The summer heat is officially upon us and there is no better way to combat those climbing Carolina temperatures than with a cool dip. Luckily, you don’t have to drive to the coast to find relief. Charlotte has great spots from public pools and water parks to nearby lakes and state park beaches to beat the heat. Here are a few popular picks for you to try this summer!
Ray’s Splash Planet
Located in Uptown Charlotte, Ray’s Splash Planet is an indoor water park with a three-story water slide, a lazy river, a vortex pool, and areas for water sports and games. Designed as a partnership between Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, it offers fun for kids of all ages seven days a week.
Cane Creek Park
Just a stone’s throw from Charlotte in Waxhaw is Cane Creek Park, 1,300 acres of woodlands with a scenic 300-lake. During the summer season, you can swim, paddleboard, kayak, fish, hike, and even camp at this family-friendly Union County park. Pro tip: check Cane Creek Park’s Facebook page before your visit to know what activities are available each day.
Carolina Harbor
Add some water to Carowinds and you’ve got Carolina Harbor, a 26-acre waterpark with just as many thrills as its adjoining amusement park. If you love roller coasters, you’ll love Carolina Harbors’ signature high-speed water slide rides like Barracuda Blasters, Blackbeard’s Revenge, and Boogie Board Racer. Of course, if you are looking for more chill than thrill, you’re covered with the wave pools, lazy river, numerous play structures.
Lake Norman State Park
Lake Norman is North Carolina’s largest manmade lake so it’s no surprise that it takes its summer activities seriously! There is a lot to do if you want to get out on the water including swimming, paddleboarding, fishing, and boating. It’s free to visit the local park, but there is a cost for boat rentals and swim passes.
The Quarry at Carrigan Farms
About a thirty-minute drive north of Charlotte in Mooresville, you’ll find the natural wonder and water oasis that is the Quarry at Carrigan Farms. This locally-owned farm has a full schedule of year-round activities that Charlotteans love, but we would argue that a summer swim in the deep, refreshing natural quarry tops the list. Be sure to reserve an open swim spot on popular days to beat the crowds.
Cordelia Pool
Located in the Villa Heights neighborhood, Cordelia Pool is an outdoor 5o-yard pool featuring a waterslide. Open swim hours this summer are from 12 – 2:30pm and 3 – 5:30pm on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through Labor Day.
Eastway Regional Recreation Center
Eastway Rec Center opened its doors in 2021 and quickly rose the ranks becoming one of Charlotte’s favorite public pools. There is a 25-yard indoor pool for lap swimmers as well as leisure pool with a lazy river, splash pad, and water slide. Be sure to check out the indoor track and fitness center while you are there!
Ramsey Creek Beach
Another hot spot on Lake Norman, about 20 miles north of Charlotte in Cornelius, is the 46-acre Ramsey Creek Beach. And to answer your question, yes, lakes can absolutely have beaches. Put your toes in the sand, take a swim, play a game of beach volleyball, rush across the zipline, enjoy the fishing pier, or simply take in the view all summer long.
