Wet and Wild: Water Spots Around Town (and Bonus Feature – Berry Picking!)

As the temperature rises, be sure to stay cool at one of the water spots around town. Durham and the surrounding area have no shortage of ways for you and your family to splash the heat away. From indoor options to natural outdoor swimming holes, from splash pads to swimming holes, find your water wonderland this summer! Plus, since it’s the time of year for blueberries and blackberries, I’ll include a list of hot spots to pick your own berries over the coming weeks.

Pools

In Durham, if you’re not fortunate enough to have a pool in your yard or neighborhood, you have several options of community pools to join or visit for the day.

Daily Admission Pools

The City of Durham offers two outdoor pools this season as well as two indoor pools year-round.

OUTDOOR POOLS: 

• Forest Hills (1639 University Dr, 27707)

• Hillside (1221 Sawyer St, 27707)

• Daily admission: free for kids, $3 for adults (City resident)

• No pass options available

INDOOR POOLS:

• Edison Johnson (500 W Murray Ave, 27704)

• Campus Hills Pool (2000 S Alston Ave, 27707)

• Daily admission: free for kids, $4 for adults (City residents)

• Punch passes and monthly swim passes available

Paid Pool Memberships

The below community pools offer memberships to community members. The prices and availability of memberships will vary, so be sure to contact them for more info. You can also check with your employer to see if they offer any discounts or incentives for memberships.

YMCA of the Triangle – Durham locations with pools:

• Downtown Durham YMCA (218 W Morgan St, 27701)

• Hope Valley Farms YMCA (4818 S. Roxboro St, 27713)

Jewish for Good at the Levin JCC (1937 West Cornwallis Rd, 27705)

Woodcroft Club (1203 W. Woodcroft Pkwy, 27713)

Parkwood Swim Club (1615 Clermont Rd, 27713)

Eno Valley Swim & Racquet Club (635 Rippling Stream Rd, 27704)

Splash Pads

Looking to cool down without the hassle of getting everything ready and everyone dressed to go into a pool? Splash pads, or spraygrounds, are all the rage and several have popped up around Durham in recent years. Great for kiddos to get out their wiggles while also staying cool in the sun.

Durham Parks and Recreation operates four spraygrounds, which are all free admission!

• East End Sprayground (1200 N Alston Ave, 27701)

• Edison Johnson Sprayground (500 W Murray Ave, 27704)

• Forest Hills Park Sprayground (1639 University Ave, 27707)

• Hillside Park Sprayground (1221 Sawyer St, 27707)

The Museum of Life and Science also offers several outdoor water features that act as a splash pad in their Earth Moves and Into the Mist exhibits. Admission is included with membership or costs $23/adult, $28 ages 3-12, and free for 2 and under. There are two days each month that offer free admission to Durham residents. Check their website to see those dates, called Durham Community Days.

Nature

The great outdoors also offers several options for splashing around on these hot summer days.

Explore these awesome nature spots for a chance to cool down.

Eno River: While “swimming” is not listed as an activity available at either Eno River State Park or West Point on the Eno Park, paddling is allowable at both sites. Though you may find information about Sennett’s/Turtle’s Hole and often people will be seen wading in the water by the dam, but swim at your own risk.

Falls Lake State Recreation Area: In addition to miles of hiking and biking, Falls Lake also offers swimming, paddling, and boating. Visit Rolling View, Sandling Beach, or Beaverdam Access Points for sandy swim beaches with nearby restrooms.

Jordan Lake State Recreation Area: Though mostly located in Chatham County, Jordan Lake skirts the southern border of Durham and has options for boating, swimming, and paddling. The swim beaches with bathrooms, change areas, and playgrounds are accessed at Ebenezer, Parkers Creek, and Seaforth.

Businesses

Want an expert to guide your water-loving experience? Try any of these fabulous local businesses for a guided tour or easy vessel rental.

Two Sisters Adventure Company: This local woman-owned company provides rentals, guided trips, classes, and adventure camps at various wilderness locations around the Triangle.

Frog Hollow Outdoors: This Durham-based company provides resources for canoe/kayak education, guided paddle excursions, and self-guided trips across the Triangle.

BONUS CONTENT: BERRIES!

Strawberry season may have just slipped away, but luckily blueberry and blackberry season are upon us. Several local farms have U-pick opportunities for just a few weeks, so check out the options below and get to picking for your jams, jellies, and general tastiness.

Bahama Bluebs (6404 Amed Rd, Bahama)

• Blueberries

• U-pick season begins June 21 st

• Wed and Sun 8am-12pm

Herndon Hills Farm (7110 Massey Chapel Rd, 27713)

• Blueberries and blackberries (certified organic)

• U-pick season begins June 17 th

• Wed and Sat 7am-12pm (reservations required)

Many Rivers Farm (502 John Jones Rd, Bahama)

• Blackberries and peaches

• U-pick season starts June 17 th

• Sat 9am-12pm (check website for updates)

Tailgate Farm (2610 Olive Branch Rd, 27703)

• Blueberries, blackberries, and flowers

• U-pick season has begun

• Check Facebook and Instagram for dates/times

Honorable Non-Durham Mention: Farrell’s Creek Farm (1970 Martha’s Chapel Rd, Apex 27513)

• Blueberries and blackberries

• U-pick season has begun

• Wed and Sat 8am-12pm

Stay cool on the outside this summer by cooling off at one of the many aquatic spots above and stay cool on the inside with some scrumptious local berries picked right off the bush.