Are you looking for things to do indoors with your preschooler in Spartanburg, SC? If so, local mom, Juliet has some fantastic ideas of nearby indoor activities your preschooler will love! Check out her suggestions for indoor preschool hang-outs and let us know others in the comments.
Let’s face it, walking in a winter wonderland or enjoying a warm, sunny day sounds great in theory, but not so much with your spirited preschoolers in tow! If extreme weather has nixed your usual outdoor activities and the dreaded cabin fever has hit your household like a ton of bricks, check out these low-cost, indoor activities in Spartanburg that are perfect for preschoolers. Keep it handy for rainy days, too.
Things to Do for Preschoolers Inside in Spartanburg, SC
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate – Spartanburg
Designed for children aged 5 and under, The Children’s Museum of the Upstate – Spartanburg is a cozy venue for letting little ones burn off some energy and explore. In addition to interactive exhibits for preschoolers, padded and contained areas on each of the museum’s two levels are designed for infants to crawl or cruise around safely while parents can keep an eye on an older, more independent sibling. The museum also has an active events calendar of drop-in events, such as Random Acts of Science, Open Art Studios, and Story Time & More. Admission is $7-9 and children under the age of six months get in free. Admission is also included with a TCMU membership.
The Spartanburg Science Center
Located on East Saint John Street in downtown Spartanburg, the John F. Green Spartanburg Science Center is a great way to spend a cold winter’s day. With interactive exhibits, a reptile room, and Legos galore, preschoolers can easily spend several hours playing, exploring new concepts, and observing nature.
Other exhibits include a robotic arm, a science mini-theatre with short films, and a 3-person Virtual Reality experience. Check out the Spartanburg Science Center website for current hours, admission fees, and holiday/summer camp opportunities.
Westgate Mall Children’s Play Area
Looking for some free entertainment for the kiddos? Look no further than the local Westgate Mall! An indoor play area- perfectly sized for little hands and feet to climb and jump- is located beside the Belk department store. Bring your extra quarters and send them around the tiny carousel nearby, too.
It’s rarely crowded during morning hours, and if you bring your stroller, you can even get in some fast-paced mall walking/exercise beforehand. Head to the food court for a special lunch treat or dessert afterward.
Storytime and Playtime
We all know how important reading is for preschoolers, and Spartanburg has great options when it comes to making reading fun. The Spartanburg Public Library Headquarters, located in downtown Spartanburg, has a fantastic setup of indoor play tables with puzzles, light boards, manipulatives, and drawing tables. Combine these self-paced play opportunities with a storytime full of songs, books, poetry, and the occasional puppet show and you have a preschooler’s paradise.
Check out Spartanburg Library Events for ALL the storytimes available in the county! Most storytimes follow up with a special child-led playtime – think of carts of toys! If you only get books at Spartanburg County Library, you are missing out!
Toddler Time at Big Air Trampoline Park Spartanburg
Every Wednesday and Thursday from 10 am -1 pm when Spartanburg District 6 schools are in session, Big Air caters to its littlest customers with their Toddler Time. Ages 6 and under have three hours to roam all of Big Air’s attractions without the intimidation factor of older children. Admission is $12 per jumper. Big Air even guarantees your little will play hard and nap harder!
Think outside the box
Looking for activities to get out of the house AND socialization opportunities for yourself and your preschooler? Join a local moms club – where activities like indoor crafts, parties, and playdates are scheduled on a weekly basis, check out church groups for Bible studies or MOPS that are kid-friendly. Join a gym with a childcare center or sign up for a weekly preschool gymnastics or music class.
What’s your favorite indoor activity for your little ones?
For more things to do inside, see our Kidding Around Indoor Guide to Upstate, SC.
