If you are looking for things to do with kids in New Orleans, you have come to the right place! Below is a list of the best splash pads and water parks in New Orleans; during the hot summer months, especially, water fun in New Orleans is a must with kids! And when you get bored in New Orleans, there are also ideas for splash pads in Baton Rouge and water parks within driving distance of New Orleans. Stay cool this summer!

10+ Places For Water Fun in and Around New Orleans

New Orleans Splash Pads and Water Parks

Places For Water Fun in and Around New Orleans

The Cool Zoo :: New Orleans has one of the best zoos in the country, and it’s made even better by the Cool Zoo, a splash park within the Audubon Zoo! Put on your swimsuits and head over for water slides, water cannons, and all kinds of cool fun. There is an additional admission cost beyond the zoo itself, but in the heat of summer, it’s well worth it. Cool Zoo is a great place for kids of all ages—I even enjoyed my day there when my son was just 8 months old. While we didn’t take part in too many of the activities, we ate lunch under a shade tree and splashed in a smaller area with gentle water sprayers. Exciting news—Cool Zoo now allows all-day access and re-entry! Float along the 750-foot Gator Run lazy river, take on the alligator water slide, and enjoy splash zones, sandy beaches, and more. Plus, refuel with tasty snacks at Gator Bites, grab summer essentials at The Cool Shop, and make a full day of it by exploring the rest of Audubon Zoo.

The lazy river water is heated when necessary, and anyone under 48 inches must wear a life jacket provided by Audubon Zoo. No outside food or drinks are allowed, but visitors can bring their own towels or purchase them at The Cool Shop. Here is everything you need to know before visiting the Cool Zoo in New Orleans. The 2026 season opens on May 2nd! The Cool Zoo will be open on weekends only from May 2 to 24 and then daily from May 25 to August 2. They will return to weekends only from August 3 to September 6. Their last day open for the 2026 season is September 7.

Lafreniere Splash Park :: Geared toward children ages 3 to 10, this Spray Park just outside of New Orleans is a fantastic spot for little ones to run, splash, and stay cool. Opened in 2012, the park spans approximately 4,000 square feet and features 12 interactive water elements—including five in-ground sprayers, five above-ground features, and three water cannons that alternate between different spray patterns for nonstop fun! We especially love this park for toddlers—it’s just the right size so you can keep an eye on everything, and best of all, it’s gated! Children 6 years old and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

The Spray Park operates seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, Thursday through Sunday, from 12 PM to 7 PM, weather permitting. Park staff will make all weather-related decisions. The on-site concession stand may be open during operating hours, offering snacks and drinks for visitors.  The Spray Park is available for private events, with rental rates starting at $200. For booking details, contact the office at (504) 838-4389. Tip: Aqua socks and sandals are recommended in the spray area to help prevent slips and keep little feet comfortable.

St. Charles Parish Parks and Recreation :: The West Bank Spray Park, located at 274 Judge Edward Dufresne Parkway in Luling, is the perfect spot for a fun and refreshing day with the family! It’s open Tuesday through Thursday with hours from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on weekends from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (closed on Mondays for maintenance). The park features a variety of water features, giving kids the perfect place to splash around, while parents can relax under the shaded sail areas. If you’re looking to make it a special event, the park is also available for private rentals, so you can reserve half of the park or the whole area for a fun group outing. It’s a fantastic community space where families can cool off, have fun, and make lasting memories!

Ormond Spray Park :: The Ormond Spray Park at 1901 Ormond Boulevard in Destrehan is a great way for families to enjoy the summer heat! Located within Ormond Community Park, this water play area has a wide variety of features that kids love, including water fountains, spray jets, and more. Parents can join in or relax in the shaded areas while the kids run around and cool off. The park operates at the same times as the West Bank Spray Park mentioned above. And if you’re planning a special event, the spray park is available for private rentals, perfect for birthday parties, family gatherings, or any special occasion. It’s a great spot for fun, relaxation, and community enjoyment! This is technically a little outside of New Orleans with its River Parishes location, but there are lots of things for kids to do in the area if you head that way.

