12 Places To Splish-Splash The Summer Away

Where to swim, paddle and float in and around Charlotte

- Bryan M. Richards

There’s no denying it, summers are brutally hot in Charlotte — so hot that we often find our kids hiding inside watching TV or playing video games to avoid the blazing heat. When the heat gets to be too much, but burning off kids’ energy is imperative, Charlotte has plenty of places to swim and get wet – from beaches to spraygrounds and waterparks – to help everybody stay cool.

NATURAL WATERING HOLES 

The Quarry at Carrigan Farms 

1213 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy., Mooresville carriganfarms.com/the-quarry Imagine swinging Tarzan style from a rope swing into a 25-foot deep quarry. The dream can be a reality at the Quarry at Carrigan Farms. The quarry was converted into a natural swimming pool when a natural spring was discovered beneath the rock. Because the quarry is 25-feet deep throughout, ages 11 and younger must wear a life jacket and all other swimmers must either pass an on-site swim test or wear a life jacket. 

HOURS: Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. with select weekend days offered each month. Check the Carrigan Farms website to confirm dates. 

COST: $15 per person.

Ramsey Creek Park at Lake Norman 

18441 Nantz Road, Cornelius mecknc.gov/parkandrec/parks Bring your beach chair, sand buckets and picnic lunch for a day playing in the sand and splashing in the waters of Lake Norman. Not only does Ramsey Creek Park offer half an acre of sandy shoreline, there also is a playground, nature trails, fishing pier and volleyball court. Avoid paying the entrance fee by catching a shuttle from the Cornelius CATS’ Park and Ride site at 20300 Sefton Park Road, Cornelius. Shuttle riders are admitted free.