Here’s everything you need to know about the 2026 season at the top North Carolina water parks, from ticket prices to honest reviews.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to waterparks: Parents either loathe them as a cesspool of overstimulation and exhaustion or adore them for the unbridled freedom and fun they allow for kids to run wild. I fall somewhere in between, and I definitely consider them a childhood staple that all should experience at least once.
Fortunately, North Carolina waterparks offer something for everyone: There are full, over-the-top, giant waterparks with every water ride and attraction you could imagine, smaller community pools and rec center splash pad options, and even a natural water flow playground, no chlorine required. Opening day for many North Carolina waterparks is just around the corner, so if you’re shopping for some summer bucket list items or are in the market for a season pass, we have all the information you need to know.
1. Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park
- Opening date: May 16, 2026
- Highlights: Thrill water slides, racing slides, multiple areas for younger kids, season pass
- Cost: $60/day pass, season passes start at $105 online
Wet ‘n Wild Emerald Pointe Water Park in Greensboro carries the most expensive VIP all-season pass we found, at $170 annually, but the highest-tier option does include a lot of perks, like free parking, free cabana upgrades (based on availability), a refillable souvenir cup, access to special events, dining discounts, and unlimited admission all season long.
This North Carolina water park is one of the largest on our list and includes everything you could want, from major thrill-seeking water slides, racing slides, drop slides, and more relaxed slides. There is even a full pirate ship “wreck” to explore and plenty of water play areas for younger kids. You can plan on staying a full day because this water park offers the most food and drink options of any park on our list, too—they have plenty of food and snack choices, from full pizzas to quick grab-and-go snacks to every summer day of fun staple, ice cream.
Our rating: You simply can’t go wrong with this one!
2. H2OBX Waterpark
- Opening date: May 23, 2026
- Highlights: Cabanas, all-age attractions, under age 2 free
- Price: Starts at $38/day; season passes start at $120 annual pass
H2OBX Waterpark in Powells Point is an ideal North Carolina water park choice for any family with kids under the age of two, because tots get in completely free. This waterpark offers the most ticket and pass options of any on our list, including discounts for senior citizens and military personnel, post-3 p.m. tickets, a family rate, and an 8-day vacation pass. They also provide the option to break up your annual pass payment into two $60 monthly payments if you prefer.
Like the Wet `n Wild Emerald, H2OBX waterpark is the full, top-tier experience, with thrill and family slides, play and lounge areas, and the popular FlowRider surf simulator (reservations are required to experience the flow). Dare we say, the pirate ship water feature at H2OBX is the best in our list. Coolers and outside food are not allowed in the park, but dining options are available for purchase (of course). Water bottles are permitted, and there are refill stations in the park.
Our rating: A water park that has it all, with flexible pass options for vacationers and families.
3. Carolina Harbor Waterpark at Carowinds
- Opening date: May 23, 2026
- Highlights: Free pre-k pass, dual park and waterpark access, adult-only lounge
- Price: Starting at $40 daily/season passes start at $90
Carolina Harbor Waterpark at Carowinds in Charlotte is attached to Six Flags, so it’s a pretty epic North Carolina water park experience. It’s not exactly your drag-your-wagon-to-the-local-pool situation, but more of a pack-your-bags-it’s-going-to-be-a-wild-ride time. The waterpark features include thrill slides, a boogie board racer, relaxing pools, an adults-only lounge, kids’ areas, and a 400,000-gallon wave pool meant to mimic the ocean.
As much as the waterpark has to offer, they do make the experience accessible, even if you have young kids and won’t be able to experience the Six Flags side too. For instance, they offer a really cool Pre-K free kids pass program for kids ages 3-5 to use at Carowinds. All season passes and daily tickets give you access to both the waterpark and Six Flags, so you get two parks for the price of one. You can’t buy access just to the waterpark, but the waterpark does have separate access if you want to skip the amusement park. Plus, the ticket price is even lower than at some parks with only water features, so it’s not a bad deal at all.
Our rating: Best for ultimate thrill-seekers who want the added fun of Six Flags.
4. Fantasy Lake Adventure Park
- Opening date: May 16, 2026
- Highlights: Water inflatable course and scuba diving
- Price: Course day passes start at $45
Fantasy Lake Adventure Park in Wake Forest is not a typical North Carolina water park experience; instead, it’s a full floating inflatable obstacle course and play area. And if you’re picturing just a few floating tubes, we promise that’s not what we’re talking about. The park is aptly named as an adventure, because the features and obstacle course are huge, with giant slides, rope swings, “cliff” jumping, floating cabanas, and so much more. The main park features are best for older kids and teens, but there is also a separate, smaller waterpark experience for ages 3 and 4.
