Inside: Lots of options for swimming and splashing in the Upstate area. Use the orange buttons below to jump to the activities you are more interested in.
Where can families swim near Greenville, SC? With creeks, lakes, pools, and waterparks, Greenville, SC has a lot of places to swim and splash! The best way to beat the humid, summer heat is at a splash pad in Greenville, SC, or by finding somewhere to go swimming! [Updated for summer 2026!]
This guide is your one-stop shop to find all the best local pools, splash pads, creek stomping places, and swimming holes. We have all the details when it comes to places to swim in Greenville, SC! If we missed any places to swim, let us know in the comments!
Best Places to Swim & Splash: Who Has KABOOM?
The KABOOM Awards are Kidding Around’s annual best of contest. Readers say these are the TOP 5 Places to Swim & Splash in Greenville, SC
Also, if you plan to visit a park for swimming, check with the location before you head out as some places may close for various reasons throughout the summer. We also advocate following the Leave No Trace principles and recreating responsibly.
Lakes and Swimming Holes: Greenville, SC
Sandy Beaches in the Upstate
The ocean is a bit of a drive, but there are many places where you can find a sandy beach within a significantly shorter drive. These Sandy Beaches near Upstate, SC are open for swimming and are all located in the mountains and foothills.
Swimming Holes Near Greenville
Looking for an old-fashioned swimming hole? To see more lakes and waterfall basins where you can take a dip, see this list of Swimming Holes Near Greenville!
Recreational Lakes for Swimming: Greenville, SC
It’s hard not to love lake swimming. Greenville, SC and the Upstate area offer a number of lakes that have recreational swimming and other watersports. We have gathered a list of the best recreational lakes near Greenville, SC!
If you’re looking for fishing, boating, kayaking, and places for other water adventures, check out this list of recreational lakes near Greenville.
Creek & Waterfall Hikes Near Greenville
Creeks
Creek stomping is a great way to make hiking fun even in the summer heat. These 8 places are some of our favorite spots for playing in creeks.
Waterfall Hikes
This list of waterfall hikes includes several waterfalls that you can swim near.
River Tubing Near Greenville
One great way to enjoy the water in the summer is by tubing down a river. This list includes some of our favorite places to tube and also has tips for how to enjoy your adventure. Due to Hurricane Helene damage, there are no tubing outfitters opening this summer on the Green River. Our story linked above has all the details on places that are open.
Water Parks Near Greenville
Greenville County Waterparks
Opening May 23rd, 2026: Greenville County Waterparks: Swim classes for older toddlers on up – be aware, many summer day camps visit these parks midweek so those times can be busier, call ahead if this is a concern for you. Pets are not allowed.
- 7th Inning Splash – 1500 Piedmont Highway, Piedmont
Includes various water slides, including a bowl, baseball-themed splash pad, and full pool. 1500 Piedmont Highway, Piedmont
Pricing: 2026 at $9.00+tax (48″+) and $8.00+tax (47″/seniors) - Otter Creek – 101 W Darby Road, Greenville
Includes multiple water slides, a splash pad, zero-entry pool. Check it out here.
Pricing: 2026 at $14.50+tax (42″+) and $11.00+tax (41″/seniors) - Discovery Island – 417 Baldwin Road, Simpsonville
Includes a lazy river, water slides (including tube sliders that my tall three-year-old could go on with us), aquatic playground, “FlowRider” wave surfing (great for older kids), and nearby Southside Park playground (near parking lot exit)
Pricing: 2026 at $15.50+tax (48″+) and $11.00+tax (47″/seniors)
Shipwreck Cove
Opening May 23, 2026: Shipwreck Cove – This waterpark is in Duncan for those a bit east of Greenville. There is a lazy river, two water play areas – one for younger kids and one for older kids, slides, and more! Pets are not allowed.
119 S Spencer Street, Duncan
Pricing: Adult admission $11-$14.50, season passes ~$100/person
Water Parks within Driving Distance
Pets are not allowed at these places unless stated otherwise.
