Located in the foothills of the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains, Greenville is a beautiful city with a plethora of family-friendly activities. Enjoy the city’s natural beauty by wandering through lush green parks, visiting calm rivers, and observing fascinating wildlife. There are so many family things to do in Greenville SC. From thrilling outdoor adventures to enriching educational experiences, the city has something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Ready to explore all that this dynamic city has to offer? Read along as we uncover the city’s top family-friendly places and activities, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Greenville Zoo
A fascinating destination with a diverse collection of mammals, primates, reptiles, and amphibians, the Greenville Zoo welcomes more than 300,000 visitors annually. You will find lions, giraffes, bears, sea lions, elephants, leopards etc. The small, no-frills zoo also features a reptile house, a waterfowl lagoon, and a South American area. There is also an educational center where children can learn about their favorite animals.
The zoo organizes informative events regularly, offering perfect opportunities for children to learn about animals through science, art, and exploration. You can buy tickets online and on arrival, but online tickets are cheaper. Also, children under two enter for free.
Falls Park on The Reedy River
Located in the historic West End District, Falls Park on the Reedy is a sprawling 32-acre oasis in downtown Greenville. The picturesque park offers stunning waterfall views, a curved suspension bridge, and many acres of pristine gardens. The remarkable Liberty Bridge architecture, eye-catching stonework, and appealing pieces of public art found throughout the park enhance its beauty even more. The aesthetically designed and landscaped park also features many winding paths, lush greenery, and well-maintained flower beds.
Marvel at panoramic views of the falls and the lush surroundings from the pedestrian bridge, enjoy a packed lunch and spend some quality time with your family. The park is also dog-friendly. Visiting the stunning park is one of the top family things to do in Greenville SC.
Jocassee Outdoor Center
Planning a trip to Lake Jocassee to enjoy fishing and thrilling watersports? Jocassee Outdoor Center is the best option for boat rentals, located on over 18 acres close to the main landing of Lake Jocassee and Devils Fork State Park. It is also a concierge boat storage, repair, and maintenance shop.
They have the largest rental fleet of newer model pontoons, tritoons, and ski boats in the Upstate. You want pontoons with 115hp, performance tritoons with 150hp or ski boats with 225hp, they have it all. The lake’s only marine center also has a general store offering food, outfitter supplies, and souvenirs. So, get your gear from the outdoor center and enjoy the beautiful lake famous for its undeveloped shoreline and clean water. It is one of the most recommended things to do in Greenville SC with kids.
Roper Mountain Science Center
Looking for a fun and educational spot to bring your children? Visit the Roper Mountain Science Center. There are many exciting science attractions, including a planetarium, observatory, arboretum, and living history farm to keep the entire family busy.
Spanning across many buildings, the science center offers many learning and interactive exhibits. The wonderful campus covers all science topics with exhibits on everything from animal science to space exploration and earth science, making it fun for people of all ages. There is also a sample of a rainforest, a butterfly garden, and two great playgrounds for children. Your young ones will especially love the dinosaur trails and life-size models of dinosaurs. It is one of the top Greenville SC family activities.
Centre Stage
Centre Stage in downtown Greenville is an all-year professional theater with 285 seats offering plays, shows, and concerts. Established in 1983, the venue has become integral to Greenville’s cultural scene, promoting local artistry and community collaboration. The small and intimate venue is also used for film screenings, lectures, and art exhibits.
You like musicals, comedy, or drama, Center Stage is the perfect venue to visit with family. The variety of shows makes it an excellent choice for entertainment for all ages. With great prices, promising talent, friendly staff, and a relaxed atmosphere, your family will love their evening.
Don’t miss out on the upcoming events for the new season; the lineup has many exciting shows featuring classics, comedy, drama, and more. It is one of the most recommended things to do with family in Greenville SC.
Greenville Drive Baseball Game
If your family likes baseball, get ready to cheer for the home team. The Greenville Drive is a Greenville-based minor league baseball team with Boston Red Sox High-A affiliation. They play their home games at the stunning Fluor Field, which is designed to resemble historic Fenway Park and has its own Green Monster. The 6000-seat stadium provides an authentic baseball experience and is conveniently located in downtown’s historic West End.
Families visiting Fluor Field can enjoy a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of baseball’s golden era. So, pack some snacks, ice-cold beverages, and some blankets, and get ready to catch a foul ball. It is one of the top family activities in Greenville SC.
Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar
If you are craving some crazy good milkshakes and ice creams, head to Crazy Mason Milkshake Bar. The locally owned and operated dessert destination offers a variety of delicious cakes, waffles, and ice cream sandwiches besides their mouthwatering milkshakes and ice creams. They also have gluten-free and non-dairy options. All the sweet goodies are served in custom-designed mason jars and color-changing bowls. The best part? The mason jars are yours to take home.
Located right across from Fluor Field in downtown Greenville, this desert oasis offers an extensive menu in a fun atmosphere, ensuring there is something to satisfy every sweet tooth. Excellent service, impressive serving sizes, and pricing for every budget enhance the experience even more. It is simply one of the top things to do with kids in Greenville SC.
Frankie’s Fun Park
Frankie’s Fun Park in Greenville is an expansive amusement park covering over 14 acres of land. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of entertainment options, including go-kart tracks, miniature golf courses, batting cages, bumper boats, laser tag, and over 100 arcade games. It is one of the most fun things to do in Greenville with kids. You must try Hologate, a virtual reality attraction, for an out-of-the-world experience.
The ADA-compliant, smoke-free amusement center with a lively environment is perfect for a family day or night out with many fun options. Looking for a quick bite to eat? Frankie’s Café offers an impressive range of mouthwatering options, including burgers, pizza, wings, sandwiches, and more. They also have draft beers. Entry is free: you only pay for the activity you choose to play.
