When the temps go up, the splash pads come on—and there's nothing quite like the sound of giggles and squeals as kids dash through the water. Whether you're in the mood for a beach day, a pool swim, or a quick splash break, these local spots deliver the cool-down you’re craving.
Here are some of our favorite splash pads and water parks around town:
🌟 Fort Mill & Rock Hill
Steele Street Park
📍 600 Steele Street, Fort Mill
A 5-acre neighborhood park with a lighted basketball court, playground, and splash pad.
⏰ Open daily 10 AM – 8:30 PM from Memorial Day to mid-September.
Baxter Close YMCA
📍 857 Promenade Walk, Fort Mill
Membership-based access to plunge/lap pools and a fun splash park. Check on guest passes or transfers from other YMCAs.
Southtown Wake Park
📍 255 E. Rambo Road, Rock Hill
Not a splash pad, but tons of water fun for bigger kids (ages 7+ and at least 45 inches tall). Think floating obstacle course!
Clover Splash Pad
📍 499 Memorial Drive, Clover
Located in a 21-acre park with seasonal splash fun from Memorial Day to mid-September.
Pineville Lake Park Splash Pad
📍 1000 Johnston Dr, Pineville
Spacious, shaded, and easy to access from Fort Mill or Tega Cay. A fave for families!
Carolina Harbour Waterpark at Carowinds
📍 300 Carowinds Blvd, Fort Mill
Included with park admission. Huge slides, wave pools, a preschooler area, and play structures. If you're local, the Preschool Pass or Gold Pass is a no-brainer.
🚗 Worth the Drive
Crooked Creek Park Splash Pad
📍 5900 Oakwood Lane, Indian Trail
Fenced splash pad + playgrounds, trails, and more.
⏰ Open daily 9 AM – 7 PM (closed Tuesdays). Opens Memorial Day weekend.
Stallings Municipal Park
📍 340 Stallings Rd, Stallings
Three playgrounds, an amphitheater, and a big open splash pad—what more could you want?
Belk Tonawanda Park
📍 720 N. Charlotte Ave., Monroe
New in 2023 and already a hit. Gated with bathrooms inside. Closed Mondays for maintenance.
Blakeney Shopping Center
📍 Ardrey Kell & Rea Roads, Charlotte
Open Memorial Day–Labor Day, 9 AM – 10 PM. Great for play after shopping or dinner.
Waverly Splash Pad
📍 Waverly Walk, Charlotte
Let the kids run while you enjoy coffee or a treat. Bring your patience for parking—or use the deck out back!
The Green (Uptown)
📍 400 S. Tryon St, Charlotte
Playful water features that look like fish! No bathrooms, but fun for a city day.
First Ward Park
📍 301 E. Seventh Street, Charlotte
Across from ImaginOn and 7th Street Market—make a day of it! No restrooms onsite, but Market’s nearby.
Latta Park
📍 601 E. Park Ave., Charlotte
Fenced, shady, and toddler-friendly. Public restrooms and a shelter for snacks or breaks. Go early to grab parking!
Boomer’s Splashpad at Atrium Health Ballpark
📍 1 Cannon Baller Way, Kannapolis
Free on non-game days—check the schedule before you go.
Clarks Creek Community Park
📍 5435 Hucks Rd, Charlotte
Run by Mecklenburg County, this splash pad has shade, benches, and bathrooms.
Little Sugar Creek Greenway Splash Area
📍 4th & Kings, Charlotte
A fun new way to cool off on a bike ride uptown.
🏊 Private Splash Pads & Water Parks
Harris YMCA
📍 5900 Quail Hollow Rd
Indoor & outdoor water fun with slides, pools, and splash zones. Check your membership options!
Morrison Family YMCA
📍 9405 Bryant Farms Rd, Charlotte
One of our family’s top picks! Great for all ages, with shallow areas and big slides.
Brace Family YMCA
📍 3127 Weddington Rd, Matthews
Zero-entry pool, snack bar, and water play perfect for toddlers and up.
Levine JCC Aquatic Center
📍 5007 Providence Rd, Charlotte
Membership required, but features an incredible splash pad, zero-entry pool, and slides. Reservations may be required.
Have a favorite that you don't see on this list? I'd love to include it - email me: rachaelw@macaronikid.com. And don't forget your sunscreen!
