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Charlie & Debbie

Best Waterparks In The Country List Includes This One Right Here In North Carolina

Author Debbie Nance

I will go ahead and admit I am not a huge fan of water, water sports or waterparks.  I enjoy being near water or in a pool up to my waist.  However, that’s as far as I’m comfortable.  But, most people love a good waterpark during the summer.  And,  according to The Edvocate, which released a ranking for 2023, a North Carolina waterpark is one of the best in the country.

So, which waterpark in North Carolina made the list of best in the country?  Turns out it’s none other than Wet ‘n’ Wild Emerald Pointe Waterpark in Greensboro.  It sits right at number 10 on the nose according to The Edvocate.  And, that’s good to know since Greensboro is just a short drive if you live in the Charlotte area.  Plus, they offer attractions that the website calls “aggressive,” “high thrill,” and “passive.”  That’s my speed.  Give me a Lazy River all day!

As you might imagine, among the 36 waterparks listed as best in the nation we find plenty in the state of Florida and California.  There’s even Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Georgia, coming in at number 7.  And, Water Country USA in Virginia is at number 6.

Of course, there are plenty of other deserving waterparks rounding out the 36 best in the country.  So, check out the full list from The Edvocate to learn if your faves made the cut.

But, for now I’ll stay land locked.  As a child I just about lost my swimsuit on a fast moving waterslide at a waterpark.  And, as an adult, I got thrown off the back of a jet ski into the inter coastal waterway at Myrtle Beach.  So, you’ll understand if I prefer to hang out at the swim up bar.  But, by all means feel free to plan your visit to one of the best waterparks in the country right here in North Carolina!

List of 13 Water Parks in North Carolina to Stay Cool This Summer

In my opinion, water parks are the best. I enjoy their thrill rides the most. I also love the water. (Even though I am a fire sign) Summer officially started but Queen City is already hot!

Starting Memorial Day we begin what is known as the 100 hottest days of summer, and of course, we all want a way to get out of the blazing sun. Here are a few water parks you can visit in North Carolina to help you stay cool.

  • Sun Crest Water Park

    Waterparks like this are so cool. Sun Crest Water Park is a flow-through water park. This means that a small creek with its headwaters about a mile upstream runs through the park. People who are allergic to chlorine will appreciate the natural water. It is smaller but worth the visit. Summertime fun has been happening at this family-owned water park for more than 40 years!

    Address: 6806 All Healing Springs Rd, Taylorsville, North Carolina 28681

    Sorry for any inconvenience but due to water level we will not be able to open Friday June 10th 2022 ! Please check back later today as we will post about a update for Saturday.

    Posted by Suncrest Water Park on Friday, June 10, 2022

  • Carolina Harbor: Carowinds

    As well as an amusement park, Carowinds offers a water park. The water park is called Carolina Harbor. Water slides and wave pools are among the attractions at the massive waterpark, which has a three-acre kids’ area and large play structures. You can see more here.

    Address: 14523 Carowinds Blvd, Charlotte, North Carolina 28273

  • Ray’s Splash Planet

    Although it’s a small water park, we still included it on our list! This is an indoor water park. There are eight water rides at this water park in Charlotte, North Carolina. This one-of-a-kind water park with 117,000 gallons of water has countless ways to get soaked and have fun. You can see more here.

    Address: 215 North Sycamore Street Charlotte, North Carolina 28202

  • Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Water Park

    The Great Wolf Lodge opened in 2009 and has since become one of the region’s most exciting resorts. This resort offers an indoor water park that is the largest in the Carolinas. If you are not playing in the water, don’t worry. The indoor water park is kept at a comfortable 84 degrees and exclusively for resort guests. You can buy day passes to the water park as well if you are not staying at the lodge. You can stay cool and have some fun at this indoor water park. You can see more here.

    Address: 10175 Weddington Rd, Concord, North Carolina 28027

  • Wet 'n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park

    This water park is pretty big and there is something for everyone. You can appreciate a day in the sun and wave pool with your family and friends. Aside from 15 slides and 5 pools, there are also 2 children’s play areas. With water thrill rides, you can relax, have some family fun and get your blood pumping. You can see more here.

    Address: 3910 South Holden Road Greensboro, North Carolina 27406

     

     

  • Lake Lure Water Park

    It is hard to believe a beach could be surrounded by the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains? It isn’t your typical waterpark, but that’s what makes it so special. It’s called Lake Lure Beach & Water Park, and it’s located in North Carolina. Water slides, water cannons, and soaking-wet games are available at the water park. You can see more here.

    Address: 2724 Memorial Hwy Lake Lure, North Carolina 28746

  • White Lake Water Park

    Want to visit an epic old-school water park? White Lake Water Park is a family-friendly aquatic park with waterslides, swimming, and wading pools. If you like relaxing, you can take a nice float down the 600 ft lazy river. You can see more here.

    Address: 192 NC-53, Elizabethtown, North Carolina 28337

  • Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park

    Check out this water park if you are in the Wilmington area. They have six thrilling slides. These include The Superbowl, Sidewinder, Rapid Racer and Volcano will satisfy even the most avid adventure seeker. There is also an awesome lazy river. You can see more here.

    Address: 5320 Oleander Dr, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403

    Posted by Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park on Wednesday, March 2, 2022

  • The Salty Pirate Water Park

    This is a smaller outdoor waterpark. The park has tube and mat slides. A children’s area is also available. In addition to the arcade and snack bar, the park is close to other fun family activities in Emerald Isle. You can see more here.

    Address: 8915 Reed Dr, Emerald Isle, North Carolina 28594

  • Woodmen Community Center

    I am in love with the tiger slide. The competition pool is handicapped and accessible with wheelchair access. It is 25 yards long and 8 lanes wide. Lessons, water aerobics, and lifeguard training are available. Besides the Wellness Pool, the center has a five hundred-square-foot indoor therapy room and wheelchair access as well. You can see more here.

    Address: 2602 W Vernon Ave, Kinston, North Carolina 28504

  • Lions Water Adventure

    What would it be like to float down a 550-foot lazy river? Kinston’s Lions Water Adventure is one of the best water parks in North Carolina. The pavilion area has two levels where you can relax. You can see more here.

    Address: 2602 W Vernon Ave, Kinston, North Carolina 28504

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Cdvkw-nOmJl/

     

  • H20BX Water Park

    Experience one of North Carolina’s newest water parks to beat the summer heat. More than 30 water attractions are available at H20BX, located on the beautiful Outer Banks. You can see more here.

    Address: 8526 Caratoke Hwy, Powells Point, North Carolina 27966

  • Winston Waterworks Water Park

    This park features a lazy river, water playground, water slide, and swimming pool. It is on the smaller side. You can see more here.

    Address: 3584 Winston Lake Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27105

Debbie Nance is the afternoon co-host along with her husband on "The Charlie and Debbie Show" at WSOC, Country 1037 in Charlotte, North Carolina. She has been with the station for 18 years. Debbie is a CMA Award winner for Radio Personality of the Year. And, she has worked in radio for 40 years. Before her current afternoon position, Debbie spent more than a decade as co-host on morning shows in several markets across the Southeast. As a content creator for Country 1037, Debbie writes articles about food, new restaurants in the Carolinas and travel experiences.

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