Splash pads, public pools and water parks, free outdoor movie nights and July 4th fireworks - from Concord and Gastonia to Monroe, Lake Norman and York County. I checked each one on its official page.
Last checked: October 28, 2026. Places that haven't posted their 2027 dates yet say so - I update this page all year as they post. Splash pads and pools can close for weather or repairs, so check before you go.
Kannapolis · Concord & Cabarrus
A free self-serve splash pad inside the ballpark's large kids' play area in downtown Kannapolis.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free, except during Cannon Ballers games when a game ticket is required
Harrisburg · Concord & Cabarrus
A fenced splash pad in Harrisburg Park where families book a timed session or walk up, and everyone entering the fenced area needs a ticket.
Closed until the 2027 summer season; town expects to open between Memorial Day weekend and the first weekend of June, typically through the last weekend of August (2027 details posted by end of April)
Timed 2-hour waves, typically 7 days a week: 10 a.m.-noon (Mon-Sat only), 12:30-2:30, 3-5 and 5:30-7:30 p.m.; opens 12:30 on Sundays
Free for Harrisburg taxpaying residents; $3 per person (12 months and up) for non-residents; under 12 months free. Pre-registration encouraged; walk-up tickets until capacity
Kannapolis · Concord & Cabarrus
A ticketed splash pad with water cannons, geysers and jets inside Kannapolis's Village Park, next to the park's carousel and train ride.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
$2 per person per entry
Cherryville · Gaston County
Free splash pad inside Robert H. Ballard Municipal Recreation Park, next to the city pool and playground.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Dallas · Gaston County
Gaston County park splash pad set among ball fields, fishing lakes, a dog park and an 1890s heritage village.
Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily
Gastonia · Gaston County
Splash pad for younger kids just outside the Erwin Park pool in Gastonia's Highland community.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Gastonia · Gaston County
City-run spray ground in Gastonia's big Garrison Boulevard park, next to the pool, playgrounds and picnic shelters.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Bessemer City · Gaston County
City splash pad beside the covered shelter and playground at Bessemer City's Stinger Park.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Monroe · Monroe & Indian Trail
A free downtown splash pad with fountains and water features, plus restrooms and a picnic shelter, right on the Monroe greenway - kids under 12 need an adult with them.
Memorial Day weekend to mid-September; the city says it reopens May 29, 2027
Tuesday-Sunday 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; closed Mondays
Free
Indian Trail · Monroe & Indian Trail
Indian Trail's town splash pad sits inside a big park that also has an inclusive playground, restrooms, a shelter next to the pad and walking trails.
Summer season; opening and closing dates not posted
Splash pad hours not posted; closed Tuesdays for maintenance; park open dawn to dusk
Stallings · Monroe & Indian Trail
A town-run splash pad at Stallings' main park with interactive water features and no lifeguard on duty, with tennis and pickleball courts in the same park.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Mint Hill · East Charlotte
The sprayground at Mint Hill's brand-new 91-acre county park, which also has a nature-themed playground, trails and ponds.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Mint Hill · East Charlotte
The town's splash pad next to the Mint Hill Community Center has sprinklers, fountains and jets plus an inclusive playground and shaded tables.
Memorial Day through the first day of school daily; then Aug. 25 - Sept. 30 on a reduced schedule; closed Oct. 1 - Memorial Day
Memorial Day to first day of school: daily 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Aug. 25 - Sept. 30: Mon-Fri 3 - 9 p.m., Sat-Sun 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Charlotte · East Charlotte
A free splash area on Central Avenue near Plaza Midwood, an easy stop for east-side families.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Charlotte · North Charlotte
A free county sprayground in a north Charlotte community park where little ones can run through jets and sprays on hot days.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Charlotte · North Charlotte
A free county splash area just north of Uptown, in the same park as Cordelia Pool, so families can pair water play with a swim.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Charlotte · North Charlotte
A free county sprayground off Statesville Road where north Charlotte families can beat the summer heat.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Charlotte · West Charlotte
The west side's free county sprayground, a neighborhood spot for running through the water on summer afternoons.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Charlotte · Uptown
A free splash spot in the middle of Uptown, handy for cooling off between a museum visit and lunch.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Pineville · South Charlotte
Pineville's free splash pad at Lake Park, with restrooms nearby and a shelter that groups can rent for parties.
Early May through Labor Day (town page lists opening Saturday, May 9)
Daily 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Free for residents and non-residents (groups of 8 or more must rent the medium shelter)
Charlotte · South Charlotte
A Dilworth neighborhood park with a free county sprayground for toddlers and big kids alike.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Mooresville · Lake Norman
A small two-acre Mooresville town park with a playground and a splash pad.
