Traditionally seasonal pools open on Memorial Day weekend, unofficially signaling the beginning of summer. Many pools and spraygrounds in and around Raleigh are open for the season.
Check out this list of five places to go swimming right now!
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Jack Smith Park
This Cary sprayground is typically open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, weather permitting. It features seven water features and is great for children ages 12 and younger. This 50-acre tract of land also includes a playground and 10-foot tall climbing rock. You can check the status of the sprayground by going online, but note that it will be closed for maintenance dates: Jun 12, Jul 10 and Aug 14, Sep 11.
Cost: Free
Location: 9725 Penny Road, Cary, NC
Moore Square Splash Pad
Enjoy the interactive water feature at this downtown Raleigh park through October. The splash pad is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m (weather permitting). Moore Square is in downtown Raleigh, across from Marbles Kids Museum, at 200 S. Blount St.
Cost: Free
Location: 201 S. Blount St., Raleigh, NC
John Chavis Memorial Park Splashpad
This splashpad is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Sunday. The water feature is disabled during inclement weather and no lifeguard is on duty. Children who are not potty trained must wear swim diapers. Get more information about the sprayground and playground which opened after renovations in 2021.
Cost: Free
Location: 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Raleigh, NC
Buffaloe Road Aquatic Center
This indoor pool has waterslides, a vortex whirlpool, lazy river and a smaller area for toddlers. There have been lifeguard shortages, so make sure to check the day you plan to attend to find out which attractions are open. Also, go early on weekends because there can be a wait-list! Best time to go: First thing in the morning during the week. Check the hours to see when the water slides are open.
Cost: $4 for residents/$7 for non-residents ages 1-12 years old; $8 for residents/$15 for non-residents ages 13-55 years old; $6 for residents/$11 for non-residents ages 55 years and older
Location: 5908 Buffaloe Road, Raleigh, NC
Taylor Street Park Sprayground
Wake Forest's first sprayground is open for the season late April through September. It features 16 jet streams, buckets and more fun. Just press the activator button on top of the orange pole and the sprayground will produce a water flow in four-minute intervals.
Cost: Free
Location: 416 N. Taylor St., Wake Forest, NC
Pullen Aquatic Center
This indoor pool is great for families to enjoy during the week. Recreational swimming is open Sunday through Thursday. In 2018, the facility underwent $6 million in renovations including roof repairs, lighting adjustments and other work.
Cost: $2 for residents/$3 for non-residents ages 1-12 years old; $5 for residents/$8 for non-residents ages 13-55 years old; $4 for residents/$6 for non-residents ages 55 years and older
Location: 410 Ashe Ave., Raleigh, NC
Many pools and spraygrounds in the Triangle open Memorial Day weekend. Find a pool near you by checking out our guide!