Summer 2024 will be here before you know it! Plan ahead for water fun at local water parks, pools, lakes, and water holes!
*** For 2024, we'll check Camp Kum-Ba-Yah public pool dates, if any, ***
FREE WATER FUN!
Riverside Park Sprayground, located at 2238 Rivermont Avenue in Riverside Park, is a favorite summertime destination for local families. Sprayground offers zero-depth entry with dumping buckets, spraying lake fish, pop jets, and tulip sprays. This year, Sprayground is open for the 2024 season daily from May 15 through Sept. 2 from 10 AM - 7 PM.
Altavista Splash Park at English Park, located at 206 Pittsylvania Avenue in Altavista, is open from May through September. The Splash Pad is open daily from 10 AM - 7 PM from Memorial Day through Labor Day and weather permitting on weekends in May prior to Memorial Day and September after Labor Day.
Riverfront Park Fountain, located at 1100 Jefferson Street in Riverfront Festival Park, will be CLOSED for the 2024 season due to construction.
Mill Creek Lake Park, located at 238 Mill Creek Lake Road in Amherst, is one of three parks located in the Temperance area of Amherst County. Mill Creek has a dedicated swimming area with a sandy beach roped off from the rest of the lake and includes a diving platform. A swing jump was added at Mill Creek Lake Park a couple of years ago. The big swing is mounted to a platform overlooking the lake. Swing out, then jump off the swing into the lake. The water is six to eight feet deep in this section of the lake and there's a ladder to climb back up to the platform. It's free to visit Mill Creek Lake Park and there are no fees for swimming; however, there is no lifeguard on duty at the lake.
When the summer days are hot, there's nothing better than hitting the water to cool down. Here are our top places to go in the Lynchburg area to cool down on a hot summer day. When it's hot outside, Find Your Family Fun® with Lynchburg Macaroni Kid!
Check out these 7 Tips To Keep Kids Safe in the Backyard Pool
Public Swimming Pools
Miller Park Pool, located at 2100 Park Avenue in Midtown Lynchburg, is the only public swimming pool in Lynchburg. Miller Park Pool is managed by the City of Lynchburg's Parks & Recreation Department. In addition to the Olympic size pool, there's a roped off children's pool area, a twisty water slide, low and high diving boards, and kiddie pool with a mushroom waterfall. Season passes for individuals and families to Miller Park Pool are available for purchase at The Miller Center. Miller Park Pool will open for the season on May 27. You can find out more about swim lessons, special aquatic events, and more at the Lynchburg Parks and Recreation website. The pool will be open May 27 (Memorial Day); weekends only from June 1-9, daily from June 10 - Aug. 2, weekends only from Aug. 3 - Aug. 24. Hours on all open days are from 1 PM - 6 PM.
Camp Kum-Ba-Yah, located at 4415 Boonsboro Road in Lynchburg, offers summer camps for children. Summer public pool use information is not noted at this time.
Holiday Lake 4-H Educational Center Pool, located at 1267 4-H Camp Road in Appomattox, offers a Summer Pool Party Series. Dates for 2024 are: June 8, July 7, and Aug. 31.
Family Swim Fridays at Crosswhite Athletic Club, located at 118 Davis Cup Road in Lynchburg, will be held this summer on Fridays from 10 AM - 12 PM.
Indoor Pool Membership
Indoor pool membership for YMCA of Central Virginia is not noted for this summer.
Private Swimming Pools
There are several private pools gearing up for summertime fun. Most are open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Check individual websites for more information.
- Hill City Swim and Tennis Club is located at 298 Hickok Road in the west end of Lynchburg. Visit the website for more information.
- Wildwood Area Recreation Association Pool is located at 2 New London Drive in the west end of Lynchburg. Check the website for more information.
- Rainbow Forest Pool and Clubhouse is located at 1069 Rainbow Forest Drive in the west end of Lynchburg. Check the website or email rainbowforestpoolandclubhouse@gmail.com for more information.
- Peakland Swim and Tennis Club is located at 2149 Burnt Bridge Road in northeast Lynchburg. Call 434-384-9853 or check the website for more information.
- Ivy Hill Pool is located at 1148 Ivy Hill Drive in Forest. Email info@IvyHillGolf.com or check the website for more information.
- Villa Swim Club is located at 275 Gaddy Road in west Lynchburg. The unofficial Facebook page link is dated, but has photos posted by visitors.
- Vista Acres Pool is located at 120 Wade Lane in west Lynchburg. Check the website or email vistaacrespool@gmail.com for more information.
- Silk Farm Community Pool is located at 263 Mays Street in Madison Heights. Email Silkfarmpool@gmail.com for more information.
- Amherst Pool is located at 528 Kenmore Road in Amherst. Visit the Facebook page or email vicepresident.amherstpool@gmail.com for more information.
Public Swimming Lakes
The beach areas at these Virginia State Parks will be open for summer 2024 with either guarded or unguarded swimming available. Check each park's website for additional details, including parking and swimming fees and hours of operation.
