Splash and Slide at the Kroc Center in Biloxi

If you are looking for the next adventure for your New Orleans family, New Orleans Mom is here to help! We have dozens of family travel tips on New Orleans Mom, including several ideas for a short weekend getaway within the state of Louisiana, a list of great places to camp with kids near New Orleans and longer, yet still budget friendly, road trip ideas. Sometimes you just need a family-friendly day trip from New Orleans; enter the Kroc Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Worth The Drive to Biloxi :: Indoor Water Park Near New Orleans

water parks near New OrleansJust a short drive from New Orleans, this indoor water playground offers year-round fun, complete with a water slide, lazy river, pool, and play structure. Get ready to get soaked at the Salvation Army Kroc Community Center!

About a 90-minute drive from New Orleans, the Kroc Center’s aquatic area is great for a family-friendly day trip.

The splash pad section features a gradual entry and a small slide, along with fountains and overhead buckets. The water is heated as needed in cooler months.

Older kids (at least 48 in. tall) enjoy the thrill of the water slide and swimming through the lazy river. The pool along the far side of the aquatic area is 4 ½ feet deep. Lounge chairs, kickboards, and pool noodles are available.

To clean off before swimming and dry off after your visit, there are three family bathrooms, as well as locker rooms. Lockers are available to store your belongings.

Guests can purchase a two-hour swim session. You can purchase more than one session but might have to get out of the water in between sessions. You do not have to be a Kroc Center member to buy swim session passes. In the summer season (approximately May through August), tickets are $10 per person for a two-hour session. Kids age 2 years and under are free. In the offseason (approximately September through April), tickets are $8 per person. While they do sell passes in person, it’s wise to buy tickets online in advance of your visit to ensure it doesn’t sell out. They don’t sell passes over the phone. The Kroc Center suggests arriving 20 minutes before your session time to allow time to rinse off and use the bathroom before you swim.

Other helpful tips:

  • Kids age 2 and under must wear a swim diaper and plastic pant covering. Plastic pants are sold there; supply is limited.
  • No food or glass allowed in the aquatic area.
  • In the summer months, the pool is most busy Monday through Friday from 10:00am to 12 Noon. It often fills to capacity then.
  • Vending machines are available. Sometimes a snack bar is open (call ahead to ask).
  • Swim toys must be approved by lifeguards.

It’s a fun day trip from New Orleans and a great way to burn some energy by swimming, especially in colder months when outdoor pools aren’t an easy option. The facilities are clean and well maintained. Invite some friends and make the most of this gem in Biloxi, such a easy drive from New Orleans!

Policies and procedures are subject to change. To verify any details before your visit, call the Kroc Center at (228) 207-1218.

For the latest updates, follow the Kroc Center on Facebook. To pre-purchase swim passes online, visit their website here!

About Karen Tong

A Delaware native, Karen and her family moved to uptown New Orleans from Baltimore, Md. in 2017. She loves to explore the city and learn about its unique culture, with her son and daughter joining in the adventure. Karen volunteers at her kids’ school, Holy Name of Jesus, where she loves the community and friends her family has made. She enjoys slowly jogging through Audubon Park and stopping to pet dogs, especially Labradors, along the way. When she’s not working at her communications job, Karen loves dancing with Flashmob New Orleans and the Candy Girls of New Orleans. 

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