Water Activities in Charlotte
As the temperature heats up in the Queen City, it’s time to cool down.
by Jamie Killian May 21, 2024
When you visit Charlotte in the warm-weather months, be sure to pack your swimsuit and a towel. Whether you want to lounge on a sandy beach, zip down water slides or paddle along a serene river, Charlotte has plenty of opportunities for an aquatic adventure. Beat the heat by enjoying these water activities in Charlotte and throughout the region.
Anne Springs Close Greenway
Area: Fort Mill
Kayak, paddleboard or fish on one of the many lakes and ponds at Anne Springs Close Greenway. Nature trails lead to lovely spots along an active creek bed, making it a great place for little ones to splash and play in the water.
Aquaventure Watercraft Rentals and Boat Club
Area: Mooresville
For an action-packed afternoon on Lake Norman, rent a jet ski or ski boat from Aquaventure Watercraft Rentals and Boat Club. The Sherrills Ford location is ideal for a quieter day on the water, while the Mooresville location is great for thrilling water sports. You can also cruise around the lake on a sailboat, pontoon or power boat.
The Boathouse
Area: McAdenville
Head to The Boathouse, Catawba Riverkeeper’s hub for outdoor adventure, to rent paddleboards or kayaks and explore the South Fork River. You can also schedule a guided tour of the river that includes some whitewater. If you want to venture out alone, check out the Catawba Riverkeeper swim guide for the safest places to swim.
Carolina Harbor Waterpark
Neighborhood: South Charlotte
For a fun-filled day, Carowinds’ Carolina Harbor Waterpark features aquatic attractions ranging from water slides and wave pools to splash pads and lazy rivers. When you need refreshments, beat the heat with Italian ice and visit one of the on-site eateries to fill you up so you can keep the fun going.
Ebenezer Park
Area: Rock Hill
Lake Wylie is a great place to cool off, and Ebenezer Park offers public beach access enclosed by a circular pier. The beach, however, has no lifeguards on duty, so life jackets are recommended. While at the park, check out the fishing piers and walking trails while taking in the sights at one of Charlotte’s man-made lakes. Ebenezer Park is currently closed for renovations.
Great Wolf Lodge
Area: Concord
Located in a unique lodge-style hotel, Great Wolf Lodge has four- and six-story waterslides with splash pools to keep the younger ones busy. Everything is wilderness themed, from the interactive treehouse to the cabin-like rooms, making for a real adventure.
Lake Norman Scuba
Area: Mooresville
Whether you’re an experienced diver looking for more practice or a novice ready to learn, Lake Norman Scuba is the spot for local diving. New divers can enroll in open-water lessons, while more experienced divers can take specialty and advanced diving courses.
Latta Nature Preserve
Area: Huntersville
Explore the miles of waterways that loop around Mountain Island Lake, Charlotte’s smallest man-made lake. Latta Nature Preserve has launch sites perfect for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Need to rent a paddleboard or kayak? Check out Mountain Island Lake Paddle Co.
The Quarry at Carrigan Farms
Area: Mooresville
Formerly a granite quarry, The Quarry at Carrigan Farms is an idyllic natural swimming hole in Mooresville. The 25-foot-deep swimming hole, surrounded by jaw-dropping granite cliffs, is an absolute must for any summer swimming list. For lunch, pack a picnic or order from The Quarry Kitchen which serves sandwiches, salads, burgers and refreshing slushies.
Ramsey Creek Park
Area: Cornelius
This park covers 46 acres, including public waterfront beach access on Lake Norman. Lifeguards are on duty and swimming is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. There are also boat launches, a fishing pier and walking trails for a perfect day on the lake.
Ray’s Splash Planet
Neighborhood: Fourth Ward
Ray’s Splash Planet, an aquatic recreation destination from Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation department, is a great way to play no matter the weather. This indoor waterpark features slides, including a three-story water slide, along with a lazy river, quick current pool and more.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
Neighborhood: West Charlotte
The U.S. National Whitewater Center has tons of water sports that cover all ages and skill levels. Action seekers can enjoy adventure rafting on fast-paced class III-IV rapids. Located on the Catawba River, this outdoor destination offers scenic flat-water activities as well, such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
Public Pools
Mecklenburg County has several community centers, located throughout the greater Charlotte area, with indoor and outdoor pools. County residents and non-residents can purchase day passes for the indoor pools at Marion Diehl Recreation Center and Indoor Pool, Mecklenburg County Aquatic Center, Northern Regional Recreation Center and Eastway Regional Recreation Center, as well as the outdoor pools at Cordelia Pool and Double Oaks Family Aquatic Center. Be sure to check online scheduling for pool hours.
Splash Pads & Spraygrounds
Got a few hours to spare? Have some fun in the sun at one of the city’s splash pads or “spraygrounds.” Charlotte’s spraygrounds can be found throughout the county and feature unique sprays, nozzles and spouts to keep you cool during hot days. Visit Cordelia Park, Latta Park, Veterans Park, Nevin Park, the West Charlotte Recreation Center. Head to Uptown to splash around in the fish fountains at The Green or splash pads at First Ward Park.
Article originally written by Jamie Killian. Updates by Arielle Patterson in May 2024.
