Charlotte / Fort Mill, NC/SC
WaterSeasonalSports
Carowinds' outdoor waterpark: thrill slides, a 400,000-gallon wave pool, Boogie Racers and big kids' splash areas. Seasonal (opens late May).
Included with Carowinds tickets (tickets from about $40)
Splash pads, waterparks & river fun
Summer kids activities in Charlotte
Cool off at dozens of free splash pads, ride the waves at Carolina Harbor, and raft, zip and climb at the U.S. National Whitewater Center.
Hours, prices and seasonal dates change often — always check the official website before you go. Info last reviewed November 2026.
Seasonal highlights
See every splash pad & waterparkCharlotte, NC
SeasonalHikingSportsHuge outdoor adventure park on the Catawba River. Warm months: whitewater rafting, ziplines, climbing, ropes courses, Wildwoods family play area and 50+ miles of trails. Winter at Whitewater (mid-Nov to mid-Feb): the Southeast's largest outdoor ice rink (24,000 sq ft), a free illuminated Winter Trail, Highland cows, a Christmas tree lot and night zips.
Free entry; parking $13/vehicle. All Access Day Pass $79; Wildwoods pass $18; ice skating $25 incl. rentals
Good to know: The Winter Trail and trails are free with parking.
Huntersville, NC
WaterPlaygroundsToddlersPopular fully fenced free splash pad next to a playground and covered picnic area.
Charlotte, NC
WaterPlaygroundsToddlersFree Mecklenburg County splash pad with a playground nearby; open daily roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Charlotte (Dilworth), NC
WaterPlaygroundsToddlersFree Mecklenburg County splash pad with a playground nearby; open daily roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Mint Hill, NC
WaterPlaygroundsToddlersFully fenced splash pad with toddler and big-kid zones, turf surfacing and inclusive play elements.
Pineville, NC
PlaygroundsWaterHikingToddlersLakeside park with a large splash pad and three playgrounds.
First Ward Park
FreeCharlotte, NC
WaterPlaygroundsHikingToddlersUptown park beside ImaginOn and Discovery Place with a splash pad and playground.
Charlotte, NC
WaterPlaygroundsHikingToddlersUptown park with skyline views, a seasonal sprayground and Truist Field next door.
Concord, NC
WaterToddlersFree downtown Concord splash pad near shops and restaurants.
Rock Hill, SC
WaterSeasonalSportsCable wakeboarding and inflatable aqua park on man-made lakes — good summer splurge for older kids.
Carowinds
PaidCharlotte / Fort Mill, NC/SC
SeasonalAmusement park straddling the NC/SC state line with Camp Snoopy for little kids, big coasters for teens, and seasonal events. Now open year-round on select dates.
Charlotte, NC
SeasonalTriple-A baseball with skyline views uptown — affordable family night out, with kids' zone and fireworks nights.
Kannapolis, NC
SeasonalMinor-league baseball in downtown Kannapolis; the ballpark also has Boomer's free splash pad nearby.
Indian Trail, NC
Rainy daySeasonalBirthdaysSportsIndoor ice rink with public skating sessions year-round.
Pineville, NC
Rainy daySeasonalBirthdaysSportsIndoor ice rink with public skate sessions and learn-to-skate classes.
Huntersville, NC
HomeschoolSeasonalFarmsHikingFestivals265-acre historic Scottish-heritage farm with trails, animals and events, home of the Amazing Maize Maze each fall.
Belmont, NC
HomeschoolSeasonalHikingGorgeous gardens with fountains, a children's garden, and an orchid conservatory; spring blooms and holiday lights.
Lineberger Park
FreeGastonia, NC
WaterPlaygroundsSeasonalBig city park with a splash pad, playgrounds, occasional train rides, and holiday lights in December.
Village Park
FreeKannapolis, NC
PlaygroundsWaterSeasonalHikingToddlersShady park with a playground, seasonal splash pad, paved trail, a $1.50 Venetian carousel and a small train.
