WILMINGTON, N.C. — Across the state, highs have been nearing triple digits and many coastal areas have had heat advisories.

In Wilmington, the Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park is filling up with families looking for a getaway that’s as refreshing as it is fun. 

What You Need To Know

  • The heat index has been over 100 degrees this past week across North Carolina

  • Many people are finding relief from the heat in pools, splash pads, beaches and lakes

  • To avoid heat exhaustion, you should drink plenty of fluids and wear sun protection

While many on the coast might opt for a dip in the ocean or under a shaded pool, others, like the Coffey family, chose some fun in the sun while still keeping cool.

Melissa and Justin Coffey watch their kids go down a waterslide at Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. (Photo: Natalie Mooney)

“It’s just a good option because the kids can run around and play and there’s so many different things that they can jump and play on and swim at,” said Melissa Coffey. “But we also go to the beach, too, so it’s a good mixup to change it up a bit.”

The Coffeys are from Asheville, and they came to the coast for the heat.

“Oh, we love the heat,” said Justin Coffey. “We came here for that reason, just to get away from the mountains and fresh air, hot air, it’s perfect.”

Although they love the summer weather, even they think highs nearing triple digits is too much. That’s why they love going to water parks like Jungle Rapids, where they can keep cool and enjoy the sunny weather at the same time.

Tye Coffey, left, and Bentley Coffey, right, swim at Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park. (Photo: Natalie Mooney)

“There’s nothing but water here,” said Tye Coffey, Melissa and Justin’s older son. “The whole time I’ve been here, I’ve been in the water because like it’s so cold that you get cold and that’s the best thing to do when it’s a hot day like this, is to spend it at a water park.”

It’s not just the weather that makes the water park a great choice to beat the heat, it’s also a great way to celebrate a special occasion.

“It’s my birthday and it’s really fun to spend it at a water park,” said Bentley Coffey, who just turned 10. “It’s the perfect temperature in the pool.”

The Coffeys drink water to keep hydrated after spending the day in the sun. (Photo: Natalie Mooney)

While they could be sweating it out at home, they thought Jungle Rapids would be a fun way to get outside and enjoy a beautiful summer day without taking the risk of overheating.

“When I’m at like home, I’m just like playing video games and that stuff,” Tye said. “But when I’m out here, I’m like having family time with my family, playing with my brother on his birthday, and riding on the slides and going in the wave pool.”

Although the Coffeys are staying cool in the water, they’re also playing it safe by drinking plenty of fluids and wearing sun protection to avoid heat exhaustion.