Memorial Day weekend is the one weekend a year when you don't need to talk yourself into a waterpark. The weather is hot (hopefully the rain will hold off 🤞🏼) , the kids are already amped, and school is either just out or about to be.

Whirlin' Waters Adventure Waterpark at Wannamaker County Park in North Charleston is the real deal — 15+ acres of island-style water attractions about 20 minutes from most of Summerville. The wave pool alone is worth the drive. The Big Kahuna is 27,000 square feet of rolling, crashing waves, and watching kids (and adults) completely lose it in there is one of the more genuinely joyful things you'll see all summer.

For families with little ones, the Big Splash Treehouse is where you'll end up spending a significant portion of your visit. It's a giant interactive play structure with 66 elements (slides, water wheels, jets) and a 1,000-gallon dumping bucket that drops on a cycle. Otter Bay and Lily Pad Lagoon are the gentler, more wading-focused sections for the youngest swimmers. For older kids and adults, the Tubular Twister slides and the Riptide Run six-lane mat racer are the moves.

The park is open this weekend (Saturday and Sunday) from 10am–6pm, and on Memorial Day Monday also 10am–6pm. Admission is $25.99 for general admission, $20.99 for anyone under 48", free for children 2 and under. After 3pm on weekdays (not including holidays), admission drops to $16.99 per person, which is good to know for future weekday visits once summer is in full swing. They also offer season long passes. The park will be open daily starting May 30th-August 9th from 10am-5pm Monday-Friday and 10am-6pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Bring your own food and drinks in a soft cooler because outside food is permitted, and the line for concessions gets long. Sunscreen is also a must. Get there early on a holiday weekend; parking fills up and ride lines can get long.

Whirlin' Waters is located at 8888 University Blvd, North Charleston, inside Wannamaker County Park.