Good to know: Carousel and train rides cost a small fee.
Stumptown Park
FreeMatthews, NC
PlaygroundsSeasonalHikingToddlersDowntown Matthews park with a playground, summer concerts and community festivals.
Glencairn Garden
FreeRock Hill, SC
SeasonalHikingFree 11-acre garden with azaleas, fountains and a pond — stunning in spring.
York County, SC, SC
SeasonalFarmsAcres of sunflowers in bloom each late June/early July — free photo-op.
Bush-N-Vine Farm
PaidYork, SC
SeasonalFarmsFestivalsU-pick strawberries and peaches, farm market, ice cream and a fall pumpkin patch.
Springs Farm
PaidFort Mill, SC
SeasonalFarmsFestivalsFamily farm with spring strawberries, summer produce and a fall pumpkin patch.
Matthews Alive
FreeMatthews, NC
SeasonalFestivalsLabor Day weekend community festival in downtown Matthews with rides, music and a parade.
Concord, NC
SeasonalHomeschoolFestivalsRepticon is a family-oriented reptile and exotic-animal expo with vendors, educational exhibits and animals to see. It's a good indoor outing for older kids who like animals. Purchases are made from independent exhibitors, and always ask before touching any animal. Tickets are sold online only.
Online only. Super Ticket (both days) $20 adult; Saturday or Sunday all day $15 adult; Saturday after 1 p.m. $12 adult. Ages 5–12 $7; ages 4 and under free.
Good to know: Next show: December 12–13, 2026, at Cabarrus Arena in Concord. Kids 4 and under are free; ages 5–12 are $7.
Charlotte, NC
SeasonalFestivalsUptown Charlotte's food festival, held over a June weekend. Confirm location and hours on the official site.
See the official site for admission, hours and streets.
Good to know: 2026 festival: June 5–7. Check the official site for the next dates.
Also great this season
Filter summer activitiesConcord, NC
WaterRainy dayBirthdaysIndoor waterpark resort kept at 84°F year-round — slides, wave pool, a giant tipping-bucket treehouse — plus MagiQuest, arcade and ropes course. Day passes available.
Day passes from about $55 (varies by date)
Charlotte, NC
WaterRainy daySportsMecklenburg County's indoor water park uptown: 3-story Blue Comet slide, lazy river, Saturation Station kids' play structure, beach entry and lap lanes. Open Fri evenings and weekends.
Low-cost county admission
Concord, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolIndoor aquarium at Concord Mills with an ocean tunnel, sharks, rays, touch pools and Lego-themed play.
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolBirthdaysUptown hands-on science museum with labs, live demos, an IMAX Dome theatre, a rainforest and aquarium exhibits. Field-trip planner for groups.
Huntersville, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolBirthdaysToddlersPlay-based STEAM museum for toddlers to early elementary: pretend-play town, building zones, water play and live shows.
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolToddlersSmall nature museum beside Freedom Park with live animals, a butterfly pavilion and kid-height exhibits — great for little ones.
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolUptown racing museum with race simulators, a pit-crew challenge, historic cars and the 'Glory Road' banked track display.
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolAviation museum at Charlotte Douglas Airport featuring the 'Miracle on the Hudson' plane, hands-on flight exhibits and dozens of aircraft.
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayInteractive optical-illusion rooms and photo spots — a crowd-pleaser for tweens and teens on a rainy day.
Gastonia, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolNatural history museum with dinosaurs, NC wildlife halls, a mineral gallery, planetarium, a Catawba Indian village and an 1700s backcountry farm on a nature trail. Free 2nd Tuesday evenings (4–8 pm).
Good to know: Free admission the second Tuesday of each month, 4–8 pm.
Concord, NC
HomeschoolIconic NASCAR track offering speedway tours, race weekends, and seasonal family events like Speedway Christmas.
Concord, NC
Rainy dayBirthdaysSportsIndoor skydiving wind tunnel near Concord Mills; kids as young as 3 can fly with an instructor.
