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Experiences|Attractions

Don’t Let Summer Slip Away Without Visiting This Awesome Water Playground In North Carolina

Fantasy Lake Water Park in North Carolina offers a variety of water attractions and activities, making it a perfect summer destination.

Published Jul 29, 2018

Written by 

Robin Jarvis

We're not ready to concede defeat to the inevitable end of summer yet - are you?! Fun in the sun is a sure bet at this six-acre man-made water park in North Carolina. Whether you've been to Fantasy Lake Water Park or not, you're due for a visit before it's too late and you have to wait until next year.

For many, a visit to this colossal swimming hole will bring back nostalgic memories of years gone by; for others, it will be the start of many summer treks back to enjoy the fun all over again.

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Facebook/Fantasy Lake Water Park

Fantasy Lake is a fresh water, man-made lake with new water coming in and old water going out constantly.

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Facebook/Fantasy Lake Water Park

The bottom of the lake is filled with layers and layers of the same beautiful white sand you'll be sinking your toes into around the perimeter as you relax and soak in the sun.

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Google Maps/Carrie Cole

A variety of water park attractions offer up fun while in the water. Slides, platforms and decks provide hours of enjoyable fun — and a set of Tarzan swings provide an excellent way to perfect your belly flop.

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Google Maps/Creighton Carroll

At Fantasy Lake, you can rent kayaks and stand up paddle boards. It's an ideal place to learn the art of either sport, since there are many (many!) lifeguards stationed all around the lake. (Life guards are also in kayaks paddling to the far reaches.)

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Google Maps/Nicole Milton

If you want to spend the entire day here (who wouldn't?!), then Fantasy Lake has a restaurant and a game room. They also have beach cabanas you can rent if you want a shady spot of your own.

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Google Maps/jason Johnson

Don't let the summer pass you by without a trip to this quintessential water park! When was the last time you swam at Fantasy Lake?

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Google Maps/farrell talbert

Fantasy Lake Water Park is located at 5869 Permastone Lake Rd., Hope Mills, NC 28348. It's open seasonally, usually beginning in mid-May and ending Labor Day Weekend. In 2018, the park is open daily through August 26, and then open for its final weekend, September 1-3, 2018. Weather permitting, the hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission is: age 11 and over: $16, age 3-10: $10, age 60 and over: $10. For more information, visit the official website of Fantasy Lake Water Park, and follow their Facebook page.

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Experiences|Attractions

The Bullwhip Ride Just Opened In North Carolina And It’s The Perfect Summer Adventure

Published Jul 31, 2024

Written by 

Carolyn Harmon

One of the updates for the 68th season at Tweetsie Railroad is this new summer adventure in North Carolina. The Bullwhip has a pendulum swing that spins 360 degrees! While many families already plan their vacations around this exciting amusement park, here is one more reason to head out to Blowing Rock, North Carolina.

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A park that's been around since 1957 conjures up a lot of memories for folks.

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Tweetsie Railroad/Facebook

Do you remember spending time here back in the good ole days for a summer adventure in North Carolina?

One reason many people visit this amusement park is for the train history and the rides on the old locomotives.

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girl44psu/Tripadvisor

Back in 1957 when the Tweetsie Railroad opened with the first steam locomotive ride - Narrow gauge Locomotive No. 12 - it drove folks one mile to a picnic area and back. Now there are two trains with the addition of the Locomotive No. 190.

And the amusement rides offer thrills for those of all ages.

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John Hames/Google

The Ferris Wheel is the best way to find a panoramic view.

And July 4th, 2024, brought some new excitement with The Bullwhip.

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Tweetsie

The exhilarating ride starts out slowly spinning people around and back and forth.

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As it builds momentum, it swings all the way up and takes us upside down and round and round.

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Tweetsie

While the ride is exhilarating, it may be too much for some.

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Tweetsie

Is The Bullwhip an experience you might enjoy?

Whether you decide to ride The Bullwhip or not, plenty of fun awaits at Tweetsie Railroad.

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CoastalCode/Tripadvisor

Be sure to return for some more fun when autumn changes the mountains into a colorful landscape.

If you ride The Bullwhip, please tell us about it in the comments below. Discover more about this new summer adventure in North Carolina on the Tweetsie Railroad website. If you're looking for a lovely place to spend the night, consider this nearby family campground in Boone. Or if you prefer to stay inside, reserve a room on Expedia.com.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/family-campground-boone-nc/

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Experiences|Attractions

6 Waterparks In North Carolina That Are Pure Bliss For Anyone Who Goes There

Discover the best water parks in North Carolina to cool down and have fun with the family this summer.

Updated May 16, 2024

Written by 

OnlyInYourState Staff

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.

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1. Wet 'n' Wild Emerald Pointe, Greensboro

A vibrant water park scene featuring slides, a lazy river, and lush greenery under a clear blue sky.
Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park/google

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

A water park scene with people enjoying a large water slide and a splash zone under a clear blue sky.
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 a Carowinds admission.

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3. Great Wolf Lodge, Concord

Indoor water park featuring slides, a splash area, and a large water feature under a wooden ceiling.
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park | Concord/Google

This water park at Great Wolf Lodge in Concord is just one of many fun options at this epic attraction. 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.

4. Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park, Wilmington

Aerial view of a vibrant water park featuring slides, a lazy river, and families enjoying the attractions.
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park/Google

Take a break from the beach and visit Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. Kids will love the water slides; not to mention the go-kart course, laser tag, and mini-golf.

Take a look at this video by @BOOMBIGZ:

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5. Lake Lure Beach and Water Park, Rutherford County

A sandy beach with umbrellas and people enjoying the sun, surrounded by mountains and a calm lake under a blue sky.
Rajesh G/Google

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

A vibrant water park featuring colorful slides, pools, and play areas surrounded by trees and blue skies.
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, snacks, and gift shops. Bonus: the 50-foot-tall, 200-foot-long double turbo twister slide will give you the best thrills all summer!

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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 go swimming in North Carolina:

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/north-carolina/swimming-holes-nc/

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