Splash Into Summer: Louisiana's Water Parks and Playgrounds
When temperatures rise, cool off at Louisiana's water parks, playgrounds and resorts.
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
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, alligator water slide, spider monkey soakers and even water-spitting snakes.
Blue Bayou Water Park
Thrill-seekers should venture to Blue Bayou Water Park in Baton Rouge, which offers nearly 20 water attractions including giant water slides. Blue Bayou also has a lazy river, water playground and wave pool.
Sulphur Parks Waterpark
Near Lake Charles, families gather at Sulphur Parks 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.) 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, as do the fountains across the river at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets. 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.
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.
