Trying to keep kids busy all summer without spending a fortune? Same.
The good news: Spartanburg has plenty of free and budget-friendly family fun, from parks and playgrounds to library programs, splash pads, outdoor concerts, local trails, and easy no-spend adventures.
If you’re looking for free things to do with kids in Spartanburg, cheap summer activities for families, or budget-friendly places to take kids near Spartanburg, our 2026 guide is a great place to start.
Here are 25+ free and cheap things to do with kids in Spartanburg this summer.
More Summer Fun in Spartanburg
- Get a free printable summer fun bucket list
- Find camps in our Summer Camp Guide
- See what’s happening this week on our Events Calendar
Outdoor Adventures
- Visit Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park for an easy afternoon outside.
- Take a hike at Table Rock, or try one of your family’s favorite walking spots.
- Pack a picnic and spend the afternoon at Anchor Park.
- Plan a Spartanburg playground tour and visit a few playgrounds and at least one new-to-you park. Spartanburg Parks & Playgrounds Guide
- Explore Hatcher Garden.
- Go birdwatching, bug hunting, or nature spotting at Milliken Arboretum.
- Take family photos at Campbell's Covered Bridge.
Water Fun
- Cool off at Tyger River Park's Splash Pad.
- Spend the day at Lake Bowen.
- Check out Shipwreck Cove Water Park during a free or low-cost community swim time.
- Set up backyard water play with sprinklers, buckets, or water balloons.
Free Events & Entertainment in Spartanburg
- Attend a free outdoor concert at Music on Main in Spartanburg.
- Watch an outdoor movie at Town of Lyman's Summer Movie Nights.
- Browse Hub City Farmers Market and let kids pick one small treat or snack.
- Check out the free museum all about railroading in the Upstate - Hub City Railroad Museum.
- Plan ahead for the free events at The Planetarium at the Spartanburg County Library.
- Browse our full list of family-friendly events in Spartanburg.
Quick win for this week: New free and cheap events are added all the time. Check the Macaroni KID Spartanburg calendar before the weekend so you don’t miss something easy, fun, and close to home.
Library & Learning Fun
- Visit Landrum Library for story times, special events, and air conditioning.
- Join a summer reading challenge at Spartanburg County Library.
- Check out museum passes, activity kits, or other free family resources from Headquarters Library.
- Attend a free craft, STEM, music, or performance event such as Wildlife Geeks at Spartanburg County Libraries.
- Make a weekly library visit part of your summer routine.
Cheap Places to Take Kids in Spartanburg
- Visit Sparkle City Mini Putt.
- Go bowl, skate, mini golf, swim, or play at The Big E Gaffney during a special deal time.
- Use a family membership to Children's Museum of the Upstate to make repeat visits cheaper.
- Plan a small treat outing to Strawberry Hill USA.
Before You Go
Prices, hours, deals, and free offerings can change, so it’s always smart to double-check details before heading out.
Don’t Lose This List!
Bookmark this page and check back throughout the summer. New free events, cheap activities, and family-friendly ideas pop up all season long in Spartanburg.
Better yet, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter so you don’t miss a thing this summer. We’re always adding new events, free activities, local guides, and family-friendly ideas for Spartanburg families.
