The museum is housed in the historic building that previously served as the Greenville County Library.
It was the first children's museum in the world to become a Smithsonian Affiliate.
The facility includes a 'Healthy Me' exhibit that teaches human anatomy and nutrition through interactive play.
The museum features a climbing structure that spans multiple stories to encourage gross motor skill development.
It is part of the Heritage Green campus, which also houses the Greenville County Museum of Art and the Upcountry History Museum.
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate is one of the largest children's museums in the United States, spanning 80,000 square feet across three floors. The museum features interactive exhibits focused on STEAM education, including engineering challenges, arts integration, and early childhood development spaces. It is located in the historic Heritage Green cultural campus in downtown Greenville. The facility integrates local history with modern hands-on learning, such as a replica of a Greenville police cruiser and a news desk. Younger visitors have access to dedicated sensory-friendly zones designed for early learners. The museum serves as a community hub for workshops, summer camps, and educational outreach programs.
The large-scale 'The Upstate' climbing tower that dominates the main atrium.
Bring a pair of socks as some climbing and soft-play areas require them for hygiene reasons.
Visit during the weekday mornings to avoid the heavier school field trip groups and weekend crowds.
Pack a change of clothes for children, as water play and art projects can be messy.
Do not attempt to navigate the museum in a single hour, as the density of exhibits makes it difficult for children to move quickly between stations.
Closed on Mondays for maintenance and private events.
Adults must be accompanied by a child to enter; shoes must be removed in designated soft-play areas.
