If you’re anything like us, you are wondering how you are going to keep the kids entertained this weekend while not suffering from heat exhaustion. The truth is, we’re a little under the weather and we’ll likely be staying indoor most of the weekend. Nonetheless, I felt inspired to give a short list of fun places to beat the heat on this weekend of heat advisories.

Lake Guntersville State Park

Whether you have a boat to cruise around the lake or not, there are several activities to keep you cool at this state park. You can rent your own pontoon for the weekend to explore the area and enjoy the water. The beach is beautiful and open to the public with a small day use fee. Additionally, there is a splash pad in the campground. The city of Guntersville has great restaurants and more waterfront parks. It’s definitely worth the short drive to explore somewhere new and try to beat the heat.

Swan Creek in Athens

This is our closest local spot to cool off and a popular meet up with our outdoor friends. The Swan Creek greenway follows Swan Creek and if there hasn’t been recent flash flooding, there are several great spots to splash around. If you start at the main trailhead south of Hwy 72, after about 0.25 miles there is an open area with large boulders that are great for the kids to climb on and there is a small waterfall to slide on. Whether you go for a swim, walk in the shade, or just sit on the rocks with your feet in the water, Swan Creek is a great place to beat the heat and enjoy nature. This is one of our favorites in all seasons which is why I also included it on the Day Trips blog in the spring.

Rogersville Splash Pad

Depending on your location, the Rogersville Splash Pad may be closer for you and is sure to have a smaller crowd than the first two options. The Splash Pad is free and operated by the Town of Rogersville. It is located in the Rogersville Recreation Complex where your family can enjoy a walk, picnic, or time at the playground as well. There is also a concession stand during the Splash Pad hours which they update on the Town of Rogersville’s Facebook page linked above.

Mt. Zion Picnic Area on Sugar Creek

For those of you who enjoy backroad driving and a stop off the beaten path, check out Little Sugar Creek at Mt. Zion Church.  I suggest a high clearance vehicle since the road actually passes through (not over) the creek in two places. There is a small pavilion and plenty of access points to set up and enjoy the shallow creek. Please be respectful of this area and clean up your trash, as always. This area is recorded on the National Register of Historic Places due to its importance to a once thriving community with the suspension bridge and church contributing to its historic significance. You can find this spot by following this link in google maps.

There are several more well-known spots to play in the water like Point Mallard, the splash pads in Huntsville, the splash pad at River Heritage Park in Florence, or your favorite spot along the Tennessee River. You can check out a comprehensive list of water parks and splash pads on Rocket City Mom. I hope you enjoyed this list of some less popular destinations to beat the heat on this sweltering weekend.

Stay safe and enjoy your weekend!

-Sara