Children's Museum of the Upstate - old newspaper office museum
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Children's Museum of the Upstate

4.7
·3k reviews·Greenville, United States

A vibrant, three-floor museum in Greenville, SC, offering hands-on, play-based learning for kids under 12.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to play

CrowdLow
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Children's Museum of the Upstate - old newspaper office museum

Children's Museum of the Upstate

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more space to play

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant, three-floor museum in Greenville, SC, offering hands-on, play-based learning for kids under 12.

4.7
(3k reviews)

"This place was so cool. Even as a 30 year old mom, I enjoyed it with my children."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Plan for 2+ Hours

You'll need at least 2 hours to explore all three floors, but plan for a full day if your kids are really engaged!

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

Lots of running, climbing, and exploring means comfy shoes are a must for both kids and adults! :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive STEAM Lab

Interactive STEAM Lab

Third Floor

Engage young minds with hands-on science, technology, engineering, art, and math experiments. Perfect for curious kids!

Toddler Zone

Toddler Zone

Designated Area

A safe and engaging space for the littlest visitors to explore and play, ensuring fun for all ages.

Outdoor Play Area

Outdoor Play Area

Exterior

Let kids burn off energy in a fenced-in outdoor space with room to run and play, weather permitting.

Mini Golf

Mini Golf

Third Floor

Challenge the family to a fun round of mini-golf, a unique attraction for a children's museum.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan for a Full Day of Fun

This museum boasts three floors of interactive exhibits, making it easy to spend an entire day exploring. Arrive early to maximize your visit and beat the biggest crowds. Consider packing snacks or planning for a longer stay to truly experience all the hands-on learning opportunities.

EBT Discount & Membership Perks

Visitors with EBT cards can enjoy a discounted admission of $5 per person, making it an accessible option for many families.Reddit If you plan to visit multiple children's museums in the region, check if a membership to the Children's Museum of the Upstate also grants access to others, like the one in Spartanburg.TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons (post-lunch)
Why
Tour groups thin out
Crowd
Medium
When
Rainy or Hot Days
Why
Perfect indoor escape
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We had such a blast visiting Greenville last weekend, where we spent one of our days at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate! If you live in or are familiar with the Greenville, SC area - where should we go on our next visit? #childrensmuseumoftheupstate #southcarolina #funwithkids #travelwithkids #roadtrips #familytravel #summertime #summerfun #greenville #greenvilles #adventure #childrensmuseum ...
@xothemacs
46 likes • 3.8K views

🎯 Plan for 2+ Hours

You'll need at least 2 hours to explore all three floors, but plan for a full day if your kids are really engaged! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

Lots of running, climbing, and exploring means comfy shoes are a must for both kids and adults! :athletic_shoe:

When i don’t know how to fill our day the childrens museum is the answer. It’s right downtown Greenville, SC and has three floors of a whole lot to do. I’m very good at playing cashier. #greenville #fyp #daydrinkers #thingstodowithkids #childrensmuseum
@katiecapelli
117 likes • 2.4K views
Curious about what there is to do at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate? Here’s a sneak peek... @tcmupstate #VisitGreenvilleSC #greenvilleSc #TCMU #TCMUpstate #children’smuseum #thingstodogreenvillesc #familyactivities
visitgreenvillesc
0 likes • 15K views

👶 Nursing Room Available

A dedicated nursing room is available for parents with infants, adding to the family-friendly amenities. :baby_bottle:

🛒 Snack Shop On-site

A canteen area offers snacks and drinks, though some parents wish for more substantial food options. Reddit :coffee:

#UpsidedownRoom The Children's Museum of the Upstate #JoshyDean #BirthdayBoy
holsclaw.art
2 likes • 24 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Plan for 2+ Hours

You'll need at least 2 hours to explore all three floors, but plan for a full day if your kids are really engaged! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed

Lots of running, climbing, and exploring means comfy shoes are a must for both kids and adults! :athletic_shoe:

👶 Nursing Room Available

A dedicated nursing room is available for parents with infants, adding to the family-friendly amenities. :baby_bottle:

