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Living in South Carolina, we’ve had many opportunities to visit Greenville, and it is a great spot for family fun and entertainment without having to spend a lot of money. The city has invested a lot of money into green spaces, and around the Greenville area there are other spots that will provide a great outing without breaking the bank. Here are my top 25 free things to do in Greenville!
Note: A few of these ideas may have COVID-related restrictions. Be sure to check the website and call ahead to see what the current situation is!
Top 25 Free Things to Do in Greenville, SC
Play at Falls Park on the Reedy River
This is in the heart of Greenville and a favorite spot for locals and tourists. Perfect for a photo shoot or just a nice day walking around.
Ride the Downtown Trolley
You can ride the trolley around Greenville for free!
Listen to live music at NOMA Square
You’ll need to check the schedule, but throughout the year there are live music events you can attend.
Walk the Prisma Health Swamp Rabbit Trail
Covering 22 miles, this is great for walking or biking.
Visit the Kilgore Lewis House
This is the only historic house open to the public in Greenville. You can see inside or enjoy the garden outside.
Play disc golf
Get some exercise and play disc golf together as a family at a variety of places around Greenville.
Do the Art in Public Places self-guided tour
Explore downtown Greenville with this map that will lead you around the area and take you to dozens of different outdoor art installations.
Visit the BMW Zentrum Museum
You’ll have to book your tour ahead of time, but you and your family can explore the inner works of how BMW cars are made.
Go fishing
This is a list of places where you can fish around the Greenville area. Just make sure you have your pole and tackle box!
Find the Mice on Main
This is a fun scavenger hunt for kids! There are 9 mice hidden in an area that they can work to find.
Find a playground
There are tons of playgrounds all around Greenville, and this site can help you locate one near where you want to be.
Explore the Rock Quarry Garden
This garden is great for family photos or also just strolling around.
Explore Runway Park
Watch airplanes take off and land or just enjoy the playground at this fun park.
Drive the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway
Enjoy a scenic drive on this highway in the Greenville area.
Visit the South Carolina Botanical Garden
This is a great free idea for garden enthusiasts or anyone who loves the outdoors!
Enjoy the outdoors at Cleveland Park
This park has sports and fitness options as well as a great playground.
Have fun at the Children’s Garden at Linky Stone Park
Pack a lunch and enjoy this shady, family friendly outdoor option.
Play mini golf at McPherson Park
You’ll need to bring your own mini golf clubs and balls, but otherwise it’s free to play!
Visit Hagood Mill
While some events have a cost, you can visit the mill and its buildings for free.
Relive history at Kings Mountain Battlefield
This national park was the site of an important Revolutionary War battle.
Visit Lake Conestee Nature Preserve
While there is a $3 suggested donation, it is optional (though that’s super cheap!). And so I’m including this on the list because they have lots of great programs and events!
Walk over Campbell’s Covered Bridge
The last covered bridge in South Carolina, this is an historic artifact that would be fun to visit.
Do a tour of murals in the Upstate
You can do a driving tour if the weather isn’t great and see a number of murals all around the Upstate.
Go swimming
You can swim in South Carolina weather for at least half the year, so look at this list for some free swimming options!
Pick some produce at a farm
If the season is right, you can find a ton of U-Pick farms around Greenville.
Are you familiar with the Greenville area? What are your favorite free things to do in Greenville?
Headed somewhere else? See all our 25 free things to do posts!