Cornelius · Lake Norman
A free 1,300-square-foot splash pad in Cornelius's Smithville Park with a playground, restrooms and a picnic shelter close by.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Mooresville · Lake Norman
A town splash pad in downtown Mooresville's Liberty Park, which also has a playground, basketball court and picnic shelter.
Clover · York County SC
Seasonal town splash pad inside Clover's 50-acre New Centre Park, which also has soccer fields, trails and disc golf.
May 2 - September 30 (town parks page says May 1 - Sept 30); summer only
Mon-Sat 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 - 3:00 PM, 4:00 - 6:00 PM; Sun 1:00 - 3:00 PM, 4:00 - 6:00 PM; may close in bad weather
Nothing in this section near that area yet - try "Everywhere".
Concord · Concord & Cabarrus
Concord's city-run outdoor swimming pool, with daily admission, season passes and summer swim lessons for kids and adults.
2027 season (posted by the city): opens Saturday, May 29, 2027 and closes Labor Day 2027
Full 2027 schedule not posted yet (city says by Jan 1); holiday hours on Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day are 12-6 p.m.; hours may vary with weather
Day admission (pay at pool): youth 4+ $2 resident / $5 non-resident; adults 18+ $5 resident / $10 non-resident. Season passes online only (on sale May 1): individual $60/$120, family of up to 6 $100/$200, senior 55+ $30/$60 (resident/non-resident)
Concord · Concord & Cabarrus
An 80,000-square-foot indoor water park kept at 84 degrees that families can visit without an overnight stay by buying a full or half day pass.
Year-round (indoor)
Hours vary by date (shown on the lodge's water park calendar); Half Day Pass runs 4 p.m. to close
Day passes from $40 (price varies by date); full-day and half-day passes; free for kids 2 and under; non-refundable
Bessemer City · Gaston County
Lifeguarded city pool with a water slide and concession stand, also rentable for evening parties.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
$5 per person
Cramerton · Gaston County
Town pool with a wading pool and low-cost snacks; it also hosts a July 4th pool party.
Memorial Day weekend through the second Saturday of August (weekends only until the first full week of June, then daily)
Mon-Thu 12:00 - 6:00 PM; Fri-Sat 12:00 - 5:00 PM; Sun 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Ages 3+: Cramerton residents free (bring ID), non-residents $7; 2 and under free; cash only. Non-resident season pass $130 individual, $290 family of 4
Gastonia · Gaston County
Renovated city pool (reopened 2024) with zero-depth entry, a two-story waterslide, lap lanes and splash features.
Memorial Day through Labor Day (city swimming pools page)
Not posted (public swim runs in multiple sessions; tickets sold a half hour before each session)
Gastonia · Gaston County
Outdoor city pool with a lazy river, waterslide, zero-depth entry and fountain features, run in timed sessions.
Memorial Day through Labor Day
Two public swim sessions: 12:30 - 3:00 PM and 3:30 - 6:00 PM; tickets sold a half hour before each session
$4 per person per session (ages 1 and up); no cash accepted
Cherryville · Gaston County
Outdoor public pool in Cherryville's Ballard recreation park, steps from the free splash pad.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
YMCA members free; non-members $5
Waxhaw · Monroe & Indian Trail
Union County's lake park near Waxhaw has a lifeguarded sandy swim beach rather than a pool, along with pedal boats and mini golf - call ahead, because the beach depends on lifeguard staffing.
Summer; check the park for beach dates
$4 per car park entrance ($8 car with trailer)
Monroe · Monroe & Indian Trail
A 2.5-acre city-run outdoor water park with two corkscrew slides (46-inch height minimum), a zero-depth entry pool and kid-sized water features, and families can buy a day pass without being members.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Included with MAFC membership; public day guest $30 (ages 3+) or $10 (ages 0-2), water park only; guest of a member $15 / $5; no guests on weekends and holidays until after July 4
Lancaster · Indian Land
Indian Land has no public pool or splash pad of its own, so this Lancaster County outdoor pool in the city of Lancaster is the closest county-run option, with low-cost daily swims and children 12 and under needing an adult along.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
$3 per person per day (all ages); season pass $75 individual or $150 family of up to 5
Charlotte · North Charlotte
A county outdoor pool with a 50-meter pool, diving well and waterslide, plus free summer swim lessons for ages 3-15.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
$2 county residents age 1 and up, $3 non-county residents, infants under 12 months free
Charlotte · North Charlotte
A family-friendly county outdoor pool with a zero-depth entry play area for little ones, a slide and free summer swim lessons for ages 3-15.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
$2 county residents age 1 and up, $3 non-county residents, infants under 12 months free
Charlotte · Uptown
An indoor county swim center in Uptown with a 50-meter pool, diving well and a warm 25-yard pool with a ramp entry.
