South Carolina, October 25, 2025

South Carolina offers families a wide range of kid-friendly museums that combine hands-on learning with fun. This guide highlights 12 top attractions across the state, including EdVenture in Columbia with its towering ‘Eddie’ exhibit, the interactive South Carolina State Museum, the Children’s Museum of the Upstate in Greenville, and family favorites like the South Carolina Aquarium, Riverbanks Zoo, and Patriots Point. Options range from indoor STEM and paleontology exhibits to outdoor nature centers and aquariums, with many offering free admission for very young children and discounts for seniors and military visitors.

Top 12 Kid-Friendly Museums in South Carolina

South Carolina offers a variety of museums that blend education and fun, making them perfect for family outings. Here are 12 top-rated museums across the state that children and adults alike can enjoy.

1. EdVenture Children’s Museum, Columbia

Located in Columbia, EdVenture is the largest children’s museum in the Southeast. It features over 300 interactive exhibits, including a 40-foot-tall statue named “Eddie,” which children can explore to learn about the human body. The museum also offers exhibits like “Flight,” where kids can try a Boeing 777 flight simulator, and “Wags and Whiskers,” focusing on animal care. Admission is $11.95 for children and adults, with discounts for seniors and military personnel. Children under two enter free.

2. South Carolina State Museum, Columbia

Also situated in Columbia, the South Carolina State Museum is the state’s largest museum, offering four floors of interactive exhibits covering natural history, science, and technology. It’s an ideal destination for families seeking a comprehensive educational experience. Admission is $13 for adults and $10 for children aged 3-12. Children under three enter free.

3. The Children’s Museum of the Upstate, Greenville

Located in Greenville, this museum is designed for children aged 12 and under, featuring 30 interactive exhibits that encourage play-based learning. Highlights include a water play area, a forest-themed book nook, and a STEM-based mini-golf course. Admission is $10 for children and adults, with discounts for seniors and military personnel. Children under two enter free.

4. Coastal Discovery Museum, Hilton Head Island

Situated on a 68-acre property in Hilton Head Island, the Coastal Discovery Museum offers both indoor and outdoor exhibits that highlight the region’s natural history. Visitors can explore ancient cedars, giant live oaks, and learn about the area’s ecology. Admission is free, with donations welcome.

5. South Carolina Aquarium, Charleston

Located in Charleston, the South Carolina Aquarium features over 5,000 animals across various exhibits, including the Great Ocean Tank, which holds 385,000 gallons of water. The aquarium also has a Sea Turtle Care Center where visitors can learn about conservation efforts. Admission is $29.95 for adults and $24.95 for children aged 3-12. Children under three enter free.

6. Upcountry History Museum, Greenville

This museum in Greenville showcases the regional history of 15 upstate South Carolina counties from the early 18th century to the present. Exhibits are designed to engage visitors through interactive displays and technology. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children aged 6-18. Children under six enter free.

7. Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, Columbia

Located along the Saluda River in Columbia, Riverbanks Zoo and Garden spans 170 acres and is home to over 2,000 animals. The zoo features exhibits like African Plains, Aquarium, and Sea Lion Landing. Admission is $19.95 for adults and $15.95 for children aged 2-12. Children under two enter free.

8. Patriots Point Naval & Maritime Museum, Mount Pleasant

Situated in Mount Pleasant, this museum allows visitors to explore historic naval ships, including the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier, USS Laffey destroyer, and USS Clamagore submarine. It’s a hands-on history lesson that brings naval history to life. Admission is $24 for adults and $18 for children aged 6-11. Children under six enter free.

9. Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry, Charleston

Located in Charleston, this museum offers hands-on exhibits designed for children aged 0-5, including a pirate ship, medieval castle, and art studio. It’s a perfect place for young children to learn through play. Admission is $10 for children and adults, with discounts for seniors and military personnel. Children under one enter free.

10. Mace Brown Museum of Natural History, Charleston

Situated on the campus of The College of Charleston, this museum focuses on the paleontology of the South Carolina Lowcountry, featuring over 30,000 vertebrate and invertebrate fossils. Admission is free, with donations welcome.

11. Greenville Zoo, Greenville

Located in Greenville’s Cleveland Park, the Greenville Zoo is home to a variety of animals, including African lions, leopards, orangutans, and red pandas. It’s a great place for families to learn about wildlife conservation. Admission is $9 for adults and $7 for children aged 3-15. Children under three enter free.

12. South Carolina State Museum, Columbia

Also situated in Columbia, the South Carolina State Museum is the state’s largest museum, offering four floors of interactive exhibits covering natural history, science, and technology. It’s an ideal destination for families seeking a comprehensive educational experience. Admission is $13 for adults and $10 for children aged 3-12. Children under three enter free.

These museums provide engaging and educational experiences for families, making them excellent choices for a day out with children in South Carolina.

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