinkets.

Baby goats, like baby humans, have a delicate immune system so you can’t just frolic around and hold the little guys and girls. Families especially have to be careful since kids tend to carry around germs more than others (or so it seems). But they are welcome to come and check out the kids and see the other animals.

Don’t miss their Spring Means Babies festival on April 19, 2025 from 10 am – 3 pm. You’ll be able to see all the babies and shop from cool, local vendors.

Educational Tours at Split Creek Farm

The farm understands the importance of educating the public because it pertains directly to their survival. If the public is familiar with how the farm works, what they do, and why it is important, the community will be more supportive, which benefits everyone. For children especially, learning where food comes from in a fun environment is beneficial to their education and knowledge.

Split Creek Farm is not a huge farm with lots of volunteers and employees. In fact, there are less than ten people that work there, which shocked me because I observed a mere fraction of the work that was being done and it was a great deal, more than I would have thought a small number of people could pull off.

They introduced a new, self-guided tour with plaques all around the farm that explain what they do, the different breeds of goats on the farm, and how milking works. It’s awesome and very educational. You can take the tour on Fridays and Saturdays when they are open for visiting hours.

Goat Yoga at Split Creek Farm

As you may imagine, Split Creek Farm goat yoga sessions are insanely popular. They allow guests to bring their yoga mats out in the field with the mama goats, who just love all the attention. The animals are gentle and just like to hang out and befriend whoever comes their way. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for dates.

“We probably do more playing with goats than actual yoga,” Sandra tells me.

Guests who come for goat yoga are also able to play with the baby goats (yay!), specifically the Nigerian dwarfs. These guys, oh my gosh, I can’t even write anything that accurately describes their energy. It’s totally different than the bigger mamas. The babies want to play with you and jump around and maybe eat your pants. I loved these guys and if Sandra wasn’t with me, I probably would have jumped into their pen to play with them.

Why is goat yoga so popular?

“Because it just makes people happy,” said Sandra.

Goats 4 Goodness

Speaking of making people happy, Sandra recently founded a non-profit called Goats 4 Goodness, whose mission is to “Do Good Things” for goats and people. They have already partnered with Make A Wish Foundation to give kids that last wish they may have of playing with goats or being a farmer for a day. Goats 4 Goodness also works with special needs kids, recognizing that goats are inherently playful and loving, and fun. They don’t judge anyone!

Using animals for therapy isn’t anything new, however, there are not many places, especially in this area of the country, that do it with goats. There is something special about spending time with goats that can heal or just help people to let go of their immediate reality and enjoy some moments of peace.

Sandra would know, too. She had a long and successful career in Washington, DC as the Deputy Chief of Police of U.S. Capitol Police and worked also at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center and as the Emergency Response Team Leader for FEMA. These are stressful jobs. She fell into destructive habits and went to rehab for several months. It was volunteering at Split Creek Farm where she turned her life around. Now she wants to give back to the community the goodness and healing she has found working with goats. You can learn more at their website or Facebook page.

Tips on Visiting Split Creek Farm

You can go to Split Creek Farm to shop (get the fudge, all of it) when the store is open but visiting hours (when you walk around, do the tour, or just hang out with the goats), is only on Fridays and Saturdays. Times are below.

Just understand that this is a working farm and there is a lot that needs to be done. The volunteers and staff are awesome and can answer your questions but they can’t take a couple of hours to walk you around. So watch your kids, follow the instructions on the signs, and wear proper clothes to deal with mud and dirt. No pets are allowed at the farm.

Also, if you or your children are battling a cold, come back when those sniffles are gone. Baby goats are susceptible to getting sick just like human babies and can’t afford to be exposed to sicknesses that early in life.

There are other animals hanging out there like chickens, cats, and dogs. They roam and will come and check you out. If your kids are scared of unknown animals checking them out, prep them ahead of time. The border collie, Sam, will probably just want to play with them though, and throw his toy around.

Lastly, enjoy your time at the dairy farm. Life is stressful. Adulting is hard. Playing with baby goats is relaxing, fun, and truly blissful. Whether for five minutes or two hours, visiting Split Creek Farm should go on your #mustdo list this year. Don’t miss out on this joy.

Self-guided tours are available Friday and Saturday 10 am – 6 pm. The farm shop is open Monday-Saturday 10 am – 6 pm.

Split Creek Farm
3806 Centerville Road, Anderson
864.287.3921

For more experiences with cute animals, check out 10 Places to See Baby Animals.

Model Train Museum in Taylors Mill: Old Fashioned Family Fun

Does your little one love trains? A great addition to Greenville’s list of indoor kid spaces is the Model Trains Station at Taylors Mill. Our KAG writer Anna Artz was fortunate to get a one-on-one tour with chief Engineer aka Model Train Station Chairman, Bob Rayle.

For a list of even more train related things to do in the Upstate see our list Trains in Greenville.

About the Model Trains Station

Mr. Rayle is the quintessential train hobbyist whose eyes sparkle when talking about the new Model Trains Station, “It’s run by train enthusiasts and made for families to have fun. We enjoy seeing smiling kids and see them getting excited when they see the trains and of course, to promote the hobby.”

