Everyone enjoys a fun day out with the family, but with that comes the mind-blowing question of what to do with the children that won’t deplete your bank account. We have all been there. The children are extremely bored and don’t know what to do with themselves. You are tired of being in the house as well and all you would like to do is get out and go someplace different. Money can be an issue and a deterrent to happiness, but I’m here to let you know that lack of money doesn’t mean a lack of happiness. South Carolina has an abundance of destinations that are free. So many so, in fact, that I couldn’t put them all on here. Still, here is a decent-sized list of free things to do in South Carolina to get you started:

1. Greenville County Museum of Art
Wikimedia
Known as the premier art museum of the South, this museum contains an extensive collection of American art. And best of all - it's free to visit! Be sure to check the Greenville County Art Museum website to be sure it's open.
2. Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum and Baseball Library
Mike Burton/Flickr
The Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum is great for baseball fans and people who love a good story. This was Joe's actual home, and you can visit it for yourself. Learn more about the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum at their website.
3. Flea Markets
Snowesq/Flickr
South Carolina is riddled with a ton of these outside markets. It's nice to get out of the house and browse the interesting and unique wares that people are selling. There are many South Carolina flea markets you can check out throughout the year.
4. Blue Ridge Parkway
VossJose/Flickr
It might take a bit of gas to get there, but it is nice to travel the beautiful mountains. Bonus? It can be cooler there than down in the flatlands! Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway website for more information.
5. Libraries
Thien Gretchen/Flickr
Libraries are a wonderful place for people of any age, and many of them host free-to-attend events. There is always a book that catches your eye. I've always felt quite relaxed in a library and all they do is free for you!
6. Old Sheldon Ruins
susieq3c/Flickr
Want to see some history up close and personal? This is an amazing sight to see and so much history. Roam the grounds and take photographs, it's entirely free. Please note that though in the past you could walk among the ruins and tombs, there is now a fence around them to prevent vandalism. Appreciate it all from a respectable distance - it's still free to visit.
7. Cherokee Foothills
Nathan Harper/Flickr
Pack a lunch and take a hike through the beautiful mountains of the upstate.
8. The Forde Doll & Dollhouse Collection Museum
Sherry's Rose Cottage/Flickr
Inside the Hampton House Bed & Breakfast is this amazing collection for the doll and miniaturist enthusiast. Just be sure to call ahead and let them know you are coming. Tours are only available by appointment. To make an appointment and find more information about this spot, visit the Hampton House Bed & Breakfast website.
9. Art Galleries
Jason Alan Lane/Flickr
There are loads of art galleries in South Carolina and so many of them are open to the public for free. What a great way to spend a day with the family!
10. Parks
Robert S. Donovan/Flickr
Parks are a great way to spend a day with children. There are usually tons of things for them to do. Pack a picnic lunch and you are ready to go!
11. BMW Zentrum Museum
Cassandra
Love cars? Love the BMW brand? Then you will love this museum! Old, new, and concept. Two wheels and four wheels. They have you covered, and it's free to tour. Located in Greer, SC and open Monday-Friday, 9:30 to 5:30 p.m. Find out more at the BMW Zentrum Museum webpage.