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayBirthdaysSportsBig family entertainment center in Ballantyne: bowling, laser tag, ropes course, rock climbing, bumper cars and arcade.
Huntersville & Pineville, NC
Rainy dayBirthdaysBowling, large arcade, escape rooms and restaurant under one roof at two locations.
Mint Hill & Cornelius, NC
Rainy dayBirthdaysTrampolines, climbing walls, ropes courses and indoor playgrounds.
Charlotte (Northlake) & Pineville, NC
Rainy dayBirthdaysWall-to-wall trampolines, foam zones, dodgeball and toddler time.
Gastonia, NC
Rainy dayBirthdaysTrampoline courts, ninja course and foam pits in Gastonia.
Rock Hill, SC
Rainy dayBirthdaysSportsTrampoline park with the area's largest ninja course, foam pits, flying trapeze and dunk zone.
Huntersville, NC
Rainy dayBirthdaysSportsIndoor ninja/parkour gym with open-play passes and kids' classes.
Xtreme Play
PaidConcord, NC
Rainy dayBirthdaysToddlersIndoor inflatable playground with bounce houses, obstacle courses and a toddler area.
Monroe, NC
Rainy dayBirthdaysToddlersClean, spacious indoor playground with ball pits and climbing structures.
Matthews, NC
Rainy dayBirthdaysToddlersIndoor playground for kids 10 and under with ball pits, climbing structures and slides.
Gastonia, Charlotte & Monroe, NC
Rainy dayBirthdaysGlow-in-the-dark indoor mini golf with monster-themed holes.
Dave & Buster's
PaidConcord & Pineville, NC
Rainy dayBirthdaysBig arcade and restaurant — good for rainy-day treats.
Concord, NC
Rainy dayBirthdaysSportsBowling, laser tag, arcade and bumper cars.
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolBirthdaysProfessional theatre for kids at ImaginOn, staging family shows and classes.
Fort Mill, SC
BirthdaysOutdoor fun park with mini golf and family activities.
Rock Hill area, SC
Zip from a 70-foot tower more than 900 feet across the Catawba River; night zips offered.
Rock Hill, SC
Rainy dayHomeschoolNatural history museum with an Ice Age Carolinas exhibit, the Settlemyre Planetarium, trails and gardens.
Rock Hill, SC
Rainy dayHomeschoolBirthdaysToddlersPretend-play museum for ages 0–6 with dress-up, farm and kitchen exhibits.
McConnells (near Rock Hill), SC
HomeschoolLiving-history plantation site with 30+ historic structures, heritage-breed animals and Revolutionary War history.
Midland, NC
HomeschoolSite of the first documented gold find in the U.S.; underground mine tours, exhibits, and seasonal gold panning. Free admission.
Good to know: Gold panning is seasonal and has a small fee.
Pineville, NC
HomeschoolBirthplace of the 11th president with reconstructed log buildings, a visitor center and free guided tours.
Huntersville, NC
Homeschool1800s living-history farm inside Latta Nature Preserve with heritage animals, a restored home and history camps.
Huntersville, NC
HomeschoolWalk a wooded trail past eagles, hawks, owls and vultures in Latta Nature Preserve; live bird programs.
Charlotte, NC
HomeschoolRainy dayHome of the 1774 Hezekiah Alexander rock house, Mecklenburg's oldest home, plus exhibits on Charlotte history.
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolNorth Carolina's first art museum. Free admission Wednesday evenings 5–9 pm, often with family crafts.
Good to know: Free Wednesdays 5–9 pm.
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolModern art museum uptown; Wednesday Night Live (5–9 pm) adds music and workshops.
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolUptown museum celebrating African-American art and culture with frequent free family programs.
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolFree self-guided tour through the life of Billy Graham, starting with a talking-cow animatronic in a barn-shaped building.
Dallas, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolFree museum in historic Dallas, NC with local history exhibits and a carriage collection.
Lancaster, SC
Rainy dayHomeschoolFree galleries on Catawba Nation history and pottery — great for NC/SC history units.