The Model Trains Station is run by volunteers. It is a registered 501 (c) 3 and charges a minimal admission fee. They also have a donor program and family membership for avid fans of trains. Bob also talked about phase 2 of their plans for future education programs. The Station plans to “…teach electricity to little kids, all about light bulbs, circuits and switches.” They are also open to hosting birthday parties, corporate events and meetings.

Where Is the Model Trains Station

Housed in Taylors Mill Development, an upcycled old mill building complex, the Model Trains Station occupies about 16,000 square feet of space alongside artist studios. Visiting the Model Trains Station is like going to a giant train workshop. The building itself is fascinating, a former textile bleachery, the space is raw and full of history.

The Model Trains Station joins the rest of the creative Taylors Mill group in making historic buildings an alternative venue for the community. The mill gets busy when the weather gets warmer.

Model train on track next to rocky mountain with tunnel

The Model Trains Station opened in December 2017 with their fantastic O-scale Christmas village set-up. Presently, the holiday decor has long been removed but several running train lines continue to be a source of fun especially with a scavenger hunt designed for the kiddies to explore and enjoy the train village. My kids enjoyed running around hunting for the hidden figures. They were also delighted that they could play engineer themselves and operate a Thomas the Train railroad within the village.

Also featured in the exhibition space is a donated model of the city of Baltimore (HO train). Beautiful and professionally done cityscape, children will have fun viewing the trains running thru an urban landscape. On the other side of the room, is an HO scale model of Waynesville. Beautifully done by a master artist, the mountains surrounding the realistic lake are a labor of love. Lots of little scenes to spot in this scene, but you may have to lift your child to get a closer look or bring a step stool.

When you and your tots are tired of looking at trains on the move, MTS has a play corner where toddlers can tinker with wooden toy trains. The play area is located right beside a structure which will house their train repair depot. MTS plans for the office to have glass windows so visitors can see trains being repaired. Currently also in the works is a G scale railroad German Village donated to MTS, in pristine condition. There’s also the really cute railroad set-up by the children’s play area.

Our visit ended with soft rumble of the Norfolk Southern Line in the background. Yes, the mill is situated right next to a train track! Meanwhile, railroad enthusiasts can view the dispatcher ATCS display of train locations along the NS, in real-time. Little details like this combined with the knowledge and enthusiasm of its volunteers is what makes this place truly special. We’re so glad they’re here to stay!

How to enjoy the Model Trains Station

Play the scavenger hunt which can be found at the Lobby. Submit your completed form for a chance to win a raffle.

Play engineer and run Thomas the train track in the Lionel O display.

Talk to the resident volunteer engineer and ask them about how the models were made.

Check out the dispatcher ATCS display.

Learn about the different types of model train scales: G, O, HO, N, while examining the display cases filled with trains and model villages.

For tots, play with toy trains in the children’s area.

A few things to know

If you’ve never been to Taylors Mill, be prepared to drive thru a seemingly group of old buildings. Look for a red sign.

To view some of the exhibits, you will need to carry your child to see some of the details. Our visit lasted about 2 hours.

Inside the development, there is a big parking lot across the former bleachery buildings or Dock 2. Model Trains Station is in the building called Print Works 1, to the right of Southern Bleachery. You’ll have to climb a few steps to get to a glass door entrance. There is no ramp for strollers. Upon entry, the first thing you’ll see is a multipurpose hall, keep on walking till the next set of doors that leads to the artist warehouses and the train museum.

Public restrooms available.

Visit the Model Trains Station

Hours:
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 11 am – 5 pm
Sunday, 1 pm – 5 pm

Children (2- 12) $6, Children under 2 are FREE
Adults $10, Seniors $8, Military $8

Get a coupon for admission! You’ll find these in the 2025 Attractions book. Buy Yours Here!

Visit their website: Model Train Station.

250 Mill St. Suite BL1250, Taylors, SC, 29687
Tel. 864.605.7979

Would your kiddos love a visit to Model Trains Station?

See more things to do at Taylors Mill and discover events, things to do, and places to eat in Taylors, SC.

Looking for more indoor fun when it’s raining or too hot in Greenville, SC? We’ve got you.

Huge Catawba Science Center is a Fun Day Trip in Hickory, NC

The Catawba Science Center in Hickory, NC has so much to explore! See animals, build, learn about physics, space, gardens and more! We checked it out and have all the information you need to enjoy a fun day here as a day trip from Greenville, SC, or Charlotte, NC, or anywhere in between!

About Catawba Science Center

Exhibits

Aquarium

New Exhibits in 2025

Ever since I got my Roper Mountain Science Center membership, I’ve started planning day trips and homeschool field trips according to where my family can get in for free or half-price using the reciprocal membership benefits. The Catawba Science Center in Hickory, NC was on the list so that’s where we went.

Are you looking for more educational things to do near the Upstate? Check out our educational adventures post!

