14 Water Parks in North Carolina to Visit this Summer

Do you know what makes for a perfect summer getaway? A waterpark where you can splish-splash, play around, have fun at various water slides or enjoy a nice dip in the wave pool and relax. There are numerous beautiful water parks in North Carolina to visit for some friends and family fun. Some of them are also a part of a larger resort that you can book for a weekend stay. To help you plan that perfect summer getaway, we have compiled a list of some of the best water parks in the area for you: 

White Lake Water Park | Elizabethtown

White Lake Water Park in Elizabethtown is a perfect destination for weekend getaways or vacation trips. Kids can splash around in the wading pools and participate in some fun, interactive activities like kiddie slides, wet deck, dump bucket, etc.  

The adults can experience the ultimate thrill at the Double Turbo Twister Slides, have fun in the hundred-thousand-gallon wave pool or go for a swim in the 2,000 square foot swimming pool. Another interesting attraction here is the Bumper Boat Pool. There are also multiple dining experiences awaiting your arrival!  

Address: 192 NC-53, Elizabethtown, NC 28337 | Timing: The park is operational only in summers. For latest timings and other details visit http://whitelakewaterpark.com/  | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/H5E9ytd3XGJ6DbKQ6 | Phone Number: +19108720035 

Carowinds | Charlotte 

Carowinds is a water park in Charlotte, North Carolina that features several adventure sports activities that you can participate in for an adrenaline rush like never before! While you’re here, don’t miss Fury 325 – a 325-feet high roller coaster with a speed of almost 95mph – just think of the thrill! 

There are also many other adventure features at Carowinds park to enjoy, like the Blackbeard’s Revenge, Dorsal Fin Drop, Surfer’s Swell, Barracuda Blasters, Pelican Plunge to name a few! There are special splash pads and slides for kids too like Myrtle Turtle Beach, Seaside Splashworks, Coastal Currents, and a Tidal Wave pool.  

Carowinds entrance sign and state flags.jpeg
By Dough4872, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link

Address: 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273 | Timing: Saturday and Sunday: 11:00 am to 07:00 pm. The park is operational only in summers. For latest timings and other details visit https://www.carowinds.com/calendar-and-hours | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/2qu69FcaYHtG2Fpc9 | Phone Number: +17045882600 

Lake Lure Beach and Water Park | Lake Lure  

Out of the many water parks in North Carolina, Lake Lure Beach and Water Park deserve a special mention. It offers some of the most exciting rides and slides and sandy beaches dotted by cabanas and shacks. Apart from the fun activities at the water park, one can also simply relax on the beach and enjoy sunbathing. 

Other parts of the park have a golf course, a horse stable, several hiking trails, and the beautiful Lake Lure Flowering Bridge. Guided boat tours are also available along with features like canoeing, paddle boating, and kayaking.  

Address: 2724 Memorial Highway, Lake Lure, NC 28746 | Timing: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/P99GnYA2XVyVWBfb8 | Phone Number: +18286250077 

Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park | Greensboro 

The Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park in Greensboro is one of the biggest waterparks in the area, frequented by locals and international travelers alike. Spread over 41 acres of land, the Wet’n Wild water park features a lot of fun activities.  

Enjoy the body slides, tube slides, raft rides, extreme body slides or, if you dare, go for the Daredevil Drop, the Double Barrel Blast, or Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror for some high-octane family fun. As for some relaxation, head over to the ‘Soak Zone’ wave pool or perhaps enjoy the Lazy River. There are special swimming pools for kids too! 

Source: Wet’n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park

Address: 3910 S Holden Road, Greensboro, NC 27406 | Timing: The park is operational only in summers. For latest timings and other details, visit https://www.emeraldpointe.com/hours-and-directions/calendar | Google Map Location: https://g.page/wwepgreensboro?share | Phone Number: +13368529721 

H2O-BX Waterpark | Powell’s Point  

H2O-BX is a new waterpark at Powell’s Point that features more than 30 different kinds of fun-filled attractions and slides. The water slides in the park are done in a typical coastal Carolina style. Think sailing the vast ocean, climbing a dune to jump off, and even riding a wild Mustang. For adventure lovers, there are special attractions like a 50-feet tall tube slide, a seven-story tube slide, an almost vertical 35-feet tall wall that boomerangs riders, a nine-story free-fall slide, etc.  

Address: 8526 Caratoke Highway, Powell’s Point, NC 27966 | Timing: The park is operational only in summers. For latest timings and other details, visit https://www.h2obxwaterpark.com/plan-your-visit/obx-water-park/ | Google Map Location: https://g.page/H2OBX?share | Phone Number: +12524913000 

Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord 

Spread over an expansive area of 80,000 square feet, the Great Wolf Lodge Water Park at Concord is a beautiful, completely indoor, temperature-controlled, all-seasons waterpark. It features many thrilling games including tube slides that drop from a height of almost 4-storys, slides, a water fort tree house, family raft rides, activity pools, and wave pools. There is also a spa and cabanas by the swimming pool for total relaxation.  

