Everyone, no matter their ability, should get to play and enjoy all that Greenville, SC has to offer. Sometimes those places are hard to find, so we’ve put together some of the best spots in town and nearby that are fantastic options for families whose children need accessible and inclusive options.
Collectively, these spaces and programs demonstrate Greenville’s dedication to ensuring that no family is left out. From cheering at the arena to exploring museums, enjoying parks, and attending camp, inclusion is being thoughtfully and intentionally integrated into the fabric of the city.
If we missed any spots, don’t hesitate to email us!
Accessible Playgrounds
There are several playgrounds in Greenville that have accessible equipment but the brand new Brooks’ Playground is the city’s first fully inclusive playground. It’s designed so kids of any and all abilities can climb, swing, and play together. Read our review here to learn all about the cool things it offers!
Here’s a list of all the playgrounds in Greenville with accessible and inclusive equipment.
Local entertainment venues have made significant improvements to aid in inclusive and accessible options for all guests.
The Children’s Museum of the Upstate is an example of someplace that is always seeking to expand its accessibility efforts. An elevator and wheelchair-accessible walkway allow all kids to reach the top of the Climber, and similar to the BSW Arena, sensory bags are available to help children regulate.
“At TCMU, accessibility and inclusion are core to our mission and help guide all aspects of our museum experience exhibits to educational programming and events,” said Lauren Luneckas, CEO of The Children’s Museum of the Upstate. “We’re breaking barriers throughout the museum so children of all abilities can learn, imagine, and belong here.”
Families can attend sensory-friendly events like the upcoming Halloween celebration, and on Mondays the museum offers adaptive visits for schools and organizations serving children with disabilities—ensuring a calmer, more controlled environment.
If you’ve ever been to an event at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, you know it can get pretty loud. The arena has an awesome Sensory Suite in Section 105, a space designed to help guests with sensory sensitivities feel comfortable at events. Families who may have skipped a hockey game or concert in the past now have a place where their child can enjoy the excitement without being overwhelmed.
Outfitted with noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, softer lighting, and quiet zones, the suite makes it possible for everyone to share the same live experience—without stress. They also offer Sensory Bags (right outside Section 117) that families can borrow during events that include things like fidget toys, headphones, and antiglare glasses.
“The Sensory Suite launched in 2019 after reviewing our offerings for families and while ensuring the Arena’s commitment to inclusiveness and accessibility extended to the fan experience,” said Beth Paul, General Manager. “We believe live events should be a welcoming experience for everyone, and we’re dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where people of all abilities, including those with sensory sensitivities, can enjoy music and entertainment in comfort and confidence. Our Sensory Suite provides a space that allows for memorable and special experiences for the entire family to enjoy together.”
Additionally, you can purchase Sensory Suite tickets by emailing [email protected]. The Sensory Suite is open for shows that have a 360-stage as well as when the Suite is within sightlines of the show. The price of the Sensory Suite varies from show to show, there is no additional cost for fans to utilize the suite (ticket prices align with the cost of the seats directly under the Suite, in the same Section.)
A staple in the community for both families and performers, the SC Children’s Theatre aims to be the most accessible theatre in South Carolina. They designed their new building with that vision in mind and, making sure no physical barriers preventing anyone from taking part in what the theatre offers.
“In the past year, we’ve taken significant steps to deepen accessibility across the organization,” said SC Children’s Theatre CEO Katie O’Kelly.
“This includes launching a more accessible website, creating sensory-friendly viewing areas in both of our theatres, and developing new systems to better welcome and support all patrons. These strides were made possible thanks to the generous support of Greenville Women Giving, the Community Foundation of Greenville, Messer Construction Foundation, the South Carolina Arts Commission, and nonprofit partners like AbleSC, who share our commitment to breaking down barriers.”
The theatre has even expanded the role of their Patron Services Manager to also serve as Accessibility Coordinator, meaning that she is in charge of making sure accessibility is worked into every decision, program, and production at the theatre.
The SC Children’s Theatre offers a hearing loop system to make the experience better for guests with hearing aids, helping remove background noise so there is clear sound right in the device. Just ask for it at the Box Office. They also have sign language interpreters and accessible seating available to make sure everyone can enjoy the show.
Dance Without Limits was founded by Beth Bradley, who wanted to create a space that was welcoming to all kids, regardless of ability. But here’s why Beth decided to create a dance studio that focused on including kids of all ages and abilities: she’s the oldest of 18 kids. Fifteen of her siblings are adopted. And her parents specifically adopted children that often had some kind of limitations in their life. DWL has specific classes for special needs students and those with disabilities.
Longtime readers of Kidding Around will recognize Yellowbobbypins, located at Hampton Station, and we are so happy to add them to this list. They offer art classes and camps for ages 2-14 and owner Lauren Runion is such a delight. She said this about their accessibility specifically:
“We love to include children of all abilities in our classes. We do request that a caregiver reach out to find the best class fit for their child and on occasion (or as needed) we ask that an aide stay with the kid depending on the child’s ability level.”
Lauren and her staff love building confidence and joy for children of all ages.
Accessibility in the Outdoors
There are some fantastic options to visit and explore the outdoors that are accessible to everyone.
YMCA Camp Greenville’s Spectrum & Stargazers Camp creates a supportive, outdoor adventure family camp tailored to families that include children with autism spectrum disorder, down syndrome, and other developmental needs. It ensures campers can participate in hiking, stargazing, and camp traditions with the right support while parents know their child is fully included.
This ADA-accessible zoo has teamed up with KultureCity to make visits easier for everyone. Guests can pick up a free sensory kit that includes noise-canceling headphones, fidget toys, a “feelings card” to help express emotions, and a lanyard so staff can easily recognize and support visitors with sensory needs.
The accessible kayak launch at Dolly Cooper Park just outside of Greenville allows boats to enter and exit the water safely. Plus, it’s a really pretty stretch of the river to paddle!
Because I just love waterfalls and want everyone to see them, I created this no-hike waterfall tour in North Carolina as a day trip option. I made it because my mother-in-law, who has limited mobility, was visiting and I wanted to do something fun with her and my daughters that involved the outdoors. We all had such an amazing time and since that trip, I’ve added some more places to the route. It’s definitely a day trip from Greenville but an awesome opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature without any hiking.
Caesar’s Head State Park This is one of the prettiest overlooks in Greenville County and it’s accessible via a short walk on a paved trail from the parking area. It’s especially beautiful in the fall – just get there early as it does get crowded. Look for the hawks as they migrate that same time of year.