Lancaster, SC
HomeschoolPlaygroundsHikingPark at the birthplace of Andrew Jackson with a museum, replica 1700s schoolhouse, playground, trails, fishing and boat rentals.
Small SC state park entry fee; kids under 5 free
Waxhaw, NC
HomeschoolRainy dayLocal history museum on the Waxhaws region and Andrew Jackson's early life.
Blacksburg, SC (west of Gastonia), SC
HomeschoolHikingRevolutionary War battlefield with a free visitor center, film and a 1.5-mile paved battlefield trail.
Huntersville / Lake Norman, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolFree hands-on energy science center at McGuire Nuclear Station on Lake Norman, with a nature trail. Walk-ins Tue–Thu 12–3 pm; groups by appointment.
Charlotte, NC
HomeschoolHikingFree gardens and greenhouse with rainforest plants, orchids and carnivorous plants.
Charlotte, NC
HomeschoolHikingHistoric Myers Park garden and bird sanctuary with kids' programs.
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolLibrariesToddlersKids' and teen library uptown with free storytimes, puppet shows, and a stop-motion studio.
Throughout Mecklenburg, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolLibrariesToddlers20+ branches with free storytimes, STEM programs and homeschool resources.
Gastonia & Gaston County, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolLibrariesToddlersFree kids' programs, storytimes and maker activities across Gaston County branches.
Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolLibrariesToddlersFree storytimes and family programs at branches across Cabarrus County.
Charlotte, NC
PlaygroundsHomeschoolRainy dayHikingIndoor nature center, easy trails, and a unique fenced nature playground; frequent free family programs.
Charlotte (Steele Creek), NC
HomeschoolPlaygroundsHikingNature center on Lake Wylie with live animal exhibits, trails, playground and weekly animal meet-and-greets.
Huntersville, NC
HomeschoolRainy dayHiking1,460-acre preserve on Mountain Island Lake; Quest nature center has a big aquarium and interactive exhibits, plus trails, horseback riding and paddling.
Freedom Park
FreeCharlotte, NC
PlaygroundsHikingToddlersCharlotte's beloved central park: large playground, lake, ducks, trails and a Play 60 NFL playground.
Charlotte, NC
HikingPaved greenway linking uptown, Freedom Park and beyond — great for bikes and scooters.
Charlotte, NC
HikingPaved trail alongside the light rail through South End with public art and murals.
Charlotte, NC
HomeschoolStroll a colorful Victorian neighborhood uptown with Fourth Ward Park at its heart.
Kings Mountain / Gastonia, NC
HomeschoolHikingHiking with big views from Crowders Mountain and The Pinnacle, plus a lake for fishing and paddling. Free entry.
Fort Mill, SC
HomeschoolHiking2,100-acre preserve with hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding, farm animals and the Greenway Canteen.
Day passes or family memberships (from about $12–13/month)
Rankin Lake Park
FreeGastonia, NC
PlaygroundsHikingCity of Gastonia lakeside park with walking trails, fishing and a playground.
Belmont, NC
PlaygroundsHikingToddlersTreehouse-themed playground on the Catawba River with wide paved paths and a public dock with bench swings.
Tuckaseege Park
FreeMount Holly, NC
PlaygroundsHikingRiverside park on the Catawba River with a playground and walking trails.
Frank Liske Park
FreeConcord, NC
PlaygroundsHikingLarge Cabarrus County park with playgrounds, ballfields, a lake and walking trails.
Jetton Park
FreeCornelius, NC
PlaygroundsHikingLake Norman peninsula park with paved trails, playground and lake views.
Cornelius, NC
PlaygroundsWaterHikingLake Norman park with a small beach, playground and fishing pier.
Rock Hill, SC
HikingPaved Catawba River trails and nearby parks at Riverwalk.
Cane Creek Park
PaidWaxhaw, NC
WaterPlaygroundsHikingUnion County park with a lake, fishing, campground and trails (entry fee applies).
