It’s going to be a hot one this weekend, and splashing around in some cool water is just the ticket for beating the heat. Outside of your local pool, here are some natural and man-made options to cool off over the long weekend. And don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
Uptown Greenwood Splash Pad
Opening for the season on May 25th, the splash pad at the Uptown Market in Greenwood is open seven days a week (11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 1 to 7 p.m. on Sunday). Restrooms are onsite, and the facility is available for birthday parties. Bring your kids, along with chairs and towels, for hours of fun!
Shipwreck Cove Water Park (Duncan)
A great place for the whole family, Shipwreck Cove opens for the season on May 25th. It has a splash 
pad and wading pool area for small children, as well as a lazy river and larger pool with water slides for bigger kids and adults. Plenty of deck area with chairs and umbrellas, restrooms, and a concession stand make it a great place to spend the day!
Swimming Area at Lake Placid in Paris Mountain State Park
The designated swimming area is the only place in the park where swimming is allowed, and use of the swimming area is included in the price of park admission. There are also pedal boats and kayaks for rent to enjoy the lake without being in it (no private boats are allowed on the lake).
There is also lake swimming at Pinnacle Lake in Table Rock State Park, the lake at Oconee State Park, Lake Keowee, and Lake Jocassee.
Glendale Shoals Preserve (Spartanburg)
This is a beautiful spot that’s sunny on one side of the river and shady on the other, where visitors can wade and splash or swim while enjoying the scenic property that was donated to the Spartanburg Area Conservancy.
Campbell’s Covered Bridge (Landrum)
The only remaining covered bridge in South Carolina is here in the Upstate—and as a bonus, there’s a picnic area next to a creek that’s just right for wading and splashing around.