The highlight reel for holiday visitors (+ their kids)

skates

Photo credit: Greenville Journal

It’s that time of year again. Cousin Eddie, Cousin Catherine, Ruby Sue, Rocky, and Snot (the Mississippi “leg hound”) are coming for a visit. You know you can’t leave them outside in the RV all day while you run errands + shop for last minute gifts. Remember what happened last time when Cousin Eddie had too much eggnog?

So the question is – what can everyone do together without having to spend the day at the mall?

🍴 Gather around the table: Everyone will love the grits bar at Nose Dive’s weekend brunch + adults can sip mimosas while the kids have a scoop of toasted sugar ice cream. During the week, stop by Eggs Up Grill, Famous Toastery + Maple Street Biscuit Company if you don’t feel like cooking. Plus, let’s be real – french toast is always better when someone else makes it for you.

🚗 See the sights: Mice on Main is like a giant game of “I Spy.” Keep the kids entertained as you wander through downtown + be sure to pick up the picture book once you make it to Mast General Store.

👨‍👩‍👧 Quality time: Want to catch up with your friends + family without boring the kids? Spend a day at McPherson Park’s putt-putt course or visit 13 Stripes brewery for beers + board games.

👟 Get active: Ice on Main is the perfect spot to drink cocoa + watch the kids show off their moves on the ice. Let them entertain you for a bit.

👦🏼 Drop the kids off: Let the kids loose at Creating Artists for Tomorrow, where they can draw on the walls + make Christmas crafts like ornaments and paintings. The Children’s Museum is another family staple (plus parents can take a walk through the Greenville County Museum of Art next door).

🌙 Wind down the night: Check out a Swamp Rabbits game + have dinner at one of the restaurants near One City Plaza for plenty of free space for kids to roam afterwards (you can’t go wrong at Cantina 76 or Tupelo Honey).

More from GVLtoday
Sponsored
A local nonprofit gives new life to old pianos by teaming up with local artists across Greenville.
Greenville’s Design Review Board approved plans for a mixed-use development on the site of the former Municipal Court Building and the former American Legion building.
Here are 10 must-do activities for your Greenville spring bucket list that are unique to the Upstate and the spring season.
We’re putting our city’s vibrant ecosystem front-and-center in this new series.
Sponsored
Greenville is full of special places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels.
From upgraded suites to all-new menus around the ballpark, 2026 is all about celebrating the Upstate’s “Home Team.”
The road to the Final Four could start in Greenville, either for the Furman Paladins looking to shine their glass slippers or one of the teams starting the NCAA Tournament here for rounds one and two.
Grab a blanket and settle in to see these artists at local outdoor venues in Greenville.