Guide to Charlotte water parks

Charlotte water parks are popular destinations the summer months. There are several local water parks to enjoy, featuring everything from thrilling water slides and whitewater rafting to relaxing wave pools.

The following are some of the best Charlotte water parks:

Carolina Harbor at Carowinds
300 Carowinds Blvd., Charlotte
704-588-2600

Carolina Harbor water park is located in Carowinds, water park access is included in general admission tickets. The popular park features giant water slides in a variety of dizzying configurations as well as play structures and a three-acre kids' area. Visitors can also splash in a wave pool that has swells up to six feet high. For those who like to get out of the sun, one can rent a cabana that has nice amenities such as a table with an umbrella, chairs, chaise lounges, a storage box with a lock, a mini-fridge, ceiling fan and satellite TV.

>>Guide to Charlotte theme parks

Great Wolf Lodge
10175 Weddington Road, Concord
866-925-9653

Great Wolf Lodge has a large indoor Charlotte water park that lets visitors ignore the weather outside. The interior is maintained at a comfortable 72 degrees, with water temperature that's kept at 84 degrees. It has many tunnels and other play areas, including those appropriate for thrill-seekers and those who just want to relax in the water. Those feeling adventurous can ride a raft built for two on the Howlin' Tornado and drop into a six-story tunnel. Guests can also ride out waves that stretch up to six feet in a wave pool or navigate Alberta Falls on a tandem tube. Those with younger children can explore tamer areas such as Cub Paw Pool. Tickets for the water park are included with lodging.

>>Guide to Charlotte's lakes, rivers

Ray's Splash Planet
215 N. Sycamore St., Charlotte
980-314-4729 

Ray's Splash Planet is operated by the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department, so it's quite inexpensive and can get crowded at times. The 29,000-square foot facility has four water slides including the Blue Comet, a three-story slide that features double figure-eights. Kids will also love the tipping buckets and tube slides. (Note: For those planning to visit Ray's Splash Planet before mid-summer 2018, the park is being closed for maintenance. An exact return date hasn't been announced, but check here for updates.)

U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy, Charlotte
704-391-3900

The USNWC is located on 1,300 acres on the Catawba River. Although it's not a traditional waterpark, it has a large variety of water-based activities for guests of all skill levels. Visitors can take part in activities such as open-water swimming, whitewater rafting, whitewater or flat-water kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding (SUP). Flat-water or whitewater kayaking instruction as well as PUP classes are also available to improve skills and one can even earn a rafting guide certification. Land-based activities include a rock wall, navigating a ropes course, traversing a zip line or attending a special event such as a festival.

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