Greenville, SC Attractions To Experience with Your Family

When it comes to fun family-friendly attractions in Greenville, SC, you’ll be spoilt for choice! From hiking and biking to museums and historical sites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Greenville, South Carolina is at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, making it the perfect spot for outdoor lovers. There are plenty of hiking and biking trails to explore, as well as waterfalls and other natural wonders. For those who prefer to stay indoors, there are also a number of excellent museums, art galleries, and historical sites here too. And then there’s the food! With so many great restaurants, cafes, and bars, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out.

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So, what are you waiting for? Read on for our guide to the best family-friendly attractions in Greenville, SC.

Greenville, South Carolina Outdoor Attractions

When it comes to attractions for adventure seeks in Greenville IS the place. With over 50 waterfalls within a 30-minute drive of downtown Greenville, you have to start with the most well-known and venture out from there.

Visit Falls Park on the Reedy

Start at the most popular and venture out from there. Falls Park on the Reedy is located in the heart of Downtown Greenville. The park has beautiful walking trails, a playground, an amphitheater, Liberty Bridge, and of course, the Reedy River Falls. And all of this is within walking distance of some great restaurants and shops.

There are a number of guided tours available that take place within Falls Park, but you can explore on your own as well. I highly recommend visiting Liberty Bridge, which is a suspended pedestrian bridge that gives you some great views of the falls.

Explore the Swamp Rabbit Trail

Want to explore more of the Reedy River through Greenville and up to Travelers Rest? Then make plans to explore along the Swamp Rabbit Trail. This 22-mile multi-use recreational trail runs along an old railroad corridor running alongside the Reedy River. The Swamp Rabbit Trail is open for walking, biking, skating, running – and in some sections, horseback riding.

There are plenty of places to access the Swamp Rabbit Trail, but one of the most convenient is at Falls Park on the Reedy. This 32-acre park located in downtown Greenville features a one-mile loop trail that takes you by the Liberty Bridge, the waterfall, and through a shady forest.

If you want to bike along the trail and didn’t bring your own, rent bikes from Reedy Bikes, just off the trail, and cover as much of the Swamp Rabbit Trail as you can. You’ll pass by landscaped parks, restaurants, and even a waterfall! Much of the trail is fairly level, making it easy to cover a lot of ground.

Visit The Greenville Zoo

One of the best things to do in Greenville SC with younger kids is a visit to the Greenville Zoo. This small zoo packs in a lot of fun, with over 150 animals on-site, including giraffes, lions, leopards, orangutans, monkeys, and more.

The zoo also offers a number of educational programs, making it a great option for a homeschool or road schooling field trip as well.

Admission to the Greenville Zoo is very reasonable, making it a great option for families on a budget. And if you have a larger family, be sure to check out the family membership options, which offer great savings.

Watch the Greenville Drive Play Baseball

Greenville Drive is Greenville’s minor league baseball team affiliated with the Boston Red Sox. They play at Fluor Field, a beautiful ballpark modeled after Fenway Park.

If you love baseball, going to a Drive game is one of the best things to do in Greenville SC. The games are affordable and family-friendly, and the stadium offers a number of great amenities, like a playground, a picnic area, and a kids’ zone.

Even if you’re not a big baseball fan, a Greenville Drive game is a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with the family. And who knows, you might just catch a future Red Sox star!

Take a Hike at Paris Mountain State Park

Paris Mountain State Park is one of the most popular state parks in South Carolina, and for a good reason. This 1,540-acre park is located just a few miles from downtown Greenville and features over 15 miles of hiking trails, multiple lakes for swimming, picnicking areas, and even a campground with 39 paved campsites.

The most popular trail in the park is the moderately challenging 4.5-mile Sulphur Springs Trail. This is a great trail for hiking, running, or mountain biking.

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Downtown Greenville’s Outdoor Art

You can find over 95 pieces of public art throughout downtown Greenville, but there are a few areas that are particularly worth checking out.

The first is the West End, where you’ll find a number of murals and public art displays, including the “West End Mural Project.” This project features a series of murals by local artists that depict the history of the west end of Greenville.

