Are you looking for some fun things to do in downtown Spartanburg, SC with kids? We have compiled a list of our favorite places to go in the downtown area of Spartanburg. This list includes local kid-friendly museums, playgrounds, and even free mini-golf.
Things to Do With Kids in Downtown Spartanburg include:
Hub City Railroad Museum
Happy Hollow Playground
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate- Spartanburg
Chapman Cultural Center
Sparkle City Mini-Putt: FREE mini golf
Barnet Park
Cleveland Park
Headquarters Library
Mary Black Rail Trail
Hot Spot Skate Park
Hub City Railroad Museum
298 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg
Hub City Railroad Museum tells a lot about the history of the railways in Spartanburg. In addition to an informative museum full of train facts and objects, there was also a fun red caboose for the kids to play in. The caboose even had a working model train inside! There were cute souvenirs available for purchase in the caboose, including model train parts, t-shirts, engineer hats, and more.
While we were there we saw the train go past two times right next to the museum! It was very exciting to see it come by so close, and the kids were thrilled. Inside the museum, there was a lot of informative history to read, as well as a loud, working train bell the kids could ring.
The museum is open Wednesday and Saturday from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Read our Kidding Around review of the Hub City Railway Museum
Happy Hollow Playground
Glendalyn Avenue, Spartanburg
Happy Hollow Playground is a cute, small playground in the middle of the beautiful historic area of homes in downtown Spartanburg. Happy Hollow playground has a large picnic shelter, where we ate our lunch in the shade. It also has a playground with two swing sets (one for babies and one for older kids) and two play structures geared towards 3-5 yr-old kids, then children ages 6 and up.
Additionally, there is a pretty landscaped area with a winding walking path to enjoy, along which are little learning “stations” where kids can do things on the pavement, like play hopscotch to practice their numbers or play a jumping game to practice their shapes and colors.
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate Spartanburg
130 Magnolia Street, Spartanburg
The two-story Spartanburg branch of the Children’s Museum features exhibits designed for children 5 and under including infant areas, a treehouse, a store, a doctor’s office, and a water play area.
Admission is $7/person for all ages. Membership to the museum is reciprocal with The Children’s Museum of the Upstate in Greenville.
Chapman Cultural Center
200 East St. John Street, Spartanburg
Multiple organizations and museums are at the cultural center, including:
- Spartanburg Science Center – This small science center contains hands-on exhibits as well as live animals. Admission is $5 for anyone over age 5.
- Spartanburg Regional History Museum – Admission is free (donations welcome).
- Spartanburg Little Theatre – These performances feature adult cast members. Their calendar offers seasonal production information and performance dates.
- Spartanburg Youth Theatre – These performances feature youth cast members. Their calendar offers performance dates and descriptions of current and upcoming productions.
- Spartanburg Art Museum – Admission is free (donations welcome).
Sparkle City Mini Putt
145 West Broad Street, Spartanburg
Enjoy a free game of mini-golf on a Spartanburg-themed course. Putters and balls are available to borrow at Paisley Paw, The Local Hiker, Little River Coffee Bar, and Growler Haus. Located next door is the FR8 Yard where you can find delicious hot dogs, and the course is within walking distance of Spill the Beans for yummy ice cream.
Barnet Park
248 East St. John Street, Spartanburg
Barnet Park is a green space in the center of downtown that includes a small free splash pad in the warm months, and events throughout the year. Keep up with current events on the Barnet Park Facebook page.
Cleveland Park
141 North Cleveland Park Drive, Spartanburg
Downtown Spartanburg’s Cleveland Park includes a brightly colored play structure, walking trails, and a duck pond. Seasonal events and activities happening at the park can be found on the Cleveland Park Facebook page.
Headquarters Library
151 South Church Street, Spartanburg
Your kids will shine with delight when they discover the enclosed shady playground outside of the children’s section of the Spartanburg Library. The entrance to the playground can be located in the children’s section on the ground level of the library.
The Mary Black Rail Trail
The Mary Black Rail Trail trailhead starts at Henry & Union Street and runs until the intersection with State Rd S-42-27. It’s perfect for bikers, runners, and walkers. Bikes are available for rent at the start and finish of the trail.
Hot Spot Skate Park
339 Union Street, Spartanburg
This outdoor concrete skate park is open most days, and admission is free. The park offers a bowl and additional skating features.
Have you checked out Spartanburg yet?
This article was originally written by Christina Goshorn, and has been updated by the Kidding Around Team.
