7 of the best places for water-based activities in and around Charlotte
In 2015’s “The Comeback Kid,” comedian John Mulaney quoted a former boss as saying, “One feels like a duck splashing around in all this wet, and when one feels like a duck, one is happy!”
And you know what? He was right. Check out this list of water-based activities close to Charlotte to start feeling like a duck this summer.
Craft City Social Club
555 S. McDowell St.
Miles from Charlotte: Right here in uptown’s Second Ward
Activities include: Craft City describes itself as “bridging the gap between outdoor poolscape and indoor adult playground.” Private cabana rentals are available at the pool, as well as billiards, darts, foosball, life-size Jenga and shuffleboard.
Prices: $175-$250 for cabanas, $5 for parking, $7-$14 for food, and $10-70 for the bar
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 4:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
A post shared by Craft City Social Club (@craftcitysocialclub) on Mar 19, 2018 at 9:04am PDT
Riverside Paddle and Row
1500 River Drive, Belmont
Miles from Uptown Charlotte: About 14
Activities include: Paddle board and kayak rentals, and paddle boarding lessons
Prices: Varies depending on what equipment is rented and how long it is kept out.
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
5000 Whitewater Center Pkwy
Miles from Uptown Charlotte: About 14
Activities include: The main attraction of the Whitewater Center is, of course, the whitewater rapids, where rafting and kayaking are offered. There is also deepwater solo climbing, and flatwater kayaking and paddle boarding are also available on the Catawba River. On land the Whitewater Center offers climbing walls, jumps, ropes courses, ziplines, hiking and mountain biking.
Prices: Day passes are $59 for adults and $49 for children (9 and under), while passes for single activities are $25. Parking is $6 per day or $50 for an annual pass.
Hours: Timing and availability of activities change day-to-day and can be found on the website.
A post shared by USNWC (@usnwc) on May 22, 2018 at 12:28pm PDT
Charlotte Cycleboats
17505 W. Catawba Ave. Waterfront, Cornelius
Miles from Uptown Charlotte: About 20
Activities include: Help power these eco-friendly pedal boats around Lake Norman. Resistance can be changed depending on the group’s wishes. Currently, only the Pedal Party Cruise is available, but history cruises, dinner cruises, wine tasting cruises and spin group sessions are in the works.
A post shared by Charlotte Cycleboats (@charlottecycleboats) on Feb 23, 2018 at 3:42pm PST
Prices: Individual tickets: $37; Whole boat reservation: $525
Hours: Monday-Tuesday: Closed; Wednesday-Friday: 3-8:30 p.m; Saturday: 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m; Sunday 3-8:30 p.m.
Carrigan Farms
1261 Oakridge Farm Hwy, Mooresville
Miles from Uptown Charlotte: About 33
Activities: Swim at the granite quarry during open swim or a private swim party, then stop at the farm to pick produce or take a hayride.
Price: $15
Hours: Check the website for daily swim times.
A post shared by Carrigan Farms (@carriganfarms) on Jun 12, 2018 at 8:18am PDT
Cannon Water Adventures
7515 Stonewall St., Sherrills Ford
Miles from Uptown Charlotte: About 33
Activities include: Water sports rentals including paddle boards, kayaks and boat tubes, as well as paddle boarding and kayaking lessons
Prices: Rentals start at $18 per hour, but that rate decreases depending how long you keep the equipment out
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
Lake Norman State Park
759 State Park Road, Troutman
Miles from Uptown Charlotte: About 39
Activities include: Pedal boats, kayaks, paddle boards and canoes are available for rent. Guests can also swim on a 125-yard sand beach or fish. After you’re done in the water, the park has 30.5 miles of trails for hiking or biking, as well as 7.5 miles of hiking-only trails.
Prices: Swimming (only when a lifeguard is on duty): $5 per day for adults (age 13+) and $4 per day for children (ages 3-12); Rentals: $5 per hour
Hours: Varies depending on month, check website for times.
Featured photo: courtesy of U.S. National Whitewater Center
This story was originally published June 20, 2018 at 12:04 AM with the headline "7 of the best places for water-based activities in and around Charlotte."