I’m not talking about disco dancing; I’m talking about the hot Charlotte weather of summer! The Charlotte area offers a number of places to splash around and cool down when it feels like you’re burning up.

Ray’s Splash Planet is located Uptown at 215 N Sycamore St. It’s a one-of-a-kind water park filled with amusement features for the kids as well as a state of the art fitness center with an aerobics and dance room, cardiovascular theater, free weights, and resistance equipment. Since the water park is owned and operated by the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation department, there is a discount on admission and memberships for Mecklenburg County residents.

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One of the most popular spots, the U.S. National White Water Center is located west of 485 and easily accessible by taking 85. We’re proud of our Charlotte white water rafting center as it is the home of the largest man-made re-circulating river in the world. You can enjoy a safe and exciting rafting adventure through non-stop class II-IV whitewater rapids year round. The various courses are for rafters starting as young as 8 years-old no matter what the level of skill. There’s more to do at the center as well: climbing (guided routes only), flatwater kayaking, mega zip, climb 2 zip, eco trekking and mountain biking.

How would you like to live near the US National White Water Center? There are plenty of beautiful homes available in the area! Now is the time to secure that Charlotte waterfront property you’ve been dreaming of. Kids are almost out of school and it’s time to plan vacations, welcome relatives from out of town, and entertain bored teenagers. What better way to do it all than on the water and near the Charlotte White Water Center?

For instance, the lower end of our price range finds a ranch style three bedroom, two bathroom home with approximately 1,900 square feet of living space, 1¾ acres of land on the water for just $169,000! Along with a beautiful Charlotte real estate view, it has all the amenities you would want in a home or vacation home: cable prewire, ceiling fan(s), dishwasher, electric dryer hookup, electric range/oven, microwave, refrigerator, ceramic tile flooring, laminated flooring, and breakfast area. 124 Pope Lake RD

Next is another ranch style home with two bedrooms and one full bathroom. This home is slightly smaller but the extras are incredible! A gorgeous deck has been built onto the back to overlook the fenced in yard extending out to the water and the floating dock. A very nice retaining wall has been built up with attractive rocks and the yard is well maintained. At just $299,900 you will love this bungalow on the water! 535 Lake Wylie Rd

Next is a luxurious three bedroom, two bathroom Lake Wylie waterfront home. It features a dock with a gazebo, a covered boat slip, and a private boat ramp. There’s a magnificent free standing stone fireplace, custom tile, and the kitchen has seen many updates. This home has been designed to enjoy the beautiful lake views. For $450,000 you’ll have the perfect vacation home you’ve always wanted, or the weekend getaway place, or your dream-year-round-waterfront-living-castle! 276 Ellington RD

A little bit closer to the White Water Center and rising up the ladder in size and amenities is a home with four bedrooms, four and one half bathrooms, and approximately 4,000 square feet of heated living space. This Charlotte home has a finished basement, so when you’re coming in from the gazebo off the pier after docking the boat, you can leave behind the wetsuits and towels before heading up to the main house! A finished deck off the main floor covers the ground level providing a covered patio area that runs the length of the home. One half of an acre provides plenty of space to divide properties and keep neighbors from being too close. For $775,000 you’ll have a wide open view of the lake and plenty of space for your boat, Jet Ski, canoe, and any other water toys! 3120 Channel View Landing

Cooling off in the summer heat isn’t too hard to do in the Charlotte area, especially if you buy right. Living Charlotte waterfront in this economy can happen for less than you think. There’s no reason to burn when you can splash instead!