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12. Charleston Battery and White Point Gardens
Marty Desilets/Flickr
So much to see in this beautiful area of Charleston! Learn more about it at the White Point Garden webpage.
13. Myrtle Beach
Martin & Jessica O'Brien/Flickr
Myrtle Beach itself is free admission. Bring your own chair, towel, blanket and you are set for a day of fun, fun, fun! P.S. Don't forget the sunscreen.
14. Botany Bay Plantation
Jim Crotty/Flickr
With so much to do and so much to see there is no way you will not go home tired (and no child will be bored!). Follow this link to the Botany Bay Plantation webpage to learn more.
15. Charles Pinckney National Historic Site
Ken Lund/Flickr
Discover the history and explore the nature! Charles Pinckney National Historic Site tells the story of one of the key authors and signers of the US Constitution, and the area is beautiful, too. Check out the Charles Pinckney NHS webpage for more information.
16. Magnolia Cemetery
evilgurl/Flickr
Yes, I know, it may sound quite strange for me to highlight a cemetery for a day out, but this is a very special cemetery. It has been there since 1849. The history is enormous. The tombs are, well, elaborate. Just be careful where you walk and how you touch. Some of them are very fragile and I know we don't want to cause undue destruction. Find out more at the Magnolia Cemetery website.
17. Florence Railroad Museum
geraldbrazell/Flickr
Boy or girl, it doesn't matter. Trains are and will always be fascinating! Guided tours available. Open June through August on Saturdays and Sundays 2-5 p.m. Located on Irby St, Florence, SC. To learn more, visit the website for Florence Railroad Museum.
18. Farmer's Markets
Martin Kalfatovic/Flickr
These ordinary places hold extraordinary items. A lot of them give you live music while you walk among the different stalls or tents. They offer tastings of their products in a lot of cases. And, there are also homemade items such as blankets, soaps, jams/jellies, etc. Check them out. I promise you will not be disappointed and it costs nothing to look.
19. GHS Swamp Rabbit Trail
Barry Peters/Flickr
17.5 miles of glorious nature including a waterfall! Located in Greenville, SC.
20. Window shopping/Antique shopping
geraldbrazell/Flickr
All over South Carolina, you will find the sweetest little shops that hold the most amazing items. You will surprise yourself at what you can find. Take a day and browse a town or two. Landrum is considered one of the best antiquing towns in South Carolina.
21. Old City Market
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
I love going here. I think I may have bought a thing or two here or there, but nothing huge (although I could have!). You can look for hours. I especially find the women making the sweetgrass baskets fascinating (and they don't mind that you watch.) P.S. They will also answer questions! Visit the Old City Market website for more information.
22. Karpeles Manuscript Museum
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
An unique option, but not if you are fascinated by history and not just South Carolina history. On permanent display are Egyptian sandstones and historical American documents. Located at 68 Spring Street, Charleston, SC. To learn more, visit the website for Karpeles Manuscript Museum.
23. Public Gardens
Gwen Tennille/Fey Illusions Photography/FB
These are wonderful places for bird watchers and butterfly enthusiasts, as well as for total relaxation. You can try Kalmia Gardens in Hartsville, Edisto Memorial Gardens in Orangeburg, Azalea Park and Sculpture Gardens in Summerville. There are so many to choose from. Just Google public gardens and I'm sure you will find one near you!

I can’t promise free gas, but the locations are free to enjoy. Pack a generous picnic basket and you are all set for a day of free to low-cost fun! Don’t let that tight budget get you down. Pick one of these spots, let your hair down, and laugh through the day.

Thank you to all the photographers who have taken these beautiful pictures and thank you for sharing with us. If you have more suggestions on fun free things to do in South Carolina, nominate them here.

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More to Explore

Free Things To Do In South Carolina

Leah | October 07, 2020

What are the most unique things to do in South Carolina?

There are tons of cheap things to do in South Carolina that are not only affordable but also totally unique. You can walk around Charleston, for instance, and take in the history, beautiful buildings, and atmosphere of it all. It's not called America's #1 City for nothing - people love visiting! In Charleston, there is also the country's only tea plantation. You can tour it and see what goes into growing and making delicious tea. South Carolina is also home to a very special tree - the Angel Oak. It's said to be over 1,500 years old - wow!

Which hidden gems in South Carolina should I visit?

Check out some of these family-friendly things to do in South Carolina that barely anyone knows about. For example, did you know that there is a supposed Fountain of Youth in this state? Located in Blackville, South Carolina, people travel for miles to collect water from this natural spring because it's said to have special healing properties. Whether you believe in its abilities or not, the area it's in is tranquil and beautiful to accompany the sound of running spring water.

What are the coolest attractions in South Carolina?

There are many awesome South Carolina attractions that range from relaxed and enjoyable to thrilling and memorable. Pearl Fryar's Topiary Garden, located in Bishopville, South Carolina, is a joy for people both young and old. The whimsical garden is truly one-of-a-kind. For a more exciting adventure, hike to the top of Table Rock. The view you'll get from the top in this state park is worth every step to get there - it's just that stunning. People also enjoy checking out some of the many gorgeous beaches along the South Carolina coast. There are many more beyond Mrytle Beach - though that one still is worth visiting - such as Edisto Beach.

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Featured Addresses
420 College St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
356 Field St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
Old Sheldon Church Ruins, Old Sheldon Church Rd, Yemassee, SC 29945, USA
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, 3671 Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
500 Hampton St, Walterboro, SC 29488, USA
Greer, SC 29651, USA
1990 Daniel Island Dr, Daniel Island, SC 29492, USA
White Point Garden, 2 Murray Blvd, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
Myrtle Beach, SC, USA
Botany Bay Heritage Preserve/Wildlife Management Area, Botany Bay Rd, Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site, 1254 Long Point Rd, Mt Pleasant, SC 29464, USA
70 Cunnington Ave, Charleston, SC 29405, USA
S Irby St, Florence, SC, USA
Greenville Health System Swamp Rabbit Trail, Travelers Rest, SC, USA
170 Church St, Charleston, SC 29401, USA
68 Spring St, Charleston, SC 29403, USA