Fantasy Lake also includes a unique scuba diving station, where certified divers can dive for the day, book time, or get certified as a diver or instructor. Many training programs use the lake for their diving instruction. Be aware that if you visit the park, even if you don’t plan on using any of the water features, you will need to buy at least the $15 visitor pass to get in. And most visits are timed, with mandatory breaks between sessions, even the all-day passes.
Our rating: Best for older kids and teens looking for a floating waterpark experience.
5. Great Wolf Lodge
- Opening date: Open year-round
- Highlights: Indoor waterpark, on-site rooms, dining, and entertainment
- Price: Day passes start at $55, but do vary based on time and season
Great Wolf Lodge in Concord is an outlier on our list because it’s an indoor waterpark. Still, sometimes you just need a break from the sun, and Great Wolf Lodge is a beloved North Carolina water park family favorite because it offers a full vacation-like experience for the family. The indoor water park is top-tier, with a mix of thrill and family slides, leisure pools, and play structures, although I will say it is geared towards an under-10 crowd.
For instance, you can book an entire overnight stay package at the resort, where kids can stay in themed rooms with features like camping tents or wolf “dens.” (My kids have always gotten a huge kick out of the suites!) Then, you can add on other fun entertainment, like the Magic Quest game that keeps them busy running up and down the halls for clues and quests, bowling, a rope course, arcade, mini golf, laser tag, gem mining, and more. Plus, there’s on-site pizza, ice cream, and a candy shop. If you don’t want to stay overnight, Great Wolf Lodge is also ideal for birthday parties, and you can buy a day pass or a post-4 p.m. pass for later play too.
Our rating: Best for the under-10 crowd for an indoor waterpark experience with add-ons that feels like a vacation.
6. Monroe Water Park
- Opening date: May 2 for weekends only; All week: May 24
- Highlights: Low price, available for rentals, staffed with lifeguards
- Price: $50 membership to the center includes waterpark access; Day pass is $30/day for non-members
Kicking things down a notch to the local level, the Monroe Water Park in Monroe is a community center North Carolina water park option with 2.5 acres of affordable outdoor fun. It is fully staffed with trained lifeguards, offers birthday party rental packages, and has slides, play areas, and water features like sprayers and toddler slides.
Water park access is included for all community center members, or you can purchase a public guest day pass. Members of the center can bring a guest to the waterpark for $15/day, but there’s a catch: Guest friends aren’t allowed on weekends or holidays until after July 4th.
Our rating: Best for community center members who want outdoor waterpark access.
7. White Lake Water Park
- Opening date: May 23
- Highlights: Bumper boats, thrill slides, leisure pools, coolers permitted
- Price: Starting at $12/person
We like to think of the White Lake Water Park in White Lake as a blend of the mega water park and local community pool feel option, because while it has it all, from thrill slides to twist-and-turn slides to wave pools to toddler areas, it also somehow manages to feel accessible enough to take the kids for the day with your friends and not be completely overwhelmed. We don’t want to mislead you—this place is big, with a 100,000-gallon beach pool and the coolest “Bumper Boats” enclosed pool for both floating and bumping. But as a mom who has navigated waterparks with five kids in tow solo, this is exactly the type of North Carolina water park that would be my speed because there’s something for everyone without feeling like too much.
I also love that they allow you to bring in your own cooler (for a $10 fee), because honestly, that 10 bucks will save you far more than what you’d spend on concessions. Although if you start craving a food stand burger or hot dog, there is plenty of food available to purchase. The prices are also very affordable, with discounted prices for younger children and late afternoon admission.
Our rating: Best for a low-price waterpark that has it all but isn’t completely overwhelming. And you can bring your own food!
8. Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park
- Opening date: May 16
- Highlights: Water park and “dry” side with slides, laser tag, go-karts, wall climbing, mini golf, dining, and arcade
- Price: Day pass, $52; season pass starts at $$180/person
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park in Wilmington is a full outdoor North Carolina water park, but it also has add-on entertainment, like a full go-kart course, wall climbing, mini golf, an arcade, bowling, and even an indoor playground for bad-weather days or when you just need an air-conditioned break. Juggling the two might be tricky if you have kids who require a lot of hands-on help with changing and drying off, but from a mom’s perspective, the dual-and-dry option could be ideal for older kids and teens who may get bored quickly.
