I was getting out of my car this morning and the radio station announced that today's high was 94 but it would feel like 100. I could just feel the sweat start dripping off my face in anticipation of this heat wave that hadn't quite hit yet but I knew it wouldn't be long until puddles were forming under me. There's still a lot of summer left and I don't anticipate those temperatures to drop any time soon - I can't think of a better way to make the best of the heat than having some fun getting wet to cool off! Here's a list of local pools, swimming holes, splash pads, waterparks, beaches and more that are all a quick drive away!
We do our best to keep our information as accurate as possible, however, it's always best to call or visit the site ahead before heading out as times, prices and weather can change without notice! Do you have a great pool or splash spot to add to the list? Email me!
Outdoor Pools:
Patton Park Pool (114 Clairmont Dr, Hendersonville NC): Outdoor pool, including kiddie pool. Kids 18 and under can get a free lunch when they come to swim Monday through Friday, starting June 10th through August 23rd, 12:30 - 2:30pm.
Main Pool Days & Times: Monday - Saturday open swim 11am - 8pm, Sunday 1 - 6pm
Kiddie Pool Days & Times: Monday - Saturday 11am - 6pm, Sunday 1 - 6pm
Cost: Day passes are $5 for adults and $4 for children. For city residents and/or YMCA members, season passes are $150 for a family, $75 for adults, $60 for seniors, and $60 for youth.
Franklin Pool (109 Lakeview Avenue, Brevard, NC): Outdoor pool, including kiddie pool open daily starting June 7th through August 11th. After August 11th it will be open on weekends only until Labor day.
Days & Times: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 11am - 6pm, Tuesday and Thursday 11am - 8pm and Sunday's 1 - 5pm
Cost: $2 per person
Gibson Park & Pool (Park St, Columbus, NC): Outdoor pool, park also features a playground baseball field and unpaved volleyball court.
Days & Times: Tuesday - Saturday 12 - 5pm, Sunday 1 - 5pm
Cost: $3 per person (season passes options available)
Splash Pads:
Splashville (80 Court Plaza, Asheville, NC): Asheville's interactive splash play fountain in downtown’s Pack Square Park delights children with its 21 jets of water that run in 12 combinations. You never know where it’s going to splash you next!
Days & Times: Monday through Sunday 9am - 8pm
Cost: Free
Waterfalls & Swimming Holes:
Little Bradley Falls (Holbert Cove Rd, Saluda, NC): A 1.9 mile heavily trafficked out trail, featuring a 50 foot waterfall and little pools to swim in. Make sure to bring water shoes!
Days: Monday - Sunday
Cost: Free
Looking Glass Falls (US-276, Brevard, NC): The name "Looking Glass" comes from Looking Glass Rock, where water freezes on its sides in the winter and then glistens in the sunlight like a mirror or looking glass. One of the most popular falls in Western North Carolina, featuring a 60ft waterfall and is easily accessible for younger kids or anyone too eager to wait! Grab your bathing suit and water shoes and enjoy this very popular swimming hole this summer!
Days: Monday - Sunday
Cost: Free
Sliding Rock (7851 Pisgah Highway Pisgah Forest, NC): A 60 foot mountain water slide that ends in an 8 foot deep pool of water. Nearly 11,000 gallons of water per minute power this natural wonder. Onlookers can watch the fun from two observation platforms. The site is staffed from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Days & Times: Monday - Friday 10am - 6pm
Cost: $3 Daily pass (other daily options available with additional amenities)
Waterparks:
Lake Lure Beach & Waterpark (2724 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC): Relax under the sun, float on the water, build sand castles, or picnic with family and friends. Don't forget to enjoy the water slide and water wars, included in admission fee for beach!
Days & Times: Monday
Cost: $9 adults, $7 4 - 12 Years, under 4 free
Otter Creek Water Park (101 W. Darby Road, Greenville, SC): Park includes 4 Slides, 2 body slides, 1 tube slide and a kiddie slide also features a leisure pool with a beach entry, backside sprays, and spray pad!
Days & Times: Monday - Saturday 10:30am - 5:30pm, Sunday 1 - 5:30pm
Cost: $11:50 42" and taller, $8.50 41" and under and seniors, 2 years and under Free
Tubing:
Tubing on the Green river: There are a couple options to choose from, Wilderness Cove and Green River Cove Tubing both are open seven days a week, times and pricing varies.
Happy Splashing!