The second is Reedy Falls Park, where you’ll find a number of sculptures, including the iconic Untitled 2002-2003 by Joel Shapiro. This massive sculpture is located at the falls on the Reedy River and is one of the most famous pieces of public art in Greenville.

The third is Main Street, where you’ll find a number of sculptures, murals, and other public art displays, including the “Main Street Murals” project. This project features a series of murals by local artists that depict the history of Main Street.

Mice on Main Scavenger Hunt

Throughout Main Street in Downtown Greenville, you’ll find a number of small, bronze mice sculptures. And while they may look like they’re just there for decoration, these mice are actually part of a larger scavenger hunt.

The Mice on Main Scavenger Hunt is a great way to explore downtown Greenville with the kids. Pick up a map from one of the participating shops, and then see how many of the mice you can find. As you find each mouse, note its location on the map. Once you’ve found them all, take your completed map back to the shop to claim your prize.

Furman University

Having teenagers myself, campus visits are a part of all our recent road travels. Even if you don’t have kids touring colleges, a visit to Furman is worth your time.

Furman University is a private liberal arts university sitting on 750 acres just outside downtown Greenville. The campus is beautiful, with towering oak trees and sprawling green lawns. And if you visit in the spring, the azaleas will be in bloom.

There are a number of walking trails on campus that are open to the public, so be sure to bring your camera along to capture some of the pretty views.

Note: If you are cycling along the Swamp Rabbit Trail, Furman University is located along the route for an easy stop.

If you’re a fan of college football, catch a game at Paladin Stadium. The Furman Paladins play in the Southern Conference and usually have a strong team. Tickets are affordable and the atmosphere is electric on game day.

Greenville’s Indoor Attractions

When the weather isn’t cooperating (like the rainy days we had on our last visit) or you’re just looking for a break from being outdoors, there are plenty of great indoor attractions in Greenville as well. There are several museums located downtown, as well as in Heritage Green.

Heritage Green

Heritage Green is a 7-acre park located in downtown Greenville. The park is home to a number of different cultural organizations, including the Greenville Symphony Orchestra, the Upstate Shakespeare Festival, and the Greenville Chorale.

The park also features a number of sculptures and is a great place to take a break from exploring downtown Greenville. If you want to picnic in the park, nearby The Cook’s Station has a great selection of sandwiches, salads, and snacks to go.

Greenville County Museum of Art

The Greenville County Museum of Art is another great option, especially if you’re visiting with older kids and teenagers. This art museum features a number of permanent and rotating exhibits, as well as a sculpture garden. Admission is free.

The Upcountry History Museum

If you’re a history buff or just looking for something a little bit different, the Upcountry History Museum is worth a visit. This museum focuses on the history and culture of the Upstate region of South Carolina.

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate

Families with younger children will want to add The Children’s Museum of the Upstate to their list of things to do in Greenville SC. It’s one of the best in the country and should not be missed. This hands-on museum is geared towards kids ages 2-10 and features a number of interactive exhibits.

Sigal Music Museum

The fourth of the Heritage Green museums, the Sigal Music Museum, is a must-see for music lovers. This small museum chronicles the history of music in the Upstate region of South Carolina. The highlight of the museum is the collection of over 300 vintage instruments, some of which date back to the 18th century.

Artist Guild Gallery of Greenville

You may miss this art gallery located on north Main Street if you didn’t know it was there. Up to 18 local artists are featured in this space located next to Roost Restaurant. The gift shop is a great place to pick up unique souvenirs and momentos.

Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum

Baseball fans will enjoy a visit to the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum, located in the West End of Greenville just steps away from the baseball bark. This small museum is dedicated to one of the most infamous figures in baseball history.

If you aren’t familiar, the Chicago White Sox were accused of throwing the 1919 World Series. The roster included Michael Joseph “Joe” Jackson. Even though he was cleared of all charges, he was prohibited from playing baseball for the rest of his life.

Even if you’re not a big baseball fan, the museum is worth a visit. Learn about Jackson’s early life working in an area mill, baseball career, and the World Series controversy. Admission is free.

Attractions For Sports Fans

Whether you’re a fan of baseball, football, basketball, or hockey, you’ll find a team to root for in Greenville.