Educational Adventures near Greenville SC

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Learn Something Together! Check Out These Educational Adventures in Greenville, SC

Inside: Local parents share a detailed list of educational things to do in Greenville, SC, across the Upstate and in nearby North Carolina.

Are you looking for educational things to do near Greenville, SC?

Wondering where can you bring the kids for an educational adventure close to home in Upstate, SC?

From historic mill sites and battlefield hikes to nature observations and scientific discoveries, Greenville offers so many opportunities to learn while having fun. So, get out of the books and out for a family learning adventure! Even better, many of these adventures are free or very low cost.

Educational Things to Do

Educational Venues to Visit

Educational Things to Do Across the Upstate

Battlefields Nearby

Educational Day Trips in NC

Educational Events

Best Educational Fun: Who Has KABOOM?

The KABOOM Awards are Kidding Around’s annual best of contest. Readers say these are the TOP 5 Educational Places to Visit in Greenville, SC

Educational Sites and Things to Do In Greenville That You Don’t Want to Miss

See Hundreds of Raptors in the Air at Caesars Head: In the fall Caesars Head State Park is the place to be to see hundreds of raptors as they migrate.

Exploring Flight: Downtown Greenville Airport Park: Watch airplanes take off and learn about the amazing science behind flight.

Read our Kidding Around Review about Runway Park!

Runway Park at the Greenville Downtown Airport in Greenville, South Carolina

Butterflies at the Roper Mountain Science Center Butterfly Garden: Enjoy a morning at the butterfly garden at Roper Mountain Science Center. Learn about the butterfly life cycle. Take some photos, count the butterflies, sort them, and make a chart or some artwork!

Historical Textile Mill Sites You Can Visit: Visit these textile sites to learn about the Upstate’s unique local history of textile mills.

Watch The Trains Inbound From Charleston: Head to the Inland Port and see how cargo is moved across the country.

Head to Model Train Station at Taylors Mill to learn about the hobby of model trains and a little about the trains that run on the tracks right behind the mill.

Explore Space! Inspire your future astronaut or engineer. Find a dark spot of the sky to hunt for the International Space Station.

You can also learn more about the universe at the planetarium during Friday Starry Nights at Roper Mountain Science Center!

Read our Kidding Around Review of Friday Starry Nights at Roper Mountain Science Center to find out all you need to know about this fun event!

Birdwatch at Lake Conestee Nature Preserve: See how many different kinds of birds you can spot along the trails of Lake Conestee Nature Preserve.

Learn about electricity and how lights stay powered on at Duke Energy’s World of Energy near Lake Keowee.

Enjoy Shakespeare for free in the summer at Falls Park with Summer Shakespeare.

Educational Venues in Greenville

Viewing the goats at Greenville Zoo — Greenville Zoo

These facilities and venues in Greenville are wonderful places for families to learn together.

Educational Sites and Things to Do Outside of Greenville

Day Trips to See Dinosaurs! Check out dinosaurs at Roper Mountain Science Center in Greenville or plan a trip to one of these fabulous places to see dinos in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.

Hagood Mill Is A Free Historial Site In Pickens County: Check out an old grist mill, cotton gin, moonshine distillery, petroglyph site, and more at Hagood Mill.

Visit Stumphouse Tunnel for a look at a pre-Civil War tunnel intended to link Charleston, SC with cities in the Midwest by train.

Stumphouse Tunnel sign — Stumphouse Tunnel entrance

Learn about alpaca at Lucky Acres Farm.

SC Botanical Gardens: Check out a huge variety of plants, nature trails, and more at the 300 acres SC Botanical Garden. You’ll also find the Campbell Geology Museum on site. Admission is free to both the garden and the geology museum.

Visiting Columbia? Make your trip fun and educational! Check out EdVenture, the city’s wonder-filled children’s museum. You can also check out the Woodrow Wilson Family Home before making a stop at the Riverbank Zoo or the South Carolina State Museum.

Head to Atlanta to explore black history at these historic sites and museums.

Check out our Kidding Around Review of Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, SC!

Battlefield Sites Near Upstate, SC

There are several battlefield sites near Greenville for you to explore.

Musgrove Mill State Historic Site: Learn about the Revolutionary War battle at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site. Be sure to check out Blackstock Battlefield hike while you’re there!

Kings Mountain State Park: Hike through a Revolutionary War battlefield and living history farm.

Cowpens National Battlefield: Another Revolutionary War battle occurred nearby in Gaffney.

Bonus: If you like battlefield hikes and tours, take a day trip to Greensboro, NC to see where the Battle of Guilford Courthouse occurred. You can drive through the large battlefield and learn via signage at each stop. It was one of my family’s favorite Revolutionary War sites.

Nearby North Carolina Educational Adventures

The Schiele Museum of Natural History offers guests a look at prehistoric creatures and living. There is a lot to see and do in Gastonia, NC where the museum is located.

Visit Anne Springs Close Greenway for nature and historical hikes, plus events, water sports, creek stomping and more.

Western North Carolina Nature Center– Check out animals native to Western North Carolina at the WNC Nature Center.

Check out our Kidding Around Review of the Western North Carolina Nature Center!

