Carowinds
PaidCharlotte / Fort Mill, NC/SC
Seasonal
Amusement 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.
7 places · near Charlotte
Things to do with kids in Fort Mill
Fort Mill, just over the South Carolina line, is where many Charlotte families already go without thinking of it as a road trip. Carowinds and Carolina Harbor sit on the state line, Anne Springs Close Greenway is the big outdoor acreage, Springs Farm is the seasonal farm stop, and Mr. Putty's Fun Park is a compact paid play option. Check hours and tickets on each official site before you go — greenway and park rules differ from the theme park.
Charlotte / Fort Mill, NC/SC
WaterSeasonalSportsCarowinds' 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)
Fort Mill, SC
BirthdaysOutdoor fun park with mini golf and family activities.
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)
Springs Farm
PaidFort Mill, SC
SeasonalFarmsFestivalsFamily farm with spring strawberries, summer produce and a fall pumpkin patch.
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.
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.
Nearby towns
More ideas: free activities, rainy-day fun, this weekend or all things to do with kids in Charlotte.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carolina Harbor part of Carowinds?
Yes — Carolina Harbor Waterpark is at Carowinds. Check the official site for which tickets include it and when it is open.
What is there outdoors in Fort Mill?
Anne Springs Close Greenway is the big outdoor option; check its official site for access passes and rules.
Hours, prices and seasonal dates change often — always check the official website before you go. Info last reviewed November 2026.