🛒 Snack Shop On-site

A canteen area offers snacks and drinks, though some parents wish for more substantial food options. Reddit :coffee:

🎟️ EBT Discount Available

Bring your EBT card for a special admission price of $5 per person. :moneywithwings:

💡 Interactive Exhibits Galore

From science to pretend play, the museum offers engaging, hands-on experiences for all ages. TikTok :bulb:

🤝 Friendly Staff

Visitors often note the kindness and helpfulness of the museum's staff. :handshake:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the Children's Museum of the Upstate for its highly interactive exhibits and the sheer amount of activities available across its three floors, making it an ideal destination for a full day of family fun. While the admission price is reasonable, especially with EBT discounts, some parents suggest expanding the food options in the on-site canteen.

"Great place for kids of all ages. The exhibits are very interactive and can keep them busy for whole day. My kids had fun doing the science experiment at the STEAM lab. There is also a special zone for very small kids, a nursing room and a mini golf at the 3rd floor."

Swayam Verma

"This place was so cool. Even as a 30 year old mom, I enjoyed it with my children. There's SO many rooms, these pictures are just from a couple of rooms. There's three floors of stuff to do included with the ticket. If you have EBT, it's $5 a person. Even if you don't live in SC. The workers were kind, and they have a little store where you can buy toys and books. My kids had an absolute blast and we'll definitely be back!"

Sierra Baber

"The perfect rainy day or too hot summer day place for a kid to explore and learn and get all their wiggles out for all ages! So much to do, to spend hours inside. At minimum expect to spend 2 hours just to explore all the museum has to offer but if your kids are playing and enjoying themselves it’s perfect for an all day play date!"

Sarah Belue

What People Like

Highly interactive exhibits
Three floors of activities
Great for all ages

What People Dislike

Limited food options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Children's Museum of the Upstate is conveniently located downtown Greenville, SC.TikTok It's easily accessible by car, with parking available nearby. For those coming from further afield, it's about an hour's drive from Asheville, NC.Instagram

While specific parking details can vary, downtown Greenville generally offers various parking garages and street parking options. It's advisable to check local parking regulations or use a parking app upon arrival.

Absolutely! The museum is a popular destination for families in the Upstate region and is just over an hour from Asheville, NC,Instagram making it a great day trip option.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

General admission is typically around $15 per person.Reddit However, a significant perk is the EBT discount, which reduces the price to $5 per person, making it very accessible.Reddit

While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance, especially for peak times or special events, is often recommended to ensure entry and save time. Check their official website for the most up-to-date information.

Yes, the museum offers a notable discount for EBT cardholders, making admission just $5 per person.Reddit It's always a good idea to inquire about any other potential discounts or group rates.

Some visitors have noted that a membership to the Children's Museum of the Upstate may also grant access to other regional children's museums, such as the one in Spartanburg.TikTok It's best to confirm reciprocal membership benefits directly with the museum.

Operating hours can vary, so it's essential to check the official Children's Museum of the Upstate website for the most current daily hours and any special holiday closures before your visit.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The museum is designed for children under 12, with interactive exhibits catering to a wide range of ages, including a dedicated toddler zone for the littlest ones.Reddit

Most visitors recommend allocating at least 2-3 hours to explore the museum's three floors of exhibits.Reddit However, many families find themselves staying for the entire day, especially if children are deeply engaged in the activities.Reddit

Expect a variety of hands-on, interactive exhibits covering science (STEAM lab), mechanics, art, imagination, and pretend play, including a grocery store TikTok and an 'Upside Down Room'.Instagram

Yes, the museum features a fenced-in outdoor play area where children can run and play, weather permitting.TikTokReddit

The museum provides a nursing room, making it comfortable for parents with very young children.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a canteen area that offers snacks and drinks for visitors.Reddit However, some parents have noted that the food options could be more extensive for adults who plan to stay all day.Reddit

While outside food and drinks are not explicitly mentioned as prohibited, it's generally best to check the museum's policy. Many families opt to bring their own snacks to supplement the canteen offerings.

