A Family-Friendly Weekend in Greenville, SC
Greenville, South Carolina is one of the most family-friendly weekend destinations in the Southeast. With expansive parks, a walkable downtown, hands-on museums, and easy outdoor access, it’s a place where kids can burn energy and parents can actually enjoy themselves too.
This itinerary is designed for a family staying at GetawayGVL — a comfortable, thoughtfully stocked Airbnb just minutes from downtown Greenville with space to spread out, a yard for play, and easy access to the city’s top attractions.
Friday: Arrival, Easy Dinner, Settle In
Check-In at GetawayGVL
Arrive Friday afternoon and get everyone settled. One of the biggest advantages of staying at GetawayGVL is having room for real family downtime — multiple bedrooms, a living room for movie night, toys, games, and outdoor space where kids can play while adults unwind.
Dinner: Sidewall Pizza
A Greenville favorite for families, Sidewall Pizza is casual, reliable, and crowd-pleasing. Order a few pies, let the kids relax, and keep the first night easy.
Back at the house, wind down with a family movie night or a board game before an activity-packed Saturday.
Saturday: Parks, Trails, & Downtown Fun
Morning: Unity Park
Start your day at Unity Park, one of Greenville’s newest and most impressive public spaces. This expansive park features:
Large playgrounds
Open green space for running and picnics
Direct access to the Swamp Rabbit Trail
It’s an ideal place to let kids burn energy early in the day.
Walk or Ride the Swamp Rabbit Trail
The 28-mile Swamp Rabbit Trail runs through Greenville and is perfect for a family walk or bike ride. You don’t need to do much — even a short stretch near Unity Park is enough to enjoy the scenery and movement.
Bad Weather? Explore the Children’s Museum of the Upstate
A must-do for families visiting Greenville, the Children’s Museum of the Upstate is interactive, educational, and genuinely fun for kids of all ages. Plan to spend a couple of hours exploring hands-on exhibits and creative play spaces.
Lunch: Home Team BBQ
Home Team BBQ is a great lunch stop for families — laid-back, fast enough for kids, and consistently excellent. It’s a Greenville staple and an easy win for everyone at the table.
Saturday Afternoon: Animals, Games, & Fun
Afternoon Option 1: Greenville Zoo
The Greenville Zoo is compact, walkable, and ideal for younger kids. It’s easy to pair with downtown plans without feeling overwhelming.
Afternoon Option 2: Group Therapy
Located downtown near Falls Park, Group Therapy is an all-in-one entertainment spot with:
Indoor mini golf
Arcade games
Axe throwing (for adults)
Lawn games and casual food options
It’s perfect for mixed-age families who want variety in one stop.
Saturday Night: Casual Dinner & Dessert
Dinner: GatherGVL
A super family-friendly downtown choice with tons of play space plus a variety of food vendors (burgers, tacos, pasta, donuts, etc.), making it an easy option for picky eaters and groups.
Dessert: Spill the Beans
End the night with ice cream or hot chocolate at Spill the Beans, a downtown classic that families love.
Head back to GetawayGVL for baths, pajamas, and a well-earned early night.
Sunday: Slow Morning & One Last Stop
Easy Morning at the House
One of the benefits of staying at an Airbnb instead of a hotel is a calm Sunday morning. Enjoy breakfast at the house, let kids play in the yard, and pack up at your own pace.
Optional Final Stop: Falls Park
If energy allows before heading home, take a short walk through Falls Park on the Reedy for photos, fresh air, and one last Greenville moment.
Why Families Love Staying at GetawayGVL
GetawayGVL is designed to make family trips easier:
Minutes from downtown Greenville attractions
Space for families to spread out and relax
Outdoor yard for play and downtime
Easy access to parks, museums, and trails
Abundant family-friendly amenities like a Pack n’ Play, kids’ toys, high chair, yard games, books, and more!
If you’re searching for a family-friendly Airbnb in Greenville, SC or planning a weekend trip with kids, GetawayGVL is an ideal home base.
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