Between its breathtaking scenery and lively cultural scene, Greenville, South Carolina is a limitless adventure with children. Particularly in the past 30 years, the long list of things to do with kids in Greenville has continued to rapidly expand. Now a destination for adults and children alike, families can explore everything from zoos and museums to a sprawling downtown packed with decadent bakeries, welcoming restaurants and endless shopping. Even as the fourth-fastest growing city in the nation, Greenville still maintains a Southern-town energy filled with local farms, outdoor recreation and a stunning natural backdrop.
Whether you’re heading there for a weekend away or planning to move to Greenville, explore the top 10 things to do with kids in Greenville in our list below. Set in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, kids can experience the magic of the natural world around them within a city dedicated to education and exploration.
1. The Peace Center
Introduce the excitement of live theatre to your kids at one of the many performance halls within Greenville’s Peace Center. Among the Peace Center’s resident companies include South Carolina’s Children’s Theatre, the Carolina Youth Symphony and Orchestra as well as a collection of statewide and international chorales and ballet companies.
Plan a big night out as a special gift or even get involved in one of the ensembles if you’re a Greenville resident. Performances and productions run the gamut for all ages and interests and may spark a new passion for fine arts in your child. Visiting The Peace Center makes for a perfect evening or afternoon out if you’re seeking indoor activities with kids in Greenville.
2. Downtown Greenville
People travel far and wide to explore Downtown Greenville, especially if they’re seeking an exciting afternoon with the kids. As one of the top downtowns throughout the nation, this pedestrian-focused plaza hosts over 100 business for fine and local shopping, offering children endless places to explore and discover.
Stroll from street to street—each neighborhood boasting its own variety of shopping and restaurants—or hop on the trolley for a fun ride to see the entire city. When you need a break from the bustle of downtown, head to the nearby Falls Park on the Reedy beneath the beautiful Liberty Bridge. Perfect for a day that balances nature with structured activities, Greenville’s Downtown is a hub for excitement.
3. Go Bakery Hopping
Greenville is packed with passionate business owners concocting trendy baked goods and welcoming visitors with the city’s Southern spirit. Try jumping from bakery to bakery when as you spend a weekend away in Greenville with the family.
Start your trip with some coffee for you and homemade ice cream for the kids at Spill the Beans on South Main Street. Or, head over to The Donut Experiment, where kids can put their imaginations to work. Here, every customer creates their own donut design—from cake flavor to nearly every topping they can imagine—into a wild delicious treat. In true Greenville fashion, this taps into the educational side of the mind while keeping things exciting and delicious.
Lastly, stop by The Chocolate Moose after dinner for a custom-made cupcake, cookie or signature dessert. This is also a great breakfast spot if you’re looking to explore with the kids in the morning.
4. Greenville Zoo
Looking to spend an afternoon with the giraffes? Head to the Greenville Zoo, a great outing for the kids that is both educational and a great way to get up and moving. Each week, the zoo offers free programs for children within the park, including a question and answer with animal experts or a children’s book reading hour for the little ones. You can even plan a birthday party at the zoo or sign up for a behind-the-scenes tour for kids particularly passionate about caring for animals.
5. Frankie’s Fun Park
Especially exciting for the older kids in your family, Frankie’s Fun Park provides a day of mini-golf, go-cart racing and other adventure activities that are great for playing as a family. As a pay-per-activity park, this is a budget-friendly option for kids in Greenville, allowing you to check out as much or as little as you like depending on your love of rides and games. With several indoor activities such as laser tag and an indoor obstacle course, Frankie’s is a great activity for kids on a rainy day.
6. Have an outdoor adventure
There’s no question that the natural wonders of the Greenville area offer endless adventure for the kids, no matter their passions. Located both in the heart of Greenville and throughout the region, professional guides offer adventure options for every level of experience—from exciting zip-lining to calming scenic hikes by the Reedy River. Rent bicycles to ride through town or head to Sunrift Adventures for canoeing and kayak rentals. Or if you’re looking to truly cool off, check out 7th Inning Splash, an affordable water park right next door in Piedmont. Looking for free things to do with kids in Greenville? Head out on an adventure by exploring one of their many nearby hiking trails.
7. Spend a Day at the Farm
If you’re planning a family-focused fall afternoon, explore the farms and outdoor markets in and just outside of Greenville. Explore some of the country’s largest corn mazes and petting zoos or choose an afternoon of apple or peach picking depending on the time of year.
The Greenville area is also packed with seasonal festivals, including Halloween parades and festive holiday events that bring the whole community together. If you’re local to the area, Mill Village Farms offer youth educational programs focused on farming, harvesting your own food and understanding the weekly operations of a local Farmers’ Market.
8. Take a Tour
Looking to kick back for the day and go along for a ride? Greenville offers a variety of exciting tours through the city’s food scene, historical sites and various adventure activities. This is an excellent idea if you’re taking a last-minute trip to Greenville and want to both get to know the area with an expert guide. If the kids need a little more physical activity, sign up for a day-long adventure camp for your whole family and explore the exciting outdoors of Greenville with an enthusiastic team of teachers.
9. Catch a Special Event
Year-round cultural celebrations bring the community together and celebrate the beauty of Greenville. Check out one of the largest fireworks displays in the state on the Fourth of July or check out their very own Christmas Parade at the start of December each year. An endless list of festivals fills the Greenville calendar that includes art exhibits, hockey games, and weekly story time at the local bookstore. No matter what time of year you visit, check out the city’s events calendar for a glimpse into weekly celebrations and programs. This is especially helpful if you’re looking for last-minute things to do in Greenville this weekend.
10. Learn for the day!
No matter their favorite subject at school, Greenville has nearly every variety of museum and historical outing perfect for a day with the kids. Explore the Carolina Music Museum, The Roper Mountain Science Center or one of the thirteen African-American historical and cultural sites throughout the city. Balance out your day of enriched learning with a performance or musical event in the evening at The Peace Center!
There’s no question that you’ll find more kid-friendly activities in Greenville than you have time for in one trip. Enrich your afternoon in culture at one of the countless museums and performance halls or head out into the country for a great adventure. Whether you’re on the hunt for your next getaway spot or looking to live in Greenville, the area is packed with things to do for kids of all ages.
Are you considering moving to Greenville, South Carolina? Speak directly with one of our professional and attentive team members about how to relocate to Greenville with confidence and ease.
