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Are you looking for things to do with your kids that aren’t hard-core competitive sports? Or won’t break the bank? Maybe something you can do without daily practices and even more responsibility for you and your children? If this sounds like your family, check out this list of engaging (but not aggravating) options around the Upstate that can enrich the school year. If the budget won’t stretch much this fall, consider free or low cost programs, like those offered by local libraries, or contact your local YMCA for information about scholarship programs and financial assistance with costs.

The South Carolina Botanical Garden has wonderful nature programs for children. In addition to regular on-going programs, SCBG hosts open house days at the Hunt Cabin and Nature Center. All of the family-friendly offerings are available at clemson.edu/scbg. Preschoolers can enjoy Garden Sprouts where they will learn about local flora and fauna through fun and interactive sessions. Best of all, the sessions are only $5 each and you can register for only the ones you want to attend. For older kids, SCBG offers Junior Naturalist programs, with one aimed for ages 6 – 12 and the other for ages 12 and older. Kids learn about the South Carolina landscape and perform earth-based science experiments. The entire series is only $70 and it meets every other week.

Libraries aren’t just for books and the Spartanburg County Public Libraries have a ton of activities for teens and children. The entire schedule can be found at spartanburglibraries.org. Teens who love to be creative can take part in the Make/Create/DIY programs where they can do diamond painting, make their own plushies, or make bookmarks and journals. The library system also has an anime society and a Mario Kart tournament. Younger kids can participate in their own mini maker crafts, LEGO groups and more.

The Greenville County Library System offers some of the coolest options for ages 5 – 18. Activities are free, but some do require registration. You can see the entire schedule and signup for events that require registration at greenvillelibrary.org. Branch locations offer regular activities like Crafternoons, the LEGO Club, and the Studio (which is arts-based). They are offset with individual activities like Candy Science (science experiments done with candy), Forensic Science, making slime, and mask making.

YMCA Greenville also has a variety of youth activities to choose from. Whether physical sports or e-sports, there’s something for everyone. You can find all the events at ymcagreenville.org. Young athletes will find just about everything they could want. Kids ages 8 – 16 can take part in Youth Sports Performance Training to work on developing skills as well as things like balance, agility and strength. Lessons are offered for a wide range of activities, including swimming, soccer, dance, tennis, golf, martial arts and more. Additionally, YMCA Greenville hosts the XP League, which is an e-sports program. Just like other sports, youth are formed into teams to compete in popular games such as League of Legends, Roblox and more. These sessions are nine weeks in length and are for ages 7 – 17.

YMCA of Greater Spartanburg also offers a wide range of low key fun for all ages. For a more competitive activity, sports, including T-ball, softball, baseball, soccer, volleyball and swimming are options. With the aim to build a healthy body, mind, and spirit, the YMCA is a wonderful option for families of Spartanburg County. Information on youth activities can be found at spartanburgymca.org. There is even a hiking club that’s open to all ages and is perfect for the whole family. It meets once a month for a group hike. Youth over the age of 15 are permitted to attend without an adult, but younger teens and kids will need personal adult supervision.

Anderson County YMCA andersonareaymca.org

Anderson County Library System andersonlibrary.org

YMCA of Easley, Pickens and Powdersville pcymca.net

Pickens County Library System pickenscountylibrarysystem.com