NORDC Pools :: Did you all know that the City of New Orleans has local pools that are free and accessible to the public? It’s true! They also offer a whole host of swim lessons geared to different ages and abilities for FREE! Perhaps the most visible of these pools is the one in front of Audubon Zoo, but you can check the list to find the pool closest to you. Make sure you check to verify the hours the pools are open before heading out, and please note that if the pool is at capacity, additional swimmers may not be allowed.

Parc des Familles :: The Parc des Familles Spray Park in Marrero, located at 6101 Leo Kerner Lafitte Parkway, Marrero, Louisiana 70072, is open 7 days a week from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm from Memorial Day through Labor Day! This exciting spray park offers 20 water features, including a water ring, fill ‘n spill, and water flower, perfect for children ages 10 and under to cool off and have fun. The park is part of a larger recreational complex, which also includes a boardwalk, nature trails, and a picnic area for families to enjoy. This seasonal spot is a great way to beat the heat and enjoy water fun in a family-friendly environment!

St. Bernard State Park :: Louisiana State Parks’ water playgrounds operate Tuesdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the facilities closed on Mondays for cleaning and maintenance. The park charges an entrance fee of $2 per person for ages 16 and older and $1 per person for ages 15 and under; however, there is no additional fee for the water playground. Located at 501 St. Bernard Parkway, Braithwaite, LA 70040, the park features a 25-square-foot water playground complete with dumping buckets, water cannons, jet sprays, and a nonslip-coated cement surface. Tip: The park also offers picnic tables, barbecue grills, restrooms, and a large, covered pavilion with a grill—making it an ideal spot for a family outing to enjoy a full day of fun. Please contact the park directly to confirm if the playground is open or for additional information.

Bayou Segnette Wave Pool :: Just a 30-minute drive across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, tons of fun await your family – boating, fishing, camping, canoeing, hiking, picnicking, playgrounds, and, of course, swimming in the wave pool. The wave pool is currently closed for maintenance, so check the website before heading out! NOTE: The Bayou Segnette Wave Pool is currently closed until further notice. 

George V. Rainey Natatorium – Algiers now has its own indoor pool named after an Algiers legend. This 8.5-million-dollar investment will provide year-round pool access for all residents of New Orleans thanks to NORD.

Johnny Jacobs Pool & Splash Pad – Enjoy public swimming, take a swim lesson, or join the swim team at the Johnny Jacobs Pool! This 3.5–4 ft deep pool is staffed by YMCA-certified lifeguards and welcomes swimmers of all ages. The pool is open from May 29 to August 3, and pool hours are Tuesdays & Thursdays from 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm, Saturdays from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sundays from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm. There is a daily fee of $4 per swimmer paid through an online pool pass (no cash, tokens, or on-site payments). The Johnny Jacobs Splash Pad is perfect for kids 10 & under with 19 interactive water features for nonstop fun! The splash pad is open 7 days a week, Memorial Day – Labor Day, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

A.P. Clay Splash Park & Playground – Come cool off on Fridays, 2 pm – 7 pm, Saturdays from 11 am – 7 pm, and Sundays from 2 pm – 7 pm! AP Clay Splash Park is open for the summer from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. They will be open on Memorial Day and Labor Day from 12 pm – 7 pm. Private rentals are also available.

Village De L’Est Playground – This new splash pad in New Orleans East is opening sometime in the summer of 2026 and has new rubber surfacing and water features designed for community children.

Northshore New Orleans Splash Pads and Water Fun

Mandeville Lakefront Splash Pad :: This splash pad is located on the Lakefront (about 45 minutes north of New Orleans) next to the playground and near the harbor. It’s rarely packed. This Northshore favorite is another 100% free activity. The splash pad is open May to October, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Within Fontainebleau State Park, there is also a wonderful splash pad. Fontainebleau makes a great day trip from New Orleans; get all the details from one New Orleans Mom here. It operates Tuesdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The facilities are closed on Mondays for cleaning and maintenance.

Goldfish Swim School :: Check out the family swimming pool hours at Goldfish Swim School in Covington. They also offer several options for swim lessons!

Coquille Parks and Recreation :: This spot in Covington is sure to be a favorite for families, opening for the season in May! The Splash Pad is free and open annually from May through the first weekend of September, offering a fun and refreshing place for kids to cool off. For those looking to enjoy some extra comfort, the Splash Pad Pavilion, located between the splash pad and the wooden boat park, is available for rent.

