If you’re looking for a day trip that keeps kids genuinely engaged from the moment you walk in, the Museum of York County in Rock Hill, SC, should be on your to-do list this year. With award-winning exhibits, hands-on learning stations, a planetarium, and even outdoor trails, there’s enough here to fill a full morning or afternoon, and then some.
With several changing exhibits (new ones too!) at the museum, Kidding Around team member Amanda was excited to visit with her kids. Read more about what they loved most at the museum, and why you can easily spend all day exploring here.
Attack of the Bloodsuckers! (New Exhibit for 2026)
This one is not for the squeamish, and my kids absolutely love it. The new exhibit, Attack of the Bloodsuckers!, explores the science of what’s biting you, from mosquitoes and fleas to ticks, leeches, and other bloodsucking parasites. Through interactive, icky exhibits, visitors learn the what, why, who, and when of how these parasites live, work, and survive. My kids loved the hands-on activities throughout the bloodsucker exhibit, especially learning about mosquitoes, ticks, leeches, and other creatures that feed on blood.
Paired alongside the exhibit is a companion display, What’s Eating You? Carolina Piedmont Bloodsuckers, which spotlights at least a dozen local mosquito species and other pests found right here in our region.
Ice Age Carolinas
Step back in time to the Pleistocene Epoch, when the Carolinas looked nothing like they do today. Ice Age Carolinas: Exploring Our Pleistocene Past features life-sized models, taxidermy mounts, fossils, diorama settings, and interactive displays that bring prehistoric Carolina to life.
The Ice Age exhibit was also a big hit, with the giant prehistoric animals and fossils to explore. My kids, who are into big creatures and prehistory, had a hard time leaving this one.
You can also explore the companion exhibit Before the Ice Ages, which covers even earlier prehistoric eras, including roaming rhinos, saber-toothed cats, and the fearsome “hell pig”.
Even More to Explore at the Museum
Families should plan extra time to explore the museum, because there are lots of interactive stations, plus the planetarium and Naturalist Center offer even more to explore, including a planetarium that has several shows you do not want to miss.
The Settlemyre Planetarium
A fully digital, full-dome Settlemyre Planetarium offering programs on everything from Carolina night skies to the outer reaches of the Milky Way, and all shows are free with museum admission. Current programming includes Cosmix (great for younger kids, grades 1–3 and up), Carolina Skies, and From Earth to the Universe. Check the schedule before you go since show times vary by day.
The Naturalist Center
The only Smithsonian-styled education center in South Carolina, with more than 2,400 specimens you can actually touch and explore, covering the Piedmont region and beyond. It’s a hands-on learner’s dream.
Tot Town
Younger kids will also want time in Tot Town, a playful learning space inspired by the whimsical artwork of nationally known illustrator and Rock Hill resident Vernon Grant.
Head Outside: Nature Trail and Educational Gardens
The museum also has trails! A ¾-mile loop nature trail winds through a Piedmont forest alongside Big Dutchman Creek, with native trees, seasonal wildflowers, and resident wildlife like birds, reptiles, and insects along the way.
There’s also a shaded picnic area if you want to bring lunch, which we always recommend to reduce cost. Behind the museum, the Educational Gardens showcase Carolina Piedmont flora across a Rain Garden, a Carolina Fence Garden, and a Pollinator Garden.
Plan Your Visit
- Budget at least two hours; it took us around 2 hours to enjoy most of the museum, and more if you plan to walk the trails, have a picnic, or catch a planetarium show.
- The Museum of York County is located in Rock Hill, SC, making it an easy day trip for families across the Charlotte metro and Upstate South Carolina.
- Admission: Kids are $8, Adults are $12, Seniors are $10, Kids 3 and younger are free
- Museums for All Reduced Admission Price: $3 per person for EBT/SNAP card holders.
Museum of York County Website
Culture & Heritage Museums
Address:4621 Mt. Gallant Road, Rock Hill, SC
Hours: Open Tuesday – Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm; Open Sunday, 1 pm – 5 pm; Closed on Monday