Building Big Dreams
Grab your hard hats and get ready to build! Step into the exciting world of construction at the newly renovated Construction Zone at The Children’s Museum of the Upstate.
In this exhibit, children will explore the tools, teamwork, and creativity that bring buildings to life. Perfect for aspiring architects, engineers, and builders of all ages, Construction Zone encourages problem-solving, collaboration, and imaginative play in a safe and engaging environment.
Construction Zone Includes:
Large toddler soft-play zone
Interactive trade-stations
Exhibit Features
Toddler Soft-Play Zone
A larger toddler soft-play zone for safe, sensory-rich exploration. The soft, padded flooring ensures safety during active play, while various interactive wall panels and tactile elements encourage fine motor development and hands-on discovery. Miniature construction vehicles and textured surfaces introduce basic engineering and coordination concepts in a playful context.
Climber with Twisty Slide
A brand new climbing structure featuring a rope tunnel, twisty slide, and tactile walls, encouraging full-body movement and gross motor development. Kids will crawl, climb, and explore through an exciting maze of tunnels and platforms. This space is a hub for physical activity, creativity, and hands-on exploration.
Crane and Conveyor Belt
This newly updated exhibit features a fun and interactive crane and brick conveyor system that lets kids dive into the world of hands-on building and engineering. The large metal crane structure, complete with working controls, gives little builders the chance to move foam “bricks” across the space just like on a real construction site. Nearby, a conveyor belt adds to the excitement, encouraging kids to work together to transport materials and keep the job site moving.
Trade Stations
This interactive exhibit space is designed to introduce children to skilled trades such as plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, and flooring. Each trade station is set up as a hands-on activity wall, inviting kids to explore how these essential systems work in homes and buildings. The exhibit not only highlights the importance of these careers but also inspires kids to think about how everyday comforts like running water, electricity, and climate control are made possible by skilled tradespeople.
We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the following generous supporters who made this exhibit possible:
Harper General Contractors
Community Foundation of Greenville through the Margaret Linder Southern Endowment
City of Greenville
Greenville County
The Daniel-Mickel Foundation
John I. Smith Charities, Inc.
Barge Design Solutions
Dru and Ennis James
Additional gratitude to Harper General Contractors’ Trade Partners for their generous contributions:
A&A Fire Protection · Bonitz · Cannon Roofing · Carolina Power · Carolinas Association of General Contractors ·
Clemson Construction Science & Management Department · Concrete Supply · Metromont · SC Steel · Southern Painting · Strange Brothers · United Rentals