Open year-round (indoor)
Mon-Thu 5:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m., Fri 5:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m., Sat 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun 1 - 6 p.m. (pools close 30 minutes before the building; warm pool closed 4 - 9 p.m. for lessons)
Daily pass: county residents $8 ages 17 and under, $10 ages 18-54, $8 ages 55+; non-county $10 / $15 / $10; infants free
Charlotte · Uptown
The county's indoor water park, with a three-story slide, lazy river, current pool and a splash zone for kids under 48 inches, so rainy days still work.
Open year-round (indoor)
Currently posted: Mon-Thu closed, Fri 4 - 8 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun 1 - 6 p.m. Summer hours not posted.
Daily pass: county residents $8 ages 17 and under, $10 ages 18-54, $8 ages 55+; non-county $10 / $15 / $10; infants free
Charlotte · South Charlotte
A county recreation center off Tyvola Road with an indoor pool, gym and fitness area for a swim in any weather.
Open year-round (indoor)
Pool: Mon-Thu 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and 5 - 8:30 p.m., Fri-Sat 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Sun 1 - 4:30 p.m.
Daily pass: county residents $8 ages 17 and under, $10 ages 18-54, $8 ages 55+; non-county $10 / $15 / $10; infants free
Huntersville · Lake Norman
The outdoor pool area at Huntersville's town-linked fitness and aquatics center, with a zero-entry pool, slides and a play fun house for kids.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Not posted (HFFA is a membership facility; call 704-766-2222)
Charlotte / Fort Mill · York County SC
Carowinds' water park on the NC-SC line with giant slides, wave pools and a three-acre kids' area, open to anyone with park admission.
Summer season; 2027 operating calendar not posted yet
Not posted for 2027 (see the Carowinds Calendar & Hours page)
Included with Carowinds park admission or a season pass/membership - no separate waterpark ticket. Daily ticket prices vary by date.
Rock Hill · York County SC
Two city-run outdoor pools at Rock Hill recreation centers, with some of the lowest swim fees in the area.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
$0.75 ages 0-17, $2 ages 18+ (cash)
Nothing in this section near that area yet - try "Everywhere".
Concord · Concord & Cabarrus
Free outdoor movie nights that rotate among Concord city parks, with food for sale and kids required to have a parent or guardian along.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Harrisburg · Concord & Cabarrus
Free family movies on a giant outdoor screen in Harrisburg Park with free popcorn and kids' activities before the show.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Kannapolis · Concord & Cabarrus
Free family movies on Friday nights at the Village Park amphitheater as part of the city's Discover Fun summer series - bring blankets or lawn chairs.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free, no ticket required
Belmont · Gaston County
Free family films on a jumbo outdoor screen in downtown Belmont, with free arcade games and cornhole before the show.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free (popcorn and snacks for sale)
Cramerton · Gaston County
Town-hosted outdoor movie nights on the green in downtown Cramerton, near riverfront restaurants.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Waxhaw · Monroe & Indian Trail
Free family movie nights at the Downtown Park amphitheater (301 Givens St.) with food, crafts, activities and costumed characters.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Charlotte · North Charlotte
A free weekly outdoor movie night of '80s, '90s and 2000s favorites with retro arcade games and Camp North End food and drinks - bring a chair or blanket.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Charlotte · Uptown
Free family-friendly movies on the lawn of an Uptown neighborhood park, with classic kid favorites mixed into the summer lineup.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Pineville · South Charlotte
Pineville's summer series alternates concerts and family movie nights at Lake Park, with kid-friendly films on the schedule.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Davidson · Lake Norman
A free monthly outdoor movie night downtown, presented with Ben & Jerry's Davidson, with themed trivia before each film.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Huntersville · Lake Norman
Free PG movies under the stars at rotating Huntersville parks, with games and free popcorn before the show.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Mooresville · Lake Norman
Free outdoor movie screenings with local food vendors in downtown Mooresville's Liberty Park, run by the town's Arts & Events team.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Nothing in this section near that area yet - try "Everywhere".
