Summertime is synonymous with family time. For many, the memories of summer vacations taken decades ago and the lingering memories of fun-filled adventures with siblings, parents, and extended family are rekindled each summer. If you want to revisit the era before enormous (and expensive) waterparks dotted the landscape in North Carolina, then plan a day trip over to Benson (near the intersection of I-95 and I-40) for a day spent in a natural swimming hole that'll take you back to the good old days.

At the heart of Tucker Lake Recreation is a 30-acre, spring-fed lake with a sandy bottom and near crystal-clear water.

It's an ideal place to bring the kids without breaking the bank as you would at a big, fancy water park. But that doesn't mean Tucker Lake is without some additional fun attractions for everyone to enjoy.

Found lakeside, a 167-foot water slide dishes up oodles of fun and is included in the lake's reasonable price of admission ($12/adults, $10/kids 3-10).

Grab a mat, climb the stairs and launch your journey on this winding water-fueled slide with a three-foot receiving pool at the bottom.

And there are even more ways have fun at Tucker Lake Recreation:

A swim platform doles out still another water slide plus a rope swing and a dive platform.

What could be more fun than enjoying a day in the water — the old-fashioned way??

When it's time to take a break, the sandy beach is a great place for the group to convene for a bite to eat.

Coolers are allowed, and there is also a picnic area with grills available (grills are first-come, first-served). Or, most people opt to hit the Tucker Lake concessions stand for drinks and food. The menu includes hotdogs, burgers, corn dogs, nachos, sausage dogs, French fries, ice cream, drinks, and even milk shakes.

For the little ones in the family, fun slides are placed in the shallowest parts of the lake.

What kid wouldn't want to slide down a dolphin or a polar bear? So much fun... and what great memories to cherish for years to come!

Tucker Lake also rents paddle boards and kayaks on the weekends.

If you've ever wanted to try your hand at either of these man-powered water vessels, then here's your chance. They rent for just $5 for 30 minutes.

Want to travel back in time this summer? Head to this unassuming, inexpensive natural spring-fed waterpark for some wholesome family fun.

Tucker Lake Recreation is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday during July. Beginning in August, the lake is only open during those hours on Saturday and Sunday.

Free parking is available, as well as a special, shaded parking area that costs $2/car. For more information, see this super informational page on the official website for Tucker Lake Recreation in Benson, North Carolina. As a mere point of geographical reference, this natural waterpark is located approximately 30 minutes from Fayetteville, Raleigh, Clinton, Clayton, and Smithfield.

Know of another old-fashioned swimming hole we should feature here? Nominate it for a featured article like this one!