Being located in downtown Greenville, there are numerous restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the museum, offering a wide variety of dining choices for families.

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, personal photography for non-commercial use is allowed. However, it's always a good idea to be mindful of other visitors and avoid flash photography in sensitive areas. Some exhibits might have specific restrictions.

The 'Upside Down Room' Instagram is a unique and visually striking spot. Many of the interactive exhibits, like the pretend grocery store TikTok or the STEAM lab, also make for fun and engaging photos.

The museum occasionally hosts adults-only nights Instagram which could offer a more relaxed environment for photography without the usual crowds of children, though these are typically ticketed fundraising events.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

The Children's Museum of the Upstate is a dream for families with young children, offering a dedicated toddler zone Reddit designed for safe and engaging exploration. The museum's emphasis on play-based learning TikTok means even the littlest ones can participate in hands-on activities. Parents appreciate the availability of a nursing room Reddit and the overall family-friendly atmosphere.

With three floors of exhibits, there's plenty to keep toddlers and preschoolers entertained for hours. From pretend play areas to sensory activities, the museum provides a stimulating environment where young children can develop motor skills, social interaction, and cognitive abilities. The outdoor play area TikTokReddit also offers a great space for them to burn off energy.

💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers

For families looking for affordable fun, the Children's Museum of the Upstate is an excellent choice. The museum offers a significant discount for EBT cardholders, making admission just $5 per person.Reddit This makes it a highly accessible option for many families who might otherwise find museum visits costly.

Beyond the discounted admission, the museum provides hours of entertainment, making it a great value for the price. Visitors can easily spend an entire day exploring the diverse exhibits, ensuring that your money goes a long way. Packing your own snacks can also help keep costs down, though a canteen is available for convenience.Reddit

✈️ Day-Trippers from Asheville

If you're looking for a fantastic day trip from Asheville, North Carolina, the Children's Museum of the Upstate is just over an hour's drive away Instagram and is highly recommended. It's the perfect destination to entertain kids and create lasting memories.

Plan to spend a good portion of your day here, as there are three floors packed with interactive exhibits. The museum's location in downtown Greenville also means you can easily combine your visit with exploring other attractions or enjoying a meal in the vibrant city center. It's a worthwhile excursion that offers a full day of engaging activities for children.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Three Floors of Wonder

The Children's Museum of the Upstate is spread across three engaging levels, each offering a distinct set of experiences. The first floor often features exhibits focused on imaginative play, such as a grocery store TikTok and a pretend town, allowing children to step into different roles and scenarios. This level is great for younger children to explore and interact in a familiar yet exciting environment.

The second floor typically delves into more complex themes, including science and mechanics. Here, kids can engage with the STEAM lab,Reddit experimenting with scientific principles and engineering concepts. This floor encourages critical thinking and problem-solving through hands-on activities that make learning fun and accessible.

On the third floor, visitors can find additional interactive exhibits, including a popular mini-golf course InstagramReddit and a dedicated toddler zone Reddit for the youngest explorers. This level ensures that children of all ages have dedicated spaces to play and learn, making the museum a comprehensive destination for family fun.

Beyond the Exhibits: Special Programs & Events

The Children's Museum of the Upstate is more than just its permanent exhibits; it actively hosts a variety of programs and events designed to enhance the learning experience. These can include weekly programs, camps, and special adults-only nights.Instagram These events often provide unique opportunities for deeper engagement with specific themes or simply a different way to enjoy the museum.

For instance, the museum has introduced new interactive areas, such as a garden honoring Holocaust survivor Trude Heller,TikTok showcasing its commitment to educational and meaningful exhibits. They also partner with organizations to create content for new exhibits,Instagram ensuring a dynamic and evolving visitor experience. These special events and new additions keep the museum fresh and exciting for repeat visitors.

Attending an adults-only night Instagram can be a fantastic way for parents to enjoy the museum in a relaxed setting, perhaps even as a unique date night. These events often support the museum's mission and help fund future exhibits and programs, making them a worthwhile experience for both attendees and the institution.

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