6 Spraygrounds for Families
Best bets for where to get soaked this summer in Charlotte.
Get soaked this summer at one of these splashpads and spraygrounds around town. The best part is it's free fun all summer long. Loaded with sprays, nozzles, streams and fountains, spraygrounds will have you and your crew giggling in the midst of the watery action.
1. First Ward Park
The Place: First Ward Park, 301 E. Seventh St.
The Attraction: On the edge of uptown, kids can suit up for fun in the fountains that shoot up from the splash pad, and parents can enjoy the action sunning on a blanket while taking in the uptown skyline. There's also the Sounds of Summer concert series with free music, food trucks and craft beer on select Fridays May through August.
The Operation: May 24-Labor Day, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Take a Break: Stroll across the street to check out a book or explore at ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, then hop over to 7th Street Market for lunch or a treat.
2. Cordelia Park
The Place: Cordelia Park, 2100 N. Davidson St.
The Attraction: Located in NoDa, the splash pad is awesome for all ages. Be sure to wear sunscreen as there is no tent covering. And if you want more water fun, venture to the Cordelia Swimming Pool. The pool is open to the public and costs $1 per person.
The Operation: Daily, May 24 through Labor Day, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Pool hours: Monday-Saturday, noon-7 p.m.; Sunday, noon-6 p.m.
Take a Break: Nearby Cordelia Park is Abari Game Bar. Abari is a bar by night, but is open to all ages on Saturday and Sunday between noon and 5 p.m. as long as accompanied by a parent or guardian. It has a wall of pinball machines plus classic arcade games like Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Frogger and so much more.
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4. Latta Park – Dilworth
The Place: Latta Park, 601 E. Park Ave.
The Attraction: This cozy green space is tucked in the Dilworth neighborhood with a view of the Charlotte skyline. The sprayground is adjacent to the playground and bathrooms.
The Operation: Daily, May 24 through Labor Day, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Take a Break: Swing and slide at the playground adjacent to the spray ground, or play a game of beach volleyball on the nearby sand courts.
Michele Huggins
4. Romare Bearden Park
The Place: Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church St.
The Attraction: A waterfall and series of pipes that create a mist for kids in the Childhood Muse Plaza.
The Operation: Daily, May 24 through Labor Day, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Take a Break: Check out the schedule of parties and music held in the park this summer or walk over to Mellow Mushroom for a slice of pizza after playing.
5. Veterans Park
The Place: Veterans Park, 2136 Central Ave.
The Attraction: Veterans Park is a large covered sprayground with lots of room for children of all ages to get wet!
The Operation: Daily, May 24 through Labor Day, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Take a Break: Hit the walking trails or the playground at the park, then stroll up to Pure Pizza for lunch and then a cold treat at Rita's Ice.
6. Crooked Creek Park
The Place: 5900 Oakwood Lane, Indian Trail
The Attraction: Though a drive from Charlotte's center city, this 2,464 square-foot, nature-themed sprayground is worth a mention for its eight above-ground water features and seven in-ground sprayers, including spraying flowers and animal sculptures that dump buckets of water. Waterproof wheelchairs are available to rent.
The Operation: Open daily, May 25-Sept. 2, 9 a.m.-7:30 a.m. Note: The splash pad is closed for maintenance on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, with operating hours from 3 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Take a Break: Dry off and play on the shaded playground that even has a kid-size zipline.
INDIAN TRAIL PARK AND RECREATION