Dollywood Splash Country, Pigeon Forge, TN: This waterpark is only open during the summer and is a lot of fun for families.
Soaky Mountain, Sevierville, TN: This waterpark is a blast and is close to Gatlinburg.
Wilderness at the Smokies, Sevierville, TN: This houses the largest indoor waterpark in Tennessee, plus has two other outdoor waterparks open in the summer. It is directly across the street from Soaky Mountain and they offer discounted passes there.
Fins Up Water Park, Lanier Islands, GA: This awesome water park has lots of water slides, a water coaster, beach, aqua course, splash pad, and wave pool.
The Great Wolf Lodge in Concord, NC: Our families really enjoy this indoor waterpark option in nearby Charlotte.
Wild Bear Falls Water Park at the Westgate Smoky Mountain Resort in Gatlinburg, TN: This is an indoor water park at a fantastic resort in Gatlinburg, about three hours from Greenville. It’s open year-round.
SouthTown Wake Park, Rock Hill, SC: This wake park offers wakeboarding and a floating obstacle course.
Charleston Aqua Park, Charleston, SC: This obstacle course at Trophy Lakes is just one of the fun water activities at the lake.
Check out this guide to 6 floating obstacle courses at aqua parks in SC and Georgia!
Enjoy a FREE Splash Pad: Greenville, SC & The Upstate
Splash pads in our area are usually open by Memorial Day weekend unless otherwise noted. Pets are not allowed inside splash pads.
Splash Pad: Greenville, SC
The Fountain Inn Splash Pad – This splash pad is open on Main Street in Fountain Inn. There is plenty of shade and they are open 8 am – 11 pm daily. 104 N Main Street, Fountain Inn
Opens May 1, 2026: The huge Unity Park in Greenville includes a large playground and splash pad that is open on Monday from 1 pm – sunset and Tuesdays – Sundays from 9 am – sunset. 320 S Hudson Street, Greenville.
Splash Pad: Spartanburg, SC
There are some seriously awesome places to splash and play around Spartanburg, SC. For your convenience, we’ve put together this list of Spartanburg splash pads and when they open!
Open May 16, 2026 – Labor Day (9 am – 8 pm) Tyger River Park Splash Pad – This public splash pad is located in Duncan at the large Tyger River Park. The park has fields, green space, walking trails, and a two large playgrounds for big kids and littles. There’s not much shade, so wear sunscreen and hats and check the temperature of play equipment.
179 Dillard Road, Duncan, SC
Open May 16, 2026 – Labor Day (9 am – 8 pm) Va-Du-Mar McMillan Park – The park includes a newer playground and splash pad.
591 McMillin Blvd, Boiling Springs, SC
Open Memorial Day – Labor Day (9 am – 7 pm) Airport Park – This playground features an aviation-themed splash pad.
500 Ammons Road, Spartanburg, SC
Open Memorial Day – Labor Day (9 am – 7 pm) Barnet Park Splash Pad – This beautiful green space in downtown Spartanburg features an interactive water fountain that children can play in. It’s also within walking distance of the free Sparkle City mini putt.
248 E St John Street, Spartanburg, SC
Open Memorial Day – Labor Day (9 am – 7 pm) Stewart Park – This park not only includes a splash pad, but also has two outdoor basketball courts, a walking trail, a covered picnic area, a walking trail, and a playground.
453 Beacon Street, Spartanburg, SC
Open Memorial Day – Labor Day (8 am – 8 pm) McKinney Park – This is another great park to check out that has a splash pad. Covered picnic areas, a playground, and ball fields make for a fun day out in the sun, with the benefit of water play
E Pine Street, Woodruff, SC
Splash Pad: Anderson, SC
2026 Opening Date May 23, 2026: Carolina Wren Park in Anderson – Situated right in downtown Anderson.
111 E Whitner Street, Anderson
Opens May 23, 2026 (follow them Facebook since their hours change): Kid Venture 2.0 – splash pad + playground.
