Family-Friendly Ways to Beat the Summer Heat
Updated by Sasha Reyes
Special to OneSpartanburg, Inc.
The heat is on. It can be tough to beat the sweltering temps and high humidity Spartanburg gets during the summer, but it’s not impossible.
So, if you’re looking for family-friendly ways to handle the heat, grab some sunscreen, your best bathing suit and take a look at your options around Spartanburg.
Barnet Park Splash Pad
At the entrance of Barnet Park just across from the Chapman Cultural Center sits a splash pad that’s totally free! The pad is open from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Sunday. It’s a perfect place to cool off some before heading to dinner downtown.
There’s no shade in this area of Barnet Park, though, so make sure you’re ready to reapply that SPF and have a pair of flip flops handy (the cement in other areas of the park can get very hot). Pack along buckets or water-friendly toys for the kids to enjoy if you stop by Barnet Park’s splash pad.
Airport Park Splash Pad
Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport is home to another wide-open splash pad perfect for families looking to cool off and catch a few planes taking off and landing. And, the Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport, opened in 1927, was the first airport in South Carolina. (How’s that for history?)
If you want to hop off the splash pad, the park also has a walking trail, open fields, two playground areas – one for younger kids and one for older kids – and covered picnic areas if you need a touch of shade.
Lake Bowen
Lake Bowen – with its 33 miles of shoreline and 1,534 acres of water – offers a recreational haven for water-lovers, boaters, and fishermen in the summer.
The lake can be accessed at Anchor Park, run by Spartanburg Water, offering picnic pavilions, waterfront access, a playground, and two boat ramps, making water accessibility easy. Just stop by the Warden’s Office on site for a permit.
Tyger River Park Splash Pad
Open for most of the summer, the splash pad at Tyger River is the perfect spot to cool off before hitting the playground, or after leaving one of the park’s 13 baseball/softball fields.
Angel Scoops Creamery
This summertime treasure in Duncan, where every scoop of their handcrafted ice cream delivers a burst of flavor that’s perfect for families and foodies alike. Their spacious courtyard, complete with ample outdoor seating and a dedicated kids’ station stocked with games, turns a simple ice-cream run into an unforgettable afternoon of fun! Great for a Summer birthday party with a tempting menu of grilled paninis, homemade chili, fresh salads, and a kids’ menu full of childhood favorites.
Strawberry Hill USA
Along with letting you pick strawberries fresh from the field, Strawberry Hill’s café serves up some of the best ice cream you can find in Spartanburg.
Relax in a rocking chair and enjoy ice cream made with fruits picked fresh from Cooley Farm. Strawberry, peach, and blackberry ice are especially popular flavors, with the fruit peeled, sliced, and put right into the ice cream. Ask which flavor is in season!
Shipwreck Cove
Shipwreck Cove in Duncan is home to a massive, pirate-themed water park with something for everyone. There are spiraling slides sure to awaken your inner adrenaline junkie, lazy rivers for anyone looking to just relax, and several areas for children, featuring kiddie pools and smaller slides.
There’s also a refreshment center on-site if you forget to pack a lunch, or if you’re just looking for a snack.
Admission prices, park rules, and more information can be found at Shipwreck Cove’s website.
Spartanburg County Summer Day Camps
Looking to keep the our children moving and learning over the summer? Spartanburg Parks and Recreation might have the program right for you, teaching new skills, fostering character development, and encouraging teamwork in a fun, supportive setting.
Campers become part of a close-knit community as they gain independence, contribute to group activities, and make lasting friendships through active games, arts and crafts, sports, STEM challenges, field trips, and character-building lessons. With daily reading time, nutrition education, two snacks plus lunch provided, and safe supervision, this program offers the perfect blend of learning, fun, and friendship for ages 5–12.
