26 Fun Things to Do in Greenville, SC

Are you searching for the best things to do in Greenville, South Carolina on your upcoming visit? Well, you’re in luck! The picturesque town of Greenville offers plenty of unique and fun activities to keep everyone in your party happy.

From exploring the local parks and museums to visiting the conveniently located zoo, Greenville features fun things to do for visitors with all sorts of interests.

Families visiting Greenville with children will love the selection of kid-friendly activities in the city. From splash pads and playgrounds to farmers markets and festivals, there’s plenty of fun to be had for toddlers, teens, and everyone in between.

Visitors looking for free things to do in the city will find plenty of options on our list as well. Many of the most popular spots in Greenville are completely free for the public to enjoy.

Additionally, a large selection of attractions come with really cheap price tags that won’t break the bank.

So, whether you’re looking for indoor activities to enjoy in Greenville or fun outdoor attractions, the downtown Greenville area has plenty to offer.

In this post, we will include our top picks for the best things to do in Greenville, SC no matter what time of year you choose to visit!

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Greenville Trolley

The downtown trolley is a great, open-air option for those visitors looking for a break from walking around downtown Greenville.

Offering multiple stops throughout the city, the Greenville trolley provides an easy hop-on and hop-off way of getting to the popular area attractions.

You can check out the trolley maps, routes, and schedules here. It’s also important to note that some of the routes are seasonal and may not be available depending on when you visit Greenville.

The trolley is also a great option for those families wanting an easy tour of the city of Greenville.

Plus, toddlers and little kids who love the show Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood will be super excited to take their own trolley ride in downtown Greenville.

Mice on Main

Another fun activity for kids to enjoy on your South Carolina family vacation is a mouse hunt.

Mice on Main is a kid friendly scavenger hunt you can complete for free in downtown Greenville.

As you walk along Main Street from the Westin to the Hyatt, you can search for little bronze mice hidden in secret spots.

You can find nine mice total, and these clues provide really helpful hints to aid in your search.

Liberty Bridge

The Liberty Bridge is located at Falls Park in downtown Greenville, SC. You can get some really great views of the waterfalls and park from this bridge.

Since the Liberty Bridge is located in a prime spot in the downtown area, you will find plenty of options for nearby restaurants and hotels.

The Hampton Inn and Suites is probably the closest hotel for walking to the Liberty Bridge, but we prefer the Embassy Suites by Hilton Downtown Riverplace since it offers a pool for the kids.

Cleveland Park

Just east of Falls Park and the main downtown area, you will find Cleveland Park.

This spacious space is home to trails, playgrounds, and the Greenville Zoo. Cleveland Park is a great spot for toddlers and kids to run off energy by running through the grass or by climbing on the play features.

Children’s Fountain at RiverPlace

If you are visiting Greenville during the warmer months, you will want to check out the toddler friendly splash pad in RiverPlace near Falls Park.

The fountain was closed during our visit, but you would typically find water pouring off of the rock wall like a waterfall PLUS little spray fountains along the railroad track splash pad.

Greenville Zoo 

The Greenville Zoo is a really affordable option for families visiting Greenville with toddlers and kids. Since the zoo is on the smaller side, it doesn’t take long at all to tour.

The conveniently located Greenville Zoo offers popular animals like lions, giraffes, orangutans, and more!

Linky Stone Park

The Children’s Garden at Linky Stone Park is a great spot to visit because it provides lots of shaded paths.

You can cool off from the hot summer sun as you view the children’s garden and storybook character artwork.

I think my kids and I enjoyed the walk to Linky Stone Park just as much as the garden itself. We found tons of geese hanging out in the water underneath the nearby bridge.

I feel like I should note here that my toddler fell asleep in her stroller shortly after visiting Linky Stone Park.

The downtown Greenville area around Falls Park provides a few elevators for those unable to walk up and down the stairs. This was a major perk for us as I didn’t want to wake up my three-year-old in order to climb steps.

We found the elevators to be somewhat hidden, so make sure you ask someone nearby if you need help locating them.

Baseball Game

Greenville is home to a Minor League Baseball team known as the Greenville Drive. The baseball stadium, Fluor Field, is conveniently located in the heart of Greenville.

You can find information on the Greenville Drive’s schedule, tickets, and promotions here!

Falls Park

If you are planning a trip to Greenville, a visit to Falls Park on the Reedy is a must!

Whether you want to stroll, jog, or bike in the park, you will be surrounded by the beautiful waterfalls and the scenic Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail.

These swings were one of our favorite features on the riverwalk since they are set in a shaded spot and provide great views of the river.

Water Parks

If your kids are anything like mine, they love a good water park on a hot summer day. The Greenville, South Carolina area offers several options for water parks near the city:

• Discovery Island – located in the southeast side of the city
• Otter Creek – located in the northeast side of the city
• 7th Inning Splash – located in the southwest side of the city

Saturday Market

TD Saturday Market is a great spot for families visiting the Greenville area over a weekend. You can check out the farmers’ market from the beginning of May through the end of October.