7 Jim Ed, Rice Circle, Anderson
More Splash Pads in South Carolina
Sesquicentennial State Park in Columbia, SC has an amazing splash pad, as well as a playground, a lake for paddling, and lots more. The splash pad is free with park admission. It’s fenced, has attached restrooms and changing areas, vending machines, and is conveniently located beside the parking lot.
Pools Where You Can Go Swimming: Greenville, SC
Greenville has a number of pools that offer public access either through a day pass or through membership. And if you need to sign your kid(s) up for swim lessons, we’ve got a round-up of some of our readers’ favorite swim lessons near Greenville, SC.
Gyms that Offer Pools
A gym membership can be a great way to have pool access all summer.
YMCA of Greenville Pool – The Caine Halter Family Y, the Eastside Family Y, and the Prisma Health Family Y all offer pools with certified lifeguards and cool water to keep you and the kids happy during the hot summer months. Learn more about Y locations and amenities.
The Caine Halter YMCA features an indoor pool, an outdoor pool, and a splash pad.
Greenville County Aquatic Complex – The Greenville County Aquatic Complex is an indoor pool at Westside Park that has both a competition pool and a therapy pool. You can purchase day passes, monthly, or yearly memberships.
2700 W Blue Ridge Drive, Greenville
Kroc Center – Our readers love this zero-entry indoor pool due to its fun pool playground/splash zone. Day passes are available for $12 per person in addition to memberships. You will need to make a reservation by phone or online beforehand under the Aquatics tab on the Kroc Center Greenville website.
424 Westfield Street, Greenville
Neighborhood Pools
Many neighborhood pools in the area offer memberships for non-residents. This list is specifically pools that offer non-resident memberships or day passes. Or, if you’re shopping for a new house, here’s a list of neighborhoods that have pools.
Pools Within Driving Distance
Buncombe County, North Carolina, is not a far drive, and the county offers several pools to choose from for public swimming. Passes are $4/per person per day. Information for opening day for 2026 is typically released before Memorial Day Weekend. Pools will be open 7 days a week starting June 7th.
- North Buncombe Pool | 734 Clarks Chapel Road, Weaverville, NC
- Cane Creek Pool | 590 Lower Brush Creek Road, Fletcher, NC
- Owen Pool | 117 Stone Drive, Swannanoa, NC
- Erwin Pool | 58 Lees Creek Road, Asheville, NC
- Hominy Valley Pool | 25 Twin Lakes Road, Candler, NC
Nearby Coastal Beaches
Driving to the ocean can be only around 3.5-5 hours from Greenville. We have a complete list of our favorite southeast beaches to travel to.
You’ve been reading our list of places to splash and swim near Greenville, SC.
We have lots more summer fun and things to check out for your family.
Keep reading!
Fun in the Sun!
Discover more amazing places to Swim and Splash Near Charlotte, NC
Heading towards Columbia? We have another list of places to cool off, swim and splash near Columbia, SC!
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Which water park would anybody recommended for a 4 & 1 year old?
We asked on Facebook for you! I’ve personally taken those ages to Discovery Island and had a blast. https://www.facebook.com/KiddingAroundGreenvilleSc/posts/980262655331837
Those of the ages of my kids and they generally do ok most places. I try to go on outings when my husband is free to join us so we have extra supervision. My best tip for water play is to get a “water wrap” or other waterproof baby carrier and wear the baby in that. You’ll be hands free to assist the older one:)
Kroc center: Zero entry pool?? Does that mean it’s free or do you have to have a membership?
No, that means that the pool starts at an extremely shallow “zero” depth (like the ocean) making it less difficult and intimidating for small or timid children to enter the water.
Hi, does anyone know where to get coupons for the Greenville waterparks? We live in Asheville but would love to go to Otter Creek on a day trip.
Thanks!
There are coupons in the 2016 Attractions Dining & Value Guide. It is currently sold out but the 2017 edition will hopefully be out mid-summer and should have the same coupons. Those are the only local coupons that I’m aware of.
We visited River today and the splash pad was not working 🙁
*Tyger River
Do you know where I can find a dog friendly park or place that is safe to take my dogs swimming? Thanks!