Gather GVL
Located in the West End of downtown Greenville, among so many city landmarks, you will find Gather GVL, a unique food court that is unlike your regular restaurants. The place has various international brands, bars, and local businesses offering diverse food options. You want sushi, Mexican, lobster or classic American, there is something for everyone. The bustling 2-story venue also has live music, which enhances the atmosphere even more and provides a welcoming environment for families, including kids and pets.
Greenville County Museum of Art
For an evening filled with art, visit the Greenville County Museum of Art, a premier American art museum. The small but well-organized museum features work by many iconic American artists, including Andrew Wyeth, Jasper Johns, David Drake, William H Johnson, and more. With paintings and prints, 18th-century portraits, contemporary pieces, the world’s largest public collection of watercolors, and an institutional pottery collection, the museum is a must-visit for art lovers.
Admission to the museum is free. You can photograph your visit, but remember that NO FLASHES are to be used with any device.
See a Show at Greenville Theatre
Visit Greenville’s best-performing arts theater to enjoy a magical live performance with your family. It is Upstate’s largest and oldest professional producing theatre, offering musicals, dramas, and youth shows since 1936 in a beautiful mid-century modern, 571-seat auditorium. Affordable, incredible local talent and Broadway-caliber productions make it a must-visit for seasoned theatergoers and newcomers alike. According to visitors, all seats offer an excellent view, and the acoustics are also great.
Are you ready for a captivating theatrical experience with your family?
See a Greenville Triumph Soccer Game
Is your young one a soccer fan? If your family likes soccer, there is no better way to spend an evening than watching an action-packed game of soccer. Greenville Triumph SC is a Greenville-based professional soccer team and 2020 USL League One champion. Help cheer the region’s first professional soccer team to victory while making lasting memories with your loved ones.
The club is set to play all home games for the 2024 season in Paladin Stadium at Furman University in Greenville. Buy your tickets for an exhilarating night out today! It is one of the most recommended things for kids to do in Greenville SC.
Concert at Peace Center
This Greenville performing arts center is a nationally acknowledged artistic and cultural destination situated adjacent to Falls Park. Praised for its incredible architecture and acoustics, the Peace Center has multiple venues: a concert hall, a theater, a pavilion, an amphitheater, and more. The 6-acre, multi-faceted campus hosts more than 300 events yearly, including classical music, world-class Broadway shows, concerts, and magic shows.
You will find many touring musicians performing at its sizable, contemporary concert hall. Check out their website and get tickets to watch your favorite musician or singer in action with your family. It is one of the top kid friendly things to do in Greenville SC. It will be an elevated evening in a classy atmosphere that the entire family will enjoy.
Southernside Brewing Co
Southernside is a locally-owned brewery and restaurant set along the Swamp Rabbit Trail. With its delectable menu, creative craft beer, handcrafted refreshing cocktails, a large indoor space, and an extensive outdoor area that is perfect for yard games, the venue offers something for every family member.
Visitors especially rave about their cocktail menu and bourbon. Their pretzels, crispy fries, and chicken sandwiches are also not to be missed. With live music, 10+ beers on tap, and a laid-back environment, the place is ideal for a relaxed evening with friends and family. It is one of the top Greenville SC things to do with kids.
Explore Downtown Greenville
Want to see something new? Eat something you have not eaten before. Places you have never been to? Well, then, get ready to explore the city’s hidden gems by taking a tour of downtown Greenville. It is one of the most-recommended things to do with kids in Greenville SC.
Recently ranked one of the Top 10 Best Downtowns in the country, the area has a plethora of entertainment, dining, and shopping opportunities for people of all ages. There are more than 115 retailers, including various art galleries, designer boutiques, and specialty stores. You can find more than 110 independent restaurants, including locally owned and international brands, with cuisine for every taste and price range.
You will find downtown Greenville to be truly vibrant, authentic, and sustainable. From outdoor plazas to wide sidewalks to streetside dining, the area offers a pedestrian-friendly environment highly comparable to that of a European city.
Paris Mountain State Park
A mountain gateway located 6 miles from downtown Greenville, Paris Mountain State Park is a 1,540-acre state park with a 15-acre reservoir. It offers a plethora of Greenville SC kid friendly activities. The serene park is perfect for a family day out, offering hiking, canoeing, kayaking, biking, and dozens of campsites. The 15 miles of trails are ideal for hiking and mountain biking, while an 8-acre lake allows you to enjoy swimming, paddling, and fishing. You can also enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and pedal-boating on weekends.
The campsites have individual water, electrical hookups, and restroom facilities with hot showers. The park also offers trailside camping and small cabins with two sets of bunk beds. You can also check out historical exhibits and a gift shop at the Park Center.
Visit the Upcountry History Museum
Immerse yourself in the regional history of South Carolina’s upstate counties at the Upcountry History Museum in downtown Greenville. The changing exhibits take you back to as early as the 18th century. The museum is small but features many interesting interactive exhibits and dynamic programming suitable for all ages. The exhibits cover the social, material, spiritual, and cultural life of the South Carolina Upcountry. The museum also hosts many kid-friendly events regularly.
Final Thoughts
Are you ready to explore Greenville SC with kids? With an award-winning downtown, nationally recognized museum collections, and a plethora of stunning parks, playgrounds, and recreation centers. Greenville is the entertainment and cultural center of the Upstate. With so many attractions, it is the perfect city to explore with your family. So, make a list of places you want to see and things you want to do, and get ready to enjoy the best of Greenville.