Pineville, NC
Rainy dayPlaygroundsToddlersFree indoor kids' play area inside the mall — handy on rainy days.
Concord Mills
FreeConcord, NC
Rainy dayHuge outlet mall home to SEA LIFE, Dave & Buster's and more — easy rainy-day walking.
Multiple locations, NC
Rainy dayFree hands-on build projects for kids on the first Saturday of the month.
Charlotte, NC
WaterPlaygroundsToddlersFree Mecklenburg County splash pad with a playground nearby; open daily roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Charlotte (NoDa), NC
WaterPlaygroundsToddlersFree Mecklenburg County splash pad with a playground nearby; open daily roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Charlotte, NC
WaterPlaygroundsToddlersFree Mecklenburg County splash pad with a playground nearby; open daily roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Charlotte, NC
WaterPlaygroundsToddlersFree Mecklenburg County splash pad with a playground nearby; open daily roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Cornelius, NC
WaterPlaygroundsToddlersFree Mecklenburg County splash pad with a playground nearby; open daily roughly Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Kannapolis, NC
WaterToddlersFree splash pad beside the ballpark in downtown Kannapolis.
Dallas, NC
WaterPlaygroundsToddlersFree splash pad with ballfields, dog park and historic village nearby.
Stanley, NC
WaterToddlersFree splash pad with hopscotch and a spraying tree.
Gastonia, NC
WaterToddlersFree City of Gastonia splash pad in the Highland community.
Charlotte (Ballantyne), NC
WaterPlaygroundsToddlersFree shopping-center playground and splash pad — easy combo with lunch.
Good to know: Splash pad listed as temporarily closed due to city water regulations; playground open.
Charlotte, NC
Dog ParksMecklenburg County off-leash dog park at Clarks Creek Park in the University area, with standard county hours and rules.
Good to know: Mecklenburg County dog parks do not allow children under 12. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
Charlotte, NC
Dog ParksSouth Charlotte county dog park with separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, about 5 acres in all.
Good to know: Mecklenburg County dog parks do not allow children under 12. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
Frazier Dog Park
FreeCharlotte, NC
Dog ParksSmaller urban county dog park (about 1.3 acres) with sections for small and large dogs, connected to the Irwin Creek and Stewart Creek greenways.
Good to know: Mecklenburg County dog parks do not allow children under 12. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
Charlotte, NC
Dog ParksUptown Mecklenburg County off-leash dog park with standard county hours and rules.
Good to know: Mecklenburg County dog parks do not allow children under 12. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
Charlotte, NC
Dog ParksLarger county dog park in the west Charlotte / Mountain Island area, with areas for small and large dogs at a 54-acre park that also has a playground and picnic shelter outside the dog area.
Good to know: Mecklenburg County dog parks do not allow children under 12. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
Charlotte, NC
Dog ParksAbout 4 acres of off-leash space at Reedy Creek Park, which also has a nature center, playgrounds and trails (dogs on leash outside the dog park).
Good to know: Mecklenburg County dog parks do not allow children under 12. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
Cornelius, NC
Dog ParksAbout 4 acres with sections for small and large dogs at this Lake Norman county park.
Good to know: Mecklenburg County dog parks do not allow children under 12. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
Charlotte, NC
Dog ParksAbout 1 acre with sections for small and large dogs at McAlpine Creek Park near the Matthews area, with greenway and trails nearby (on leash).
Good to know: Mecklenburg County dog parks do not allow children under 12. Open daily 7:30 a.m. to sunset.
Poston Dog Park
FreeGastonia, NC
Dog ParksFive acres at the back of George Poston Park near Lowell: 1 acre for small breeds (25 pounds or less) and 4.5 acres for large breeds. Free.
Good to know: Open 7 a.m. to sunset daily. No one under 14 without an adult.
Dallas Dog Park
FreeDallas, NC
Dog ParksGaston County dog park at Dallas Park, behind the old animal shelter and next to the lake, with separate fenced areas for small breeds (25 pounds or less) and large breeds.
