News Summary
Families in Upstate South Carolina can enjoy a variety of activities this summer, including the Park Hop scavenger hunt and local water parks. Exciting exhibits at museums, outdoor concerts, and community events provide plenty of opportunities for bonding and fun. From engaging displays like Dinosaurs and Marvel Expo to free admission days at art centers, this summer promises cherished memories for families as they enjoy their time together.
Greenville, SC – Families looking for ways to make the most of this summer in Upstate South Carolina will find a plethora of engaging activities and events designed for all ages. From interactive exhibits to outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone to enjoy as the warm months stretch on.
One of the notable highlights is the Park Hop, a free summer-long scavenger hunt across Greenville and Spartanburg Counties, encouraging families to discover featured parks while solving clues. More information about this event can be found at parkhop.org. Additionally, families can take advantage of local water activities, as the Unity Park’s Splash Pad is now open for the season, providing a refreshing escape for children to enjoy. Further details about the splash pad can be accessed at greenvillesc.gov/1876/Playgrounds-Splash-Pad.
Greenville County water parks will maintain daily operation through August 10 and will remain open on weekends until September 1. Local residents can find planning information at waterparks.greenvillerec.com. Nearby, Shipwreck Cove Water Park in Duncan is also welcoming visitors for a fun-filled day. For more comprehensive details, families can visit shipwreckcovewaterpark.com.
The Upcountry History Museum is featuring several exciting exhibits aimed at younger audiences. The “Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice” display, open through September 21, is designed for children aged 3-10, offering a bilingual experience alongside a “big dig” activity. To explore more about the museum and its exhibits, visit upcountryhistory.org. Additionally, the exhibit “Avengers: Endgame – The Exhibition” invites Marvel fans to explore the intricacies of the Marvel Universe and is open through January 18.
Environmental awareness is celebrated in an enlightening exhibit titled “Beautification: The Environmental Legacy of Lady Bird Johnson,” which runs until September 7. This exhibit commemorates Lady Bird’s significant contributions towards highway beautification in America. Furthermore, “Tutankhamun: His Tomb and His Treasures” is displaying replicas of artifacts from King Tut’s tomb at Biltmore Estate until January 4, 2026, providing an immersive journey into ancient history.
Art enthusiasts can also visit the South Carolina State Museum, where the exhibit “Heroes & Villains: The Art of the Disney Costume” will be on view until October 26. Families can learn about the evolution of costume design in animated films. In neighboring Charlotte, the Discovery Place Science is hosting OceanXperience, an immersive exhibition focused on marine research and technology until September 7.
South Carolina residents can enjoy free admission at the Columbia Museum of Art throughout the summer, providing access to the local art scene until August 31. Meanwhile, Jurassic Adventure, featuring life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, runs through November 2 at The Island in Pigeon Forge, with free admission for all.
Outdoor concerts and celebrations continue as the Summer of Music in Banner Elk takes place, concluding with Labor Day festivities. Information about the schedule can be found at bannerelk.com/events, while Beech Mountain’s Blackberry Jam summer celebration occurs throughout August.
Various events cater to different interests within the community, such as the Teen Music Party at Spartanburg Main Library at 3 p.m., the Back to School Event at Haywood Mall on August 6, and intentional activities such as Family Craft Night at Five Forks Library. The morning market scene thrives at TD Saturday Market in downtown Greenville, which occurs every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.
As families prepare for the upcoming school year, the Countdown to Kindergarten event at TCMU-Spartanburg focuses on pre-K readiness and community resources. Entertainment options also abound with Greenville Drive home games, offering themed nights and free admissions for K-12 students on select days, as well as the hit show “Kimberly Akimbo”, part of the Broadway Series at the Peace Center.
The summer season in Upstate South Carolina is bursting with opportunities for families to bond, learn, and have fun, ensuring cherished memories as children enjoy their break.
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Additional Resources
- Kidding Around Greenville: Things to Do This Month
- Greenville Online: Family Friendly Fun Events
- Greenville Online: Family Classes and Programs for August
- Kidding Around Greenville: Guide to Back to School
- Greenville Online: Back to School Drives and Bashes
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
