Slide, Swim, Splash: 9 Water Parks within 2 hours of Charlotte
Carowinds’ massive water park (the largest in the Carolinas) opens on May 26, and entry is included with admission to the amusement park. Speed down the Boogie Board Racer, the longest mat-racing slide in the Southeast; Storm Surge, a labyrinth of water slides; or take the little ones to Kiddy Hawk Cove and Myrtle Turtle Beach. General admission starts at $45. Sign up for the Pre-K Pass to get free admission for kids ages 3-5. 14523 Carowinds Blvd., 704.588.2600
This indoor oasis has slides, lap lanes for lap swimming and water basketball, a lazy river, a gradual-entry moon beach and more. It’s ranked consistently on the city’s best-of lists since opening in 2002. Ray’s Splash Planet is $8-$10 for residents and $10-$15 for non-residents. 215 N. Sycamore St., 980.314.4729
The YMCA of Greater Charlotte has seven branches with water parks: Brace Family YMCA, Harris YMCA, Keith Family YMCA, Morrison Family YMCA, Sally’s YMCA, Simmons YMCA and Stratford Richardson YMCA. Many additional locations have pools, kiddie pools, or water slides. Calculate membership cost online, and contact individual branches about hours, season opening dates, and day pass availability. Multiple locations
Head to Great Wolf Lodge’s 84-degree indoor water park and enjoy the wave pool, water slides, a toddler area, mat racing slides and more. Children of all ages will enjoy Fort Mackenzie, a four-story, treehouse-style area with interactive splash features. Stay the night or purchase a day pass for $50 per person ($40 for pass from 4 pm-close). Ages 2 and under receive a free day pass. 10175 Weddington Road, Concord, 866.925.9653
Experience the zero-depth entry, a lazy river, a two-story waterslide, three lanes for lap swimming and splash areas. Lounge chairs are available to rent. Open daily from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., May 27-mid September. Admission is $4 per person. 632 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia, 704.869.1018
Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe is open May 23-Labor Day weekend. Check out more than 40 water rides and attractions, including the new Bermuda Triangle, a triple thrill with three serpentine body slides. Kids will love the Soak Zone, and interactive water feature with more than 35 water elements. Daily tickets and season passes available; find the best prices online. 3910 S. Holden Road., Greensboro, 800.555.5900
Find mini golf, gem mining, kayaking, canoeing and a water park at this family-friendly resort. Enjoy squirting cannons and splash buckets, slides and a water zipline. The water park is open on weekends and daily during peak season, which begins June 2. Stay the night or purchase a day pass for $35. 182 Jellystone Parkway., Bostic, 828.417.0086
Young buccaneers will love the pirate-themed splash pad, and the whole family will enjoy Neptune Island’s wave pool and lazy river. Thrill seekers will love the water slides, especially Neptune’s Revenge. The water park is open daily from May 27-July 30 and weekends only in August and Sept. 2-4. Entry is $3.50 for ages 2 and under; $17.99 for 48 inches and shorter, military, first responders and seniors; $19.99 for 48 inches and taller. 1109 14th St., Hartsville, SC 843.951.9400
Enjoy a day on the sand surrounded by views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Children can splash in Lake Lure and build sandcastles or play at the small, on-site water park. Guests taller than 45 inches may ride the water slides; water balloons are available for purchase at the beach house for water wars. Open May 27-Sept. 4. Entry is $8-$10, and children under 4 and Lake Lure residents are free. 2930 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, 828.625.1373
