Things to Do in Spartanburg, SC
Welcome to the Hub City — where Croft State Park trails, the Chapman Cultural Center, BMW’s only North American museum, and a thriving downtown make Spartanburg one of Upstate SC’s most exciting destinations.
Top 10 Things to Do in Spartanburg, SC
Spartanburg is called “Always Doing” for a reason — from mountain trails and craft breweries to world-class museums and minor league baseball, the Hub City delivers year-round.
Croft State Park
One of Spartanburg’s crown jewels, Croft State Park offers 20+ miles of hiking and biking trails winding through forests, past rivers, and along two large fishing lakes. With horseback riding facilities, picnic areas, playgrounds, and some of the most peaceful natural scenery in the Upstate, it’s an essential Spartanburg destination for outdoor lovers and families alike.
🌲 Outdoors · Trails · All AgesChapman Cultural Center
Spartanburg’s arts and cultural hub houses three museums — including the Spartanburg Art Museum and the Spartanburg Science Center — plus the 500-seat David Reid Theatre. Always free, always engaging, and serving 40,000+ students annually. A robust event calendar covers everything from youth theatre productions and STEM workshops to plein-air painting meetups and book-and-wine tastings.
🎭 Arts · Museums · FreeBMW Zentrum Museum
Spartanburg is home to the only BMW museum in North America, located at the massive BMW manufacturing plant in Greer (just outside Spartanburg). The Zentrum museum is free to visit and showcases a stunning collection of historic and current BMW models, interactive exhibits, and the story of BMW’s American manufacturing legacy. Car enthusiasts and curious kids alike will be mesmerized.
🚗 Free · Museum · UniqueMary Black Foundation Rail Trail
Spartanburg’s most-used outdoor amenity, this 2.1-mile rail-to-trail conversion connects neighborhoods directly to Downtown Spartanburg along a smooth, paved path. Perfect for walkers, joggers, cyclists, and stroller pushers. It’s the kind of trail that becomes a daily ritual — and is a beloved part of life for Spartanburg families throughout the year.
🚴 Free · Trail · FamilyHub City Spartanburgers Baseball at Fifth Third Park
Spartanburg’s own minor league baseball team, the Hub City Spartanburgers, debuted in 2025 and quickly became a community staple. Catch a game at Fifth Third Park for affordable family fun under the lights. With local food vendors, kid-friendly activities, and genuine hometown spirit, it’s one of the best new things happening in Spartanburg.
⚾ Baseball · Family · Live SportsBig Air Trampoline Park
Spartanburg’s premier indoor activity destination for families, Big Air features wall-to-wall trampolines, a 2,500 sq ft ninja warrior course, a mechanical bull, a rock wall, battlebeams, laser tag, foam pits, and dodgeball courts. Described by parents as the perfect spot for energetic and hyperactive kids — an absolute party hit for Spartanburg birthday celebrations.
🤸 Indoor · Kids · BirthdaysHatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve
A peaceful 10-acre gem in the heart of Spartanburg, Hatcher Garden features easy walking trails, native plants, colorful perennial beds, ponds, and wooden bridges. Reviewers call it “a real gem — safe, peaceful, and a pleasant surprise of nature.” A wonderful spot for a family picnic, a morning stroll, or quiet birdwatching.
🌸 Garden · Free · PeacefulHollywild Animal Park
Nestled on 100+ acres in Spartanburg County near Inman, Hollywild is a nonprofit animal sanctuary home to nearly 500 animals — including many that have appeared in films and TV shows. An interactive and educational experience for families, with up-close animal encounters that create lasting memories for children. One of the most unique family attractions in all of Upstate SC.
🦁 Animals · Kids · EducationalHub City Railroad Museum
Spartanburg owes much of its identity to its railroad history — and this fascinating museum celebrates it with real locomotives, historical exhibits, a model train display, a children’s play area, and a gift shop. Named the Hub City because of the many railroad lines that once converged here, this museum brings that legacy to life for visitors of all ages.
🚂 History · Kids · MuseumMilliken Arboretum
Spartanburg’s best-kept secret: a stunning 600-acre arboretum with 500+ species of trees and plants, quiet trails, and natural beauty that shifts dramatically through each season. Open to the public despite being on corporate grounds, it’s wildly underrated — especially beautiful in spring and fall. Joggers, photographers, and nature lovers adore this peaceful escape.
🌳 Free · Trails · Hidden GemOutdoor Activities in Spartanburg, SC
Spartanburg’s parks, trails, and natural areas make it one of Upstate SC’s most outdoors-friendly cities.
