Looking for things to do during Thanksgiving in Spartanburg? Local mom India Menon offers ideas for Thanksgiving family-fun activities in Spartanburg. Whatever the weather or your family’s interests, there is something for everyone.
- Need something to do indoors? Here’s our huge list of things to do and places to play indoors in Spartanburg!
- If you’ll be in Greenville this Thanksgiving season, check out Things to Do over Thanksgiving Break in Greenville
Celebrate Thanksgiving in the Upstate! Find things to do, restaurants, pies, and more in our Thanksgiving Guide.
In our household, in addition to eating a filling home-cooked meal, Thanksgiving means making memories with family and friends. If you’re looking for ways to have fun together in the Spartanburg area during Thanksgiving week, here are some ideas to consider.
Note: Because schedules are always subject to change, be sure to call locations ahead of time to double-check event details and/or hours of operation.
Explore at TCMU-Spartanburg
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate Spartanburg is always a fun option for families with young kids. The museum is designed for children under the age of 5 and also includes Toddler Zones for guests under the age of 18 months. During Thanksgiving week, the museum is open Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday. The museum is in the heart of downtown Spartanburg at 130 Magnolia Street. Admission is $7 for SC residents and tickets can be purchased in advance. Members and children aged 6 months and under are free.
Get Outside
Whether you like the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, the feel of brisk cold rushing through your lungs, or enjoy a good old-fashioned leaf fight, Spartanburg and the Upstate offer a variety of outdoor venues for exploring, exercising, and playing. Hatcher Garden and Cleveland Park are two of our favorite outdoor spots in Spartanburg and Croft State Park is on my list of places to check out.
For more hiking options, check out the Kidding Around Ultimate Guide to Upstate Hiking for Families & Children. If parks and playgrounds are more your speed, check out this list of Spartanburg County Parks and Facilities.
Get Moving!
My family gets some exercise during holiday breaks and Spartanburg does not disappoint in that regard. In addition to a variety of outdoor spaces, Spartanburg offers roller skating, bowling, indoor trampolining, indoor rock climbing, and indoor bounce houses. For these and other indoor activities, check out our Indoor Guide to Spartanburg.
Turkey Trot
The YMCA of Spartanburg is hosting a 5K race on Friday, November 24, 2023 that you can join. Runners will also take to the streets of downtown Spartanburg for the PAL Spartanburg Turkey Trot 8K. Most of these races benefit local charities. Runners and walkers also earn cool swag like race t-shirts, finisher medals, and giveaways. In most cases, strollers are welcome. Register sooner than later!
Lighten Up
A family friend reminded me of a self-guided tour of the Lighten Up lightbulb sculptures that decorate downtown Spartanburg. A walking tour of these 30 bright bulbs is a good way to get in some exercise and/or do some important holiday-related window shopping.
Go Sock Skating
Sock skating opens at the Schiele Museum of Natural History in Gastonia on Friday, November 24th. What is sock skating you ask? Here you go.
Shop Til You Drop
If shopping is on your agenda, there are plenty of options for shopping local. Our Spartanburg Ultimate Shopping Guide promises something for everyone on your holiday shopping list.
Wild About Lights
Friday following Thanksgiving is the kickoff for a bunch of the Holiday Light displays! The Kidding Around Driving Routes of Upstate, SC Christmas Light Displays is a fun way to start the holiday season. Head out to view some FREE lights, and don’t forget to submit yours if you go all out!
Volunteer
In addition to crafting our first gratitude turkey this fall, my family will explore ways to give thanks by giving back to our community. Spartanburg offers a wide range of volunteering options for families. Learn more about volunteering opportunities in Spartanburg.
For more fun things to do the week of Thanksgiving, and every day, head to the Kidding Around Event Calendar!
