Splish, splash: Cool off this summer at these Upstate SC waterparks, lakes and splash pads

While milder temperatures are expected to continue through this week, the "dog days" of the South Carolina summer will be here soon.

Luckily, Upstate SC has plenty of water parks, lakes and splash pads when the heat rises.

Duncan's Shipwreck Cove is a summertime staple for families. Crystal-clear Lake Jocassee, with its breathtaking, mountain views, is also among the top spots to cool down. The Salvation Army's Kroc Center offers guest passes without membership, if you're looking for pool access.

Here is our roundup of places where you can cool off for the summer:

Greenville-Spartanburg area waterparks

∎7th Inning Splash Waterpark, Piedmont: This waterpark includes a traditional lap pool and a 5,000 sq. ft. baseball-themed Splash 'n Spray Pad where kids can run through jets of water while running through the bases. It has 8-foot water slides and a jumbo 36-foot-high funnel slide, making it a place for kids of all ages to play in.

∎Shipwreck Cove, Duncan: The waterpark offers pirate-themed water fun for families and kids of all ages. Amenities include spiraling slides, a kiddie pool play area and a lazy river. Visitors can order grilled seadogs, chicken quesadillas and burgers from The Captain's Cabin Restaurant, which offers poolside service.

∎Discovery Island Waterpark, Simpsonville: Simpsonville's waterpark offers two water slides: one tube slide at 270 ft, and a body slide that is 185 ft. Parents can relax under the rentable cabanas while watching their kids or coast with their children along the 270-foot-long Lazy River. There is also a FlowRider Perpetual Wave, a ride that generates waves for those who like to surf and boogie board. All Flowrider participants must sign a waiver before riding.

∎Otter Creek Waterpark, Greenville: Like Discovery Island, Otter Creek Waterpark has multiple slides to choose from, with two body slides, a tube slide, and kiddy slide that accommodates multiple sliders. There is a 7,000 sq. ft. leisure pool, with a beach entry, backside sprays, and spray pad and a 2400 square ft spray pad. The waterpark also has an expansive sundeck.

∎For Dogs: Both Discovery Island and Otter Creek Waterpark host annual Waggin' at the Waterpark events where you and your furry friend can take a splash. Information for this year's event is to be announced.

What to know and things to do: If you're headed out to Spartanburg County's lakes

Lakes in Upstate SC

∎Lake Placid, Greenville: Located in Paris Mountain State Park, Lake Placid is an 8-acre lake that is in close proximity to downtown Greenville. Swimming, fishing and boating on the sandy beach is permitted, although the use of private boats is prohibited. Canoe, kayak and pedal boat rentals are available.

∎Saluda Lake, Greenville: Saluda Lake is a 331-acre reservoir that provides the city of Easley a source of drinking water. It is one of the very few small lakes in the state to have its own Bait & Tackle Shop, and now hosts new bass tournaments every Thursday at Saluda Lake Landing at 6 p.m. Entry fee for the tournament is $25. The lake offers boat and kayak rentals and a full snack bar, with the website boasting to have the best hot dogs around.

∎Lake Lyman, Lyman: Located on the Middle Tyger River, Lake Lyman is a 1.4-billion-gallon reservoir that stores water for subsequent release and capture at the downstream Lyman Low Head Dam. It has approximately 350 acres that can be used for recreation. The lake can be accessed through Lake Lyman Park, where a public fishing pier and lodge that can be rented for events can be found on site.

∎Lake Bowen, Inman: Lake Bowen is Spartanburg County's largest lake. Its shoreline stretches across for 33 miles, with the lake encompassing 1,534 acres. The lake can be accessed through Anchor Park where visitors can rent a picnic pavilion, enjoy waterfront access for fishing, a playground and two boat ramps.

Spartanburg Water: Lake Bowen Park to remain open during shoreline restoration project

∎Lake Blalock, Chesnee: The second largest of Spartanburg County lakes, Lake Blalock contains fish species such as catfish, largemouth, smallmouth, spotted bass and crappie. Boats up to 30 horsepower and pontoons up to 40 horsepower are welcome on the lake's 1,105 acres. There are also 45 miles of shoreline for visitors to walk on.

