10 Things to Do: Clemson University Campus

Have you visited the campus of Clemson University? There is much more going on than academics on this beautiful campus situated at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you are visiting Death Valley, exploring the SC Botanical Garden and geology museum, or touring the Clemson University Equine Center, you will find something interesting to do for the entire family! There are so many things to do in Clemson, SC that are kid-friendly and worth a visit to explore.

Looking for more things to do in Clemson, SC? Check out our guide to visiting Clemson, including where to stay, things to do, and where to dine while visiting the town of the Clemson Tigers!

Fun Things to Do: Clemson University Campus

Enjoy Ice Cream at Clemson’s ’55 Exchange

’55 Exchange
720 McMillan Road, Clemson, SC
864.656.2155
Located in the Hendrix Student Center, the ice cream at Clemson’s Ice Cream Shop is produced by the students. There are a variety of flavors, and also the “tiger slab” that you can mix ingredients into your ice cream. There are tables outside when it is warm enough to eat outside. There is also metered parking directly across from the ice cream shop

Play Frisbee on the Front Lawn at Bowman Field

Bowman Field
Old Greenville Highway, Clemson, SC
Bowman Field sits right along Route 93 below Tillman Hall, the beautiful building with the clock tower. This is a great place to picnic with friends, throw a Frisbee around, or get a game of football together. Clemson students find the lawn to be a great space for hanging out. Throughout the year, Clemson University provides activities for kids on the field. Clemson offers several outdoor spaces to explore, relax, or play games with your family and friends. After playing some frisbee, head over to the famous Esso Club to grab lunch!

Enjoy a Performance at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts

Brooks Center for the Performing Arts
141 Jersey Lane, Clemson, SC
There is always something going on at the Brooks Center. You will find musical performances, theatrical productions, academic lectures, art exhibitions, and so much more throughout the year. The University has a wonderful choir, with the women’s TakeNote and the men’s Tigerroar performances that are entertaining and captivating! The center also has a wonderful program for students and homeschoolers called the Tri-Art series that offers inspiring and entertaining performances for ages 3 – 18.

Play Along with Clemson’s Tiger Band Practice

Clemson University Tiger Band
On the eve of every home Clemson Tigers football game, the Tiger Band opens up their practice to allow families to come and listen at their practice field. The kids love to listen to the instruments and dance along to the beat. Also, ninety minutes before the start of every home game the band practices at the Clemson Outdoor Amphitheater on campus near the library. There is so much spirit in the air at these events that it will give you goosebumps.

Walk the Trails at the South Carolina Botanical Gardens

South Carolina Botanical Garden
150 Discovery Lane, Clemson, SC
864.656.3405
The botanical gardens consist of 295 acres of gorgeous flowers and landscapes. The gardens offer some of the most serene trails at Clemson. There are duck ponds for the children to visit, as well as an adorable children’s garden that encourages them to play in the dirt. My son’s favorite is the red caboose that children can climb on and pretend to steer. The gardens provide a variety of classes for children throughout the year. If you a lover of native plants, be sure to check out the exceptional rhododendrons that bloom in the spring!

Tour the Clemson University Equine Center

Clemson University Equine Center
815 West Queen Street, Clemson, SC
864.646.3554
The Clemson University Equine Center provides riding lessons for community members, from beginning to advanced levels. They also provide therapeutic riding lessons for individuals with special needs. The Center also offers equestrian camps for high school students. You must request a tour of the facility if you would like to explore everything it has to offer! Tours are Monday through Friday at 3 pm. 

Tour Death Valley and Clemson’s Memorial Stadium

Memorial Stadium
MacMillan Rd, Clemson, SC 
864.656.2115
Take a stroll through campus and visit the tiger statues in front of Clemson’s Memorial Stadium, nicknamed Death Valley. Be sure to check out Howard’s Rock while you are there. The stadium offers events throughout the year where you can meet the Clemson University Tiger, Bring your camera for this adorable photo op with the kids! There are tiger statues and paw prints scattered all around campus. See if you can find them all!

Fossils and Dinosaur Bones: Bob Campbell Geology Museum

Bob Campbell Geology Museum
140 Discovery Lane, Clemson, SC
864.656.4600
The Geology Museum, located inside the Botanical Gardens, is an extraordinary museum for children to visit. Filled with collections of gems and fossils, this is an affordable way to educate your children without them even knowing it. They offer children’s programs and tours as well.  You can find out more about what to expect before your visit in our KAG review of the Bob Campbell Geology Museum.

Experience the Rodeo at T. Ed Garrison Arena

T. Ed Garrison Arena
1101 West Queen Street, Pendleton, SC
The T. Ed Garrison Arena on Clemson’s campus is home to many bull-riding events and horse shows throughout the year. The large arena is one of the most popular in the United States for these events, and also hosts dog shows, poultry shows, medieval combat national championships, and rodeos for children to enjoy.

Enjoy Hiking and Waterfalls at Clemson Experimental Forest

937-941 Old Six Mile Rd, Central, SC
864.656.4833
The Clemson Experimental Forest is a 17,500-acre area designed for use as a natural resource management “living lab.” It is open to the public and includes hiking trails–including several that lead to waterfalls! Don’t forget to download your trail map before you go exploring. You can also find additional hiking and water activities close to campus at the Larry W. Abernathy Waterfront Park.

Some Additional Fun Things to Do near Clemson University

Where is Clemson University Located?

Clemson University is about 45 minutes west of Greenville and just about 30 minutes from the Georgia state line. The University sits on the the outskirts of Lake Hartwell and is one of the most popular destinations in Upstate, South Carolina due to the University’s status. The downtown Clemson area features the campus, with restaurants and local shops dotted throughout. You can find a great map of Clemson’s campus on their website: map of Clemson University.

Clemson University
105 Sikes Hall, Clemson, SC 29634
Schedule a University tour with the Visitor Center

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