Small lake beaches:
Bear Creek Lake
Douthat
Fairy Stone
Holliday Lake
Hungry Mother
Twin Lakes
Large lake beaches:
Claytor Lake
Lake Anna
Smith Mountain Lake
Chesapeake Bay beaches:
These water features at Virginia State Parks will be open for summer 2024.
Pools:
Pocahontas - The park's Aquatic Recreation Center is open daily from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The center has a toddler pool, fountain wet deck, three-foot and five-foot deep leisure pools, two tubular water slides and an activity pool. Hours vary, so check before you go.
Splash-Spray Grounds:
Pocahontas - The park's Aquatic Recreation Center is open daily from the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. The center has a toddler pool, fountain wet deck, three-foot and five-foot deep leisure pools, two tubular water slides and an activity pool. Hours vary, so check before you go.
Occoneechee - The splash park area has playground equipment, two charcoal grills, a picnic shelter, restrooms and 25 parking spaces. The splash park is open Saturdays and Sundays during May, weather depending. The splash park opens daily for the season from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Hours vary, so check before you go.
The state parks below are the closest to Lynchburg with swimming available, all located within approximately one hour.
Holliday Lake State Park, located at 2759 State Park Road in Appomattox, is about 45 minutes from Lynchburg. The public beach is just the right size for families with younger kids. The "Critter Hole" play area is very popular. There's a vehicle day use fee to enter the park as well as swimming fees for all individuals. Fees are listed on the State Parks website. The park also rents canoes, kayaks, jon boats, stand-up paddleboards and paddle boats. You can read more about Holliday Lake State Park in this article: Summer Day Tripping to Holliday Lake State Park.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park, located at 1235 State Park Road in Huddleston, is about an hour's drive from Lynchburg. The public beach area is roped off from the deeper waters used by boats and other water vessels. There's a vehicle day use fee to enter the park as well as swimming fees for all individuals. Fees are listed on the State Parks website. The park also rents canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, paddle boats, and pontoon boats. You can read more about Smith Mountain Lake State Park in this article: Summer Day Tripping to Smith Mountain Lake State Park.
Enjoy day trips to these state parks with swimming available, all located two hours or less from Lynchburg.
Bear Creek Lake State Park, located at 22 Bear Creek Lake Road in Cumberland is about 4.5 miles northwest of the town of Cumberland. From U.S. Route 60, go west on Route 622 and south on Route 629 to the park entrance. Activities center on the 40-acre lake with a boat launch, fishing pier, boat rentals and a swimming beach. There's a vehicle day use fee to enter the park as well as swimming fees for all individuals. Fees are listed on the State Parks website.
Douthat State Park, is located at 14239 Douthat State Park Road in Millboro near Clifton Forge. From I-64, take Exit 27 near Clifton Forge. Turn North onto State Route 629 (highway at exit ramp). Travel north two miles to the park entrance sign and another four miles to the park office. Amid some of Virginia's most breathtaking mountain scenery, visitors enjoy interpretive programs, four miles of stream fishing, a 50-acre lake stocked with trout, a sandy swimming beach with snack bar, boat rentals, a gift shop and camp store, cabins, and more than 43 miles of hiking, mountain biking and bridle trails. There's a vehicle day use fee to enter the park as well as swimming fees for all individuals. Fees are listed on the State Parks website. Coupon books and season passes are also available. You can read more about Douthat State Park in this article: Summer Day Tripping: Douthat State Park
Twin Lakes State Park, located at 788 Twin Lakes Road in Green Bay near Farmville, about an hour southwest of Richmond. To get there from Lynchburg, take U.S. 360 East to Route 613 (Indian Springs Rd.). Then go east on Route 629 (Twin Lakes Rd.). This 548-acre, historic park offers many cultural, environmental and recreational activities. Visitors enjoy swimming, fishing, hiking, boating and lakeside picnicking. There's a vehicle day use fee to enter the park as well as swimming fees for all individuals. Fees are listed on the State Parks website.
Pocahontas State Park, located at 10301 State Park Road in Chesterfield, is about two hours east of Lynchburg. Pocahontas State Park offers the fun of a big water park without the big expense. The Aquatic Center has a toddler pool, water fountain, 3-foot and 5-foot deep pools, a kids activity pool, and two tube water slides. Kids of all ages will have a blast on this fun day trip, only 20 miles from Richmond. There's a vehicle day use fee to enter the park as well as swimming fees for all individuals. Fees are listed on the State Parks website. You can read more about Pocahontas State Park in this article: Summer Day Tripping to Pocahontas State Park.
Claytor Lake State Park, is located at 6620 Ben H. Bolen Drive in Dublin, about 1 1/2 - 2 hours from Lynchburg. From I-81, take Exit 101 (Claytor Lake) to State Park Road (State Route 660). State Park Road ends at the park's entrance. Ideal for swimming, camping, hiking and picnicking, Claytor Lake is known for sport fishing and boating. The park has a full-service marina with docking slips, supplies, fuel, boat rentals and refreshments. There's a vehicle day use fee to enter the park as well as swimming fees for all individuals. Fees are listed on the State Parks website. The park also has hiking and bike trails open year-round.
