Summer in Cumberland County is sunny, spirited, and, let’s be honest—hot. If you're a road-trippin’ family rolling down I-95 or planning a weekend stay, we've got the inside scoop on the best ways to cool down and make memories. Whether you're wrangling kids in the backseat or searching for a spot where Grandma and Grandpa can rest in the shade while the little ones play, these five refreshing experiences will help everyone chill out—literally and figuratively.
1. Make a Splash at Local Water Parks & Splash Pads
When the temps soar and moods dip, a splash pad can save the day-- and there are 14 to choose from across Fayetteville and Cumberland County. These free, city-maintained spraygrounds are open daily from May through September and designed for all ages. Many also offer shaded seating areas, restrooms, and easy parking.
Accessibility highlight: Massey Hill Recreation Center Splash Pad offers aquatic wheelchairs on-site—making it a standout for families traveling with children or adults who have mobility needs.
A Few Favorites for Visiting Families:
Kiwanis Recreation Center Splash Pad
Why: Community Choice for Best Overall Vibes
This splash pad is consistently praised by parents for being clean, interactive, and welcoming. There's shaded bench seating for grown-ups and plenty of room for kids to roam. It's just a few minutes from coffee and ice cream stops, with the Cape Fear Botanical Garden and Exit 52 off I‑95 nearby—making it a convenient favorite for both locals and travelers.
Eastover-Central Recreation Center Splash Pad
Why: Closest to I-95 for Road-Trippin’ Families
Located just off Exit 61, this splash pad is a peaceful, less-crowded spot that’s perfect for families needing a break from the car. It offers easy parking, a safe space to stretch legs, and nearby picnic areas—an ideal quick-stop option for road-trippers.
Lake Rim Splash Pad
Why: Best Reviews + Bonus Aquatic Center Access
Lake Rim’s splash pad is part of a larger recreation complex that includes the Lake Rim Aquatic Center. Families appreciate the clean environment, variety of water features, and the option to make it a full morning or afternoon outing without rushing back to the car.
Tip: Pack snacks or pick up a picnic lunch from a local deli. Most splash pad areas have tables or grassy spots nearby, making it easy to cool off and refuel.
Open Daily
Monday–Saturday: 10 am–7 pm
Sunday: 2 pm–7 pm
See full list & locations here
2. Treat Yourself to Ice Cream and Frozen Sweets
Sometimes the best way to cool down is from the inside out. Cumberland County is home to several locally owned spots serving frozen treats with personality, history, and hometown pride.
Big T’s Snoballs & Ice Cream
Why: Lakeside Sno-Balls with Family-Friendly Fun
(N. Main Street, Hope Mills)
Located right on the water, Big T’s Snoballs & Ice Cream is a locally loved concession stand serving up New Orleans–style shaved-to-order ice in more than 80 flavors—including sugar-free options. In addition to their colorful sno-balls, they offer hand-dipped ice cream, grilled burgers, hot dogs, smoked sausage, and classic snacks. With a gated playground, hula hoops, sidewalk chalk, jump ropes, and corn hole always available, it's more than a treat stop—it's a full-blown summer memory in the making.
Mad Hatters Ice Cream Shop
Why: Whimsical Local Favorite with Classic Flavors
(Hope Mills Road, Fayetteville)
This cheerful, family-run ice cream shop offers hand-dipped ice cream, sundaes, floats, and milkshakes in a fun, colorful setting. With a mix of nostalgic and seasonal flavors, Mad Hatters is a hit with kids and adults alike—and a perfect place to pause on a summer afternoon.
Gillis Hill Farm
Why: Farm-Made Ice Cream in a Peaceful Setting
(Western Cumberland County)
For a taste of countryside calm, Gillis Hill Farm serves homemade ice cream with old-fashioned flavors like butter pecan, peach, and strawberry—all made on-site. Let the kids enjoy the swings or feed the goats while you savor a cone under the pecan trees. Seasonal hours vary, so check their Facebook page before heading over.
3. Take a Break Indoors (A/C Strongly Recommended)
When the heat index makes even splash pads feel too hot, indoor attractions offer a cool alternative. These spots are perfect for high-energy kids and for adults who need a few hours off the road, out of the sun, and in the comfort of air conditioning.
Fascinate-U Children’s Museum
Why: Imaginative Play in a Child-Sized World
Located in downtown Fayetteville, Fascinate-U Children's Museum is designed just for kids. From pretend fire trucks to pint-sized grocery stores, kids can engage in hands-on role play while parents enjoy the A/C.
Omni Fun Center
Why: All-in-One Entertainment Under One Roof
The Omni Fun Center is a one-stop indoor playground for all ages, with bowling lanes, a retro arcade, blacklight mini golf, and a full movie theater on-site. It’s a great choice for multigenerational families who need variety—and a place to escape the afternoon heat.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Why: Burn Off Energy in a Climate-Controlled Trampoline Park
This indoor trampoline park includes foam pits, obstacle courses, and climbing challenges. Sky Zone Trampoline Park is great for tweens and teens, and a safe bet for families avoiding the mid-day heat.
4. Stay Cool with Hotel Amenities Designed for Summer Travel
When you're road-tripping through Cumberland County or spending a weekend in town, the right hotel amenities can turn a simple stay into a refreshing recharge. Whether you're looking to cool off, wind down, or entertain the kids without leaving the building, Fayetteville-area hotels offer features that help everyone beat the heat.
Look for hotels with:
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Indoor pools – Great for a swim no matter the weather outside, and especially helpful when the summer sun is just too strong.
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Shaded outdoor pools – Perfect for morning or evening dips, with loungers and umbrellas for grown-up relaxation.
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Complimentary breakfast – Skip the hot car hunt and start your day with pancakes or fresh fruit just steps from your room.
These small perks can make a big difference for traveling families, especially when you're juggling nap schedules, snack cravings, and weather-related meltdowns.
Travel tip: Use our Places to Stay search filters to find hotels with indoor pools, free breakfast, pet-friendly rooms, and more.
5. Cool Stops Along I-95 (Stretch, Splash, and Snack)
Need a quick break without a full detour? These I-95-adjacent stops help families cool down, stretch out, and refresh before hitting the road again.
Eastover-Central Recreation Center
Why: Quick Stop with a Splash Pad
(Exit 61)
As mentioned above, this center is a hidden gem for road trippers. The splash pad is open, the area is quiet, and it’s just a few minutes off the exit.
Cape Fear River Trail
Why: Shaded Walking and Picnic Areas
(Exit 52 Area)
This scenic trail offers paved walking paths, benches, and wildlife views. Great for a light leg stretch in a tree-lined setting without breaking a sweat.
I-95 Welcome Center
Why: Travel Info, Clean Restrooms, and a Breath of A/C
(Between Exits 46–48)
Sometimes a clean stop with cold water and a stretch of your legs is all you need. The Welcome Center also has helpful staff and guides for what’s happening nearby.
Plan Your Chill-Down Weekend Now
Whether you’re in town for a tournament, reunion, or just driving through, Cumberland County is full of ways to beat the heat. From splash pads and ice cream to hotel pools and air-conditioned fun, your family can stay cool—and make lasting memories along the way.
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