You can also book a stay at the lodge and indulge in culinary delights with varied dining options.  

Address: 10175 Weddington Road, Concord, NC 28027 | Timing: For availability and timings, contact the park. | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/remrE3Zu6uPk23jS7 | Phone Number: +18669259653 

Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park | Wilmington 

Want to have some wet and wild family fun? The Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park has everything you need! Avid adventure seekers must try out the exciting slides here, including the Rapid Racer and the Superbowl. There is also a huge wave pool where you can have some relaxed fun and laze around for hours while the kids enjoy various kinds of water sports, safely at the specially designed kids’ swimming pool.  

With a mini-bowling area, a gaming arcade, a climbing wall, go-karts, jungle golf, and laser tag – Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park has something for the entire family.  

Source: Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park

Address: 5320 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403 | Timing: Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday – Saturday: 10:00 am to 12:00 am | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/vE5jSfGRjVdY3QSk9 | Phone Number: +19107910666 

Salty Pirate Water Park | Emerald Isle 

If you are planning to spend the entire day outdoors in Emerald Isle, you should consider visiting the Salty Pirate Water Park. It is a family-owned waterpark and has fun activities for people of all ages. There are different kinds of wading swimming pools, thrilling slides, and tubes for kids as well as adults. And when you are hungry from splashing around in the water for hours, you can indulge in the different kinds of snacks and edibles available within the park.  

Water Parks in North Carolina: Salty Pirate Water Park
Source: Facebook Page of Salty Pirate Water Park

Address: 8915 Reed Dr, Emerald Isle, NC 28594 | Timing: Sunday – Monday: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm, Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 am to 07:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/PraeEUxuLzMmJidHA | Phone Number: +12523542609  

Lions Water Adventure | Kinston 

Lions Water Adventure in Kinston is your one-stop destination when you are looking for a place to relax with your little ones in tow. The shallow waters here are ideal for kids to splash around while you float in a 550–feet lazy river or perhaps work out in the eight-lane lap pool. 

But if your idea of a weekend getaway involves a lot of relaxing, head over to the two-leveled pavilion area where you and the kids can enjoy all kinds of fun activities and gorge on some delicious snacks from the Swimba Canteen!  

Address: 2602 W Vernon Avenue, Kinston, NC 28504 | Timing: Saturday: 11:00 am to 05:00 pm, Sunday: 12:00 pm to 05:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/KgLmvv7SHHpQUSaQ9 | Phone Number: +12526993009 

Kinston Community Centre | Kinston 

Kinston Community Centre has a dedicated ‘Aquatics Centre’, where competitive swimmers can practice swimming while others simply have fun in the pool. Features of the place are such that people can enjoy all year round in all seasons. Along with an 8-lane competition lap pool, there is a wellness pool too. Group and individual therapy sessions are also organized at the center from time to time.  

The community center is spread across an acre of land and has a health club, an indoor track, two fully equipped gyms, meeting spaces, and a child-care room.  

Address: 2602 W Vernon Avenue, Kinston, NC 28504 | Timing: Monday – Friday: 05:00 am to 08:00 pm, Saturday: 07:00 am to 05:30 pm, Sunday: 12:00 pm to 05:30 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/1FBd5R5r8oMe3uh58 | Phone Number: +12529391330 

Splash Pad | Fuquay Varina 

If you want to treat your family to a day of pure, unadulterated fun, the Splash Pad at Fuquay Varina is just the right fit for you!  

The Splash Pad is a pentagon-shaped park spread over 6,000 square feet and has about 35 fun features and activities suitable for guests of all ages. If you want to revisit the carefree days of your childhood with the kids, put on your bathing suits and jump in the pool, get wet, and have the time of your life at the Splash Pad!   

Address: 900 S Main Street, Fuquay-Varina, NC 27526 | Timing: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 am to 07:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/n2xd937eXFrnCnrN8 | Phone Number: +19195521430 

Sun Crest Water Park | Taylorsville 

Sun Crest Water Park in Taylorsville is strategically situated right at the center of the Brushy Mountains. It is a family-owned park and has a fun yet warm and beautiful ambiance always. Along with a waterpark, the property also has a resort nestled in the lap of nature where guests can stay and enjoy a mini getaway. The major attractions at the Sun Crest Water Park include water slides and a Tarzan-style rope swing!  

Address: 6806 All Healing Springs Road, Taylorsville, NC 28681 | Timing: Monday – Wednesday and Friday: 10:30 am to 05:30 pm, Saturday – Sunday: 10:30 am to 06:00 pm, Thursday: closed | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/5dMjTohNaiNJdks19 | Phone Number: +18286322731 

Now that you know about the best water parks in North Carolina, you can plan which ones you want to visit. All of them are excellent, safe, and will provide a great family fun experience!