Good to know: Open 7 a.m. to sunset daily. No one under 14 without an adult.
Gastonia, NC
Dog ParksCity of Gastonia dog park with two areas: one for dogs under 25 pounds and one for dogs more than 25 pounds.
Good to know: Open 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Handlers must be 16 or older.
Cramerton, NC
Dog ParksOff-leash dog park at Goat Island Park, a 30-acre island park on the South Fork River with playgrounds, a 0.5-mile walking trail and picnic shelters.
Good to know: Park in the public lot across from the pedestrian bridge — not at the fire department or Cramerton Drug.
Mount Holly, NC
Dog ParksThe City of Mount Holly lists a dog park at Tuckaseege Park (“Tuck Park”), which also has ballfields, a playground, picnic shelters, a skate park and a walking trail.
Good to know: Hours and layout aren't listed on the city page — follow posted rules.
Belmont, NC
Dog ParksA fenced-in dog park in a forest setting directly behind The Trailhead Store at The Village at Stowe. This is a Conservancy amenity, not a city park.
Good to know: Dogs aren't allowed inside The Farmhouse Garden Center or the Gardens.
Concord, NC
Dog ParksCity of Concord bark park with a 0.5-acre small-dog park and a 1.5-acre large-dog park, at a 56-acre site with a playground, restrooms and Hector Henry Greenway / Riverwalk parking (Exit 49 area).
Good to know: Park hours are dawn to dusk.
Monroe, NC
Dog ParksCity of Monroe park with a dog park, playground and picnic shelter.
Good to know: Hours aren't listed on the facility page; city parks are commonly dawn to dusk — confirm first.
Mint Hill, NC
Dog ParksA 1.3-acre dog park at Mint Hill Founders Park with separate areas for small and large breeds, a shaded seating area and lighting.
Good to know: Playground and dog park are open daily 7:00 a.m.–10:30 p.m.
Matthews, NC
Dog ParksTown of Matthews dog park at Purser-Hulsey Park with two separate areas for small dogs and large dogs.
Good to know: Closed Wednesday mornings for maintenance; reopens at noon.
Wesley Chapel, NC
Dog ParksVillage of Wesley Chapel park (Dogwood Park) with a fenced dog park. The mailing address is Waxhaw.
Good to know: The village doesn't publish dog-park details — check posted rules.
Indian Trail, NC
Dog ParksIndian Trail's membership dog park at Crooked Creek Park, with water listed as a feature. A gate code is required.
Residents free (1–3 dogs); non-residents $10 for 1 dog, $15 for 2 or 3 dogs.
Good to know: Membership and gate code required. Free for residents; non-residents pay $10 (1 dog) or $15 (2–3 dogs).
Rock Hill, SC
Dog ParksCity of Rock Hill park with a dog park. See posted signs for the small-dog and all-size areas.
Good to know: Check the official city listing for hours.
Fort Mill, SC
Dog ParksMembers-only dog park on the Anne Springs Close Greenway: more than 12 acres of enclosed natural space with a small-dog area, a mile-long off-leash trail with lakefront access, a dog washing station, hydration stations and benches. Open seven days a week.
Dog Park membership is an upgrade to a Greenway family or individual membership: $156 a year or $14 a month.
Good to know: Members only. Children 12 and under are not permitted inside the park.
Pineville, NC
Dog ParksTown of Pineville dog park. The official page is explicit: “The Dog Park is NOT a Place for Children!” — children under 12 are not allowed.
Good to know: Closed Tuesday mornings for maintenance. No children under 12.
Huntersville, NC
Dog ParksHuntersville Parks and Recreation operates one town dog park, at Rosedale Nature Park, 9519 Rosewood Meadow Lane.
Good to know: Follow posted rules and confirm details with the town.
Charlotte, NC
Dog Parks70 fenced acres for dogs with 3 ponds, 2.5 miles of trail, beaches, a dock and a dog wash station. No cost to enter without a dog.
Dog pass (onsite only): $15 single day or $35 monthly. Annual Pass holders add one dog free; up to two more for $50 each.