Kannapolis · Concord & Cabarrus
A summer-league baseball game, a live country concert and a big fireworks finale at the downtown Kannapolis ballpark.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Tickets from $8
Harrisburg · Concord & Cabarrus
A two-night festival in Harrisburg Park with rides, live music and fireworks each night, and the town also lists free spots to watch the show from.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Harrisburg residents: free admission and free ride wristband if picked up early (otherwise $15 at the event). Non-residents: $5 admission per person per day; $15 ride-and-admission wristband online/early or $20 at the event
Kannapolis · Concord & Cabarrus
A free pre-Fourth evening with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra followed by fireworks at the Village Park amphitheater.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free, no ticket required
Mount Pleasant · Concord & Cabarrus
A small-town early Independence Day party with a Main Street parade, local restaurant tastings, live music and a fireworks show at Town Hall.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Cherryville · Gaston County
Main Street block party with food trucks, live music and shopping that ends with fireworks.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Gastonia · Gaston County
Downtown Gastonia's July 4th party with live music, food trucks, a free KidsZone and a fireworks finale (event page hosted by the City of Gastonia).
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Not posted (KidsZone is free)
Cramerton · Gaston County
Hometown evening with live brass music, food vendors and face painting, capped by the town's biggest fireworks show.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Not posted (face painting free)
Mount Holly · Gaston County
Early-summer downtown street party with a DJ, a 70s tribute band, food trucks and fireworks over Main Street.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free (Kids Zone wristbands $5 per child)
Belmont · Gaston County
Belmont's Independence Day concert in Stowe Park that wraps up with a fireworks show - bring chairs or blankets.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Indian Trail · Monroe & Indian Trail
Indian Trail's biggest event of the year brings carnival rides, magic shows, dinosaur meet-and-greets and food trucks to Crooked Creek Park, then ends with fireworks - there is no parking on site, so families ride free shuttles from nearby schools.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Marshville · Monroe & Indian Trail
Marshville celebrates a week early in its town park with food trucks, live music and fireworks.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Monroe · Monroe & Indian Trail
Downtown Monroe's street party with a kids zone of bounce houses and carnival games, food trucks and live music, ending with fireworks launched from Don Griffin Park that can be seen across much of the city.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Wingate · Monroe & Indian Trail
The Town of Wingate's summer kickoff festival at the Wingate University lake wraps up with a fireworks show at 9 p.m.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Lancaster (Buford) · Indian Land
Lancaster County Parks & Recreation's Independence Day eve festival with rides, food trucks, live music and a hot dog eating contest, capped with fireworks - this is the county's own show, since no Indian Land fireworks were posted.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free entry
Charlotte · Uptown
An Uptown July 4th party with live entertainment, food trucks, a kids' zone and a simulcast of the Symphony concert, ending with a drone show and fireworks.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Charlotte · Uptown
The Charlotte Symphony plays a patriotic concert on the Knights' ballpark field, followed by a drone show and the WBT SkyShow fireworks.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Tickets $25 - $120 (Club 93 seats $30)
Matthews · South Charlotte
Matthews kicks off the holiday a day early with food trucks, inflatables and live music downtown, then free fireworks over the Sportsplex.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Cornelius · Lake Norman
A free evening concert by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra at the Bailey Road Park bandshell, followed by fireworks if weather allows.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Mooresville · Lake Norman
The Lowe's YMCA's Fourth celebration with live music, food trucks and a fireworks finale, backed by the town.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
York · York County SC
York's annual July 4th evening with live music, food trucks and fireworks (source is the Rock Hill/York County visitors bureau - the city website blocked our check).
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Fort Mill · York County SC
Town celebration with tribute bands, a kid zone, a living-history camp and vendors, ending in a fireworks show.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Lake Wylie · York County SC
Lakeside July 4th fireworks near the Buster Boyd Bridge (source is the visitors bureau - organizer page not found).
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Charlotte / Fort Mill · York County SC
Three nights of patriotic fireworks inside Carowinds after a day of rides and Carolina Harbor water fun.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Requires Carowinds park admission or season pass; optional VIP viewing area $40
Tega Cay · York County SC
Tega Cay's Fourth of July eve party pairs a live country band with a land parade and caps the night with fireworks over Runde Park.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Rock Hill · York County SC
Rock Hill's Old Town Independence Day party with live music, family activities, food vendors and a fireworks finale.
2027 dates not posted yet - check their website
Free
Nothing in this section near that area yet - try "Everywhere".
Looking for a summer camp? My Goods & Services directory lists local camps, and the summer issues of the Kids' Directory are packed with them.
Know a splash pad, movie night or fireworks show I'm missing? Tell me about it and I'll check it and add it.
