Kids are out on summer break, and it’s getting hot, hot, hot in the City of Oaks. Raleigh is home to splash pads and eight public pools for folks to dip their toes in.
Note: Though these spaces are public, all public pools and some splash pads may require payment. Make sure to fully read each location’s rules and regulations — and if they’re open for the season yet. Now, let’s dive in.
Splash pads
John Chavis Memorial Park, 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. | Open daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. | A new aquatic center is coming to the park soon, too
Moore Square, 201 S. Blount St. | Open daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Interactive water feature open until November
Coming soon: Gipson Play Plaza, 715 Biggs Dr. | This park will include a waterfall inspired by Western North Carolina and a full fountain plaza.
Jack Smith Park, 9725 Penny Rd., Cary | Open daily, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Cary’s first splash pad
Downtown Cary Park, 327 S. Academy St., Cary | Open daily, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. | Check out the Bark Bar and other top-rated playground equipment
Summer pools
Biltmore Pool, 701 Crown Crossing Ln. | Hours vary | Wade pool, lap and recreational main pool that goes to 12 feet deep
Lake Johnson Pool, 5863 Jaguar Park Dr. | Hours vary | Large spray ground, wade pool, and lap + recreational main pool
Longview Pool, 321 Bertie Dr. | Hours vary | Wade pool, lap and recreational main pool
Ridge Road Pool, 1709 Ridge Rd. | Hours vary | Wade pool, spray ground, and lap + recreational main pool
Year-round pools
Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center, 5908 Buffaloe Rd. | Hours vary | Three-story waterslide, lazy river, water vortex, lap lanes, and tot-sized play area
Millbrook Exchange Pool, 1905 Spring Forest Rd. | Hours vary | Indoor lap pool and wading pool
Optimist Pool, 5902 Whittier Dr. | Hours vary | Indoor Olympic-sized lap pool, wading pool, and lap + recreational swimming
Pullen Aquatic Center, 410 Ashe Ave. | Hours vary | Indoor warm water therapy pool and diving board
Reminder: Don’t forget to apply sunscreen and have some fun in the sun.
