Don’t let the weather keep you stuck indoors! It can be a challenge leaving the house on rainy days or cold days with your family, but fortunately, Spartanburg has many indoor places that are great for any day.
This list includes museums for special outings, indoor play places and arcades, restaurants with playgrounds, and more. You can visit each of the places on this list without registering as they are all drop-in during their usual hours. Use this full list as a resource for fun on those dreary days. ~Jennifer Curry, KAS Contributor
Disclaimer: This list is intended for informational purposes and none of the contents should be considered a specific recommendation or endorsement from Kidding Around or its staff. All advertisements are marked “sponsored.”
Things to do Inside by Category
With a giant indoor play space and lots of unique fun exhibits, The Children’s Museum is naturally the go-to rainy day spot in Spartanburg. The Children’s Museum of the Upstate also has programs available for children most of which are free with admission. The space is designed for children ages 5 and under.
TCMU-Greenville is open to the public Tuesday-Saturday (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.). TCMU-Spartanburg is open Tuesday-Saturday (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Both locations will be closed on Mondays. TCMU-Spartanburg will be closed on Sundays.
To limit capacity, both locations will implement advanced timed-entry tickets. All visitors must purchase tickets in advance based on a desired entry time. Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.tcmupstate.org.
Find out more at TCMU-Spartanburg!
Spartanburg County Public Libraries offer a full line-up of free programming listed on their website. In addition to story times and other free programs, the Spartanburg libraries include a children’s area with activities and books. The Headquarters downtown branch is a popular location that offers a great interactive learning space in the children’s area.
Note: In response to COVID-19, the libraries are offering an array of virtual events in place of in-person activities.
Headquarters Library – 151 S Church Street, Spartanburg
Boiling Springs Library – 871 Double Bridge Road, Boiling Springs
Chesnee Library – 100 Pickens Avenue, Chesnee
Cowpens Library – 181 School Street, Cowpens
Cyrill-Westside Library – 525 Oak Grove Road, Spartanburg
Inman Library – 50 Mill Street, Inman
Landrum Library – 111 Asbury Drive, Landrum
Middle Tyger Library – 170 Groce Road, Lyman
Pacolet Library – 390 W. Main Street, Pacolet
Woodruff Library – 270 E. Hayne Street, Woodruff
The following locations have indoor play areas:
1917 Boiling Springs Road, Boiling Springs
750 South Alabama Avenue, Chesnee
2157 East Main Street, Duncan
308 West Wade Hampton Blvd, Greer
2131 East Main Street, Spartanburg
500 Hearon Circle, Spartanburg
1598 John B White Sr Blvd, Spartanburg
Offers: Roller skating and an arcade
John F. Green Spartanburg Science Center
864.583.2777 200 E. Saint John Street, Spartanburg, SC
Interactive exhibits, live animals and an extensive collection of fossils, bones, rocks and minerals will encourage a love of science.
For animal lovers on rainy, cold days, you can always take your kids to an indoor zoo (also known as a pet store).
Offers: Movie theater, bowling, arcade, bumper cars, giant indoor playland, laser tag, mini golf and ropes course
For animal lovers on rainy, cold days, you can always take your kids to an indoor zoo (also known as a pet store).
There is a fun indoor playground at the local mall. It is located by Belk.
Offers: Roller skating, an arcade and an indoor playground
Offers: League night, family bowling, holiday specials and a game room
Chapman Cultural Center is home to several local museums, Ballet Spartanburg, and the Spartanburg Little Theatre.
The Hub City Railroad Museum showcases the history of Spartanburg’s railroads with views of local train lines. See trains and models up close!
Note: The Hub City Railroad Museum is temporarily closed.
An art and pottery studio
Spartanburg Regional History Museum
864.596.3501 200 East Saint John Street, Spartanburg, SC
Permanent exhibitions of the earliest Native American settlements in the county to the commercial hub of the 20th century. Free admission (donations accepted)
Offers: Video & Arcade Games and pizza
Offers: Inflatable play for all ages, including Open Jump for preschoolers, Family Jump and Parents Night Out
For animal lovers on rainy, cold days, you can always take your kids to visit the pets in need of homes.
Offers: Roller skating, an arcade and a three story indoor playground
The Spartanburg Art Museum also offers family programming on the second Sunday of every month from September-April. Free admission (donations accepted)
Due to COVID-19, Creating Artists for Tomorrow is not currently offering table time. However, they offer classes for children ages 4+ and also offer custom classes. Please call them for more information at 864.561.7420.
Read our review of Creating Artists for Tomorrow!
Offers: Kidcreate is an art studio for kids ages 18 months to 12 years. They have classes, birthday parties, camps, and homeschool classes.
It includes a children’s area with a train table and a Lego® table. Plus, books and coffee for you!
Offers: Indoor Play and Party Center located in Asheville, NC! Ideal for children aged 10 and younger. They are a sock facility, meaning no shoes or bare feet are permitted in our play area.
Check out the Kidding Around Review of Mountain Play Lodge.
Note: Mountain Play Lodge is temporarily closed.
Offers: Chick-fil-A food with an indoor play space for younger children
Locations with an indoor play area:
Chick-fil-a in Boiling Springs
Chick-fil-a on Asheville Hwy
Chick-fil-a at Hillcrest
Chick-fil-a in Duncan
Chick-fil-a in Greer
This regional history museum has an interactive children’s section with revolving exhibits that focus on early literacy. Past exhibits have included Curious George and Dr. Seuss.
Offers: Bowling, video games and pool tables
Interactive exhibits, science programs and tons of hands-on activities to stimulate imagination and learning in nearby Hendersonville.
Offers: Mini golf, go karts, indoor playground, laser tag, batting cage, arcade, drop zone, and bumper boats
Offers: Video & Arcade Games and pizza