Carolina Raptor Center– See all kinds of hawks, Eagles, owls, and more at the Carolina Raptor Center.

Carl Sandburg Home: The home of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and writer Carl Sandburg. Connemara is located in nearby Flat Rock, North Carolina.

Immerse yourself in the educational lessons found in nature at the Holmes Educational State Forest in Hendersonville, SC.

While in the Western North Carolina area, check out the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest in Brevard, NC to learn about forestry.

Educational Events Near Greenville, SC

Current Month

September 2025

mon29sep12:00 ammon12:00 amThis Weeks Storytimes: Spartanburg Libraries12:00 am - 12:00 am(GMT-04:00) *Location details in descriptionPrice:Free

mon29sep9:30 ammon11:30 amMusic Adventures @ Swamp Rabbit CafeThe Coffee Bar at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe9:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, 205 Cedar Lane RoadPrice:Cost is $18.50 per child, and $8 per additional sibling

tue30sep9:30 amtue11:30 amMusic Adventures @ Swamp Rabbit CafeThe Coffee Bar at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe9:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, 205 Cedar Lane RoadPrice:Cost is $18.50 per child, and $8 per additional sibling

tue30sep3:45 pmtue4:30 pmFun with PlaydoughHughes Main Library3:45 pm - 4:30 pm(GMT-04:00) Hughes Main Library, 25 Heritage Green Plaza, Greenville, SCPrice:Free

October 2025

wed01oct8:30 amwed10:30 amSaint Joseph’s Catholic School Open House8:30 am - 10:30 am(GMT-04:00) St. Joseph's Catholic SchoolPrice:Free

wed01oct9:00 amwed10:00 amMini Makers :: Rhythm MakersRecommended for ages 2-59:00 am - 10:00 am(GMT-04:00) TR Makers Co., 3 South Main Street, Travelers RestPrice:$10

wed01oct10:30 amwed11:30 amStorytime on the StepsM. Judson Booksellers - Greenville10:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) M. Judson Booksellers, 130 South Main StreetPrice:Free

wed01oct3:30 pmwed5:00 pmMakers Make Open Studio Kids Challenge :: YARN/FABRICRecommended for ages 5-123:30 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00) TR Makers Co., 3 South Main Street, Travelers RestPrice:$25

thu02oct1:30 pmthu5:00 pmAfternoon Explorations at RMSCThursdays & Fridays, September 11th - May 81:30 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Roper Mountain Science Center, 402 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville, SCPrice:$7 children / $8 adults / Members free

thu02oct5:30 pmthu8:30 pmNeighborhood NightUpcountry History Museum - Access for all!5:30 pm - 8:30 pm(GMT-04:00) Upcountry History Museum, 540 Buncombe Street Greenville, SC 2960Price:Free!

fri03oct10:00 amfri3:00 pmGreenville Zoo Homeschool DaysHomeschool days 10:00 am - 3:00 pm(GMT-04:00) The Greenville Zoo, 150 Cleveland Park DrPrice:$8

fri03oct1:00 pmfri4:00 pmAunt Het Festival Quilt Show "Sew Many Memories"Quilt show with Handcrafted Boutique, Children's activity table, Silent Auction and more1:00 pm - 4:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Fountain Inn Activities Center, 610 Fairview Avenue, Fountain InnPrice:Adults: $5 Children under 12 free

fri03oct1:30 pmfri5:00 pmAfternoon Explorations at RMSCThursdays & Fridays, September 11th - May 81:30 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Roper Mountain Science Center, 402 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville, SCPrice:$7 children / $8 adults / Members free

fri03oct6:00 pmfri9:00 pmFirst Friday's at Greenville Center for Creative ArtsExperience visual art6:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Greenville Center for the Creative Arts, 101 Abney StreetPrice:Free

sat04oct9:00 amsat10:00 amMini Makers :: Rhythm MakersRecommended for ages 2-59:00 am - 10:00 am(GMT-04:00) TR Makers Co., 3 South Main Street, Travelers RestPrice:$10

sat04oct9:00 amsat12:00 pmHome Depot In-Store Kids WorkshopHome Depot9:00 am - 12:00 pm(GMT-04:00) *Location details in descriptionPrice:Free

sat04oct9:00 amsat4:00 pmAunt Het Festival Quilt Show "Sew Many Memories"Quilt show with Handcrafted Boutique, Children's activity table, Silent Auction and more9:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Fountain Inn Activities Center, 610 Fairview Avenue, Fountain InnPrice:Adults: $5 Children under 12 free

sat04oct9:00 amsat4:00 pmHomesteading 201- Sheep, Goats and Native GrassesCome and learn how to raise sheep and goats using your land in a productive way. Whether for milk, meat or quality of life for your family.9:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Whispering Pines Dairy, 681 Campbell Bridge road SenecaPrice:$28.52

sat04oct10:00 amsat4:00 pmGorges State Park to Host Third Annual Mountain Monarch Festival on Oct. 410:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Gorges State Park Grassy Ridge Access, 976 Grassy Ridge Road Sapphire NCPrice:Free

