Kilroy Oldster once said, “Family excursions leave indelible marks upon all participants.” Quality family time creates memories that last a lifetime. These memories can happen anywhere, but it is true that Greenville, SC, has a special magic when it comes to cultivating family experiences. It is a clean, safe, affordable city that offers many varied attractions. Whether your family is seeking to explore the outdoors, seek educational experiences, or hit the batting cages, Greenville is the place to be. Check out our list below for five on the best family friendly attractions in Greenville.

1) Greenville Zoo

“Lions and tigers and bears… oh my!” Come visit these majestic creatures at our quaint Greenville Zoo, a local treasure. It offers animal exhibits from around the world, including South America and Africa. Families can circle the zoo as many times as they would like, enjoying the flowers and open sky. Learn new facts about exotic animals, check out the playground, and be sure to visit the cute gift store before you leave. Tickets start at $15, but customers receive $2 off when they purchase tickets online. Children 2 and under are free. Located right next to downtown Greenville, the Greenville Zoo is the perfect place for a family outing. 

2) The Children’s Museum of the Upsate

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate is one of the largest children’s museums in the country and is a MUST SEE for families with young children. As soon as you walk in the door, visitors are impressed with the multistory climbing structure that greets them. The learning and sensory stations are seemingly endless: grocery shopping, car racing, fountain playing, music drumming, and much, much more. TCMU boasts three stories of engaging exhibits, all focused on inclusivity and building educational experiences. General admission tickets for out of state individuals start at $19, but SC residents receive a discount. If visiting multiple times, many choose to become members, as it starts at $120. TCMU is a highly recommended family experience in downtown Greenville; the memories last a lifetime. 

3) Swamp Rabbit Trail 

One of the best family outing ideas in Greenville is also the simplest: a walk through the Swamp Rabbit Trail. This 28 mile trail offers various terrains, from the marshy Lake Conestee Nature Trail to the cascading waterfalls of Falls Park, and beyond. Visitors enjoy the nature views, clean walkways, and amenities such as parking, restrooms, and trail markers. Trailblazer Park and Cleveland Park are two popular parking spots but there are many spots one can choose to start hiking. Getting active and enjoying the natural world is a beautiful experience to share with family. 

4) Frankies Fun Park 

Go karting, bumper boating, and mini golfing? What’s not to love at Frankie’s Fun Park? Frankies is an amusement park and arcade that offers hours of fun for all ages. Whether you are bonding with your children over a game of laser tag or beating a sibling in a go cart race, memories are made here. Play from almost 80 arcade games like Screwball and NBA Hoops. Tokens have been replaced by prepaid cards, making the arcade experience easier than ever. Let competition bring your family today in Greenville. 

5) Roper Mountain Science Center

Learning should be thrilling, a hands-on experience that expands one’s mind. The Roper Mountain Science Center does a great job of cultivating exciting learning experiences for those of all ages. Their modern facility covers 62 acres, and includes a Dinosaur Adventure Trail, Harrison Hall of Natural Science, Environmental Science and Sustainability Building, Butterfly Garden, and more. Roper Mountain is open to the public on Thursdays and Fridays in the afternoons; tickets start at $8. Make learning fun, and create lasting family memories while doing it! 

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