Good to know: Each dog needs a pass, sold onsite only. Hours vary seasonally.
Davidson, NC
Dog ParksDavidson's only off-leash park, with picnic tables, trash cans and water bowls. Open only to Davidson residents.
Good to know: Davidson residents only. Register at Town Hall with your dog's rabies certificate.
Monroe, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolLibrariesToddlersUnion County's public library system, with four branches offering free children's programs and storytimes, plus a quiet indoor spot on rainy days.
Good to know: Storytime days and times vary by branch — check the official calendar before you go.
Rock Hill, SC
Rainy dayHomeschoolLibrariesToddlersYork County's public library system, with five branches offering free storytimes, kids' programs and indoor space for rainy days.
Good to know: Storytime days and times vary by branch — check the official calendar before you go.
Lancaster, SC
Rainy dayHomeschoolLibrariesToddlersLancaster County's public library system, with free children's programs at the Main Library in Lancaster and branches in Indian Land and Kershaw.
Good to know: Storytime days and times vary by branch — check the official calendar before you go.
Matthews Library
FreeMatthews, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolLibrariesToddlersFree Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branch with a children's area. Check the official CML storytime and events calendar before you go.
Good to know: Storytime days and times vary by branch — check the official calendar before you go.
Mint Hill, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolLibrariesToddlersFree Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branch with a children's area. Check the official CML storytime and events calendar before you go.
Good to know: Storytime days and times vary by branch — check the official calendar before you go.
Cornelius, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolLibrariesToddlersFree Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branch with a children's area. Check the official CML storytime and events calendar before you go.
Good to know: Storytime days and times vary by branch — check the official calendar before you go.
Huntersville, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolLibrariesToddlersFree Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branch with a children's area. Check the official CML storytime and events calendar before you go.
Good to know: Storytime days and times vary by branch — check the official calendar before you go.
Charlotte, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolLibrariesToddlersFree Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branch with a children's area. Check the official CML storytime and events calendar before you go.
Good to know: Storytime days and times vary by branch — check the official calendar before you go.
Pineville, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolLibrariesToddlersFree Charlotte Mecklenburg Library branch with a children's area. Check the official CML storytime and events calendar before you go.
Good to know: Storytime days and times vary by branch — check the official calendar before you go.
Gastonia, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolLibrariesToddlersFree public library with a children's area. Check the official library calendar for storytimes and kids' programs.
Good to know: Storytime days and times vary by branch — check the official calendar before you go.
Belmont Library
FreeBelmont, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolLibrariesToddlersFree public library with a children's area. Check the official library calendar for storytimes and kids' programs.
Good to know: Storytime days and times vary by branch — check the official calendar before you go.
Fort Mill, SC
Rainy dayHomeschoolLibrariesToddlersFree public library with a children's area. Check the official library calendar for storytimes and kids' programs.
Good to know: Storytime days and times vary by branch — check the official calendar before you go.
Indian Trail, NC
Rainy dayHomeschoolLibrariesToddlersFree public library with a children's area. Check the official library calendar for storytimes and kids' programs.
Good to know: Storytime days and times vary by branch — check the official calendar before you go.
Indian Land (Lancaster County), SC
Rainy dayHomeschoolLibrariesToddlersFree public library with a children's area. Check the official library calendar for storytimes and kids' programs.
Good to know: Storytime days and times vary by branch — check the official calendar before you go.
Charlotte, NC
SportsRainy dayThe YMCA of Greater Charlotte offers children's swim lessons, from parent-child Swim Starters through Swim Basics and Swim Strokes, plus day camps and gymnastics at some branches.
Membership or program fees — see the official site.
Good to know: Check the official camp page for camp ages and dates.
Charlotte, NC
SportsMecklenburg County Park and Recreation offers camps, swimming, sports and other classes at parks and rec centers countywide, including Ray's Splash Planet.
Program fees vary — see the official activities page.
Good to know: Register and check current ages, dates and fees on the official activities page.