No more SignUp Genius reservations this summer – it’s time to get out and explore! We’ve come up with a few “outside of the box” ideas that will motivate you to get out and have some summer fun with your fam! #Summer2021BestOneYet
First up…
SouthTown Wake Park for the Bigs:
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SouthTown Wake Park has been the talk of the teen scene in South Charlotte. It’s such a good option to get outside safely and enjoy some Carolina sunshine while trying out some new tricks. SouthTown Wake Park has two custom lakes providing the ultimate experience for riders of all skill levels. The Get Started Lake is equipped with a beginner System 2.0 helping first-time riders to quick success! Riders on the main lake will enjoy practicing their skills on a full size cable and Unit Parktech features.
Cost: $35 and up for 2 hours or more
Hours: Open Daily from 12-8p
Location: 255 East Rambo Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Phone: 803-324-3020
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SouthTown/Union Aqua Park for the Littles:
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This inflatable obstacle course is perfect for ages 7 and up and 48 inches tall and is sure to add some fun to your summer.
Cost: $15/45 minutes
Hours: Open Daily from 12-8p
Location: 255 East Rambo Road, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Phone: 803-324-3020
Smarty Tip: Online Pre-booking is advised to guarantee your space. Walk-ups are welcome as space allows. Please arrive 15 minutes before your session. All participants must have completed an online waiver. Ages 7 and up
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U.S. National Whitewater Center
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Team CSP loves the U.S. National Whitewater Center for all kinds of fun activities including whitewater rafting, whitewater kayaking, flatwater kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, ziplines, adventure ropes courses, mountain biking, and more. Most activities require a pass, but for mountain biking and hiking, you just pay $6/day for parking.
Cost: $49/child (9 & under), $59/adult. Single activity passes start at $25.
Hours: 9a-7p
Location: 5000 Whitewater Center Parkway, Charlotte, NC 28214
Phone: 704.391.3900
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The Quarry at Carrigan Farms
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The Quarry is a Team Smarty favorite because it really feels like you’re on vacation yet it’s a pretty quick drive from just about anywhere in the QC. Located just outside Charlotte in Mooresville, The Quarry is fed by an underground spring and rimmed in rock that rises to 70 feet – it’s absolutely stunning. The water is emerald green and blue with gray granite cliffs and a white, sandy beach – it’s perfect for a family picnic and swimming on a hot Carolina day. For full details on planning your visit, click here.
Cost: $15 per person Mon-Fri and $20 per person on weekends and holidays
Hours: Monday – Friday 10a-3p (reservations are required, they often sell out). Friday – Sunday 4-9p, some Wednesdays
Location: 1213 Oak Ridge Farm Hwy
Mooresville, NC 28115
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Whitewater Rafting with High Mountain Expeditions
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Plan a full or half day rafting adventure with our friends at High Mountain Expeditions – your entire family will have a blast! With trips on the Watauga River and Nolichucky River, you’ll find the perfect rapids for your comfort level. Click here for all of our Smarty tips in planning your trip.
Cost: $85/person for full day trip; $65/adult and $55/kids for half day trip
Location: Boone & Banner Elk
Ages: 9 & up for full day trips; 3 & up for half day trips
Follow High Mountain Expeditions:
Reservations can be made online or over the phone (828) 266-RAFT.
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New River Tubing & Kayaking with High Mountain Expeditions
Tubing on the New River (just outside of Boone) is the perfect way to relax on a hot summer afternoon. The New River is one of the oldest and most prestigious rivers in the world. It flows north, from its headwaters in North Carolina into West Virginia and beyond. High Mountain Expeditions offers the unique opportunity to float this pure, clear, free flowing river. Water temperatures are inviting and offer a reprieve from the hot summer sun. Learn more about tubing here and kayaking/canoeing here. Find full details here when planning your trip.
Cost: $20/person + $10/cooler (might be fun to pack some libations:-)
Location: Boone, NC
Ages: All ages
Follow High Mountain Expeditions:
Reservations can be made online or over the phone (828) 266-RAFT.
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Wildwater Falling Waters Nantahala
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When you stay at Falling Waters Nantahala, you’re within walking distance of a variety of activities and within driving distance of even more! You can go rafting, ziplining, take a Jeep® tour, visit quaint Bryson City, mountain bike the Tsali Trail, kayak or canoe on Fontana Lake, hike numerous trails, or simply enjoy the gorgeous scenery from a comfortable chair. Scenic drives through Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway are less than an hour away.
Cost: Range
Ages: All
Follow Wildwater
Website | Reservations | Instagram | Facebook
Jesse Brown’s Outdoors: Top 5 places to hike and camp
Isn’t the outdoors a wonderful place? The air is cleaner, the woods bring serenity, and exploring new places improves not only mental health, but when coupled with an activity such as hiking and camping, physical health as well.
Well, one of the many tried and true hallmarks of Charlotte’s own Jesse Brown’s Outdoors, is in doing just that – outfitting, preparing, and supporting hikers, campers, and the local outdoor enthusiast community. And, the store has been doing this since 1970! In fact, the original sign featured two words: “Backpacking & Mountaineering.” The key to both of those activities? Click here to read more –>Hiking AND Camping!
Jesse Brown’s Outdoors
Sharon Corners at SouthPark
4732 Sharon Road, Suite 2M | Charlotte, NC
(P)704.556.0020
Store Hours: Mon-Sat 10a-6p, Sunday 12n-5p
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