Free Things to do for Families with Kids in Upstate, South Carolina » The Stay-at-Home-Mom Survival Guide
We fell in love with the Upstate of South Carolina on a visit to see my parents. They moved from the Atlanta area to Greenville, SC and lived only a mile outside of the revitalized downtown. Their condo was a short walk to beautiful Falls Park on the Reedy River. We would walk with the kids from the condo to the falls and to dinner.
The Greenville, SC area is loved by many and has seen tremendous population growth over the past 10-15 years. From a completely redesigned downtown, it is a bustling place full of unique shops, restaurants but still a casual, small town feel.
Of course in lively towns, there is always something to do with or without kids, but for families on a budget, going to the Peace Center for a show, or The Bon Secours Wellness Arena for a concert may not be possible. I have put together a list of our favorite free or low cost family activities in Greenville and Spartanburg, South Carolina.
>>>Don’t forget<<<Our entire collection of Free or Cheap Kids Activities by Location has free kids activities near you or where you are going this summer.<<<
Free Activities for Kids in Upstate, South Carolina
Hatcher Garden was one of the first field trips we took as a family after moving to Spartanburg County, SC. It is not far from Greenville but is completely FREE to enter. The walking paths take you through native plants and the free children’s playground is a wonderful spot to burn some energy and have a picnic lunch. My favorite is the twice a year plant sale. I have taken home a few Hatcher Garden plants to add to my gardens at home. It is a peaceful and fun place to stop.
Conestee Park and Nature Preserve
While living in our travel trailer, Conestee park was a wonderful break. The playground, walking trails, water fall and dog-friendly hiking was perfect for a family. It was cool when the summer heat hit and got us all outdoors. The parks and trails are all free. The big dog parks are great for family pets too. Our St Bernard loved getting to roam a bit.
Take the kids to play in the falls. This beautiful site is 15 minutes from our house. It is part of a historical battlefield park and trail as well. The kids from preschool on up will enjoy the cool water on a hot summer day. There is a parking fee to use the parking lot, but the falls are free. Bring a blanket and some chairs plus a picnic. it is worth the drive.
If your kids love watching airplanes, this park will keep them entertained for hours. The park is completely free to enter and play. There is an adjacent mini golf course that requires an entry fee. There is so much to do right in downtown at the park that you could make a day of playground time, mini golf and the cafe. There is even a military museum on site too. So much to explore.
Also in my neck of the upstate, the Leisure Center is a community center in Woodruff, SC. It has a community garden, playground, paved walking trail, outdoor gym, indoor fitness center, indoor gym and classrooms. Check the open gym schedule on their Facebook page and the kids can play basketball or other games in the indoor gym. There is no fee for the outdoor areas, although the community garden may require specific registrations for events to participate.
This playground is like an outdoor amusement park that is totally free to use. There is a splashpad that is open from May to September and covered picnic shelters for a shaded lunch or cool down. The path around features a Free Little Library and public restrooms. The baseball field can be used during times when league games are not being played. It’s a great playground worth visiting.
Cedar Falls Park and Playground
Fountain Inn, SC is one of my favorite small towns in the Upstate. Just east of it’s cute downtown area is a waterfall and playground plus walking paths that are worth a day trip. The shaded paths are great for kids and adults. The mine ruins are a cool site and the playground is wonderful for kids to burn some energy.
You can walk from downtown Greenville to the Greenville zoo. Or, you can bike from downtown Greenville up to Traveler’s Rest. The Swamp Rabbit trail covers miles and is free to walk, bike or hike with the kids.
Nestled in the middle of downtown Greenville, Falls Park is relaxing and peaceful even when it is full of people! The ducks are fun to watch, the open grassy spaces are great for kids to run, and the Freedom Bridge provides great views and photo ops.
The Creek at Campbell’s Covered Bridge
Go back in time and splash in a charming creek when you and the kids wander over to Campbell’s Covered Bridge in Landrum, SC. it is a special spot with a neat little hiking trail in the woods too. A great way to cool off in the middle of summer.
Splash Pad at Unity Park or downtown Fountain Inn
It doesn’t get more fun for little ones than splash pads all summer long. Make a splash pad bucket list and add the splash pad at Unity Park in downtown Greenville and the splash pad on Main Street, Fountain Inn to your summer activities list.
Attend a Greenville County Library event.
The library is a mom sanity saver during the summer. Beat the heat, read some books, and there are kids and even teen events at the Greenville library all summer long.
Spartanburg Country Libraries
Don’t miss the free kids events at the Spartanburg County Libraries. From storytime, craft time, LEGO building and even teen events, the libraries are a great place to cover every age group.
See a free outdoor movie. There are many towns in the upstate offering this fun event:
Greer City Park
Heritage Park
Trailblazer Park
Falls Park
Need more ideas for free kids activities for summer in Upstate, SC?
See Kidding Around Greenville’s list of 30+ Ways to Have Fun in Greenville for Free this summer.
Follow these local resources for more free or cheap kids activities in the Greenville, SC and surrounding area:
City of Greenville Parks and Recreation
City of Fountain Inn Municipality – Government
City of Greer Parks, Recreation & Tourism
Have a favorite free or cheap activity for families in your area? Submit it so other families can find out about it too! Use to submit your activity rec and we will get it added to our resource collection.
