Looking for a Family Day Trip Near Charlotte, NC? Head to York County!
Here’s a quick getaway that doesn’t require a full tank of gas or a weekend of planning. York County, South Carolina is just a short drive from Charlotte and packed with family-friendly fun! Whether your crew loves picking peaches, exploring parks, or finding new places to eat, this little corner of SC has plenty to keep everyone happy.
There’s so much to do in York County, the more we discover, the more we can’t believe how much there is to do — from sunflower fields and wakeboarding to cider tastings and kid-friendly farms. It’s close enough for a spontaneous day trip, and really, aren’t those the best kind?
To make it easy, we’ve rounded up our favorite things to do, eat, and explore — all grouped so you can build your perfect day in York County.
🚗 Bonus: Most spots are within 30 to 45 minutes of Charlotte — so you can sleep in and still make it in time for lunch.
👉 Planning more family outings? Don’t miss our full list of day trip ideas near Charlotte!
York County, SC Day Trip: Quick Facts
- Where: York County, South Carolina, just south of Charlotte, with stops in Fort Mill, Rock Hill, York and McConnells, plus Kings Mountain State Park near Blacksburg.
- Free: Draper Wildlife Area. SCDNR says it’s free and open during daylight hours.
- Admission, per the official sites: Kings Mountain State Park is $3 for adults and $1 for ages 6–15 (5 and under free). Anne Springs Close Greenway day passes are $17 for adults and $8 for ages 3–12 (2 and under free). Historic Brattonsville is $12 for adults and $8 for ages 4–17 (3 and under free).
- Seasonal: Draper’s sunflowers peak around the Fourth of July. Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery is open from mid-August until late December. Bush-N-Vine has pick-your-own pumpkins in the fall.
- Good for: All ages. SouthTown Wake Park is best for older kids and teens, and Canaan Zipline riders must be at least 9.
Things to Do in York, SC: Outdoor Adventures
Draper Wildlife Area
1080 Draper Road, McConnells | 864.427.5140
The sunflowers at Draper Wildlife Area bloom each July, and they are stunning. That’s how we discovered York County — and we were so glad we made the trip.
Beyond sunflowers, Draper has stocked fishing lakes and even a kids-only fishing area. Keep an eye out for free fishing clinics for kids hosted by SCDNR.
Here are all the details on Draper Wildlife Area Sunflowers.
Anne Springs Close Greenway
2573 Lake Haigler Drive, Fort Mill | 803.547.4575
This place is huge — the Greenway says it’s more than twice the size of Central Park in NYC! With hiking trails, kayaking, picnic areas, and even horseback riding, it’s easy to spend a full day here.
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We’ve got all the details about our visit to Anne Springs Close Greenway and tips to make your own trip a success.
SouthTown Wake Park
255 East Rambo Road, Rock Hill | 803.324.3020
Got older kids or teens who love a challenge? They’ll love wakeboarding and the floating obstacle course at SouthTown.
First-timers can start on the smaller lake. Not sure about wakeboarding? Kneeboarding is a fun alternative that’s a little easier to control.
Heads up: the Aqua Park and beginner cable are seasonal, so check SouthTown’s website for current hours before you go.
Kings Mountain State Park
1277 Park Road, Blacksburg | 803.222.3209
That big mountain you see from I-85 on the way to Charlotte? That’s Kings Mountain!
It’s part history site, part nature escape — with lakes, hiking trails, and horseback riding.
If you love U.S. history or just want a beautiful park to explore, our King’s Mountain review will give you all the info you need.
Historic Brattonsville
1444 Brattonsville Road, McConnells | 803.684.2327
Step back in time at this 800-acre living history site where costumed interpreters bring the 18th and 19th centuries to life. You’ll find historic homes, farm animals, blacksmith demos, and more.
If the place looks familiar, you might’ve seen it on screen — parts of The Patriot (yep, with Mel Gibson) were filmed here! This is a great mix of hands-on learning and wide-open space for kids to run around.
We have a full story on Historic Brattonsville with all the details.
Farms & Orchards: Fresh Family Fun in York, SC
Black’s Peaches
1800 Black Highway, York | 803.684.2333
Did you know South Carolina produces more peaches than Georgia? It’s true — and Black’s Peaches has been doing it since 1923.
