5+ Awesome Places to Learn About Science Near Greenville

Looking for ways for your kids to learn through experimentation and science in Greenville, SC? While you can turn most anything into a teaching moment, there are certain activities that lend themselves more naturally to that than others. Local mom Lindy puts together this list of 5 great places to learn about science, many courtesy of some homeschooling friends!

Roper Mountain Science Center

Roper Mountain Science Center– located pretty central in the Greenville area and right near both the 385 and 85, this is something you must check out. There’s a planetarium, dinosaur trail, hiking trails, a butterfly garden, various classes throughout the year, and much more.

Children’s Museum of the Upstate

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate– with a big climbing structure, STEAM activities, tons of hands-on exhibits, and various special events, there’s something for everyone. The first floor features a lot of physics in relation to machines and a whole section on flight. There’s also an exhibit on the human body including a digestive system slide!

The upper level features a farm/agricultural area for young toddlers. There’s also a construction area where you can practice your building skills. Downstairs there’s a mini water system and canal play area. There’s a music/sound room and much more! Check out our guide to The Children’s Museum of the Upstate to plan out your entire visit!

Visit Greenville Zoo!

The Greenville Zoo is of course also educational. With special events and classes happening depending on the season and general biology all around, you can learn quite a bit. Their Zoo Tots class is particularly popular for little ones to explore the zoo in a unique way. The Greenville Zoo has several educational classes for various age ranges.

While at the zoo, you can read all the signs and discuss why this animal happens to do this thing or that. Why are certain animals found in some places but nowhere else? Then play on both the playground inside the gates as well as Cleveland Park’s playground outside the entrance. Be sure to discuss the physics of movement and bodily anatomy that allows for all that running around.

Learn why we love to explore the Greenville Zoo and all of its fun classes.

Clemson University

A fabulous place to visit is the Clemson University SC Botanical Gardens with the Bob Campbell Geology Museum– we’ve previously discussed all the stuff you can do around campus. So of course for a science article, we had to include the botanical garden and geology museum. The Botanical Gardens look very fun for kids and include a children’s garden, while the geology museum is mesmerizing. The two are also right together so double the learning for half the effort!

Paris Mountain State Park

Paris Mountain State Park– this is a favorite hiking spot. Yet all those trails also offer a lot of hands on teaching opportunities. The park hosts various classes and special events to hone your natural science skills even more. This includes lots of learning about animals, flora and fauna, as well as ecology. You can also camp, check out multiple trails, and even swim! Paris Mountain also offers group hikes for reasonable fee with a ranger.

Conestee Nature Preserve

Kids from ages 2 – 8th grade will love the classes that Conestee Nature Preserve offers! Students are led through the preserve, exploring the natural world around them while learning about bugs, plants, animals, and other things found at the preserve. Adults can join in on the fun as well, with the preserve offering themed nature classes, guided walks, and workshops that will bring you a little closer to nature.

Do you have a favorite place to learn about science in Greenville?