10+ Places For Water Fun in and Around New Orleans

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!

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 is made even better with the fact that there is a splash park within the zoo called “The Cool Zoo!” Put on your suits and head over for water slides, water cannons and all kinds of cool fun! There is an additional admission price to the cost of the zoo itself, but in the heat of the summer, it is very worth it. The Cool Zoo is a great place for kids of all ages. I even enjoyed my day there one summer when my son was 8 months old. Although 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 some low key water shooting out of the ground. Tip: It can get very crowded, so if you plan on spending the entire day there it might be worth renting a cabana with another family for a special treat. There is also an awesome lazy river in New Orleans, located within the Cool Zoo splash park, called the Gator Run. Just like Cool Zoo, the water flowing in the lazy river can be heated when necessary. Anyone under 48 inches will need a life jacket supplied by Audubon Zoo. No outside food or beverage is allowed in Cool Zoo or Gator Run. Visitors can bring their own towels or purchase them at the Cool Shop.

Lafreniere Splash Pad :: Geared to ages 10 and under, this Splash Pad just outside of New Orleans is a great place to spend some time running around and staying cool. Complete with 13 water features, there is a lot of splashing to be done! We love this park specifically for the toddler set. It is just the right size so that you can see the whole thing and it is gated! Tip: No change is provided. Bring the exact amount for admission. The Plum Street Snowball stand is awesome to visit after you play!

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 filled to capacity, additional swimmers may not be allowed.

Ormond Spray Park :: The Ormond Spray Park is located at 1901 Ormond Boulevard in Destrehan, which is about 20-25 minutes from central New Orleans. 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.

Parc des Families ::The Parc des Familles Spray Park in Marrero is now open for the season, with 16 water features available for children ages 10 and under.

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.

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.

Mandeville Trailhead :: Enjoy the free splash pad at the Mandeville Trailhead!

Coquille Parks and Recreation :: This new Covington staple looks like a lot of fun and is open for the summer!

White Sands Beach :: About an hour away from New Orleans is a hidden gem known as White Sands Beach. There are several inflatables for kids to play on, as well as cabanas that families can rent for shade. This is a great choice if you are looking to cool off in a more natural setting (aka not a chlorinated pool).

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! 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.

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Blue Bayou Water Park :: If you are willing to make the trip to Baton Rouge you can get a two for one deal: you can visit the Blue Bayou Water Park, as well as the Dixie Landin’ Amusement Park, for the price of one. You can satisfy the thrill seeker in your family and then cool down in the water park. The Blue Bayou Water Park has over 20 features including the Racers, what they claim to be the fastest water racer in the world! This is absolutely geared for older children.

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!

Bayou Segnette Wave Pool :: Just a 30 minute drive across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, tons of fun awaits your family :: boating, fishing, camping, canoeing, hiking, picnicking, playgrounds and, of course, swimming in the wave pool.

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 asmall cooler.

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.

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

Your Very Own Backyard :: Sometimes you don’t even have to leave your own backyard to have a great time and stay cool. My “big” purchase this summer was a water table from Big Lots. Trust me, it’s been well worth the $19. While this is where I should wow you with some pinterest worthy kid bike wash I won’t. Let’s put everything else aside and admit it: you really don’t need more than a hose, some popsicles, and some sweaty summer smiles to have a good time!

Do you have any other splash pads or pools that you visit in the New Orleans area with kids?

17 COMMENTS

  1. Our go-to is the splash pad at St. Bernard State Park. A bit of a drive but there’s a really nice playground right next to it and picnic tables, too. $2 admission to the park for adults and $1 for kids.

  2. The Salvation Army Kroc Center in Biloxi, Mississippi offers a indoor aquatic center/waterpark. $8 per person, 2 and under are free for a 2 hour session.

  3. Why aren’t there any public splash pads in New Orleans? Other hot, major cities like Austin, have them at almost every public park.

    • Hi Jennifer,

      There are a few public splash pads but most are “pay to play” like Lafreniere Splash Pad. That said you can cross the lake and visit the Mandeville Lakefront Splash Pad or the Mandeville Trailhead for free.

  4. Hi Jennifer,

    There are a few public splash pads but most are “pay to play” like Lafreniere Splash Pad. That said you can cross the lake and visit the Mandeville Lakefront Splash Pad or the Mandeville Trailhead for free.

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