Play it Cool by the Pool
The dog days of summer are upon us, and you may find yourself desperately searching for a place to cool off in the July heat. Break out your swimsuits and sunscreen, because you don’t have to go far to find a swimming pool or splash pad in downtown Raleigh! Here are five inexpensive or free places to cool off in the city:
Splash pads at John Chavis Memorial Park and Moore Square, 505 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd. & 201 S. Blount St.
The kids will delight in the alternating streams of water shooting up from the ground in these newly renovated Raleigh parks. Both splash pads are open seasonally during park hours and are free to visit.
Longview Pool, 321 Bertie Dr.
Tucked in the King Charles neighborhood behind Enloe High School, Longview is a downtown staple for summer fun! Featuring a baby pool, lap lanes, and main recreational pool, you can cool off for a low daily admission fee ranging from $2-$6. There are no chairs at this facility (pack a towel to sit on) and hours vary, so check the website before you go.
Pullen Aquatic Center, 410 Ashe Ave.
Another great public pool option, Pullen Indoor Aquatic Center offers daily recreational swim, adult lap lanes, exercise classes, clinics, and more. Located on the edge of Pullen Park off Western Blvd., the aquatic center is open year-round and admission fees range from $2-$6 per day, with multi-day and annual passes available, too.
Southeast Raleigh YMCA, 1436 Rock Quarry Rd.
YMCA members (and guests, depending on the day) have access to the Southeast Raleigh YMCA outdoor pool, open from May through October. The heated pool features a kids play area, a waterslide, lap lanes, and plenty of shade, making it the perfect family pool - and a great place to cool off after a workout!
Lake Raleigh, 2450 Alumni Dr.
Although you can’t technically swim in this lake, being surrounded by water is the next best thing to being in it! Grab your paddle boards and enjoy this stunning lake right next to NC State’s Centennial Campus, just 3 miles outside of Downtown Raleigh. It was created as a reservoir for the City in the early 1900s, and is now an ideal spot for fishing, hiking and kayaking within city limits. Pro tip: Get free parking all day at the Park Alumni Center. The lake is open from dawn until dusk.