Fun Things To Do in Greenville, SC with Kids

1. Greenville Zoo

Greenville Zoo is easy to navigate and has majorly cool animals—think giraffes, primates, a red panda, and more.

Get lost in The Climber at the Children's Museum of the Upstate.

2. The Children's Museum of the Upstate

With three levels of fun, it's no surprise this one made our list of the best children's museums in every state. Kids especially love the 3,2,1 Blast Off section (all about space) and The Climber (a huge play structure).

3. Greenville Downtown Airport Runway Park

What's cooler than seeing planes take off and land? Getting to play on a playground right next to the runway!

4. Greenville County Rec Water Parks

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, families can cool off at Discovery Island and Otter Creek water parks, featuring slides, pools, and other water activities.

Roar! Dinosaurs greet families at the Roper Mountain Science Center.

5. Roper Mountain Science Center

Part of Greenville County Schools, Roper Mountain is open to the public certain afternoons during the school year and all day in the summer. Kids can explore science exhibits, check out the dinosaur trail, and see stars on "Friday Starry Nights."

6. Falls Park on the Reedy

A trip to Greenville, SC is not complete without a visit to this scenic in-town park! Families can walk the 300-foot-plus suspension Liberty Bridge, pose for pics with the waterfalls, and play in grassy areas.

7. The Children's Garden at Linky Stone Park

Linky Stone Park itself is hidden under a bridge, making the children's garden all the more magical. Kids will love exploring the garden's flowers, instruments, and gingerbread house.

8. Flying Rabbit Adventures

Kids as small as 40" can tackle rope obstacle courses set among the trees at Flying Rabbit Adventures. Older kids can try more challenging routes and zip lines.

9. Paris Mountain State Park

Just north of downtown Greenville, SC, this state park offers hiking trails, a waterfall, and a playground.

10. Mouse Scavenger Hunt

Use online clues to hunt for statues of little mice around downtown Greenville, SC. Based on the book Goodnight Moon, this free activity is a fun way to explore the city.

The Greenville Gemstone Mine really rocks.

11. Greenville Gemstone Mine

This downtown shop is a rock enthusiast's treasure trove where kids can go flume-mining for gems and fossils.

12. Swamp Rabbit Trail

Don't let the name fool you—this 22-mile trail through downtown Greenville is full of scenery. Covering a portion of it is easy for kids on foot or on wheels.

13. Frankie's Fun Park

Families can play a round of mini golf, compete in laser tag, race with go-karts, ride bumper boats, and more at this popular entertainment venue.

Catch a show or a hockey game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.

14. Bon Secours Wellness Arena

This event complex often has family-friendly shows (we saw Dude Perfect) and affordable hockey games (go, Greenville Swamp Rabbits!).

15. Saluda River

Take a two-hour tube ride down the beautiful Saluda River. Families can even stay at the Saluda Outdoor Center along the river in a tiny home or glamper.

16. Group Therapy Pub & Playground 

Group Therapy is an awesome indoor entertainment venue in downtown Greenville, offering an 18-hole wacky mini golf course, digital darts, duck pin bowling, axe throwing, plus yummy food and drinks. 

17. Greenville Bike Taxi 

Our family loved getting around town with Greenville Bike Taxi. We rode in their pedicabs a few times to get to places downtown -- it was fun, breezy, and environmentally-friendly. 

18. Unity Park

This park is a gem, featuring a playground where kids can climb, slide, and swing all day. In the warm months children enjoy the splash pad. We love the walking paths all around this beautiful oasis in the city. 

Family-Friendly Hotels in Greenville, SC

All of our hotel recommendations are in downtown Greenville so families can easily access downtown parks, restaurants, and shops.

19. Embassy Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown Riverplace

We always love Embassy Suites hotels for the spacious suites, evening receptions, and—best of all—the mega breakfast buffet included with any stay. This one also has an excellent downtown location overlooking the river and is within walking distance to family-friendly attractions, like Falls Park on the Reedy.

20. The Westin Poinsett

This beautiful, historic hotel in the heart of downtown Greenville is upscale, but not too fancy for kids. Families love the hotel's Spoonbread restaurant, especially for breakfast.

21. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Greenville-Downtown

One of the more affordable, family-friendly hotels in downtown Greenville, the Holiday Inn Express offers a great location for walking. Plus, it has an excellent complimentary breakfast.

22. Homewood Suites by Hilton Greenville Downtown 

We stayed here the last time we visited Greenville and love the location, across from Fluor Field (Greenville's minor league baseball stadium), and a short walk from New Realm Brewing Company. Homewood Suites offers a lot of space, with a separate living room, bedroom, and full kitchen, plus an amazing breakfast in the lobby. 

Best Restaurants in Greenville, SC for Kids

23. Gather GVL Greenville

This outdoor venue is a go-to for families because it has lots of food options, plus adult beverages. Think of it as a food court, only nicer and not in a mall! Gather GVL also has entertainment on certain nights, including live music and an amazing balloon artist.

24. Sully's Steamers

Serving legendary warm bagel sandwiches, Sully's has yummy adult fare like Reubens, and delish kid faves such as ham-and-cheese and pizza, served atop bagels.

25. Family-Friendly Breweries

Greenville is packed with cool, indoor/outdoor breweries. Our faves are the ones that have grassy areas, yard games, and kid-approved food like New Realm, Southernside, and Yee-Haw. 

Kids will freak over a Grill Marks freakshake. Photo courtesy of the restaurant

26. Grill Marks

Come for the burgers, stay for the enormous milkshakes called "freakshakes." Grill Marks is in downtown Greenville and also near Haywood Mall.

27. Swamp Rabbit Cafe and Grocery

Families can find lots of healthy options at this local joint, known for fresh ingredients, homemade pastries, and breakfast all day. The sign on the building says it all: "Eat Local Ride Bikes."

28. Sidewall Pizza

Locals rave about this pizza place, which has four locations around Greenville. Adults gravitate towards more complex pies like margherita and Hawaiian, while kids tend to go basic with a cheese pizza. Everyone loves the locally-made ice cream.

29. Rocky's Hot Chicken Shack 

Rocky's three locations, all in the Carolinas, serve Nashville-style chicken. Choose their level of spice, which ranges from plain to extra hot. The Greenville location is a laid-back, family-friendly establishment. 

30. Old Europe Desserts 

This is a quaint place in downtown Greenville with decadent desserts, breakfast items, and tasty European-style coffees.

Unless noted, photos by the author