Need a quick getaway out of the peach state? Try a road trip to Greenville, South Carolina!
Greenville is known for its vibrant downtown (with a waterfall right in the center), thriving art scene, and outdoor recreation. Clocking in around a 2-hour drive from Atlanta, it makes for the perfect little escape for the family. Although there are many great places to stay, we opted to stay at a hotel downtown so that we could be within walking distance of many of the attractions Greenville has to offer.
Here are some of the city highlights:
Explore Falls Park on the Reedy
No visit to Greenville is complete without a stop at Falls Park on the Reedy. We stayed at the Embassy Suites in downtown Greenville where the Swamp Rabbit Trail (a 22-mile walking trail) led you right to the park. Walk across the stunning Liberty Bridge for a great view of the waterfalls, have a picnic by the river, or let the kids run around the open green spaces.
Visit The Children’s Museum of the Upstate
A must-visit for younger kids! The museum features interactive exhibits, a water play area, hands-on STEM activities, and an awesome outdoor playground.
Conveniently located just steps away are also the Greenville County Museum of Art, Greenville Theatre, Upcountry History Museum, and the Sigal Music Museum which are great for older kids and adults.
Play at Unity Park
Explore this 60-acre park that features playgrounds, picnic tables, a splash pad, trails, and sports courts. This park was about a 12-minute walk from our downtown hotel.
Explore Main Street and Find the Mice on Main
This fun scavenger hunt features 9 hidden bronze mice along Main Street. Grab a clue sheet here and see if your family can find them all!
Greenville Zoo
Connect with wildlife at Greenville’s 14-acre zoological park. It is home to over 90 species of animals, including giraffes, orangutans, red pandas, lions, and a variety of other mammals, reptiles, and birds.
Catch a Baseball Game at Fluor Field
If you visit Greenville during baseball season, check out the Greenville Drive (Greenville’s minor league baseball team) at Fluor Field which is a mini version of Boston’s Fenway Park.
Roper Mountain Science Center
Roper Mountain Science Center offers hands-on learning with interactive science exhibits, butterfly gardens, and a planetarium. Be sure to check their hours and schedule before you go. They were closed on Saturdays and Sundays during the time we went so we weren’t able to visit.
Cool off at Otter Creek Water Park
If you visit Greenville in the heat of the summer, check out Otter Creek Water Park for awesome water slides and a splash pad.
Group Therapy Pub and Playground
Enjoy an 18-hole course of movie-themed wacky mini golf, digital darts, ping pong, axe throwing, duck pin bowling, and a multi-sport simulator. If you are with the kids make sure you go before 8 pm-after 8 is 18 and up.
A Few More Highlights
- Have dinner at Up on the Roof for great views of downtown Greenville. This rooftop restaurant and bar is on the top of Embassy Suites downtown.
- Do your kids love to climb? Check out Flying Rabbit Adventures. This 3 story aerial adventure park has climbing for all ages. While you are in the Holland Park area, grab a bite to eat at Home Team BBQ for some of the best food in Greenville.
- Find some gems and go gem mining at Greenville Gemstone Mine.
Greenville is packed with family-friendly adventures, from outdoor excursions to interactive museums. I hope this gives you ideas and helps you plan the ultimate family trip to Greenville. Did we miss any of your favorite family-friendly spots?