Greenville Drive

Greenville Drive is the Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. The team plays its home games at Fluor Field, located in downtown Greenville. The stadium is modeled after Boston’s Fenway Park and is a great place to catch a game. Tickets are affordable and the atmosphere is family-friendly.

ECHL Greenville Swamp Rabbits

If you’re a hockey fan, check out the Greenville Swamp Rabbits, Greenville’s professional ice hockey team that plays in the South Division of the Eastern Conference of the ECHL. The team is named after the Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile multi-use recreational trail that runs through Greenville.

The Swamp Rabbits play their home games at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, located in downtown Greenville.

Greenville Triumph

Greenville is home to the Greenville Triumph, a professional soccer club that competes in the United Soccer League. The team’s games are held at Legacy Early College Football Stadium, which is also where it plays most of its home matches.

College Sports

If you’re searching for a more college sports-style atmosphere, check out one of Greenville’s numerous NCAA Division I teams. Furman University, Clemson University, and the University of South Carolina-Upstate are all located in Greenville. We went to the First Round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena during our stay and it was a blast.

Other Attractions in Greenville SC

There are a number of other great attractions in Greenville SC that are worth checking out, including:

The Peace Center

The Peace Center is a performing arts venue located on Main Street in downtown Greenville. The center hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including concerts, plays, and dance performances.

The Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery

The Bob Jones University Museum & Gallery is located on the campus of Bob Jones University. The museum is home to a number of art collections, including paintings, sculptures, and pottery. The gallery hosts rotating exhibitions throughout the year.

Roper Mountain Science Center

The Roper Mountain Science Center is located just outside of Greenville and is a great option for families with kids interested in science and nature. The center offers a number of different programs and exhibits, as well as a planetarium.

BMW Performance Center

If you’re a fan of BMW, you’ll want to check out the BMW Performance Center, located just outside of Greenville in Greer. The center offers a variety of different driving experiences, including the chance to drive a BMW on a race track. Read about my experience at the BMW Performance Center here.

Downtown’s Main Street

Main Street is an attraction all on its own. This is the heart of downtown Greenville and is home to a number of shops, restaurants, and bars. The street is also the site of many events throughout the year, including the Downtown Alive! Concert Series, Artisphere, and Fall for Greenville.

If you want to do some shopping, be sure to stop into Mast General Store for outdoor recreation gear and clothing, Poppington’s Gourmet Popcorn Shop for uniquely flavored popcorn, or independent bookstore M. Judson Booksellers.

For something to eat, try one of the many great restaurants and coffee shops located on Main Street, such as Soby’s New Southern Cuisine, Pomegranate on Main, and The Trappe Door (just off Main). For breakfast, read my best breakfast Greenville recommendations here.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to do in Greenville, South Carolina. Those are just a few of the many great attractions that Greenville SC has to offer. Whether you’re a sports fan, arts and culture enthusiast, or simply looking for something fun to do, you’ll find it in Greenville.

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Need a Place to Stay?

Hyatt Place Greenville/Downtown is convenient to Downtown and is just a few blocks off Main Street. The facilities in the hotel were excellent and there was plenty of space in the rooms. The indoor heated pool is a nice bonus for families. Room rates start at $129 per night.

Other popular hotels in Downtown Greenville include Aloft Greenville Downtown, and SpringHill Suites by Marriott Marriott Greenville Downtown. Room rates at these hotels start at $149 per night.

In Conclusion

Greenville, South Carolina is a fantastic place to visit for families looking for a variety of things to do together. Greenville has both sports and excellent local cuisine, as well as history and outdoor activities. The Blue Ridge Mountains are only minutes away from the city, providing more possibilities for outdoor adventure. But you may never want to leave Downtown Greenville, with its lively Main Street and a plethora of shops, restaurants, and attractions.

Whether planning a family vacation or a weekend getaway, Greenville should definitely be on your list of places to visit.

For more family travel recommendations, check these out:

Have you been to Greenville SC? What are your favorite things to do in the city? Share your suggestions in the comments below.

My sincere thanks to Visit Greenville for providing the opportunity to visit while my son and I were there. All opinions are my own.

Greenville, SC Attractions To Experience with Your Family