A Guide to Charleston Area Splash Pads & Waterparks

When it gets hot and humid in Charleston, spending time in the water is a must! There are so many great splash pads and waterparks in Charleston that we love! Here’s everything you need to know about these local places to stay cool this spring and summer.

Did we miss one? Let us know by emailing [email protected]

*Please note – While we make every effort to crosscheck current links and event details on our guides, we always encourage you to do the same before making final plans. If details are missing or incorrect, please let us know so that we can correct them.

And don’t forget to check out some of our other resources:

• Ultimate Guide to Summer Camps
• Guide to Cold Treats for Hot Charleston Days!
• Ultimate Guide to Summer in Charleston

Charleston Area Splash Pads:

James Island County Park (James Island)

• Admission is $2/person or free with a gold pass
• The splash pad is free (Splash Zone is extra)
• Great shaded areas, bathrooms on-site, picnic tables, and near the playground

Wannamaker County Park (North Charleston)

• Admission is $2/person or free with a gold pass
• The splash pad is free (Whirling Waters is extra)
• Great shade, bathrooms onsite, near the playground

Riverfront Park (North Charleston)

• Free admission
• Fountain feature for kids to run through right by the river. Playground and bathrooms on site

Waterfront Park (Downtown Charleston)

• Free admission (pay for most parking downtown)
• Two large fountain features kids can play in right by the water, large green space to play, limited shade, no onsite bathrooms

Ashley River Park (Summerville)

• This brand new park boasts not only a splash pad, but also a playground, picnic shelters, zipline, and more!
• Open from dawn to dusk, daily

Daniel Island Waterfront Park (Daniel Island)

• With two public piers with a paddleboard launch and dog ramp, an interactive fountain, waterfront swings, a hammock garden, children’s play area, condominium and townhouse units, a restaurant, and a café, this park will keep the whole family entertained! The fountain even has color-changing lights!

Waterparks

*Please see the following note from Charleston County Parks regarding the 2022 season:

Due to a lifeguard staffing shortage, we are reducing operating days and closing select attractions at Splash Zone on James Island and Splash Island in Mt. Pleasant. Whirlin’ Waters in North Charleston is operating on their normal schedule and all attractions will be open. Basic Splash Pass holders will be able to visit Whirlin’ Waters on Mondays and Tuesdays only due to these changes.

Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark (North Charleston)

• Located at North Charleston Wannamaker County Park
• 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Open Weekends Only & Memorial Day: May 21-30
  • Open Daily June 4 – August 14
  • Open Weekends Only & Labor Day: August 20 – September 5
• General Admission: $21.99 per person ($12.99 per person after 3:00 p.m. Monday – Friday only), Under 48”: $16.99 per person, Seniors 60+: $11.99 per person, Children 2 and under: Free

Splash Island Waterpark (Mt. Pleasant)

• Located at Palmetto Islands County Park
• 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Open Wednesdays – Saturdays: through August 14
  • Open Saturdays, Sundays & Labor Day: August 20 – September 5
• General Admission: $7.99 per person, Under 48”: $6.99 per person, Seniors 60+: $4.99 per person, Children 2 and under: Free, Groups: $6.99 per person (must have a group size of 20 or more people)

Splash Zone Waterpark (James Island)

• Located within James Island County Park
• Through August 14
  • Open Wednesdays – Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Open Sundays: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
  • Open Monday, July 4, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• August 20 – September 5
  • Weekends Only and Labor Day, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• General Admission: $11.99 per person, Under 48”: $9.99 per person, Seniors 60+: $6.99 per person, Children 2 and under: Free, Groups: $9.99 per person (must have a group size of 20 or more people)

Charleston Aqua Park (Johns Island)

• Open Monday and Tuesday, noon – 5 p.m., Wednesday through Friday noon – 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday noon – 5 p.m.
• Book a 45 minutes session for $18
• Must be 6 years and older to participate

How do you beat the heat during the summer?