Staycation Savvy: Your 2026 Guide to Spring Break in the Golden Strip

As the school year hits the home stretch, families across the Upstate are preparing for a well-deserved intermission. For those in our local community, the dates are officially set: Greenville County Schools will observe Spring Break from Monday, March 16, through Friday, March 20, 2026.

While many residents may head toward the coast, a growing number of families in Mauldin, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn are opting for a staycation. This approach offers a chance to explore the gems in our own backyard while avoiding the stress of travel.

A Local Dining Tour

The Golden Strip has become a culinary destination in its own right, offering several spots where a family of six can feel right at home.

• Bohemian Bull (Mauldin): Located right on Butler Road, this spot features a large outdoor area and a menu that caters to both adventurous eaters and those who prefer a classic burger.

• Warehouse at Vaughn’s (Simpsonville): This food hall style setup is perfect for families with diverse tastes. You can grab tacos, pizza, or ice cream all in one stop, and the outdoor stage often features live music that keeps the atmosphere lively.

• Bobby’s BBQ (Fountain Inn): For a true taste of the Upstate, this local favorite offers incredible brisket and a welcoming environment that feels like a backyard gathering.

Family Activities and Recreation

You don’t have to drive into downtown Greenville to find high-quality entertainment. Our local municipalities have invested heavily in spaces that are perfect for a week of play.

• Mauldin Cultural Center and City Center Park: The new pedestrian bridge and expanded park areas offer a great spot for a family walk or a picnic.

• Heritage Park (Simpsonville): Beyond the famous amphitheater, this park offers excellent playgrounds and a miniature steam train that is a perennial hit with younger children.

• Fountain Inn Splash Pad and Main Street: If we get a warm South Carolina afternoon, the splash pad at the end of Main Street is a favorite gathering spot. Afterward, a walk down the historic corridor offers plenty of window shopping and local charm.

Special Events During Break Week

Several local organizations have scheduled specific events to coincide with the school holiday:

• Beetlejuice Jr. at Mauldin Cultural Center: The Mauldin Theatre Company kicks off its run of this family-friendly production on Friday, March 20, at 7:30 pm. It is a fantastic way to cap off the break week with some local talent.

• Science Cafe at M. Judson: On Tuesday, March 17, at 5:00 pm, the “Women, Life and Science” Science Cafe will take place at M. Judson Booksellers, offering an educational but accessible evening out.

• Kid-Friendly Hike Meet Up: On Friday, March 20, at 2:00 pm, families can join a guided hike at Paris Mountain State Park. The pace is set specifically for the littlest hikers and is free to attend (park admission fees apply).

• Art and Exhibits: The Simpsonville Arts Center continues its exhibition “From Here to There” by Sean Porter throughout the break, while the Milliken Art Gallery will host the Converse Emerging Young Artists Exhibition starting Monday, March 16.

• Library Programming: Both the Fountain Inn and Simpsonville library branches maintain active schedules during the break. Look for the Stay and Play! session at the Fountain Inn branch on Wednesday morning and the 11:00 am Story Time in Simpsonville on Thursday.

Staycation Logistics

Greenville County families should note that while the main break ends on March 20, there is an additional student holiday on Monday, April 6, 2026. For parents who need to balance work and childcare during the week, the Prisma Health Family YMCA in Simpsonville and Greenville County Rec centers typically offer spring break day camps with registration often opening in mid-February.

Whether you are spending the week gardening in your own backyard or exploring the parks of Fountain Inn, the 2026 spring break season is shaping up to be a great time to be a local.