Children's Museum of the Upstate
A vibrant, three-floor museum in Greenville, SC, offering hands-on, play-based learning for kids under 12.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play
Children's Museum of the Upstate
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to play

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant, three-floor museum in Greenville, SC, offering hands-on, play-based learning for kids under 12.
"This place was so cool. Even as a 30 year old mom, I enjoyed it with my children."
🎯 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:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

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
Exterior
Let kids burn off energy in a fenced-in outdoor space with room to run and play, weather permitting.
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Mini Golf
Third Floor
Challenge the family to a fun round of mini-golf, a unique attraction for a children's museum.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for a Full Day of Fun
EBT Discount & Membership Perks
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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:
👶 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.
:coffee: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!
👟 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.
: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.
:bulb:🤝 Friendly Staff
Visitors often note the kindness and helpfulness of the museum's staff. :handshake:
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Children's Museum of the Upstate is conveniently located downtown Greenville, SC.
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.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,
making it a great day trip option.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is typically around $15 per person.
However, a significant perk is the EBT discount, which reduces the price to $5 per person, making it very accessible.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.
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.
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.
Most visitors recommend allocating at least 2-3 hours to explore the museum's three floors of exhibits.
However, many families find themselves staying for the entire day, especially if children are deeply engaged in the activities.Expect a variety of hands-on, interactive exhibits covering science (STEAM lab), mechanics, art, imagination, and pretend play, including a grocery store
and an 'Upside Down Room'.Yes, the museum features a fenced-in outdoor play area where children can run and play, weather permitting.
The museum provides a nursing room, making it comfortable for parents with very young children.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a canteen area that offers snacks and drinks for visitors.
However, some parents have noted that the food options could be more extensive for adults who plan to stay all day.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'
is a unique and visually striking spot. Many of the interactive exhibits, like the pretend grocery store or the STEAM lab, also make for fun and engaging photos.The museum occasionally hosts adults-only nights
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
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 also offers a great space for them to burn off energy.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
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.
✈️ Day-Trippers from Asheville
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 second floor typically delves into more complex themes, including science and mechanics. Here, kids can engage with the STEAM lab, 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 and a dedicated toddler zone 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
For instance, the museum has introduced new interactive areas, such as a garden honoring Holocaust survivor Trude Heller, showcasing its commitment to educational and meaningful exhibits. They also partner with organizations to create content for new exhibits, 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 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit