Upstate South Carolina Offers a Variety of Family-Friendly Activities

Activities Available Throughout Greenville and Spartanburg

If you’re looking for a way to make long-lasting memories with your children this summer, the Upstate region of South Carolina is overflowing with possibilities. From Greenville to Spartanburg and beyond, there’s a host of kid-friendly events and activities available to beat the heat and ward off the summer doldrums.

The Bunny Hive Weekend Events

In downtown Greenville, The Bunny Hive is hosting special classes aimed at bringing fun and education to kids. A Father’s Day Celebration Story Time is scheduled for 10 a.m. June 14, while a free Books and Bubbles class will liven up the afternoon at 3 p.m.

Food Truck Friday at TCMU-Greenville

Savory tastes and distinct aromas will fill the air at the TCMU-Greenville museum, as JRod’s Latin Fusion food truck parks up to serve empanadas, tacos, quesadillas and more from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on June 14.

Paris Mountain State Park’s Summer Program

For nature-loving families, Paris Mountain State Park is hosting several outdoor events throughout the summer. These include Creek Ranger Hikes on June 14, July 5 and 19 and Aug. 2, Turtle Trail Naturalist Hikes on June 28 and July 26, and a Campfire Talk with Ranger Madison on June 14.

Bilingual Story Time at Hughes Main Library

At 4:30 p.m. on June 14, the Hughes Main Library will offer a bilingual story time for kids 7 years and under. The stories will be told in both English and Spanish, providing an opportunity for kids to widen their language skills.

Starry Nights Programs at Roper Mountain Science Center

As darkness falls on June 14, the Roper Mountain Science Center will light up its dome with the “Magic Tree House: Space Mission” at 4:30 p.m., “Cosmic Adventure” at 6 p.m., and “STARS” at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are required.

Spartanburg’s Juneteenth Celebration Weekend

In Spartanburg, Juneteenth celebrations will be held throughout the weekend, with a block party beginning at 6 p.m. June 14 at Love Where You Live Park and a festival set to run from 4 – 10 p.m. June 15 in downtown Spartanburg.

Chautauqua’s 2024 History Comes Alive Festival

Chautauqua’s History Comes Alive Festival is set to bring various historical figures to life on stage from June 14. Cass Elliot, Maria von Trapp, El Vaquero, “Stagecoach Mary” Fields, and Charles Dickens will all be portrayed in various locations.

Celebrations and Classes During the Week

The following week offers a wealth of activities, such as Toddler Time with Curious George at the Upcountry History Museum, Pollinator Week at the Greer Farmers Market, and a Juneteenth celebration at Unity Park.

Ongoing Summer Programs

Various organizations are running summer programs till the end of July. Spartanburg County Public Libraries’ Summer Reading Program and Greenville County Library’s Summer Reading 2024 are among them. Roper Mountain Science Center is hosting its Summer Adventure program.

Also, keeping the summer spirit alive, both locations of The Children’s Museum of the Upstate (TCMU) – Greenville and Spartanburg, are now open on Mondays.

New Exhibitions

The Sullenberger Aviation Museum has opened its doors in Charlotte. Wings in the Air, an adventurous journey into Colombia, is currently on display at TCMU-Greenville. The Upcountry History Museum is hosting a bilingual, interactive learning experience titled Curious George: Let’s Get Curious! which continues through Oct. 6.

Outdoor Activities

For those who enjoy being outdoors, Greenville County has opened its water parks for the season. Park Hop, a free summer-long scavenger hunt at parks and recreation venues throughout Greenville and Spartanburg Counties, is also ongoing.

No matter the interest, there’s something for every family to enjoy in the Upstate region this summer.