Do you have a preschooler? It is a full-time job to keep them entertained and making sure they are getting the best education. This guide offers a list of things to do with a preschooler in Greenville, SC and the Upstate, plus classes, preschools, and resources for your family. Your preschooler will love these activities and you will love making memories.

Summer Camps for Preschoolers

A great preschool summer camp experience is on this list.

The Greenville area offers a lot of summer camp options and it can be difficult to sort through them to find camps that are open to preschoolers. So, we made this list of Preschool Summer Camps because there are some really fun options for the 4 and under crowd when it comes to summer camps! Don’t miss them.

Every day is a good day at Shipshape Farm! Come on out to the farm this summer and have an old-fashioned, tech-free, good time. We will be getting our hands dirty with critters, gardening, games, projects, and just playing around! The theme for each camp is based on a classic Children’s book. Shipshape Farm makes everyday moments into memories!

Thank you Shipshape Farm for sponsoring this article.

Things to With Preschoolers Indoors Near Greenville

Start with our big guide of 25+ Indoor Things to do with Your Preschooler in Greenville, SC. Whether you are trying to stay dry or keep cool in the a/c, this list offers you choices of things to do with preschoolers indoors.

• Indoor Activities in Spartanburg, SC: We haven’t forgotten about our neighbors! We have a list for indoor activities for preschoolers in Spartanburg.
• Tot Times: Tot times are a designated time reserved for younger children. Places such as museums, bounce house, gyms, and more offer tot times.
• Story Times in the Upstate: Storytimes are an important part of cultivating a love of reading. These events are usually free and make reading fun!
• Children’s Museum of the Upstate: Greenville is home to the Children’s Museum of the Upstate. It is one of the largest museums and one of the first to be Smithsonian affiliated. The exhibits are hands-on, and they offer special educational programs.
• 10 Places in Greenville Where Preschoolers Can Make Art : Preschoolers are creative and love to express themselves. Nurture your preschoolers artistic skills at these places that hold space for preschoolers to create art.

Classes and Activities for Preschoolers

From art to rock climbing there are opportunities for your preschooler to take a class in Greenville. Some are year-round and some are seasonal, but they all offer enriching experiences.

Class and Activity Guide

Find a great class for kids in the Upstate.

Things to Do Outdoors With Preschoolers

• Greenville Zoo: Are you visiting the Greenville Zoo? Read this article to ensure you make the most out of your visit.
• Zoo Tots: Zoo Tots for preschoolers is an educational and fun. It is geared towards preschoolers and offers sensory play while also meeting a zoo animal!
• Hiking with Preschoolers: There are a lot of excellent hiking trails near Greenville, SC, but if you’re hiking with young kids, the trails on this list would be a great place to start.
• Trains: Does your preschooler love trains? Greenville, SC has spots to watch trains, trains to ride, and train-themed spots to play.
• Playgrounds for Preschoolers near Greenville: These playgrounds near Greenville are particularly awesome for preschool kids with features perfect for younger kids.
• Playgrounds: Not all playgrounds are built the same. We have listed 6 of the best park playgrounds in Greenville, SC.
• Downtown Greenville’s Runway Park: A unique park with airplanes and runways, check out this Greenville mom’s review of Runway Park.

Find the Perfect Preschool or Kindergarten

Private Schools: Is it time for kindergarten? If you’re looking for the best private school K5 or kindergarten option, this list will help you sift through all the options with location filters.

What do you and your preschooler like to do in the upstate? Tell us below in the comments.

There’s a new initiative in Greenville County that is providing free and low-cost access to preschools and other childcare facilities to families with young children. This initiative has been in the making for a long time, and it’s finally here. Read all about Greenville County’s new First Steps 4K program, learn eligibility requirements, and how this will impact our community.

The History and Purpose of First Steps 4K

Over 20 years ago, a group of community members, teachers, and parents got together to discuss how Greenville could serve families with young children. The number one goal was to provide access to free and low-cost childcare for these families. The Greenville First Steps board explored how to leverage federal, state, and local taxpayer-funded services in partnership with current childcare providers to create a network of services.

The result is finally here: First Steps 4K.

Greenville County School District, SHARE Head Start, and over 200 childcare providers in Greenville County have partnered to create a network of free and low-cost childcare services for families with 4-year-olds.

Childcare providers range from school-based to private to church-based, and most offer free 4K services. Some also offer discounted services for younger siblings.

Eligibility Requirements for First Steps 4K

There are eligibility requirements in order to receive the benefits of the program.

For the 2022-2023 school year, in order to qualify, your child must be:

• 4 years old on September 1, 2022
• Eligible for Medicaid, free/reduced-price lunch, or SNAP/TANF recipient; experiencing homelessness or transiency; or in foster care
• A resident of South Carolina

You can easily check your child’s eligibility at Free4KSC.org.

First Steps 4K+ Siblings Program

Siblings (ages 0-12) of 4-year-olds who are enrolled in First Steps 4K may qualify for childcare scholarships. There are some eligibility requirements. Read the details bout First Steps 4K+ Siblings program.

How First Steps 4K Works

Once your eligibility is confirmed, you’ll be able to select your choice of program type: private, school-based, community-based, or faith-based. All programs are in-person, 5 days a week during the school year. Most programs are full 8-hour days, and some operate year-round. It’s easy to filter through programs to find the perfect one for your family.

Choose your preferred program, and then submit your application online. Be sure to provide a working email address and apply soon. Spots are limited.

If you or a family you know might benefit from this program, you can visit Free4KSC.org for more information.