If area creeks, rivers, and swimming holes aren’t your thing this year, and you want something a little more exciting than a community pool, Asheville has several waterparks within a reasonable driving distance to escape to during the upcoming expected heatwave, and all summer long! Check them all out below (in order of distance from AVL)!

🚘 We’ve tried to keep our list to those under 2 hours away, but if we’re missing one of your favorites, that you feel is worth the gas and distance, let us know, and we’ll add it!

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⬇️ THE OPTIONS:

💦 Waynesville Recreation Centers Indoor Waterpark in Waynesville NC (approx 35min from Asheville) features zero entry water spouts, water mushrooms, water buckets, spout tower, and slide. LEARN MORE HERE

💦 Mountain Paradise Waterpark in Marion, NC (approx 40min from Asheville) features a 400ft waterslide, 2 pools, kiddie pool, and a putt putt golf course. LEARN MORE HERE

💦 Shipwreck Cove Waterpark in Duncan, SC (approx 1hr from Asheville) features a lazy river, spiraling slides and kiddie pool play area, and concessions. LEARN MORE HERE

💦 Jellystone Golden Valley in Bostic, NC (approx 1hr 10min from Asheville). Their Interactive Water Playground is great for kids and features various water blasters, cannons, and slides, while their Ranger Smith™ Pool is perfect for kids and adults alike! LEARN MORE HERE

💦 Kool Park in Hickory, NC (approx 1hr 10min from Asheville) is a family-friendly community pool with a 90′ slide, 3 diving boards (3′ to 12′) and a 15′ diving tower. LEARN MORE HERE

💦 The Wetlands Waterpark in Jonesborough, TN (approx 1hr 15min from Asheville) is a municipally operated park in the State of Tennessee with way too many features to list! LEARN MORE HERE

💦 The Recreation Pool at The Salvation Army Kroc Center Greenville (approx 1hr 15min from Asheville) is an indoor heated pool with zero-entry and complete with a play structure, spray features, and open swimming area. Non-members may have access to the pool area by purchasing a swim pass for a two-hour session. LEARN MORE HERE

💦 Otter Creek Waterpark in Greenville SC (approx 1hr 15min from Asheville), features 4 Slides (2 Body Slides, 1 Tube Slide, and 1 Kiddy Slide), Leisure Pool (with a beach entry, backside sprays, and spray pad), Spray Pad, Expansive Sundeck, 2 Party Huts, a Concession Stand, Lockers for rent, Cabanas for rent, and a First Aid Room. LEARN MORE HERE

💦 7th Inning Splash Waterpark in Piedmont SC (approx 1hr 28min from Asheville), features 3 Water Slides, 1 Giant Funnel Slide, a Traditional Lap Pool (Jr. Olympic), Baseball Diamond-shaped Splash ‘n Spray Pad inspired by Wrigley Field, 30+ Water Activities, 3 Party Huts, a Concession Stand, and Lockers for rent. LEARN MORE HERE

💦 Discovery Island Waterpark in Simpsonville SC (approx 1hr 30min from Asheville), features 2 Water Slides (1 Tube and 1 Body Slide), a Lazy River, a 4-Tier Splash ‘n Play Structure in the zero-depth section of the pool, FlowRider Perpetual Wave, 3 Party Huts, a Concession Stand, Lockers for rent, and Cabanas for rent. LEARN MORE HERE

💦 Kingsport Aquatic Center Waterpark in Kingsport, TN (about 1hr 30min from Asheville) outdoor waterpark, features two waterslides, a water playground with water cannons, lily pad crossing, the ever popular 900-foot lazy river, changing rooms, lockers, and concession. LEARN MORE HERE

💦 Sun Crest Waterpark in Taylorsville, NC (approx 1hr 45 min from Asheville) is essentially a water playground combined with a swimming hole, and features 8 slides, including a fun whale slide where kids climb through its mouth to access the bright yellow slide on the other side), a small platform with an old fashioned rope swing, and a water volleyball net. LEARN MORE HERE

💦 Wild Bear Falls Waterpark at Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort & Water Park in Gatlinburg (approx 1hr 45min from Asheville) is an indoor water park oasis boasting a state-of-the art retractable roof and heated water for complete indoor water park comfort during every season. Float along the lazy river, glide down a giant water slide or adventure through the interactive treehouse. LEARN MORE HERE

💦 Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville TN (approx 1hr 45min from Asheville) is AMAZING, and includes way too much to list here, but you can LEARN MORE HERE

💦 Ray’s Splash Planet, located on the campus of Irwin Creek Academic Center, in uptown Charlotte (approx 2 hours from Asheville), is an indoor waterpark and recreational facility that operates as a partnership between Park and Recreation and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, featuring a 3 story giant slide, a lazy river, a quick current pool, water buckets, beach like entry, floor jets, lap lanes, and a Saturation Station for guests under 48 inches. LEARN MORE HERE

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⬇️ THESE ARE FURTHER THAN 2 HOURS, BUT GET RAVE REVIEWS AND ARE WORTH THE TRIP!

💦 Carolina Harbor Waterpark at Carowinds in Charlotte (approx 2hr 10min from Asheville) features everything from giant water slides and wave pools, to large play structures and a three-acre children’s area. Included in your day pass to Carowinds. LEARN MORE HERE

💦 Splash Island Wibit Waterpark at Big Water Marina Lakeside Resort on Lake Hartwell in Starr, SC (approx 2hr 15 min from Asheville). Splash Island features a Wibit Inflatable Obstacle Course, a lakeside lounge area on sandy beach shorelines, and access to watercraft rentals. LEARN MORE HERE

💦 The Aqua Zone at The Shores of Asbury on Lake Hartwell in Anderson, SC (approx 2hr 15 min from Asheville). The Aqua Zone is Lake Hartwell’s first-ever Wibit inflatable water obstacle course. Built for kids and kids at heart, it’s a floating, bouncing, sliding, climbing adventure that turns your lake day into a memory you’ll never forget. LEARN MORE HERE

💦 Dollywood’s Splash Country in Sevierville (approx 2hr 15min from Asheville) was voted a Top 10 Outdoor Waterpark by USA Today Readers, and features towering slides, sparkling pools, and family-friendly splash zones all tucked into the shaded beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains. LEARN MORE HERE

💦 Great Wolf Lodge in Concord (approx 2hr 26min from Asheville) is an 80,000-square-feet indoor water park kept at a perfect 84 degrees year-round, and lots of fun whether you are staying overnight or visiting for just a day. LEARN MORE HERE

💦 Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe in Greensboro NC (approx 2hr 40min from Asheville) features over 3 million gallons of fun across 40 beautifully landscaped acres. Cool off, get sun, and have fun with 40 water rides & attractions for tiny tots, thrill seekers and every family member in between. LEARN MORE HERE

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❗️ But, if you just want a change of scenery from your regular community pool, check out our list all of ALL the outdoor swimming pools open to the public HERE

❗️ Or our post about how to rent someone’s private swimming pool for the day HERE

❗️ Or if splash pads are more your speed, check out our post about them all HERE