Summer is officially here, so what better way to beat the heat than in the water? The Queen City is home to many outdoor swimming spots, splash pads, water parks, and lakes. Bookmark this list to stay cool as a cucumber all summer long.
Indoor and outdoor pools
Blue Waters Pool | Open daily | 6930 Faith Rd., Salisbury | $3-$12.50 | Bring your chair and watch family and friends dive into the pool or take turns on the water slides on site.
Cordelia Pool | Open daily though Sept. 2 | 2100 N. Davidson St., Charlotte | $2 | The Cordelia Pool is a sight in NoDa — boasting a large water slide and 50-yd pool.
Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center | Open Tuesdays-Sundays through Friday, Aug. 23 | 2014 Statesville Ave., Charlotte | $2 | Experience this outdoor aquatic center with a water slide, zero-depth entry pool, play features, and more.
Eastway Regional Recreation Center | Seasonal, daily | 3150 Eastway Park Dr., Charlotte | $8-$15 | Eastway Regional features two pools to host aquatic exercise classes, lessons, lap swim, and more.
Erwin Center Park Pool | Tuesdays-Sundays | 913 North Pryor St., Gastonia | $4 | Soak up the sun at the spacious pool and water slide open daily through August.
Lineberger Park | Seasonal, open daily| 632 E. Garrison Blvd., Gastonia | $4 | Visit Lineberger to cool down at the spray ground, outdoor pool, and lazy river.
Marion Diehl Recreation Center and Indoor Pool | Open daily | 2219 Tyvola Rd., Charlotte | $8-$15 | The Marion Diehl pool hosts exercise classes, lessons, and more. Pro tip: Check online to see if the pool is closed when storms arrive.
Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center | Open daily | 800 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Charlotte | $8-$15 | The aquatic center features a 50-m by 25-yd main pool, diving well, and 25-yd warm pool.
Northern Regional Recreation Center | Open daily | 18121 Old Statesville Rd., Cornelius | $8-$15 | North Regional contains a lap and leisure pool + to indoor courts and fitness areas.
War Memorial Recreation Center | Open daily | 220 N. Maple St., Mooresville | $3 | Children can enjoy two 3-ft-deep play areas, swim lanes, and on-site concessions all summer long. Pro tip: A $20 pool pass includes 10 visits.
Natural swimming spots
Ramsey Creek Beach | Open Wednesdays-Sundays until Friday, Aug. 23 | 18441 Nantz Rd., Cornelius | $3-$15 | Ramsey Creek Beach is located at Ramsey Creek Park + features a boat launch, picnic shelters, fishing pier, and a volleyball court.
The Quarry at Carrigan Farms | Open daily | 1213 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy., Mooresville | $20+ | Dive into the deep, natural quarry at Carrigan Farms before enjoying lunch at the restaurant. Pro tip: Reservations are required + no outside food or drinks are permitted.
Splash pads
Bell Tower Green Waterfall and Splash Pad | Open daily | 120 S. Church St., Salisbury | Free | The man-made waterfall and fountains will have fun-seekers guessing how fast they can run from the shooting water.
Dan Nicholas Park | Open daily | 6800 Bringle Ferry Rd., Salisbury | Cost of purchase | Take the family to the splash pad or take a paddle boat ride on the 10-acre lake.
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers Playground and Splash Pad | Open daily | 1 Cannon Baller Way, Kannapolis | Free | Enjoy a Cannon Ballers game or soak up the sun at the splash pad and playground.
Ray’s Splash Planet | Open daily | 215 N. Sycamore St., Charlotte | $8-$15 | The indoor water park features a three-story water slide, current pool, and swim lanes for swimmers of all ages.
Water parks
Carolina Harbor at Carowinds | Open daily | 14523 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte | Cost included with park admission | The water park inside Carowinds features numerous water slides, two wave pools, and a lazy river.
Great Wolf Lodge | Open daily | 10175 Weddington Rd., Concord | $28-$40 | Enjoy the indoor pool, thrilling water slides, and a giant playground inside the lodge.
