Splash Into Summer: Louisiana's Water Parks and Playgrounds

At a Glance

• Louisiana has no shortage of water parks and splash destinations, with major attractions at Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, SPAR Waterpark near Lake Charles and Gator Grounds RV Resort near Alexandria.
• Louisiana State Parks deliver free and low-cost water fun all summer long, including wave pools, splash pads, beaches and spraygrounds at parks across the state.
• Families can find water attractions at every scale in Louisiana, whether that's a full-service resort water park, a local splash pad or a supervised swimming beach at a state park.

Louisiana has water parks, water playgrounds, lazy rivers and swimming beaches spread across the state, making it an easy destination for a summer water day no matter where you are.

Water cannons, splash pads, lazy rivers, water slides — to a kid, there’s nothing better on a hot summer day. Fortunately, fantastic fun awaits all across the state. Here are a few ways to chill out in Louisiana.

Louisiana Water Parks

Audubon Zoo

In Louisiana, you can come face-to-face with exotic and endangered animals, including zebras, African lions and giraffes, then race down an alligator-themed water slide — all in the same place! There are plenty of ways to get soaked at Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, where the Cool Zoo splash park features a Gator Run lazy river, jumping water spouts, water slide, spider monkey soakers and even water-spitting snakes.

Blue Bayou Waterpark

Find thrills for the whole family at Blue Bayou, the largest water park in the state. From slippery slides and towering tunnels to wave pools and splash zones, there's fun for all ages at this Baton Rouge-based facility. Hungry? Head to on-site eateries like the Ice Box or Gator Grill, where treats like pizza and ice cream await.

Gator Grounds RV Resort, Water Park & Golf Course

Summer rain? No problem at Gator Grounds, which has both an outdoor and indoor water park! There's no shortage of summer fun to be had at Gator Grounds RV Resort, less than an hour from Alexandria. With a lazy river, zip line challenge course, arcade, outdoor movie theater and playground, it’s the perfect spot for a family vacation.

SPAR Waterpark

Whether you’ve got tiny tots or too-cool teenagers, Sulphur Parks & Recreation’s water park features tube slides, body slides, wading pools and kiddie attractions for every member of the family. Near Lake Charles, families gather at SPAR Waterpark to enjoy the water playground, lazy rivers and water slides. The older kids will love the Super Bowl Tub Slide, which sends riders swirling around the bowl several times before dropping them into the splash pool.

Water Fun at State & Local Parks

Many Louisiana State Parks offer opportunities to get wet, from pools and beaches to water parks and splash pads. 

South Louisiana

The wave pool at Bayou Segnette State Park in Westwego is a popular spot, as are the water playgrounds and beach at Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville. (Note that the Bayou Segnette wave pool is closed until further notice.) 

Need an indoor activity? Check out an 800-gallon aquarium stocked with fish from the Tickfaw River at Tickfaw State Park in Livingston and beat the heat in the nearby water playground.

North Louisiana

For a free splash adventure, take the kids to RiverView Park in Shreveport, where splashing fountains and a “sprayground” alongside the Red River draw a crowd. Lincoln Parish Park in Ruston offers a sandy beach and swimming area — open with a lifeguard on duty from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Resorts with Water Attractions

L’Auberge Casino Resort

Guests at L’Auberge Casino Resort in Lake Charles can enjoy a relaxing float along the property’s lazy river. While the kids splash in the pool, mom and dad can swim up to a poolside bar for a cold drink or take a dip in the adults-only pool.

Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino

At the nearby Golden Nugget Lake Charles casino, you can sail down the waterslide, relax in the lazy river and grab a bite to eat (and a frosty beverage, of course) at the poolside bar.

Margaritaville® Resort & Casino

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere! And in Louisiana, it’s always 5 o’clock at the Margaritaville® Resort & Casino in Bossier City. Grab a comfy chair by the pool, or enjoy a refreshing beverage at the island-inspired Busted Coconut Bar, right next door.

Live! Casino Hotel

Looking for a more luxurious pool experience? Rent a cabana with a daybed or sectional at Live! Casino Hotel in Bossier City, and mobile-order a curated selection of food and beverages directly to your setup.

Coushatta Casino Resort

In Kinder, the Coushatta Casino Resort is a family-friendly paradise. Take a splash at the Dream Pool, which features a lazy river, two slides, a splash pad and a swim-up bar. Book an island cabana or a private cabana, or treat the whole family to a sail-shade area.

Sun Outdoors

For family fun with a beautiful lakeside location, visit Sun Outdoors in Ponchatoula. Along with camp sites that have amazing views, you can also enjoy the family pool, lazy river and tiki bar. 

Looking for an extended stay on the water? Consider renting a houseboat.

Find more family fun in north Louisiana, central Louisiana and south Louisiana.