River Adventures
Strong swimmers can enjoy a day on the James River with James River Adventures, located at Riveredge Park, 150 Rocky Hill Road in Madison Heights. Explore the James River on guided canoe and kayak Paddle Downtown trips. The website shows Paddle Downtown trips available on Friday afternoons beginning in May 2024.
Wade in the shallow waters of the James River under the pedestrian bridge at Percival's Island, located at 1600 Concord Turnpike in Lynchburg. After crossing the bridge onto the island, take the stairs on your left leading toward the James River, then turn left at the bottom of the stairs. You'll see a sandy beach area below the bridge just perfect for wading or skipping stones with your little ones.
Road Trip Swimming Holes
The Staunton River runs beside English Park in Altavista. You can watch the river while enjoying a picnic lunch at one of the picnic tables in the park. After lunch, stroll across the parking lot and through the woods to find a great swimming hole, complete with ropes to swing from before dropping into the river. This adventure is best suited for older kids, teens, and adults as the water can be rough, especially after heavy rains.
Wade in Dunlap Creek after you walk across Humpback Bridge at the Humpback Bridge Wayside Park, located at 9211 Rumsey Road in Covington. Virginia's oldest covered bridge was built in 1857. Take exit 10 off I-64, then turn onto Rt. 60 East for 1/2 mile to get to Humpback Bridge Wayside Park. Be sure to bring your camera for photos at the LOVEworks sculpture.
Hop across the stones at Otter Creek Dam, located at MP 63.1 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enter the Parkway off Route 501 near Big Island. Go north on the Parkway and pass the James River Visitor Center at MP 63.6. Continue north and you'll see the Otter Lake parking area at MP 63.1 on the right hand side of the road. Park in the lot and head down the stairs. Even the little ones will enjoy crossing the stepping stones across the creek. Caution -- avoid this trail when the water level is high.
Enjoy a picnic or wade in the creek at the Lower Otter Creek Overlook, located at MP 62.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enter the Parkway off Route 501 near Big Island. Go north on the Parkway and pass the James River Visitor Center at MP 63.6. Continue north past the Otter Lake parking area at MP 63.1 and you'll see the Lower Otter Creek Overlook on the right hand side of the road. Walk across the wooden bridge or just walk down to the creek.
Plan your day trip to Otter Creek here: Summer Day Tripping: Otter Creek on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Peaks of Otter Picnic Area, located at MP 85.6 near the Peaks of Otter Lodge, is a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch and let the kids wade in Little Stoney Creek. This area can be very popular during summer weekends, so try to arrive early. The scenery is beautiful, the water is clear, and it's shallow enough for water fun for all ages. Open for 2021 season May 14 through Oct. 31.
Park at the Ben Salem Wayside on Route 60 between Buena Vista and Lexington (1105 East Midland Trail, Buena Vista) and take a dip in the Maury River. This popular swimming hole is pretty crowded on the weekends and has picnic tables too. Be sure to bring river shoes, water shoes, or old sneakers since the beach and river are filled with rocks. The Maury River flows into the James River near Snowden. Plan your day trip here: Summer Day Tripping: Maury River Fun at Ben Salem Wayside in Lexington
Enjoy a day trip to Rockfish Valley Trails and Spruce Creek Park in Nelson County! The Rockfish Valley Trails and Spruce Creek Park are located on and near Route 151 just north of Devil's Backbone Brewery. Read more about the fun riverside trails and creekside park here: Summer Day Tripping: Rockfish Valley Trails and Spruce Creek Park
Adults and teens can take a dip in the James River on Browns Island and Belle Isle, located in Downtown Richmond. Cross the Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge which runs under the Lee Bridge and takes you from Tredegar Street to Belle Isle. This adventure is suited for older kids, teens, and adults as the water is rough around the rapids. Parking is crowded on the weekends for this popular destination.
Road Trip Water Fun
Splash Valley Water Park, located at 7415 Wood Haven Road in Roanoke, is about an hour's drive from Lynchburg. Splash Valley opens for the 2024 season Memorial Day weekend. Splash Valley has two 34-foot water slides, a current river, children's sprayground and more. Splash Valley Water Park is operated by Roanoke County's Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Splash Valley is open Thursday through Sunday through mid-August and weekends only from mid-August through Labor Day. Visit the website for the most up-to-date information, including operating hours, special swim days, and season pass information.
Charlottesville Parks & Recreation will open its four spray grounds May 11 through Sept. 15 for the 2024 season. Spray grounds are free and open daily 10 AM - 8 PM. Spray Ground locations are listed below:
Belmont Park – 725 Stonehenge Avenue
Forest Hills Park – 1022 Forest Hills Avenue
Greenleaf Park – 1598 Rose Hill Drive
Tonsler Park – 500 Cherry Avenue
We will share any known event cancellations on our Facebook page as quickly as possible; however, please check with the venue before attending any event including events for which you have already purchased tickets.
As always, we'll have new articles published in our free newsletter and on our website every week with crafts, recipes, boredom busters, and other ways to entertain your kids and keep them busy! Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® in Lynchburg, Central Virginia, and in the comfort of your own home.
