Summer’s almost here and if you’re like me, you’re already searching for ways to spend time with your family without spending a fortune. I’m pretty much always on the hunt for fun things to do with my kids in Greenville, South Carolina so I’m sharing a quick guide to some of our favorite free parks and playgrounds.
This list is really just a sneak peek of what you’ll find in our Family Fun Paper Route map — a collaboration with the lovely folks at The Children's Museum of the Upstate and Greenville artist Marquin Campbell. While I’m sharing six of the park spots here, the full map includes 20 kid-friendly spots across the Greenville, SC area including museums, play areas, and more!
Whether you’re new to the area or just looking to switch up your usual routine, I hope this roundup helps you discover a few new spots to explore with the kids in your life.
I even tracked down a few photos of my own kiddos enjoying some of these local spots over the years. We are pretty excited to have this map as a guide this summer and check places off the list as we go!
Enjoy this list of free parks near Greenville, SC that are perfect for summer fun, weekend adventures, or spur-of-the-moment outings! Written by Lauren Luneckas, each spot on the map features ideas to Learn & Play at each park.
Century Park – Kids Planet Playground
3605 Brushy Creek Rd, Greer
Open Daily: Sunrise to Sunset, Closed W 7AM-12:30PM for maintenance
Massive and immersive! Expect the unexpected at this whimsical, forest-themed playground featuring zip lines, hillside slides, rope bridges, and a castle tower.
Learn & Play: Use your imagination to create a story about the frog, butterfly, and caterpillar friends you see!
Conestee Nature Preserve
840 Mauldin Rd, Greenville
T-Sun 7AM-8PM daily
An oasis in the city, this 640-acre wildlife sanctuary offers 11 wildlife observation decks along 13 miles of trails. Utilize boardwalks and bridges to experience the preserve’s wetland environment. The new Nature Playscape is an absolute must see, but don’t expect traditional playground equipment here. Through natural construction, water play, discovery trails and tree lookouts, children experience nature in unique, playful, and creative ways.
Learn & Play: Describe the characteristics of the various trail terrains you encounter. Is the ground flat or bumpy? Hard or soft? Wet or dry?
Furman University – Lake Loop Trail
3300 Poinsett Hwy, Greenville
Open Sunrise to Sunset daily
Scenic 1.5 mile trail on Furman’s picturesque campus packed with can’t-miss places to stop and explore including a rose garden, a Japanese temple, and Furman’s iconic belltower.
Learn & Play: Walk (or bike!) the loop searching for turtles, swans, ducks, and geese.
Heritage Park
861 SE Main St, Simpsonville
Open Sunrise to Sunset daily
Train hours vary by season
All aboard! Take a ride on the park’s mini replica steam train. The 6-minute route is open on weekends and perfect for little attention spans. Come with cash (no cards) and without pups (the park and train are dog-free).
Learn & Play: A train ride is full of new sights and sounds. How is it like a car ride? How is it different?
Runway Park at Greenville Downtown Airport
21 Airport Rd, Greenville
Open 8AM-8PM daily
Fun takes flight at this aviation-themed playground where children can run and play while watching the airport’s bustling runways.
Learn & Play: When a plane takes off, what do your eyes see? What do your ears hear?
Unity Park
320 Hudson St, Greenville
Open 5AM-11PM daily, Amenity hours vary. Check website.
Don’t miss the (huge!) splash pad and unique playgrounds at this community hub near Downtown Greenville. Thoughtful amenities include a welcome center with lactation rooms.
Learn & Play: Bikes, trikes, roller blades and runners…talk about the movement and motion you see throughout the park!
Excerpted from Family Fun Greenville Paper Route by Lauren Luneckas
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