Pacolet River & Lawson’s Fork
Paddlers can put in at Whitney and float Lawson’s Fork to the Cottonwood Trail. Vintage View River Retreat on the Pacolet River also offers tubing, kayaking, and riverside camping — a fantastic Spartanburg summer adventure.
Cleveland Park & Barnet Park
Cleveland Park features lakeside trails, a gazebo, communal grills, a family playground, and the upgraded amphitheater. Barnet Park in downtown offers a 2-mile paved walking trail, interactive water fountains, and open picnic pavilions. Both are Spartanburg staples.
Carowinds & Greenville Zoo
Spartanburg sits midway between Carowinds (45 min) and Greenville (30 min). The Greenville Zoo is an excellent family-friendly day trip with a strong collection of animals and a very walkable layout — popular with Spartanburg families looking for a quick afternoon outing.
Planning a Spartanburg Celebration?
Birthday parties, school field days, church picnics, and block parties in Spartanburg are more fun with a bounce house or water slide from Adventure Inflatables — delivered and set up for you.
Best Things to Do in Spartanburg with Kids
Big Air Trampoline Park
Wall-to-wall trampolines, foam pits, a ninja warrior course, laser tag, a mechanical bull, and more. Big Air is the go-to Spartanburg destination for kids’ birthdays and rainy-day adventures. Great for ages 5 and up through teens.
Hollywild Animal Park
Up-close encounters with nearly 500 animals on 100+ acres. Many of these animals have film and TV credits! An interactive, educational experience that kids absolutely love — and one of the most unique outdoor attractions in Spartanburg County.
Backyard Bounce Party in Spartanburg
Skip the venue fees and bring the party to your Spartanburg backyard! Adventure Inflatables delivers bounce houses, water slides, obstacle courses, and trackless trains to all Spartanburg neighborhoods — with professional setup and takedown included.
Things to Do in Spartanburg All Year Long
Spring
- Hatcher Garden bloom season
- Croft State Park hiking (perfect weather)
- Chapman Cultural Center spring events
- Farmers markets open across Spartanburg County
Summer
- Hub City Spartanburgers baseball games
- Pacolet River tubing at Vintage View
- Splash pads at Barnet Park & Tyger River
- Backyard bounce house & water slide parties
Fall
- Piedmont Interstate Fair (annually in October)
- Fall foliage hikes in Croft State Park
- Carowinds SCarowinds Halloween event
- Milliken Arboretum fall color walk
Winter
- Carowinds WinterFest (lights & events)
- Chapman Cultural Center holiday programming
- BMW Zentrum Museum (year-round, free)
- Indoor fun at Big Air Trampoline Park
Spartanburg, SC — Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spartanburg, SC known for?
Spartanburg is known as the “Hub City” for its historic role as a major railroad convergence point. Today it’s known for the BMW manufacturing plant and Zentrum museum, a growing downtown arts and food scene, Wofford and Converse University athletics, Croft State Park, and a lively community spirit. It’s also quickly becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in Upstate South Carolina.
What are the best free things to do in Spartanburg, SC?
Many of Spartanburg’s best attractions are free or very affordable — including the BMW Zentrum Museum, Hatcher Garden, the Mary Black Rail Trail, Milliken Arboretum, Barnet Park, the Spartanburg Art Museum inside Chapman Cultural Center, and dozens of community events throughout the year.
Is Spartanburg, SC good for families?
Absolutely. Spartanburg is an excellent city for families with kids of all ages. Top picks include Big Air Trampoline Park, Hollywild Animal Park, the Hub City Spartanburgers baseball games, Croft State Park, the Hub City Railroad Museum, Chapman Cultural Center, and of course — throwing the ultimate backyard party with Adventure Inflatables!
How do I book a bounce house or party rental in Spartanburg, SC?
Adventure Inflatables delivers bounce houses, water slides, trackless trains, obstacle courses, and concession machines to all of Spartanburg, SC. Book online at adventure-inflatables.com or call us at (803) 658-4004. We handle delivery, setup, and full takedown — you just enjoy the party.
What day trips are near Spartanburg, SC?
Spartanburg sits within easy reach of Greenville (30 min), Carowinds amusement park (45 min), the Blue Ridge Mountains, Cowpens National Battlefield, and Kings Mountain National Military Park. It’s also close to the Greenville Zoo and numerous state parks throughout the Upstate region.
Make Your Spartanburg Celebration Epic
Adventure Inflatables delivers clean bounce houses, water slides, and party rentals to Spartanburg — professionally set up and taken down every time.
Browse Spartanburg Rentals (803) 658-4004