School's Almost Out! Family-Friendly Day Trips Across the Pee Dee
The countdown is on. Backpacks are about to get tossed in a corner, the school bell is about to ring for the last time, and the kids are about to ask that age-old summer question: “What are we doing today?”
Good news. The Pee Dee region of South Carolina has your answer. With seven counties, one tank of gas, and a whole lot of memories waiting to be made, family-friendly day trips are easier than ever to plan. Here’s your county-by-county guide to the best things to do with kids this summer, plus a few tips to keep the boredom at bay all season long.
Darlington County
Start your summer with a splash! Neptune Island Waterpark in Hartsville reopens in mid-May, and it’s the place to be when temperatures climb. Think water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river built for floating your cares away.
When everyone’s dried off, head to Williamson Park in Darlington, a 70-acre cypress swamp tucked just blocks from downtown. The tranquil trails and creekside views make it perfect for a family picnic and a little wildlife spotting. And for the racing-obsessed kid in your family, a visit to Darlington Raceway is a must-do Pee Dee attraction.
Dillon County
You can’t drive past that giant sombrero without stopping. South of the Border is the ultimate quirky South Carolina pit stop, complete with a glass elevator ride up the 200-foot observation tower, themed shops, and family-friendly fun around every corner.
For a quieter day, Little Pee Dee State Park delivers peaceful hiking trails and the calm waters of Lake Norton, ideal for first-time fishers and budding paddlers.
Florence County
Florence County is a goldmine for families looking for kid-friendly things to do. Spend the morning at Lynches River County Park, where the tree-top canopy walk, splash pad, and Environmental Discovery Center turn an ordinary day into an adventure. Then cool down with culture at the Florence County Museum, where admission is free and the exhibits make history genuinely exciting for young minds.
Craving a true farm experience? Head to Langston’s Ranch in Coward to meet friendly animals, take a horseback ride, and let the kids see where their food really comes from.
Lee County
Step back in time at the South Carolina Cotton Museum in Bishopville, where hands-on exhibits and artifacts bring the region’s farming story to life. It’s a fun, educational stop that shows kids how cotton shaped South Carolina, and a great spot to duck inside on a hot afternoon.
Round out the day at Lee State Park, where hiking trails, fishing holes, and even artesian wells await. Horseback riding is on the menu here too, making it one of the most adventure-packed parks in the Pee Dee region.
Marion County
Slow things down in Marion County, where small-town charm is the main attraction. Stroll the Marion Historic District with its antebellum homes and tree-lined streets, then pop into the Marion County Museum, housed in a stunning historic building, for stories that bring the past to life. Don’t forget a photo with the Francis Marion statue, honoring the legendary “Swamp Fox” himself.
Marlboro County
Take a stroll through Bennettsville’s beautifully preserved historic district and let the kids time-travel at the Jennings-Brown House, an 1820s landmark that offers a peek at early Southern life. Then pop into the Marlboro County Historical Museum for hands-on history that makes the past come alive.
Cap off the day at McArthur Farms, where seasonal activities, a market, and a corn maze (when in season) give the kids a hands-on taste of farm life in South Carolina.
Williamsburg County
Wrap up your seven-county tour in Williamsburg County. Gilland Memorial Park in Kingstree offers a peaceful place to let the kids run, and the winding Black River is perfect for paddling and wildlife watching. History-loving families can step way back in time at the Thorntree House, built in 1749 and the oldest standing home in the county.
Ready, Set, Summer!
Seven counties, endless family-friendly options, and zero excuses for “I’m bored.” Make a summer checklist, pick a county each weekend, and watch the memories stack up.
Before you head out, double-check seasonal hours for waterparks, splash pads, and farm activities so you don’t miss a thing. Then pack the snacks, load up the car, and tag Pee Dee Tourism in your photos. We can’t wait to see where summer takes your family!