∎Lake Craig, Spartanburg: This 165-acre impoundment on Kelsey Creek is located within Croft State Park. There is a boat ramp on the lake along with campgrounds and fishing boat rentals. Croft State Park and Lake Craig admission is $3 for adults, $1.50 for South Carolina seniors, $1 for children 6-15, and free for kids 5 and younger.

∎Lake Hartwell, Fair Play: Bordering South Carolina and Georgia, Lake Hartwell is the Southeast's largest recreation lake, comprising nearly 56,000 acres of water with a shoreline of 962 miles. An estimated 14 million visitors visit the lake every year, who can be found engaging in water sports, boating, fishing, camping and swimming. Public boat ramps with access to the lake include Friendship Boat Ramp, Green Pond Landing, Lake Hartwell State Park and Martins Creek, with new boat ramp Seneca Creek under construction.

∎Keowee-Toxaway State Park, Sunset: This 18,500-acre mountain lake is abundant with things to see and do. Swimming, boating, fishing and camping are allowed, with a half-mile trail providing lake access to fish for bass, bream, crappies and catfish. Motorized boat access is not far from the park. Visitors won't get enough of the miles of trails for hiking and walking and will enjoy ziplining through acre upon acre of lovely Upcountry scenery.

∎Lake Jocassee, Salem: Known as South Carolina's most crystal-clear lake, this 7,500-acre reservoir showcases serene surroundings, with waterfalls cascading directly into its lake. Its cool waters hail from the Appalachian Mountain rivers and is a confluence of the Horsepasture, Whitewater Thompson and Toxaway Rivers. Visitors looking to make a splash at the lake will find public access to it through Devil's Fork State Park, which offers boat ramps, campgrounds and hiking trails.

∎Darwin Wright Municipal Park/Anderson Beach, Anderson: Located off of US 178 (Liberty Highway). The park also features playground equipment, picnic tables and a frisbee golf course.

∎For Dogs: At the listed lakes, most pets are allowed in most outdoor areas as long as they are under physical restraint or on a leash no longer than six feet.

Upstate SC splash pads

∎Greenville Water Splash Pad, Greenville: This 4,100-square-foot splash pad features just under fifty spray jets along with a toddlers-only zone for the safety of young visitors. It is located at Unity Park, which also has four state-of-the-art playgrounds, basketball courts and a baseball field, covered picnic tables and two expansive green spaces.

∎Fountain Inn Splash Pad, Fountain Inn: Located on Main Street near restaurants Cucina 100 and JPeters, this splash pad is behind an arbor and provides benches for seating. Umbrellas cover seating areas, where parents can enjoy shade while watching their children play. In this same space, the farmers market is held across the street. Fountain Inn also hosts Friday night live music during the summers here.

∎Splash Pad Waterpark at Kid Venture 2.0, Anderson: This fenced splash pad resides next to a path along a pond where ducks and geese are. Water comes out from the ground and shoots out from vibrant flower structures, as well as other tall structures. Kid Venture 2.0 also has a playground for kids to explore, with shaded canopies made up of flowers or butterflies.

∎Barnet Park, Spartanburg: Located at 248 East Saint John Street and within walking distance of downtown restaurants.

∎Airport Park, Spartanburg: Located at 500 Ammons Road in front of the Spartanburg Downtown Memorial Airport.

∎Tyger River Park, Duncan: Cool off after a day at the ball field, tennis court or disc golf course. The splash pad is among the many attractions at this Spartanburg County park.

∎KidVenture Splash Zone: Anderson: Located at the Anderson Sports and Entertainment Center.

Here's what's happening this summer: Greenville area street concerts and festivals:

Pools

∎Kroc Center, Greenville: A 2-hour guest pass is $10 per person, with children under two years old free. The guest pass gives you access to the Kroc Center amenities without membership commitment. Amenities include the recreational pool, the basketball/pickleball gym, outdoor playground, fitness center and group fit classes. Reservations for the pool and basketball/pickleball gym must be made in advance.

Did we miss your favorite place to cool off in the summer? Email ntran@gannett.com and let us know.

Nina Tran covers trending topics for the Greenville News. Reach her via email at ntran@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Upstate SC waterparks, lakes, splash pads to visit with kids and pets.