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Water parks and beaches near Raleigh

Enjoy the water around and near the Triangle through our local water parks, splash pads, and beaches not too far from the City of Oaks.

A child at the end of a water slide.

The Triangle has a wide variety of places to enjoy water.

City of Raleigh

NC summers are known for bringing the heat — but we also have some of the best water parks + beaches around and near the Triangle. Save this guide when you’re in need of some reprieve from the heat.

Water parks + splash pads

Fantasy Lake | 3601 Quarry Rd., Wake Forest | Find adventure through the park’s activities including kayaking, inflatable park, paddle boarding + more. Pro tip: If you enjoy scuba diving, this may be an oasis.

Sprayground at Jack Smith Park | 9725 Penny Rd., Raleigh | Splash about this colorful water-filled playground with the kiddos.

Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center | 5908 Buffaloe Rd., Raleigh | Slide into good times at this aquatic center that features a three story water slide. The center also includes a lazy river and a whirlpool.

Moore Square Splash Pad | 225 E. Martin St., Raleigh | Enjoy this downtown interactive splash pad at the center of the City of Oaks.

Beaches here + near

Sandling Beach | 30 min. | Indulge in an array of water activities including swimming, boating + fishing. If you visit in either the spring or fall, you may observe monarch butterflies.

Wrightsville Beach | ~2 hours | Relax by the waves while taking in the coastal atmosphere. The location frequently offers farmers markets + Sounds of Summer concerts.

Carolina Beach | ~2 hours | Explore this beach and its variety of things to do, like the boardwalk and small town feel. Pro tip: Britts Donuts is a local sweet treat to try while visiting.

Surf City | ~2 hours | Bask in the sun at this family-friendly beach known for its Topsail Turtle Project mission of preservation of sea turtles through the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center.

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