sat04oct10:00 amsat5:00 pmFestifall at Historic Walnut Grove33rd Annual Colonial & Revolutionary War Weekend10:00 am - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Walnut Grove Plantation, 1200 Otts Shoals Street, RoebuckPrice:Adults (18 ): $13 ($15 at the gate), Children (3-18): $8 ($10 at the gate)

sat04oct10:00 amsat5:00 pmWarbird Weekend Static Aviation Show10:00 am - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Downtown Greenville Airport, 21 Airport Road Ext, Greenville, SCPrice:Free to attend. Fee to fly

sat04oct10:30 amsat11:30 amStorytime on the StepsM. Judson Booksellers - Greenville10:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) M. Judson Booksellers, 130 South Main StreetPrice:Free

sat04oct11:00 amsat12:30 pmManners and Tea with The Good Gatherings Co.Manners & Tea11:00 am - 12:30 pm(GMT-04:00) The Radiant Studio Collective, 302 N. Main Street, GreerPrice:$65.00 per person

sat04oct5:30 pmsat6:30 pmWicked Cake Class5:30 pm - 6:30 pm(GMT-04:00) Tip Top Cake Shop, 601 Williams AvenuePrice:$38

sun05oct10:00 amsun4:00 pmFestifall at Historic Walnut Grove33rd Annual Colonial & Revolutionary War Weekend10:00 am - 4:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Walnut Grove Plantation, 1200 Otts Shoals Street, RoebuckPrice:Adults (18 ): $13 ($15 at the gate), Children (3-18): $8 ($10 at the gate)

sun05oct12:00 pmsun4:00 pmAunt Het Festival Quilt Show "Sew Many Memories"Quilt show with Handcrafted Boutique, Children's activity table, Silent Auction and more12:00 pm - 4:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Fountain Inn Activities Center, 610 Fairview Avenue, Fountain InnPrice:Adults: $5 Children under 12 free

mon06oct12:00 ammon12:00 amThis Weeks Storytimes: Spartanburg Libraries12:00 am - 12:00 am(GMT-04:00) *Location details in descriptionPrice:Free

mon06oct9:30 ammon11:30 amMusic Adventures @ Swamp Rabbit CafeThe Coffee Bar at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe9:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, 205 Cedar Lane RoadPrice:Cost is $18.50 per child, and $8 per additional sibling

tue07oct9:30 amtue11:30 amMusic Adventures @ Swamp Rabbit CafeThe Coffee Bar at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe9:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, 205 Cedar Lane RoadPrice:Cost is $18.50 per child, and $8 per additional sibling

tue07oct10:00 amtue10:30 amTell-Me-A-Story TheatreSouth Carolina Children's Theater - Greenville 10:00 am - 10:30 am(GMT-04:00) South Carolina Children's Theatre, 153 Augusta StreetPrice:Free

tue07oct11:00 amtue11:30 amTell-Me-A-Story TheatreSouth Carolina Children's Theater - Greenville 11:00 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) South Carolina Children's Theatre, 153 Augusta StreetPrice:Free

wed08oct10:30 amwed11:30 amStorytime on the StepsM. Judson Booksellers - Greenville10:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) M. Judson Booksellers, 130 South Main StreetPrice:Free

wed08oct3:30 pmwed5:00 pmMakers Make Open Studio Kids Challenge :: CLAYRecommended for ages 5-123:30 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00) TR Makers Co., 3 South Main Street, Travelers RestPrice:$25

thu09oct9:30 amthu10:30 amKnee High NaturalistsConestee Nature Preserve9:30 am - 10:30 am(GMT-04:00) Conestee Nature Preserve, 840 Mauldin RoadPrice:$8-$10

thu09oct10:00 amthu1:00 pmHomeschool Day Thompson Farm10:00 am - 1:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Thompson Family Farms, 13830 SC-11, Campobello, SCPrice:$8 per student. Adults are free

thu09oct1:30 pmthu5:00 pmAfternoon Explorations at RMSCThursdays & Fridays, September 11th - May 81:30 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Roper Mountain Science Center, 402 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville, SCPrice:$7 children / $8 adults / Members free

thu09oct3:00 pmthu4:30 pmNature Discovery After School Club-ElementaryNature Discovery at Conestee Nature Preserve3:00 pm - 4:30 pm(GMT-04:00) Conestee Nature Preserve, 840 Mauldin RoadPrice:$10

thu09oct4:00 pmthu5:30 pmNature Discovery After School Club- Middle School StudentsConestee Nature Preserve4:00 pm - 5:30 pm(GMT-04:00) Conestee Nature Preserve, 840 Mauldin RoadPrice:$10

fri10oct1:30 pmfri5:00 pmAfternoon Explorations at RMSCThursdays & Fridays, September 11th - May 81:30 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Roper Mountain Science Center, 402 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville, SCPrice:$7 children / $8 adults / Members free

fri10oct5:00 pmfri8:00 pmEasley Community Safety Celebration5:00 pm - 8:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Downtown EasleyPrice:Free

