Charlotte Spraygrounds
Want to cool off this summer but you aren’t able to get to a pool? Instead try playing at a sprayground! There are a ton of spraygrounds all around Charlotte and the surrounding areas.The best part is it’s free fun all summer long. Loaded with sprays, nozzles, streams and fountains, spraygrounds are a blast for your whole family this summer!
1. First Ward Park
The Place: First Ward Park, 301 E. Seventh St.
The Attraction: On the edge of uptown, kids can suit up for fun in the fountains that shoot up from the splash pad, and parents can enjoy the action sunning on a blanket while taking in the uptown skyline. There’s also the Live on the Green concert series each summer with free music on select Fridays and Saturdays June through August.
The Operation: May 26-Labor Day, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Take a Break: Stroll across the street to check out a book or explore at ImaginOn: The Joe and Joan Martin Center, then hop over to 7th Street Market for lunch or a treat.
The Place: Cordelia Park, 2100 N. Davidson St.
The Attraction: Located in NoDa, the splash pad is awesome for all ages. Be sure to wear sunscreen as there is no tent covering. And if you want more water fun, venture to the Cordelia Swimming Pool. The pool is open to the public and costs $1 per person.
The Operation: Daily 10 a.m.-8 p.m. through Labor Day. Pool hours: Monday-Saturday, noon-7 p.m.; Sunday, noon-6 p.m.
Take a Break: Across from Cordelia Park is Abari Game Bar. The arcade/bar-by-night is open to all ages on Saturday and Sunday between noon and 5 p.m. as long as accompanied by a parent or guardian. It has a wall of pinball machines plus classic arcade games like Ms. Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, Frogger and so much more.
3. The Green Uptown
The Place: The Green, 400 S. Tryon St.
The Attraction: Located among the hustle and bustle of Charlotte’s uptown is a green slice of haven known as The Green. This three-tiered lawn is filled with literature, art and funky sculptures, with restaurants on the perimeter. During the hot summer days, kids can play under the three towering fish foundations that pour down streams of water.
The Operation: Open daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. through September.
Take a Break: Dry off and head over to the Mint Museum’s Lewis Family Gallery just across the street.
4. Latta Park – Dilworth
The Place: Latta Park, 601 E. Park Ave.
The Attraction: This cozy green space is tucked in the Dilworth neighborhood with a view of the Charlotte skyline. The sprayground is adjacent to the playground and bathrooms. The Latta Park sprayground is small and inviting for little ones.
The Operation: Daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. through Labor Day.
Take a Break: Swing and slide at the playground adjacent to the spray ground, or play a game of beach volleyball on the nearby sand courts.
5. Romare Bearden Park
The Place: Romare Bearden Park, 300 S. Church St.
The Attraction: A waterfall and series of pipes that create a mist for kids in the Childhood Muse Plaza.
The Operation: Daily, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. through Labor Day.
Take a Break: Check out the schedule of parties and music held in the park this summer or walk over to Mellow Mushroom for a slice of pizza after playing.
6. Veterans Park
The Place: Veterans Park, 2136 Central Ave.
The Attraction: Veterans Park is a large sprayground with lots of room for children of all ages to get wet!
The Operation: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily through Labor Day
Take a Break: Hit the walking trails or the playground at the park while you’re there, then stroll up to Pizza Peel in Plaza Midwood for a slice of pizza and then a cold treat at Rita’s Ice or the iconic Dairy Queen on Central Avenue.
-Written by Elizabeth