White Sands Beach :: About an hour away from New Orleans is a hidden gem known as White Sands Beach. The beach features inflatable water slides, trampolines, and a floating aqua park. Families can enjoy shaded cabanas, beach volleyball, and BBQ grills. Rentals include kayaks and paddleboards, and visitors can bring their own gear. Opening for the 2026 season is Memorial Day weekend! Admission includes all-day access to the beach and attractions. Season passes are also available for purchase.

Splash Pad at Madisonville Park :: A splash pad was added to Madisonville Park in 2024. The splash pad includes a tugboat, named Claribel, that kids can climb and play on. Madisonville Park also has tennis courts and a walking path.

Chappapeela Sports Park :: Chappapeela Sports Park in Hammond has a covered splash pad area, water fountains, and benches. It is gated and open to the public. It can be rented out for private parties! Hours of operation are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Party rentals are only between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. All other times are open to the public.

North Oak Park :: Across from Southeastern University in Hammond, North Oak Park has a splash pad, walking path, playground, and plenty of space to run and play.

Heritage Park :: This park, located in Slidell, has a splash pad, playground, boat launch, and many other amenities available for free.

Covington’s Public Pool :: Pool season is almost here, and the public pool in Covington typically opens at the end of May from 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Grab your goggles and sunscreen and make a splash!

Tickfaw State Park :: Tickfaw State Park has reopened their splash pad! The park entry fee is $3 per person. Children 3 & under are free. Seniors 62+ are free. It is highly recommended to wear non-slip water/wading shoes while using the splash pad.

Sun Outdoors – Along with campsites that have amazing views, you can also enjoy the family pool, lazy river, and tiki bar. This is an all-ages resort, and your furry friends are welcome, too.

North Cypress Fitness Center – Their splash pad is open and free to the community. They also have Sensory Sundays starting on May 31st to provide a comfortable, inclusive environment for families with special needs. Certified lifeguards will be on duty, and life vests are available. Sensory Sundays are every Sunday through the summer from 9 am – 11 am.

Pearl River Park & Playground – This park and playground have recently received a renovation and now have a splash pad.

Baton Rouge Splash Pads and Water Fun {Driving Distance from New Orleans}

Jambalaya Park :: This water park is in Gonzales, Louisiana, and about 45-50 minutes from New Orleans. The spray park is FREE and will be opening for the 2026 season on Memorial Day weekend! There is also a pool at this park that is public but charges an entrance fee. For more info, you can check out their Facebook page.

Liberty Lagoon :: Liberty Lagoon, also located in Baton Rouge, offers water fun for toddlers, preschoolers, and kids of all ages. Open 7 days a week, this is always a cool option for Louisiana kids!

Aqua PARDS :: Just over an hour outside of New Orleans in Denham Springs, this fun water park is geared more toward younger children. It includes a few slides, a small lazy river, and several water features.

For a more extensive list of splash pads around Baton Rouge, all within driving distance of New Orleans, check out this list.

Mississippi Splash Pads and Water Parks {Driving Distance from New Orleans}

Kroc Center Indoor Water Park :: Only an hour away from New Orleans is a fun indoor water park that is heated year-round. This requires advanced planning since reservations are required, but one local mom shares all of her advice here.

Gulf Islands Water Park :: Another great option for a waterpark adventure, you’ll have to head East for this one to Gulfport, Mississippi. After about an hour and a half in the car from New Orleans, you will find yourself sliding, splashing, and swimming the day away. This water park features tube rides, a little pelican bay for the younger kids, a lazy river, a pool with a light spray of water, and the ever-popular wave pool. There are cabanas and pavilions for rent as well as a host of fun summer events to check out.

Buccaneer Bay Waterpark :: Located on the beach in Waveland, Mississippi, Buccaneer is in a natural setting of large moss-draped oaks, marshlands, and the Gulf of Mexico. Head to the waterpark to cool off during the brutal Louisiana summers!