Day and season passes do include access to the “dry” part of the park, too, but the actual activities are add-ons, unless you’ve purchased a bundled pass that includes them. The unlimited season pass gives you waterpark access and one free activity on Sundays (laser tag is excluded).
Our rating: Best for families who want waterpark and out-of-water entertainment options.
9. Salty Pirate Waterpark
- Opening date: May 23
- Highlights: Ocean-side water park, thrill slides, toddler areas
- Price: not available yet
Salty Pirate Waterpark in Emerald Isle is a North Carolina water park currently undergoing renovation, set to reveal its brand-new reopening on Memorial Day weekend. We can’t see the full details yet because the new website has not been revealed, but the park promises the Crystal Coast’s longest water slide, a signature triple-tube slide, and ocean-side fun.
Our rating: We’re looking forward to seeing the new park for the season on Memorial Day.
10. Lions Water Adventure
- Opening date: May 23
- Highlights: Lap lanes, lazy river, slides, low ticket prices
- Price: $10 weekdays, $15 for weekends and holidays
We’re a little obsessed with the North Carolina waterpark Lions Water Adventure in Kinston because it’s just so fun. It has the ideal mix of large water park features and community aspects like a lap lane pool, budget-friendly prices, and an accessible footprint. The park does sell out some days, so online tickets are encouraged, and they also have convenient features like early-access days to get into the park at 10 a.m. and jumpstart your fun before the crowds.
The only drawback we can see is that the park, like many North Carolina waterparks, does not allow outside food in, but concessions are available. The park is also focused on accessibility, named after its donor, Lions Industries for the Blind of Kinston, so you’ll find blind and visually-impaired patron assistance features throughout the park. Season passes aren’t available, but you can become a member of the Kinston Community Center for year-round access to the entire center. The competitive and therapy pools are covered by a temporary inflatable “bubble” for year-round members after the summer season.
Our rating: This waterpark is a clear, affordable winner for local families and guests.
11. Winston Waterworks Water Park
- Opening date: not listed
- Highlights: Spray fountain, play pool, water slide, lazy river
- Price: $5/day for adults; Season passes: $75/person
The Winston Waterworks Water Park in Winston-Salem is a North Carolina water park on a smaller scale, but it’s ideal for local residents who want to cool off or families with young children who aren’t ready for a larger water park experience. They offer season family or individual passes for greater savings, and non-members can also join in on the water fun.
You will find a full outdoor competitive and lap lane pool, amenities, and water park features, including a water spray function, play pool, one large water slide, and a lazy river. We also think that even though this is a community member pool, it has something that even the fanciest water park doesn’t: a diving platform.
Our rating: Winston Waterworks provides a solid value for a local, smaller-scale water park.
12. Lake Lure Beach and Water Park
- Opening date: May 23
- Highlights: Beach and water park admission in one price
- Price: $12/adults, kids under 4 are free
Lake Lure Beach and Water Park in Lake Lure is a North Carolina water park with a twist, because it’s also located on the beach. One price gives you access to both fun water features, including beachfront lounging and swimming, and the water park with slides that deposit you right into the lake, an inflatable floating water park complete with an obstacle course, and even a water balloon “battleground.”
We also love the casual and relaxed vibe of this water park: coolers are welcome, and kids under age 4 are free. And if you forget anything, there’s a full retail store that sells everything from towels and sunscreens to floats and kayak rentals.
Our rating: Best for beachfront swimming with a side of water park fun!
13. Sun Crest Water Park
- Opening date: Not listed
- Highlights: Natural flow waterpark
- Price: Not listed
The Sun Crest Water Park in Taylorsville is described as a “playground in the water,” and while it has somewhat of a mysterious feel without an operating website at the moment, its Facebook page reveals a lagoon of pure fun.
The North Carolina water park describes itself as a “natural water flow” park, making it ideal for anyone who cannot swim in chlorine. The water park is situated riverside and includes built-in play features like a shark slide, rope swing, rock slides, swimming areas, and lots of lounging and beautiful landscaping. An official opening date has not been listed yet, but watch their Facebook page for updates.
Our rating: Best for anyone sensitive to chlorine or who wants a unique natural water playground experience.
