At the edge of the Appalachian mountains, the bustling little city of Greenville, South Carolina, rolls out its warm Southern hospitality for families. Though small in size, it's big on enticing little ones starting with a scavenger hunt down its main street leading to museums and more to discover. A trip to Greenville is easy to manage and easy to budget. Two of its best family attractions are free.
A fun art installation for families, the city has hidden nine bronze mice on Main Street. A project of a local teen who was inspired by the book "Goodnight Moon," kids love the challenge to find all of these harmless critters on Greenville's sidewalks.
Filled with interactive exhibits, the charming Children's Museum of Greenville offers fun things to do like a giant light lab, a miniature market, a wind tunnel and a sculptural play structure, the Kaleidoscope Climber. The museum also houses a cafe for rumbling tummies and a gift shop. Adults and older children will appreciate the museum's location on Heritage Green, convenient to the city's three art museums.
The Children's Museum of Greenville
300 College St
Greenville, SC 29601
864- 233-7755
tcmgreenvillesc.org
In a corner of Linky Stone Park lies the 1.7-acre Children's Garden. There are multiple themes for families to explore, including a sculpture garden, an ABC garden, a science section, textile garden and a geology wall made of different stones.
Greenville's small but sweet zoo encompasses all the bases. From giraffes and lions to crocodiles and farm animals, you'll find all the usual suspects. A visit to the Greenville Zoo takes between one and one and a half hours, the perfect amount of time for small children with limited attention spans or visitors planning on packing in several attractions in one day.
The Greenville Zoo
150 Cleveland Park Dr
Greenville, SC 29601-3147
864- 467-4300
greenvillezoo.com
