I keep a list on my phone of ideas we can do as a family during the summer. It's grouped by "inside" and "outside," because over the years, I've learned there are some days in South Carolina where outside just isn't an option, no matter how early you get out the door!
To beat the heat, I pulled out our Family Fun Paper Route map to share a handful of the indoor spots featured. These places in and around Greenville, SC are great options for some of the hottest days of the season.
If you're hunting for indoor activities for kids this summer, consider this your very own "inside" list, written and vetted by Lauren Luneckas, CEO of The Children's Museum of the Upstate. The photos are my personal proof that these activities are loved by my own family!
Greenville Library System
25 Heritage Green Pl, Greenville
M-TH 9AM-9PM, F-Sat 9AM-6PM, Sun 2PM-6PM
Books are just the beginning! From LEGO Club, to bouncing baby classes and crafternoon meetups, library events are fun, free, and designed for the whole family.
Learn & Play: Cuentos Bilingues! Enjoy stories and songs in English and Spanish at weekly bilingual story time.
Judson Mill
701 Easley Bridge Rd, Greenville
Hours vary by business
Find indoor fun for toddlers and teens – and everyone in between! – at this hip, historic redevelopment. A play café and rock climbing gym anchor the mill’s family-friendly offerings.
Learn & Play: What parts of our bodies can help us reach, run, and climb?
ReCraft Creative Reuse Center
2439 Laurens Rd, Greenville
W-Sat 10AM-6PM
Tinkering, imagination, and creativity run wild in this magical makerspace. The sky is the limit on what young minds can create with the 100+ upcycled crafting materials at their disposal.
Learn & Play: Observe and encourage, but let children lead their makerspace journey!
South Carolina Children’s Theatre
153 Augusta St, Greenville
Hours vary by event. Check website.
Low-pressure theatre experience – giggles and wiggles are welcome here! Free events are offered in the lobby regularly. Story time collaborations with the Greenville Symphony Orchestra are extra special!
Learn & Play: Actors. Directors. Ushers. Tech Crews. Talk about all the people that work together to bring a show to life.
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate – Greenville
300 College St, Greenville
M-Sat 9AM-4:30PM, Sun 11AM-4:30PM
STEAM-based learning comes to life across 30+ interactive exhibits and three floors of educational play at one of the nation’s largest children’s museums.
Learn & Play: Take turns playing “I Spy” with your child as you explore various exhibits.
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate – Spartanburg
130 Magnolia St, Spartanburg
M-Sat 9AM-4:30PM, Sun 11AM-4:30PM
Softer, shorter, smaller exhibits and preschool-specific programming deliver big children’s museum fun for little learners ages 6 and under.
Learn & Play: Sit under the big windows of the Book Nook and enjoy reading together!
Excerpted from Family Fun Greenville Paper Route by Lauren Luneckas
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