Summer Kid-Friendly Activities in the Upcountry

With summer in full swing, what are some kid-friendly activities for you and your family in the Upcountry? From Oconee to Spartanburg Counties, check out this list for Museums & Attractions, and Parks & Outdoor locations to keep the little ones entertained this summer!

Oconee County:

• Museums & Attractions:
  • Wildwater Chattooga is a must for adventure seekers aged 8-12 and up! From river rafting to ziplining and adventure camps, take a fun trip to Long Creek, SC, for a wild time.
• Parks & Outdoors:
  • Devil’s Fork State Park – From swimming in Lake Jocassee, kayaking or canoeing, fishing for lake trout, or looking for Oconee Bluebells on the trails, Devil’s Fork is a great place to check out the gorgeous lake views! 

Pickens County:

• Parks & Outdoors:
  • 12 Mile Recreation Area – This park made our list of Best Hidden Upcountry Lake Spots To Explore! With beaches, playgrounds, over 50 picnic sites, and a boat launch point, take your family here for a fun beach day closer than the coast. 
  • The South Carolina Botanical Garden – Choose from a guided or self-guided visit to discover plants and experience the natural world. Summer camps are hosted here along with other events! Don’t miss visiting the Bob Campbell Geology Museum and the Fran Hanson Visitor’s Center & Art Gallery as well.

Greenville County:

• Museums & Attractions:
  • The Children’s Museum of the Upstate (Greenville location) – For fun indoors or rainy days, don’t miss checking out the 30 unique exhibits and over 80,000 square feet of TCMU! Designed for children aged 0-12, the monthly education and arts programs cater to different age groups and skill levels, accompanied by rotating exhibits and an outdoor playground.
  • Upcountry History Museum – With “Toddler Time” and themed family fun days, along with changing exhibits like “Dinosaurs: Land of Fire and Ice,” there’s always something new to see at this museum (just up the block from TCMU)!
  • Sigal Music Museum – Calling all music lovers! Check out this museum, located next door to the Upcountry History Museum, featuring interactive exhibits, educational programs, musical summer camps, and concert performances.
  • Roper Mountain Science Center – Just outside of downtown Greenville on Roper Mountain Rd., look forward to exploring the Dinosaur Adventure Trail, Butterfly garden, Hooper planetarium, and more than 100 week-long camps in their “Summer Exploration Camp” series.
• Parks & Outdoors:
  • Conestee Park & Nature Preserve Playscape – The park features local sporting events, along with baseball and softball fields, a playground, two walking trails, shelters, and a dog park. As of April 2025, the Nature Preserve Playscape is open to the public, entirely constructed of wood salvaged from Hurricane Helene to build the bridges, walkways, simulated stream areas, and more!

Spartanburg County:

• Museums & Attractions:
  • The Children’s Museum of the Upstate (Spartanburg location) – With over 6,000 square feet of exhibit and learning space, this location was designed to support children ages 0-6. The exhibits and rotating events support early childhood development and Kindergarten readiness!
• Parks & Outdoors:
  • Mary Black Foundation Rail Trail – This 1.9-mile trail connects various neighborhoods, shopping, and restaurants near downtown Spartanburg. The Hot Spot Skate Park is on the way, catering to skateboarders, scooter riders, and inline skaters.
  • Rail Yard Community Park – Off of the Rail Trail, you’ll find this seven-acre park, with tree tunnels and misting arches, amphitheaters for local events and music, picnic shelters, and fitness pads and equipment. The Panthers Play 60 area is located here, featuring an NFL Combine workout course that promotes youth activity through the league’s Play 60 initiative.
  • Subaru Bike Park – Here’s one for the older kids! Located off the Rail Trail, behind the Flock Shop in Spartanburg, SC, features include bicycle trails that flow through wood and dirt, taking mountain bikers on a rollercoaster experience with minimal pedaling and braking required. Helmets are mandatory, and signed waivers are required to ride, with a guardian’s signature if the rider is under 18 years old.
  • Tyger River Park – Lastly, for those seeking an excellent park for family-friendly activities as well as sports enthusiasts, this is your place! With over 12 baseball and softball fields, a dog park, an 18-hole disc golf course, Batting cages, playgrounds, and a splash pad, there’s something for everyone here.

 Check out this other article for the best ways to Plan Your July Trip To The Upcountry.

 By: Sarah (Moore) Gross, Contributing Author