Spring Break Destination for Family Vacations on a Budget: Greenville, SC

If you need a weekend family vacation that will be stress-free and engaging to you and your children, Greenville, South Carolina is a great choice. You can have fun without spending much.

Greenville, SC: Where is it?

Greenville, SC is situated one and half hours south of Charlotte, North Carolina and a two hour drive from Atlanta, Georgia.

Greenville, SC and Why it is a Spring Destination?

Greenville, SC is a charming city. Charlotte and Atlanta are airport hubs that have reasonable airfares from many US cities. If you want a problem-free airport, Greenville-Spartanburg airport boasts of friendly airport personnel and easy arrival and departure system. It can take you to the city's major attraction in less than 15 minutes. During the months of March to May, Greenville boasts of picturesque array of colorful fauna and flora.

Greenville, SC Attractions

1. Downtown Greenville

Downtown Greenville offers a variety of shops including restaurants, coffee shops, specialty shops and free entertainment. The whole stretch of Main St. is quaint, cozy, and romantic. All visitors feel safe to stroll at any time of the day.

The highlight of Downtown Greenville begins by playing the attraction called "Mice in Main" family activity. It is free scavenger's hunt. Along the streets of downtown are 9 aesthetically carved little bronze mice. It is the job of your children to discover where these little rascals are hidden in the façade of many historic structures along Main St. It is based on the book "Goodnight Moon". Finding the little mice has brought fun and quality time for families in the last five years. Parents can get some "clues" of where to find the hidden mice from any hotels in the area.

Cost: Free

2. Children's Garden

The Children's Garden is located at Linky Stone Park. Your children will enjoy Greenville's history and some classic fairy tale stories. This is a multi-themed garden designed to engage your children in an interactive way.

Cost: Free

3. Scenic Reedy River at Falls Park and Water Falls

Reedy River Park is an awesome park to stroll in the mid-afternoon. Pet lovers, lovers and families savor the fresh air and the scenic escape. It is a waterfall park in the city. The main attraction is the 355 feet of bridge called Liberty Bridge. Your kids will experience crossing a suspended bridge without the frightful experience. The bridge is a great place to view the Reedy River Waterfalls. Once the children get excited, you can hike down the walking trails and take photo shots. The children can remove their shoes and start wading their feet on the cool, clear water. Or they can find a big stone to sit on while watching small fish swim across them. On a weekend, there are many street artists showcasing their musical talents and performance.

Cost: Free

4. GMH "Finding Nemo" Aquarium

For another free adventure, the children will enjoy finding the characters of the renowned Pixar's movie "Finding Nemo" in the aquarium at the lobby of Greenville Memorial Hospital. Marlin and Nemo are clownfish. Dory is a Regal Blue Tang. The other tank sea creatures are the Moorish Idol, porcupine fish, Royal Gramma, starfish, blacktail hambug, Pacific cleaner shrimp and yellow tang. The aquarium is filled with colorful corrals.

Cost: free

5. Greenville Zoo

Greenville Zoo can be seen in one hour, though it can take two to three hours to enjoy it at a relaxed pace. The zoo is so pleasing for youngsters that a meltdown is almost impossible. The zoo is famous for its top notch quality. The zoo size is fairly easy to navigate for parents who dread the typical long walks from one exhibit to the next.

For $2, you can buy a graham cracker-looking animal food treats. Children use it around the zoo to feed the ducks, flamingos and farm animals in the petting zoo area. There is also a playground that is guaranteed to satisfy a toddler and a preschooler while parents relax in wooden rocking chairs with a clear view of the giraffes. The animals look very healthy and well-nurtured especially the elephant, lions, tiger, Siamese monkey and birds. The layout of the homes of the animals is very cozy and strategic. The exhibits are well nestled in trees and bushes. The ambience is cool with lots of shades and places to relax and rest.

After the zoo tour, your children will be easily tempted to play at the newly renovated playground outside the front gates. It has different areas for toddlers, preschoolers and older children.

Cost: Under $10. Entrance fee is only $6 per adult, $3 per child. Children 3 and under are free.

Conclusion:

In economic hard times, you do want to minimize expenses. However, we cannot deny the need for stress-reliving family activities especially on Spring Breaks. Greenville, SC offers family fun activities that are guaranteed to make your kids happy without breaking your budget. Greenville, SC caters to those who love nature, scenic trails, parks, waterfalls and interactive kid's activities. And, the best part is most of the attractions are free.