While you’re there, grab lunch at their café — the cheeseburgers are incredible — and stock up on fresh produce before you head out.
Bush-N-Vine
1650 Filbert Highway, York | 803.684.2732
The strawberry season usually only lasts a few weeks. Here at Bush-N-Vine, they use greenhouses and other farming tricks to offer fresh strawberries most of the year!
Don’t leave without trying the fresh fruit slushies — the blackberry one was our favorite! Come back in fall for the pick-your-own sunflower field and pumpkins! The pumpkin patch is off-the-vine picking, and it is awesome!
Here’s our full story on Pumpkin Picking & Fall Adventures at Bush-N-Vine.
Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery
1860 Black Highway, York | 803.684.0690
If you’re an apple fan, this spot needs to be on your fall calendar. Windy Hill is open seasonally, from mid-August until late December.
They’ve got everything from apple cider donuts and slushies to hard cider tastings under the trees with live music on weekends. It’s the perfect mix of adult-friendly and kid-friendly fun.
Get the scoop on our fall visit to Windy Hill Orchard.
Where to Eat: Delicious Spots in York County
Las Americas Supermarket
1906 Cherry Road, Rock Hill | 803.980.8151
Taco Tuesday for 50 cents. Yes, really.
These are legit, two-tortilla tacos topped with cilantro and onion — and they go fast. Locals order by the tray, so if you want in on the deal, order ahead!
While you wait, check out the incredible murals on the building featuring Mexican legends.
Spice Asian Kitchen
251 Textile Way, Fort Mill | 803.548.6868
This Asian fusion spot at Kingsley Town Center was delicious.
We grabbed takeout and had a feast at our hotel — huge portions, super flavorful dishes, and enough leftovers for another night. Favorites included the Spicy Chicken Fried Rice, Pad Thai, and Szechuan Dumplings.
Hoof & Barrel
122 N. Congress Street, York | 803.818.5554
BBQ fans, this one’s for you! Hoof & Barrel serves up brisket, ribs, and pulled pork with housemade sauces and Southern sides.
The vibe is casual and family-friendly, and the outdoor seating area is great for kids to stretch their legs.
Here’s the whole story on our lunch at Hoof & Barrel.
Hobo’s
A perfect spot for families, with great food and room for the kids to play, Hobo’s is Rachael’s favorite whenever she’s in the area.
Check out Hobo’s for a Family-Friendly spot in Rock Hill and Fort Mill, SC.
Here’s Rachael’s Review: Hobo’s on York County
Even More Family Fun in York, SC
We ran out of time but added these to our “next trip” list!
- Canaan Zipline Canopy Tour: On a 100-acre island in the Catawba River!
- YoCo Brew Trail: Collect stamps at participating breweries and earn a T-shirt.
- Catawba River Tubing: A fun weekend activity with friends or another family.
- Papa Doc’s Shore Club: Right on Lake Wylie — and we hear their milkshakes are amazing.
York County, SC Day Trip FAQ
Is Draper Wildlife Area free to visit?
Yes. SCDNR says Draper Wildlife Area is free and open to the public during daylight hours. Its sunflowers usually peak around the Fourth of July and last about 10 days.
How much does it cost to visit Anne Springs Close Greenway?
Day passes are $17 for adults and $8 for ages 3–12, and kids 2 and under are free. The Greenway is open 7 a.m. to sunset daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
When is Historic Brattonsville open?
Historic Brattonsville is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. It’s closed Mondays and some holidays.
When is Windy Hill Orchard open?
Windy Hill Orchard & Cidery is seasonal. It’s open from mid-August until late December. Check its hours page before you go, because hours change during the season.
How much is admission to Kings Mountain State Park?
South Carolina State Parks lists admission at $3 for adults, $1.50 for SC seniors and $1 for ages 6–15, and kids 5 and under are free.
Ready for a York County Adventure?
Whether you want to spend a day picking peaches or take a weekend trip full of outdoor fun and amazing eats, York County makes it easy for Charlotte families to have fun close to home.
What are you excited to try first? Tell us in the comments!
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