sat11oct9:30 amsat10:30 amKnee High NaturalistsConestee Nature Preserve9:30 am - 10:30 am(GMT-04:00) Conestee Nature Preserve, 840 Mauldin RoadPrice:$8-$10

sat11oct10:30 amsat11:00 amTell-Me-A-Story TheatreSouth Carolina Children's Theater - Greenville 10:30 am - 11:00 am(GMT-04:00) South Carolina Children's Theatre, 153 Augusta StreetPrice:Free

sat11oct10:30 amsat11:30 amStorytime on the StepsM. Judson Booksellers - Greenville10:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) M. Judson Booksellers, 130 South Main StreetPrice:Free

sat11oct1:00 pmsat2:30 pmBumps and Bagels1:00 pm - 2:30 pm(GMT-04:00) New Mom School Greenville, 530 Howell Rd suite 109, GreenvillePrice:Free

sat11oct7:00 pmsat9:00 pmFoothills Philharmonic Chamber Concert – Spotlight: SoloistsChamber Concert – Spotlight: Soloists7:00 pm - 9:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Edward R Driggers City Of Greer Center for the Arts, 804 Trade Street, Greer SCPrice:Free

mon13oct12:00 ammon12:00 amThis Weeks Storytimes: Spartanburg Libraries12:00 am - 12:00 am(GMT-04:00) *Location details in descriptionPrice:Free

mon13oct9:00 ammon3:00 pmSCCT Workday WorkshopSouth Carolina Children's Theatre9:00 am - 3:00 pm(GMT-04:00) South Carolina Children's Theatre, 153 Augusta StreetPrice:$65 - $130 (depending on date/dates)

mon13oct9:30 ammon11:30 amMusic Adventures @ Swamp Rabbit CafeThe Coffee Bar at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe9:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, 205 Cedar Lane RoadPrice:Cost is $18.50 per child, and $8 per additional sibling

tue14oct9:30 amtue11:30 amMusic Adventures @ Swamp Rabbit CafeThe Coffee Bar at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe9:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, 205 Cedar Lane RoadPrice:Cost is $18.50 per child, and $8 per additional sibling

tue14oct11:00 amtue11:30 amTell-Me-A-Story TheatreSouth Carolina Children's Theater - Greenville 11:00 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) South Carolina Children's Theatre, 153 Augusta StreetPrice:Free

tue14oct11:00 amtue11:45 amOnce Upon an Orchestra: The Three Billy Goats Buenos by Susan Middleton ElyaSCCT and the Greenville Symphony Orchestra11:00 am - 11:45 am(GMT-04:00) South Carolina Children's Theatre, 153 Augusta StreetPrice:FREE

wed15oct9:00 amwed10:00 amMini Makers :: Monster MashRecommended for ages 2-59:00 am - 10:00 am(GMT-04:00) TR Makers Co., 3 South Main Street, Travelers RestPrice:$10

wed15oct10:30 amwed11:30 amStorytime on the StepsM. Judson Booksellers - Greenville10:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) M. Judson Booksellers, 130 South Main StreetPrice:Free

wed15oct3:30 pmwed5:00 pmMakers Make Open Studio Kids Challenge :: CARDBOARDRecommended for ages 5-123:30 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00) TR Makers Co., 3 South Main Street, Travelers RestPrice:$25

thu16oct1:30 pmthu5:00 pmAfternoon Explorations at RMSCThursdays & Fridays, September 11th - May 81:30 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Roper Mountain Science Center, 402 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville, SCPrice:$7 children / $8 adults / Members free

fri17oct10:00 amfri10:45 amZoo Tots10:00 am - 10:45 am(GMT-04:00) The Greenville Zoo, 150 Cleveland Park DrPrice:$20 non member $15 member

fri17oct1:30 pmfri5:00 pmAfternoon Explorations at RMSCThursdays & Fridays, September 11th - May 81:30 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Roper Mountain Science Center, 402 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville, SCPrice:$7 children / $8 adults / Members free

sat18oct10:00 amsat10:45 amZoo Tots10:00 am - 10:45 am(GMT-04:00) The Greenville Zoo, 150 Cleveland Park DrPrice:$20 non member $15 member

sat18oct10:30 amsat11:30 amStorytime on the StepsM. Judson Booksellers - Greenville10:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) M. Judson Booksellers, 130 South Main StreetPrice:Free

sat18oct12:00 pmsat5:00 pmPetals Book FairA Book Fair Event for All Ages12:00 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Petals Tea Shop and Bookstore, 3510 Augusta Rd, GreenvillePrice:Free

mon20oct9:30 ammon11:30 amMusic Adventures @ Swamp Rabbit CafeThe Coffee Bar at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe9:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, 205 Cedar Lane RoadPrice:Cost is $18.50 per child, and $8 per additional sibling

tue21oct9:30 amtue11:30 amMusic Adventures @ Swamp Rabbit CafeThe Coffee Bar at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe9:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, 205 Cedar Lane RoadPrice:Cost is $18.50 per child, and $8 per additional sibling