Serengeti Springs at Hattiesburg Zoo :: Serengeti Springs, a water park at the Hattiesburg Zoo, is just over two hours from New Orleans, and totally worth the drive. The park offers a variety of attractions, including water slides, splash pads, and a lazy river, all in a clean and family-friendly environment. For thrill-seekers, there are multiple slides like Blue Rapid Run, Reptile Racers, and Serengeti Swirl. Younger visitors can enjoy kid-friendly slides, water cannons, and splash stations. For relaxation, the lazy river features a swim-up bar for guests 21 and older. Dining options include Chakula snacks, Boa Bites Food Trucks, and picnic areas with shaded seating. Private cabanas are available for rent, offering amenities like lounge chairs, a safe, charging stations, and food service. Pavilion rentals are also available for group events and birthday parties. Tip: Purchasing tickets online is recommended as the park can reach capacity. Seasonal passes are also available when in stock.

Seagull Splash at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center ::  Seagull Splash at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is set to be a family favorite. This new splash pad, which opened in 2025, offers a fun and refreshing way for kids to cool off while exploring the museum’s outdoor play areas. Located in Gulfport across from the beach, Lynn Meadows Discovery Center is an interactive children’s museum perfect for ages 2-10. In addition to the splash pad, the center features hands-on exhibits, a STEM area, an art studio, and a climbing structure. Outdoors, kids can enjoy mini houses, a music area, and plenty of space to run and play. Stay updated on Seagull Splash by following their Facebook page and plan a visit for a fun-filled day of discovery and water play!

Gulfport, Mississippi {day trip} :: If you are feeling adventurous, you can absolutely make a day trip out of heading to Gulfport to enjoy the coastal Mississippi beaches. Get advice from a New Orleans mom on planning your trip to Gulfport here.

Ship Island :: Looking to head out to a rustic island paradise? Ship Island might be what you are looking for. This island is 11 miles off the Gulf Shore and can only be accessed by boat or ferry. There is a snack bar with several healthy and fun choices, or you can bring a small cooler. Check out a fellow mom’s review.

Golden Nugget Casino – With locations in Lake Charles and Mississippi, this casino has a lazy river and pool. Pool passes can be purchased by non-guests.

Other Splash Pads and Water Parks Near New Orleans

Thibodaux Municipal Pool :: The Thibodaux Splash Pad brings more than 2,500 square feet of fun with 24 separate water features, including sprinklers and fountains, synchronized to perform a show-like experience. Opens for the 2026 season to the public on June 1 through July 31 (closed on July 4th). Check the link above, as they can sometimes be closed to the public on certain Saturdays due to swim meets.

Sulphur Spar Water Park :: SPAR Water Park offers 2 child-friendly splash & play areas, splash pad, lagoon pool, and inner-tubes.

Gator Grounds RV Resort :: Gator Grounds has an outdoor and an indoor water park, zip line challenge course, a lazy river, stocked fishing ponds, a theater, and an arcade. The outdoor water park is open weekends only from April until after their Memorial Day event in May. After that, it is open 7 days a week until their Labor Day event. It then becomes weekends only again until November 1st. The outdoor park is closed completely from November 1st until the first weekend in April (weather permitting).

RiverView Park – Located in Shreveport alongside the Red River, this free splashground is great to bring the kiddos to this summer!

Lincoln Parish Park – Located in Ruston, Lincoln Parish Park has many amenities such as trails, bike riding, and fishing piers, but it also hosts a sandy beach and swimming area, which are open Memorial Day to Labor Day with a lifeguard on duty. Day admission rates are $5 per person.

L’Auberge Casino Resort – This venue has a heated pool, lazy river, and lounging areas that are perfect for an idle retreat. Swim up to the poolside bar at the lazy river and enjoy a frozen cocktail. There is also an adults-only pool, which offers luxury cabanas and full-bar service. For hours and pricing, check here.

Golden Nugget Casino – With locations in Lake Charles and Mississippi, this casino has a lazy river and pool. Pool passes can be purchased by non-guests.

Lazy Gator Waterpark – Located in Westlake, this waterpark is fairly priced. Heads up, they are CASH ONLY, so swing by the ATM before you swing down the slides. Enjoy lunch at their Gator Tail Grill!

What do you think is the best splash pad in New Orleans?