During the TD Saturday Market, you can shop for all sorts of foods, crafts, gifts, and more along Main Street in downtown Greenville.

You can often find live entertainment and children’s activities available at this outdoor family spot.

Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate is situated in Greenville, SC and offers lots of rainy day fun for families.

Providing fun water play activities and hands on exploring, the Children’s Museum is a wonderful option for those looking for an indoor option in Greenville.

Peace Center Theatre

The Peace Center Theatre in downtown Greenville offers family friendly events throughout the year, including Broadway shows and popular entertainers.

You can check out their official website to get a current list of events.

Bowling Alley

Bowling is another really popular indoor activity for families visiting Greenville.

Located just outside the downtown area, Spare Time Entertainment and Bowlero, are two great options for rainy day activities around Greenville.

Paris Mountain State Park

Paris Mountain State Park is located near downtown Greenville. It offers numerous recreational activities for guests, including swimming, hiking, and camping.

This state park also features covered picnic areas where visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch. Don’t forget to check out the events at Paris Mountain State Park too.

During certain times of the year, guests can also enjoy live music and entertainment.

Greenville County Museum of Art

Located in Heritage Green near downtown Greenville, the Greenville County Museum of Art features a large collection of paintings and more.

The museum frequently offers special events, classes, and exhibits for guests to experience. Admission is free to the Greenville County Museum of Art.

Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum

The Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library is located near Fluor Field in Greenville. The museum is located in Joe Jackson’s actual house and features memorabilia and merchandise related to the late baseball star.

The Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum is open before and after the Minor League baseball games in Greenville.

Table Rock State Park

Table Rock State Park is a popular place for outdoor enthusiasts. This state park features hiking trails, a swimming hole, camping sites, and more.

Table Rock State Park also features a monthly bluegrass event known as Music on the Mountain.

Bon Secours Wellness Arena

While visiting Greenville, South Carolina, make sure you check out the events calendar for Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

Throughout the year, this arena hosts popular concert tours, sporting events, and experiences like Disney on Ice.

Upcountry History Museum

The Upcountry History Museum at Furman University is a great place for adults and kids to enjoy. With informative galleries and experiences, the Upcountry History Museum allows visitors to step back in time.

Visitors can check out the events schedule before their visit to find special activities that may be offered.

Caesars Head State Park

Caesars Head State Park is home to numerous hiking trails with beautiful views overlooking Greenville. Visitors can enjoy various waterfalls throughout the state park as well as bird watching opportunities.

Caesars Head State Park connects to the popular Jones Gap State Park via the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area.

Roper Mountain Science Center

The Roper Mountain Science Center in Greenville features all sorts of exhibits and experiences, including a dinosaur trail, a planetarium, and a butterfly garden just to name a few.

This science museum also offers special events like holiday laser shows and special planetarium productions throughout the year.

Greenville Symphony Orchestra

Music lovers can enjoy the beautiful sounds of the Greenville Symphony Orchestra during one of their many performances throughout the year.

The shows take place at different theaters throughout the city of Greenville, including Gunter Theatre, Peace Concert Hall, and Timmons Arena.

Lake Keowee

Located less than an hour’s drive from Greenville, Lake Keowee is a beautiful place to enjoy some outdoor time.

Whether you’re interested in boating, skiing, or paddle boarding, Lake Keowee in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains offers activities for everyone.

For ideas on what to add to your lake vacation packing list, you can check out this post.

Lake Conestee Nature Preserve

The Lake Conestee Nature Preserve features a wildlife sanctuary along with numerous trails and boardwalks.

Visitors can view all sorts of wildlife, including deer, snakes, river otters, frogs, birds, and more.

Where to Stay in Greenville

If you’re looking for the best places to stay in Greenville, we created an entire post on the topic! From top hotels in the city center to roomy accommodations for the whole family, our article on the best hotels near Greenville, SC is full of excellent choices.

Whether you’re looking for hotels with an outdoor pool, suites, or room service, the places on our list offer amenities for everyone.

Additionally, those visitors interested in vacation homes to rent in the city or near Lake Keowee can check out the VRBO website. On VRBO, you can narrow down your search results based on the number of bedrooms and bathrooms needed.

You can also specify certain amenities like private pool, hot tub, lakefront, and more!

Final Thoughts on Activities in Greenville, South Carolina

As you can see, Greenville SC is one of the best places to visit no matter what your interests are. The state parks and trails make Greenville the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy a walking tour and all the natural beauty Greenville has to offer.

Those visitors who are fans of the performing arts or history museums will love that Greenville sits in a convenient location to so many popular theaters and museums. With so many fun things to do, it’s no surprise that Greenville is a popular spot for both families with kids and couples on a date night.

Plus, one of the best things about Greenville is that many of the top things to experience are located in the heart of downtown. This means visitors can often walk or bike to area attractions.

So, what do you think?

What are your favorite things to do in Greenville, SC?

Comment below to share them with us!

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