The summer is in full swing at this point, and you’re probably looking for ways to stay cool in the face of increasingly hot weather. You might also find that you can’t afford to take the kids to the water park every day of the week—and boy-o do children get so bored in the summertime. There’s a solution to your summer blues: pack your trunks, put the kids in the car, and head on out to one of the 11 swimming holes on the list below. Better yet, head to all of these swimming holes. There isn’t a single one you want to miss.

1. Falls Creek Falls

If you’re near Lake Catherine and feeling like swimming in a body of water that’s slightly off the beaten path, you need to take the .7-mile trek to Falls Creek Falls. You can swim beneath the lovely waterfall after an easy walk that takes you away from the busier lake shore.

2. Falling Water Falls

You’re going out into the wilderness for this one. Okay, not exactly. You’re going to the Richland Creek Wilderness Area, but Falling Water Falls isn’t way out in that wilderness area. It’s right next to the road, actually, and it’s the perfect place to cool off on a summer day.

3. Sylamore Creek near Blanchard Spring Recreation Area

You’ll find Blanchard Springs Recreation Area near Mountain View, and you’ll absolutely love all the beautiful bodies of water near there. One of those bodies of water is Sylamore Creek, which is a great place to get your feet wet.

4. Shores Lake

Everybody has that one place where they grew up swimming with the tiny little fish that gather around the ramp. Shores Lake is just such a place. Located near White Rock Mountain, Shores Lake is somewhat remote, and that adds to its gorgeous appeal.

5. Gunner Pool

Gunner Pool is stunningly blue, and Gunner Pool Recreation Area is full of creeks, pools, and streams where you can cool off on one of these hot, hot days. Gunner Pool itself is just about the perfect place to wade in and have a blast.

6. Kings River Falls

You can find Kings River Falls at Kings River Falls Natural Area. (The state of Arkansas really did us a favor when they named these places.) Barring any heavy rain the falls won’t exactly be roaring this summer. That gives you the perfect opportunity to swim beneath this stunning waterfall.

7. Lake Wedington

You might think Fayetteville doesn’t have any little known places left, but out there among the endless attractions, you’re going to find a lake hiding. That lake is called Lake Wedington. You’ll find a host of activities there, not the least of which is swimming in those cool waters.

8. Buffalo Point (Buffalo National River)

Yes, the Buffalo National River is popular for float trips. Most people don’t think to call it a swimming hole, however. Buffalo Point is just about the perfect place for a nice cool swim. This spot in the river is an absolute dream.

9. White River (Jacksonport State Park)

Speaking of river swimming, the upper delta has its own perfect place to take a swim in a wild river. Jacksonport State Park offers a cool swim beach where you can spend your day sunning in the White River.

10. Caddo Bend (DeGray Lake)

All of DeGray Lake is totally lovely, of course, but there’s something hiding there you may have overlooked. Caddo Bend is a great place to hang out in the water. Caddo Bend is halfway across the lake from the lodge, meaning it’s away from the main hub of activity. You’re still not likely to find it deserted or anything, but it is less busy than some of the other swimming holes in central Arkansas.

11. Lake Sylvia

Lake Sylvia is quite a bit smaller than most other Arkansas lakes, and with more lakes than you can shake a stick at in central Arkansas, it can tend to get overlooked. I’m here to report that that doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, because Lake Sylvia is a great place to cool down, and that diving platform on the swim beach makes it pretty impressive as well.

Bonus:

A lake, creek, river, spring, or stream near you.

As always, your favorite is the best one. I've got a spot up on Lee Creek I love. How about you? Shhh...I promise I'll keep it between us.

If you are interested in visiting a water park a little further from the one near your house, try these. You might also want to check out these Arkansas beaches.