wed22oct10:30 amwed11:30 amStorytime on the StepsM. Judson Booksellers - Greenville10:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) M. Judson Booksellers, 130 South Main StreetPrice:Free

wed22oct3:30 pmwed5:00 pmMakers Make Open Studio Kids Challenge :: WATERCOLORRecommended for ages 5-123:30 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00) TR Makers Co., 3 South Main Street, Travelers RestPrice:$25

thu23oct1:30 pmthu5:00 pmAfternoon Explorations at RMSCThursdays & Fridays, September 11th - May 81:30 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Roper Mountain Science Center, 402 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville, SCPrice:$7 children / $8 adults / Members free

thu23oct3:00 pmthu4:30 pmNature Discovery After School Club-ElementaryNature Discovery at Conestee Nature Preserve3:00 pm - 4:30 pm(GMT-04:00) Conestee Nature Preserve, 840 Mauldin RoadPrice:$10

thu23oct4:00 pmthu5:30 pmNature Discovery After School Club- Middle School StudentsConestee Nature Preserve4:00 pm - 5:30 pm(GMT-04:00) Conestee Nature Preserve, 840 Mauldin RoadPrice:$10

fri24oct1:30 pmfri5:00 pmAfternoon Explorations at RMSCThursdays & Fridays, September 11th - May 81:30 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Roper Mountain Science Center, 402 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville, SCPrice:$7 children / $8 adults / Members free

fri24oct1:30 pmfri5:00 pmAfternoon Explorations at RMSC- Spooky ScienceThursdays & Fridays, September 11th - May 81:30 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Roper Mountain Science Center, 402 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville, SCPrice:$7 children / $8 adults / Members free

fri24oct2:00 pmfri3:30 pmUHM Homeschool DayUpcountry History Museum2:00 pm - 3:30 pm(GMT-04:00) Upcountry History Museum, 540 Buncombe Street Greenville, SC 2960Price:$11 per student & $14 per adult | UHM MEMBERS COST: $7 per student & Adults are FREE

fri24oct4:30 pmfri6:00 pmLanterns & Legends: A Haunted History TourUpcountry History Museum4:30 pm - 6:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Upcountry History Museum, 540 Buncombe Street Greenville, SC 2960Price:$10-$14 for non members

fri24oct5:00 pmfri6:00 pmCampfire talks with Ranger Madison5:00 pm - 6:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Paris Mountain State Park, 2401 State Park RoadPrice:Free with admission

sat25oct10:30 amsat11:30 amStorytime on the StepsM. Judson Booksellers - Greenville10:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) M. Judson Booksellers, 130 South Main StreetPrice:Free

sat25oct11:00 amsat1:00 pmSC Adopt a Stream Explorers11:00 am - 1:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Paris Mountain State Park, 2401 State Park RoadPrice:Free with admission

mon27oct9:30 ammon11:30 amMusic Adventures @ Swamp Rabbit CafeThe Coffee Bar at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe9:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, 205 Cedar Lane RoadPrice:Cost is $18.50 per child, and $8 per additional sibling

tue28oct9:30 amtue11:30 amMusic Adventures @ Swamp Rabbit CafeThe Coffee Bar at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe9:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) Swamp Rabbit Cafe & Grocery, 205 Cedar Lane RoadPrice:Cost is $18.50 per child, and $8 per additional sibling

wed29oct10:30 amwed11:30 amStorytime on the StepsM. Judson Booksellers - Greenville10:30 am - 11:30 am(GMT-04:00) M. Judson Booksellers, 130 South Main StreetPrice:Free

wed29oct3:30 pmwed5:00 pmMakers Make Open Studio Kids Challenge :: EMBOSSINGRecommended for ages 5-123:30 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00) TR Makers Co., 3 South Main Street, Travelers RestPrice:$25

thu30oct1:30 pmthu5:00 pmAfternoon Explorations at RMSCThursdays & Fridays, September 11th - May 81:30 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Roper Mountain Science Center, 402 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville, SCPrice:$7 children / $8 adults / Members free

fri31oct1:30 pmfri5:00 pmAfternoon Explorations at RMSCThursdays & Fridays, September 11th - May 81:30 pm - 5:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Roper Mountain Science Center, 402 Roper Mountain Road, Greenville, SCPrice:$7 children / $8 adults / Members free

fri31oct5:00 pmfri6:00 pmCampfire talks with Ranger Madison5:00 pm - 6:00 pm(GMT-04:00) Paris Mountain State Park, 2401 State Park RoadPrice:Free with admission

Looking for More Adventures?

Check out Kidding Around’s
Guide to Educational Travel and Day Trips!

Are you looking for more fun things to do in Greenville, SC? Check out our Kidding Around Guide To Things To Do in Greenville!

Did we miss a fabulous educational experience near Greenville? Let us know in the comments!

Your Kids Will Love the TCMU Location in Spartanburg, SC

Have you been to Spartanburg’s children’s museum yet? TCMU Spartanburg offers a fun and educational indoor activity geared specifically for children five years of age and under. This museum location is perfect for your littlest ones. With padded play areas, water play, a Publix mini grocery store, and a new Storyburg, there’s plenty for them to explore!

