From beaches to splash pads, here are 5 local places to beat the heat in Onslow County
As the Onslow County heat can be too hot to handle, residents need somewhere to cool off in between the plentiful summer thunderstorms.
According to the National Weather Service, heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States. Heat cramps, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion are three of the most common heat-related illnesses.
"During extremely hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged," the National Weather Service explains. "When the body heats too rapidly to cool itself properly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, body temperature rises and you or someone you care about may experience a heat-related illness."
Freya, Ironbound, Ulysses: These great white sharks are swimming near eastern N.C. beaches
Is your summer peachy?: It will be now, with hairy chest contest headlining Onslow events
With local temperatures consistently in the 80s and 90s, that's why staying cool is so important. Here are five ways to cool off in Onslow County.
Splash Pads
Splash pads are a great way to keep cool without committing to going swimming, and they're also perfect for kids.
Currently in Jacksonville, there are two open splash pads: one at 4570 Deckard Drive in Midway Park (base access needed), and one at Northeast Creek Park at 911 Corbin Street.
There is also a splash pad at Jack Amyette Recreation Center, but due to construction, it will remain closed this year.
The splash pads will be open every day through Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The pads are free and open to the public, children under 10 years old must have adult supervision at all times, and no animals are allowed. There are also water wheelchairs available for check-out.
The Beach
Part of what makes Onslow County so attractive is the proximity to the beach. With the rising gas prices, it makes for a free and quick place to go to beat the heat.
With county-owned beach accesses still free to park in, families can head to the coast to take a dip in the ocean, sit in a tide pool, or enjoy the beach breeze.
Beach Access #2 in North Topsail Beach also has the option to rent kayaks, which can be a fun summer activity to keep cool, and beach access four's concession stand will often offer cold treats. Not to mention shaved ice carts are typically making their way along the beach, especially on the weekends.
For more information or questions, you can reach Onslow Parks and Recreation at 910-347-5332, or visit their Facebook page for consistent updates on beach access.
We All Scream for Ice Cream
Onslow County has no shortage of places to grab a cold treat on a hot summer day.
With everywhere from Pelican's Snoballs to YoBre'z Frozen Dessert Bar and even the classic Dairy Queen, there is truly something for everyone. There are even ice cream food trucks in the area, so keep an eye out!
More: Kool-Aid pickles, shaved ice, minion ice pops: Onslow's cold treat trucks and where to find them
More: Onslow's beach accesses ready for summer: What to know about parking, amenities and more
Swimming Pools
The Onslow County area has a few swimming pools to get a quick backstroke in.
Courts Plus Fitness Center, located at 104 North Marine Boulevard, has both an indoor and outdoor pool. They also offer swim classes for all ages and private swim lessons.
Hours are Monday-Thursday from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit their Facebook page or call 910-346-3446.
Tarawa Terrace Pool is located at Iwo Jima Boulevard in Jacksonville for those with base access for Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune.
The pool will operate through Labor Day and offers aquatic classes, recreational swimming, and private parties. The facility is handicap accessible.
Waterparks
Lions Water Adventure and Jungle Rapids might not technically be local, but that's a short distance to drive for a daytime family-friendly adventure.
Lions Water Adventure is located at 2602 W Vernon Avenue in Kinston, and according to its Facebook page, is eastern North Carolina's newest and most thrilling water experience. The park has three water slides, the state's longest lazy river, and a walk-in kiddie water feature.
Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park is located at 5320 Oleander Drive in Wilmington. The waterpark portion of the park has several water slides, a lazy river, and more.
Reporter Morgan Starling can be reached at mstarling@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on The Daily News: Here are five places to cool down during the Onslow County summer
