10 things to do in Greenville before the summer ends

If you are looking for fun ways to fill your summer days, exploring where you live is always a good place to start.

And if you live in Greenville, that's a plus ― there's always something going on for locals downtown.

As you are planning, know that many activities don't need to be costly. There are many things you can do with family, friends, and loved ones for free or low cost, like picnicking at one of the local parks or camping at Paris State Mountain. They don't call this city Greenville for nothing, where there is always an opportunity for outdoor adventure.

Here's our roundup of fun things to do in Greenville before the summer sets sail.

Visit the Greenville County Museum of Art

See the world from a different point of view by visiting the Greenville County Museum of Art, where masterpieces from the modern to the abstract are displayed. Since October, the museum has highlighted African American art from 17 artists. One of these works is a monumental bronze head statue of Martin Luther King Jr. by John Wilson, which is at the core of the exhibition. Other collections featured at the museum include contemporary paintings and prints from Jasper Johns and the world's largest public collection of watercolors by Andrew Wyeth.

Where: 420 College St., Greenville.

Catch a show at the Peace Center

With a vision to unite the Greenville community through the inspiring arts, the Peace Center knows how to throw a show. Located downtown, the center hosts a variety of events in its vibrant indoor and outdoor venues, which are transformed for each story it tells. Upcoming August shows will feature Broadway singer Idina Menzel (Wednesday, Aug. 7) and "Avatar the Last Airbender" in Concert (Sunday, Aug. 18). "The Lion King" will be running throughout September.

Where: 300 S. Main St., Greenville.

Camp at Paris Mountain State Park

There's always going to be another mountain, but when it comes to this Greenville favorite, there is plenty to appreciate and explore. The monadnock (a mountain rising from flat land) has 17 miles of biking and hiking trails near downtown Greenville. It also has four park lakes: Lake Placid, Mountain Lake, Buckhorn Lake, and North Lake, also known as Reservoir #3. For a night underneath the stars, camp out at one of the 39 paved campsites. Park admission is $6 for adults, $3.75 for seniors 65 and older, and $3.50 for children ages 6-15. Children under 5 years old can get in for free. Admission prices include access to the designated swimming area when it is open.

Where: 2401 State Park Road, Greenville.

Kayak the Reedy River

Don't let being a beginner steer you away from kayaking the Reedy River Blueway. Flowing through the heart of downtown Greenville, the river offers nearly 60 miles of beginner-friendly and advanced paddling opportunities. The site is also overflowing with many recreational activities, such as bird watching at Lake Conestee, fishing at Boyd Mill Pond and Lake Greenwood, and flat water and swift water paddling from downtown Greenville to Lake Greenwood.

Where: View this map of the Reedy River Blueway.

Grab dessert at Carmella's

Sweet with a touch of elegance, Carmella's Cafe & Dessert Bar is best served with a side of family or friends (or a hot date). Since opening earlier this year, Carmella's has experienced much success among locals. If you plan on visiting on the weekend, you may have to hop in the back of the line to get a taste of the cookies, cannoli cakes, or sorbettos, but we promise it will be worth the wait.

Where: 355 S. Main St. Ste P301, Greenville.

Countdown to takeoff of Runway Park

If you have a kid who enjoys playing with toy planes, you should try taking them to Runway Park at the Greenville Downtown Airport (GMU) to see the real thing. At the park, children can have fun tinkering with the aviation themed playground and equipment while watching small engine airplanes take to the skies. Parents will have peace of mind knowing the entire park is fenced in for safety measures. Runway Cafe and a mini golf course are also within the same parking lot.

Where: 21 Airport Road Ext, Greenville.

Take your dog to play at Unleashed Dog Bar

The first and only of its kind in Greenville, Unleashed Dog Bar & Salon gives owners a place to kick back and enjoy a beer while dogs play. The bar features indoor/outdoor seating, multiple TVs to watch sports games, and a covered patio with fans to keep cool for the summer. While beers, spiked seltzers, and wine are on the menu, nonalcoholic beverages are also offered. Dogs can run around within the unleashed dog park and make other furry friends. Day passes cost $5 per dog a day and $50 per year ($30 for each additional dog).

Where: 69 Rocky Slope Road, Greenville.

Watch a Greenville Drive baseball game

Boston Red Sox fans moving to the area should add Fluor Field to their bucket list of places to visit. Home to the Red Sox's High-A affiliate Greenville Drive, Fluor Field hosts a number of Drive baseball games throughout the season. Just outside the Fenway inspired park, explore the Baseball Library and Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum. For fun with the kiddos, see if you can track down Drive mascot ReedyRip'It the Frog for an autograph or picture.

Where: 945 S. Main St., Greenville.

Rent an e-bike and ride through the city

We've all seen them ― those locals zipping through the city on green electric bikes. If you've always wanted to ride one but didn't know how they worked, this summer would be a great time to try one out. Brought to you by Greenville BCycle, riders can rent an e-bike at various stations across downtown. Each bike has a battery attached to them powering each pedal stroke. For details on pass rates, visit here.

Where: View the station map on the Greenville BCycle website.

Travel back in time at the Upcountry History Museum

The Upcountry History Museum connects people, history, and culture through its collections, exhibitions, and programs. There is always something new to learn at the museum regarding the S.C.'s Upcountry, so if you're looking to brush up on your local history, come on down. Exhibits of note that are currently being run at the museum are "Star Wars Finding the Force...Awakening an Empire" and "Frida Kahlo: Through the Lens of Nickolas Murray."

Where: 540 Buncombe St., Greenville.

Nina Tran covers trending topics for The Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com.