When the temperatures are rising there’s no better way to cool down than a water park! Luckily, we’ve got lots of great water parks in North Carolina. In fact, there are so many incredible options that it’s easy to put together a summer to-do list the kiddos will love. So, don your suit and prepare to get your splash on at the following best water parks in North Carolina.

1. Wet 'n' Wild Emerald Pointe, Greensboro
Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park, 3910 S Holden Rd, Greensboro, NC 27406, USA
Visit NC
Emerald Pointe is one of the best water parks in North Carolina, Wet 'n' Wild Emerald Pointe. Get your adrenaline pumping by riding down a super tall water slide or just chill in the lazy river. There's a wave pool and smaller pools for young children. It's a guaranteed day of fun for the whole family.

Take a look at this video by @wfmynews2:
2. Carolina Harbor, Charlotte
Carolina Harbor, 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28273, USA
Bonnie Robinson/Google
When it comes to water parks in North Carolina, Carolina Harbor is a must-visit! Formerly Boomerang Bay, Carolina Harbor at Carowinds is billed as "the largest water park in the Carolinas." The massive water park features everything from giant water slides and wave pools to large play structures and a 3-acre kid’s area! Best of all, entry into Carolina Harbor is included with Carowinds admission.
3. Great Wolf Lodge, Concord
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord, 10175 Weddington Rd, Concord, NC 28027, USA
EnviroDad
This water park at Great Wolf Lodge in Concord is just one of many fun options at this epic attraction. And the best part of all is that it's indoors, so it can be enjoyed rain *or* shine as it's one of the only indoor water parks in North Carolina.

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4. Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, Wilmington
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, 5320 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, NC 28403, USA
Visit NC
Take a break from the beach and visit Jungle Rapids. Kids will love the water slides; not to mention go-kart course, laser tag, and mini-golf.

Take a look at this video by @BOOMBIGZ:
5. Lake Lure Beach and Water Park, Rutherford County
Lake Lure Beach and Water Park, 2724 Memorial Hwy, Lake Lure, NC 28746, USA
Around Lake Lure
When you're searching for a place to swim in North Carolina, you won't be disappointed with a visit to this beach-and-water-park combo. The fun-filled water park just adds awesomeness to the already gorgeous Lake Lure. The kids are sure to love it!
6. White Lake Water Park, Elizabethtown
White Lake Water Park, 192 NC-53, Elizabethtown, NC 28337, USA
Rena Johnson/Google Local
Quite the opposite of the adventure above, take a break from the lake and spend a lazy afternoon at White Lake Water Park. There are slides, a wading pool, plus snacks and gift shops. Bonus: the 50-foot-tall, 200-foot-long double turbo twister slide will give you the best thrills all summer!

So, did you know about these wonderful water parks in North Carolina? Have you visited any (or all) of the parks mentioned above? If so, which one is your favorite? Or, did we forget about your favorite water park in North Carolina? Tell us in the comments along with your favorite things to do in the summer.

These best water parks in North Carolina aren’t the only options for beating the summer heat. We’ve also got lots of places to swim in North Carolina.

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Fun In North Carolina

Daniella DiRienzo | March 16, 2021

What are some other places to swim in North Carolina?

Some other places to swim in North Carolina include:

  • Deep Creek, which is located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is a prime spot for some fun in the sun. Upon arrival, rent an inner tube, tote it less than a mile on the Deer Creek Trail, and then embark on a fun float, which comes to an end at a swimming hole.

Skinny Dip Falls is easily one of the best places to swim in North Carolina. True to its name, the swimming hole features a cascading waterfall.

Are there any indoor water parks in North Carolina?

Yes, there is another indoor water park in North Carolina. In addition to the Great Wolf Lodge listed above, there’s Ray’s Splash Planet, which is also located in the Charlotte area. A local favorite since opening in 2002, the “one-of-a-kind water park” boasts 117,000 gallons of water and plenty of ways to have some water-related fun! In addition to rides and slides, there’s a lazy river, a makeshift beach, a pool, and more.

What are the best amusement parks in North Carolina?

The best amusement parks in North Carolina include:

  • The Carolina Beach Boardwalk Amusement Park. Often rated as one of the best boardwalks in the United States, the park offers a spectacular selection of rides and arcade games. And with numerous concession stands, restaurants, and bars, great grub is just as plentiful.
  • For something different, you won’t be disappointed with Deadwood in Williamston. The Western theme park boasts fun for the entire family. In addition to classic rides, like a carousel and roller coaster, there’s a train that runs through the park, an arcade, and mini-golf. As if that’s not enough, there are live shows that regularly take place on the park’s main stage.

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