The Children’s Museum of the Upstate

Greenville, South Carolina pulses with creativity, and nowhere is that spirit more alive than at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate (TCMU). Located on vibrant College Street, TCMU is a world-class attraction built entirely around hands-on play, interactive learning, and the pure thrill of discovery.

With more than 80,000 square feet of exhibits across three dynamic floors, this Smithsonian-affiliated museum ranks among the largest children’s museums in the country. It’s not just an indoor attraction for rainy days. It’s an essential stop for any family traveling through the Upstate region.

Where Curiosity Leads the Way

Every exhibit at TCMU invites children to explore, create, move, build, and think in new ways. The museum has been carefully designed to spark curiosity in children from infancy through age twelve. Whether your child is a budding artist, a young engineer, or a curious scientist, there’s a space tailored for them.

The Start Your Engines exhibit, for example, lets kids crawl into a racecar-themed space where the thrill of speed and motion becomes a hands-on experience. Just across the way, the Construction Zone encourages future architects and problem solvers to grab tools and build real structures. These spaces aren’t just about play. They’re immersive learning labs where concepts like balance, structure, and design come to life through action.

Art lovers can settle into open studio spaces stocked with materials that shift based on seasonal themes and rotating projects. The science-minded will enjoy exhibits focused on health, the environment, and transportation. From experimenting with sound to observing how machines work, the museum covers a rich range of subjects—all aligned with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) principles.

Designed with Purpose and Heart

What makes TCMU stand out is the intention behind every detail. Founded in 2009 from one mother’s dream to create a place where learning meets joy, the museum has grown into a vibrant community hub. Its mission is clear: to ignite a generation of compassionate problem solvers through intentional and inclusive play.

This mission is visible everywhere you turn. From sensory-friendly programming to wheelchair-accessible installations like Bib’s World, the focus is on removing barriers and fostering access. The staff’s commitment to creating a welcoming space has helped the museum draw more than 250,000 visitors annually. Their work continues to expand, with new state-of-the-art exhibits like Your Healthy Body and Wheels on the Ground, which opened in 2022.

Parents Will Love It Too

Convenience, comfort, and cleanliness matter when traveling with kids. TCMU understands this well. Located in the heart of downtown Greenville, the museum is an easy walk from Falls Park on the Reedy and several popular restaurants. The layout is spacious and the environment is always spotless, giving parents peace of mind while children explore freely.

Planning your visit is simple. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 4:30 PM and Sundays from 11 AM to 4:30 PM. It is closed on Mondays. General admission tickets can be purchased online in advance and are valid for up to a decade, which makes gifting a membership or a visit an easy decision for family and friends.

What to Expect When You Visit

Here’s a breakdown of what families can look forward to:

• Interactive exhibits across three levels
• STEAM-aligned programming and activities
• Art studios with rotating projects
• Construction and motion-themed galleries
• Sensory-friendly experiences for children with diverse needs
• Seasonal story times and educational camps
• Dedicated toddler and preschool spaces
• Staff-led activities and special events

The museum also offers thoughtfully curated birthday party packages, creating opportunities for celebrations that are both fun and enriching.

A Second Location for Little Learners

While Greenville is home to the flagship location, families with younger children can also visit TCMU-Spartanburg. This sister location focuses specifically on early childhood development for ages 0 to 6. With 6,000 square feet of exhibit and learning space, it supports Kindergarten readiness and offers age-specific learning experiences in a cozy and engaging environment.

Fueling the Future Through Play

TCMU isn’t a passive space. It’s a place where children become creators, thinkers, collaborators, and explorers. The museum encourages trial and error, group interaction, and real-world problem solving, helping young minds learn in the most natural way possible—through joyful engagement.

Its core values drive everything from exhibit design to staff culture. They include excellence through teamwork, a spirit of philanthropy, the importance of wonder, and a deep commitment to breaking down barriers.

Planning Your Trip to Greenville

Greenville continues to earn national attention for its walkable downtown, scenic beauty, and cultural offerings. TCMU fits seamlessly into a family day out. Spend the morning learning through play at the museum, grab lunch nearby, then explore nearby attractions like Falls Park, Liberty Bridge, or the Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a local family looking to enrich your weekend or a visitor exploring the Upstate for the first time, The Children’s Museum of the Upstate offers something truly special. It’s a space where curiosity thrives, where learning feels like play, and where children are treated as the brilliant problem solvers they are becoming.

This isn’t just a museum. It’s a launchpad for future thinkers, creators, and dreamers. In Greenville, that journey begins at TCMU.