Looking for more indoor activities to entertain the kiddos this summer?
Check out our Indoor Guide to Spartanburg!

About TCMU Spartanburg

Located at 130 Magnolia Street in the heart of Spartanburg’s downtown, TCMU Spartanburg is an attached two-story building with two levels of interactive exhibits to explore. The hours are from 9 am – 4:30 pm Tuesday – Saturday and Sunday 11 am – 4:30 pm.

Tickets are $10 for SC residents and $15 for Non-SC Residents. Educators, homeschool students, seniors, and military receive a discounted ticket price of $8. Members and children under the age of 6 months get in free. TCMU also participates in the Museums for All Program, which means families can gain admission for $5 per person when they present an EBT card. Advance timed ticketing is encouraged for entry and can be purchased online.

With your museum admission, you have access ALL DAY and can come and go as needed. For example, you could go in the morning, head home for naps, and come back in the afternoon! You can also purchase a membership that allows access for your entire family for both the Greenville and Spartanburg locations.

Public parking is available off of Magnolia Street and there is also a parking garage directly across from the museum, which is reasonably priced. (Around $1 for two hours of parking.) There are also limited free spots in front of the storefronts along Magnolia.

This museum is specifically designed for children 6 and under and includes lower exhibits for smaller children and areas designed for babies.

1st floor at TCMU Spartanburg

TCMU Spartanburg has a friendly, helpful staff that will stamp your hand upon payment and entrance. This stamp allows you all-day access to the museum.

The first floor has stroller parking, as well. As you walk in you will see an enclosed padded play area for smaller babies. They can scoot, crawl, and toddle to their hearts’ content. This is a shoe-free zone, too.

Deeper into the museum is a fully stocked and recently remodeled Publix grocery store, pediatric doctor’s office, tree-themed climbing playhouse and slides, and leaf vacuum/blower.

2nd floor at TCMU Spartanburg

Head down the staircase or elevator to check out the basement level. There is an interactive water exhibit that features water spray spouts, building and manipulating currents, fishing poles, and lures, and special baby seats for the tiniest explorers to safely sit and splash in the water.

indoor play for todders at TCMU Spartanburg

Aprons are available to keep clothes dry, but you may also want to bring a change of clothes if your child doesn’t want to wear the apron.

Continue through the 2nd level and you will find a giant train table, another enclosed baby play area and the new Storyburg exhibit. Towards the back of the first floor (or closest to the stairwell going back up to the main entrance) is the classroom.

Special crafts and storytimes are located in the classroom and staff will invite children in to participate and create a project. This is great for kids of all ages as the craft can usually be as complex or as simple as the child wishes. For example, using pre-cut circles, my 6-year-old was prompted to create a picture of her family, while my 22-month-old and three-month-old were happy just to get to use glue sticks to paste as many circles as they desired onto the paper.

What makes TCMU Spartanburg awesome

There is SO much to do! Kids love it! Even my 6-year-old and her 7-year-old friend, who is technically over the age the exhibits are geared towards, were constantly occupied and having fun, but it is a magical level of freedom and exploration and play for my 22-month-old and three-year-old. All the exhibits are just the right height for them to play independently and without a plethora of older children, they felt confident and safe to freely explore and play.

They have never been ready to leave when I finally call it a day.

And, the open space of the floor plan means you can sit in a central location and still keep your children insight as they move from exhibit to exhibit. So if one child wants to explore the grocery store, while the other child wants to play doctor, and one more wants to climb into the treehouse and slide, you can easily keep an eye on everyone without having to negotiate locations with your children.

This is awesome! As a mother of three, I cannot love this more. The facilities are clean. Staff members are always tidying and the floors and toys are clean and accessible.

There are picnic tables outside the building if you want to pack a lunch or snack and sneak outside for a quick edible recharge, or you can walk to one of the nearby restaurants if you are looking for a more formal sit-down lunch and then head back to TCMU for more fun.

I am so excited and proud of Spartanburg for creating such a wonderful place for our youngest citizens to play and learn together. I look forward to many more playdates at TCMU.

Visit TCMU Spartanburg

TCMU Spartanburg
130 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg
864.233.7755

Tuesday – Saturday: 9 am – 4:30 pm
Sunday: 11 am – 4:30 pm

General admission: $10-15
Seniors & Military: $8
Members: Free

Here are all the best things to do in Spartanburg, SC!

Take a look at TCMU’s other location: TCMU Greenville

Have you checked out TCMU, yet? If so, we would love to hear about your experience!

50+ Fun, Free, and Unbelievably Cheap ($5 and below) Things to Do in Greenville, SC

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!

Free & Cheap Outdoor Activities

Free Historic & Educational Places to Visit

Things to Do for FREE with Kids in Greenville

Food, Fitness, & Fun Things to Do

Free Events

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.

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Posts Tagged ‘Educational Things to Do’

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1st floor at TCMU Spartanburg

2nd floor at TCMU Spartanburg

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