Public Pools
If you don’t have access to a hotel pool (or the chutzpah to sneak in), these outdoor public options welcome one and all for summer dips. Call or visit websites for entrance fees and specified times for kids, adults, and swim teams.
■ Herbert Hasell Aquatic Center: Debuting for its first season this May, this small community center pool is across the street from Burke High School. June 2-
August 13. 265 Fishburne St., (843) 724-7344, www.ccprc.org
■ Martin Luther King Jr. Aquadome: Sure, the location’s in a rougher part of town, but the facility, pool-goers, and admin folks are pure gold. Eight 50-meter lanes makes it a fave for lappers. June 6-August 12.155 Jackson St., (843) 724-7346, www.ccprc.org
■ James Island Pool: At the heart of the James Island Rec Center complex off Harbor View Road, this pool is a massive affair with five lanes and lots of action. Through August 12. 1088 Quail Dr., (843) 795-5756, www.ccprc.org
CREEKS
The Lowcountry is rife with rivulets that swell and sink according to the tides, offering avenues for low-impact water sports, like tubing and kayaking, and occasionally swimming, too. Be mindful of currents and boaters, always swim and sport with a pal, and try some of these favorites among those in the know.
■ Church Creek, John’s Island: paddling and tubing
■ Cove Creek, Sullivan’s Island: paddling, tubing, and swimming
■ Edisto Island creeks: paddling, tubing, and swimming
■ Penny Creek, Ravenel: paddling and tubing
■ Pitt Street Bridge tidal creeks, Mount Pleasant: paddling
■ Quenby Creek, Huger: paddling
■ Rantowles Creek, Rantowles: paddling and tubing
■ Shem Creek, Mount Pleasant: paddling, tubing, and—in more residential portions—swimming
■ Wambaw Creek: paddling
FOUNTAINS
Kids from all over descend on Waterfront Park to screech, wade, and splash in its two iconic fountains. Rules are posted, but know if you get hurt, it’s not the city’s fault, so nix the roughhousing and mind the youngest mermen and ’maids.
The Pineapple Fountain and the Vendue Range Fountain, at the harbor end of Vendue Range
WATER PARKS
Water slides, wave pools, and lazy rivers, where attitudes are checked at the entry gates and everyone gets their play on.
■ Splash Island, Mount Pleasant: Open daily through August 14. Fees range from $4 to $8. 444 Needlerush Pkwy., (843) 884-0832.
■ Splash Zone, James Island: Open daily through September 5. Fees range from $6 to $12. 871 Riverland Dr., (843) 795-7275.
■ Whirlin’ Waters Adventure Waterpark, North Charleston: Open daily through August 14. Fees range from $13 to $20. 8888 University Blvd., (843) 572-7275,
Find all three at www.ccprc.com.
