Vernon Howard once said, “Always walk through life as if you have something new to learn and you will.” Before school resumes in August, discover fun and educational things to do near Greenville, SC. Families can build curiosity and confidence learning from interactive museums, historical hikes, and science centers. Visit cuddly creatures at the Greenville Zoo or study the natural world at Conestee Nature Preserve. Make learning fun with hands on activities that can create memories for a lifetime.

See the Stars at the Roper Mountain Science Center

Roper Mountain’s Summer Adventure season has officially come to a close, but families can still enjoy the premises during Friday Starry Nights, top-tier planetarium shows. For the next three weeks, the following shows will be offered: Magic Tree House, Astronaut, and James Webb Space Telescope. Tickets are $8 for adults and $7 for children. Or, if you’re planning a trip later in the year, from September 17- May 7, they offer part time hours in the late afternoons on Thursday and Fridays. Individuals can visit the Hall of Natural Science and observe aquatic animals at the Marine Lab. Then, visitors can check out the Butterfly Garden, Living History Farm, and Dinosaur Adventure Trail. At Roper Mountain, learning never ends. 

Observe Natural Wildlife at Conestee Nature Preserve

Located just 6 miles from downtown Greenville, Conestee Nature Preserve is an incredible, 600-acre park and wildlife sanctuary, filled with trails, wetlands, woods, and more. Throughout the park, there are 11 different observation decks to stalk salamanders, turtles, fish, and various types of birds. Children can also enjoy the playground or the Conestee Nature Playscape. And, best of all, it is completely free to wander the preserve. Discover a world of wonder right just beneath your feet.

Feed the Giraffes at The Greenville Zoo 

The best way to learn is through experience, and the best way to learn about animals is seeing them up close. The Greenville Zoo is a quaint, little zoo located near downtown Greenville. It is worth a visit, especially if you have young children or are looking for a quick 1-2 hour visit. Learn about exotic animals like leopards, giraffes, red pandas, and more, up close and personal. To get even more personal, be sure to feed the giraffes during feeding time! Plan a morning visit to escape the heat, and pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at Cleveland Park. Inspire a lifelong love of animals with a trip to the zoo. 

Learn Through Play at the Children’s Museum of the Upstate 

There’s a reason that the Children’s Museum of the Upstate (TCMU) was voted #5 for Best Children’s Museum in the U.S. (Travel + Leisure Magazine). It is three stories of interactive exhibits, artistic activities, water play, mini golf, and more. It is stroller friendly, and has useful facilities like a nursing room. They also host weekly  enrichment classes, at no extra cost, like Healthy Hustle Yoga and Food Lab. See the full schedule online to plan accordingly. Tickets are $20 per person, $15 for SC natives. Additionally, there is a second, smaller location in Spartanburg that is also quite worth the visit. Enjoy! 

Track Animal Patterns at the Spartanburg Science Center

If you’re looking for a smaller and cheaper learning location, the Spartanburg Science Center is a hidden gem. Located 40 minutes from downtown Greenville, it is a center that includes a STEM lab, Animal Room, and Millikin Learning Space. Children can learn about animals here, using a website to personally track feedings, breeding, genetics, and more, making the learning personal and memorable. Tickets are only $5 per adult, and children 5 & under are free. Learn something new, and have fun doing it! 

Family experiences are priceless. Whether you're looking to make family memories before school begins or keep learning going throughout the school year, there are many options near Greenville, SC. You never know what you may see! 

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