Summer temperatures have officially arrived, and that can only mean one thing: It’s time to find the nearest place to cool off. From splash pads to swimming holes and lakefront parks, here are a few places to beat the heat in the Knoxville area.

⛱️ Beach vibes

The Cove at Concord | Open daily | Free | This Fort Loudoun Lake destination blends sandy shoreline with activity. Spend the day relaxing on the beach, or stay active with volleyball courts, a paved walking trail, and stand-up paddleboard rentals.

Melton Hill Park | Open daily | Free | Spanning 112 acres along the Clinch River, this park offers more than just a swim. Visitors can paddle along the peninsula, fish from the pier, or settle into one of the quieter shoreline spots for a low-key lake day.

🏊‍♀️ Natural swimming holes

Mead’s Quarry Lake | Open daily | Free | Set within Ijams Nature Center, this spring-fed quarry offers clear, cool water for swimming, plus kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, and tube rentals.

Augusta Quarry | Open daily | Free | A longtime local favorite, this quarry features a circular floating dock perfect for sunbathing between swims. Visitors can also float or wade while spotting fish, amphibians, and dragonflies in the surrounding water.

🛝 Best spots for kiddos

Carl Cowan Park | Open daily | Free | With sweeping Tennessee River views, this park pairs a splash pad and playgrounds with wide-open green space that’s ideal for picnics and yard games.

Karns Lions Pool | Open daily | $4+ | At this classic community pool, kids spend summer days rotating between free floats, picnic breaks, and nonstop swimming in a laid-back neighborhood atmosphere.

Inskip Swimming Pool | Open daily | $5 | This full-featured public pool includes diving boards, a wading pool, a snack bar, a sand volleyball court, and shaded pavilions. Swim lessons are also available for children looking to build confidence in the water.