First Ward Park Splash Pad
✓ Last confirmed for the 2026 season · confirmed against the parks department
Where: 301 E 7th St, Charlotte, North Carolina
Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Cost: free
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This ground-level fountain plaza sits in the heart of Uptown near UNC Charlotte's center-city campus, so kids can splash while adults stay within walking distance of coffee shops and restaurants. Shaded seating, a playground, and a dog park round out the urban green space.
What's on site. OpenStreetMap maps toilets on site, drinking water, playground alongside, parking at this location.
When to go. Peak summer highs in Charlotte average 89°F — warm enough for a splash pad through most of the season without being punishing at midday.
If this one's closed or packed
Splash pads close for maintenance, run short seasons and fill up on hot weekends. There are 6 other pads within 5 miles and 16 within 15. These are the ones worth the drive — ranked by shade, toilets and cost first, then by how close they are: