The Children's Museum of the Upstate: a treasure trove of hands-on fun

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate (TCMU) is a treasure trove of interactive fun and learning for young minds. With three floors of interactive exhibits and play areas the place is surely spark curiosity, creativity, and imagination in children of all ages. From a multi-level climbing structure to a water area, grocery store, race car pit stop, and farm, there is something for every curious child to explore and enjoy.

 

In addition to interactive exhibits, the museum also offers a variety of other activities, such as rotating art events and story time with crafts sessions, providing an extra level of fun and creativity for young visitors. Budget at least half a day to truly experience all this place has to offer.

 

The top floor is a great example of the power of recycling. The iconic Greenzilla, a one-of-a-kind dinosaur sculpture made from recycled materials, is a true treasure waiting to be discovered up close. Plastic cups, children's toys, glass, batteries, electronics have been transformed from trash into a beautiful work of art.

 

With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that families can easily spend an entire day exploring the museum without getting bored.

 

Main Floor

The main floor is designed to engage children and families in numerous interactive and educational experiences, with a multi-level colorful climbing structure serving as its central draw. There are several large exhibits, including an emergency bay, a pit stop area called Wheels on the Ground, a grocery store, a self-serve cafe, a bank office, an air tube play area, and a theater for storytime activities.

 

In the emergency room, you can walk through your digestive tract, 

 

 

monitor your heartbeat, understand how various organs work together,  

 

 

learn about the major bones that make up your skeleton, practice good oral hygiene, 

and even test your vertical wall climbing skills.  What a better way to learn about the human body!

The excitement on children's faces is palpable as they approach the colorful grocery store. The shelves are stocked with all sorts of fun treats, from ice cream to all kinds of vegetables, and kids can't wait to start filling their baskets and then move on to the cash register.

 

Are you ready to immerse yourself in the excitement of racing and the work of a team of mechanics? Wheels on the Ground is the place to make a pit stop. There, children will be able to imitate changing car tires, filling gas, repairing an engine and other actions, just like in a real pit crew. 

 

 

There are also various stations where you can build model cars, test out different race tracks, and learn about car physics.

 

 

After walking around, children will happily climb inside the open-air suspended playspace in the middle of the floor. Through the labyrinth of passages, they will discover secret corners and unexpected turns that will lead them to unexpected heights, from where they can gaze over the bustling floors below.

 

 

After exploring the playscape's twists and turns, kids can explore the sensory elements and colorful tactile displays around. The combination of physical activity and sensory stimulation creates a truly immersive experience for kids of all ages.

Upper Floor

The upper level offers a variety of exciting experiences, including a cozy book nook, a construction zone with foam blocks, a mini golf course, a farm-themed area for the littlest, and a STEAM-powered lab.

 

Lower Level

The lower level is a kid's paradise! With an animation station, outdoor play area, music room, water tables and interactive spaces such as the upside down room and sensory corner, there is no shortage of fun and engaging activities. And let's not forget the art studio, cafe and patio where parents can take a break from all the adventure.

 

Water tables with Legos and a larger water feature, designed to mimic the Reedy River, for older kids keep the fun floating. 

 

 

The outside playground is a magical realm where kids can let their spirits soar as they conquer the tire mountain, spin fast on the carousel, and zip down the slide.

 

 

TCMU is a special place where kids can become scientists, artists, and engineers, bringing their wildest dreams to life with hands-on exhibits, interactive displays, and playful programming. Go and explore the wonders of science and technology at this incredible destination!

 

Where: 300 College St, Greenville, SC 29601
On the web: The Children’s Museum of the Upstate

 

Want more? 

If you're visiting Greenville, you'll want to see it all – scenic Falls Park and the Swamp Rabbit Trail, the newly built Unity Park, and impressive collections of American art at the Greenville County Museum of Art. If time allows, The "Mice on Main" scavenger hunt is a unique and entertaining way to explore Main Street for the whole family. Filled with charming restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions, Downtown Greenville is well worth your time and effort to visit.

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