Ray's Splash Planet

Ray's Splash Planet is an indoor water park and recreational facility at 215 North Sycamore Street in uptown Charlotte. Mecklenburg County operates it in partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools on the Irwin Creek Academic Center campus. The county presents water play as the facility's primary family activity, so Beaches and Water is the correct KidPaths category.

Daily admission covers all-day swimming under the current county policy, while lessons, parties, camps, and other programs use their own registration or reservation details.

The official amenity list is unusually specific. The Blue Comet is a three-story giant slide with a 48-inch minimum height. The Lazy River circles that slide.

Saturation Station has four slides, interactive water play, and a tumble bucket for guests under 48 inches. The Vortex creates a circular current, while Meteor Showers use overhead buckets, Moon Beach provides gradual beach-style entry, and Sun Drops add floor jets near the entry. Sea of Tranquility contains two lap lanes used for lap swimming, water basketball, or water volleyball.

Current daily-pass prices vary by age and Mecklenburg County residency. County residents age 17 and younger pay $8, adults ages 18 to 54 pay $10, and adults 55 and older pay $8. Non-county visitors pay $10 for ages 17 and younger, $15 for adults ages 18 to 54, and $10 for adults 55 and older.

Infants enter free. A family with two adults ages 18 to 54 and two children therefore pays $36 as county residents or $50 as non-county visitors before optional programs or purchases. Verify the rate table before paying because public fees can change.

The facility publishes important water-safety rules. Certified lifeguards are on duty, but caregivers must still monitor their group. The posted in-water ratio is one adult for every three children age five and younger, and one adult for every 10 children age six and older.

Swim diapers are required for children age three and younger and for anyone who is not toilet trained. Proper swimwear is required and remains subject to management approval.

Leave personal inflatables, pool noodles, toys, alcohol, coolers, food, and beverages out of the splash park. The county also warns that thunder or lightning can close the pool for at least 30 minutes even though the facility is indoors. Check the current public-swim schedule or call before leaving, since lessons, parties, school use, maintenance, and special programs can affect available water-park hours.