The 10 Best Water Parks in New Orleans
Louisiana summers can get brutal, but fortunately, there are plenty of places you can cool off and enjoy some top-notch fun in the water. If you live in New Orleans, you’ll find dozens of water parks, splash parks, and splash pads on your doorstep, all of which promise hours of fun and a welcome reprieve from the heat. If your idea of the perfect day involves taking a relaxing float down a lazy river, a heart-pumping plunge down a towering slide, testing out your surfing skills on a surf simulator, or dodging water sprays on a splash pad, be sure to check out a few of the destinations from our selection of the best water parks in New Orleans.
10. Bayou Segnette Wave Pool
If you want to escape the brutal heat of Lousiana’s summers and take the opportunity to cool off in the water, the Bayou Segnette Wave Pool makes a great option. Located in Bayou Segnette State Park just a little southwest of New Orleans on the west bank of the Mississippi River, the wave pool is a hugely popular place for families, promising hours of fun for everyone from the tiniest tots to seniors. Whether you spend the day splashing around the waves or testing out the slides, you’re guaranteed a blast. Once you’re ready to hit dry land, you’ll find a ton of other fun activities to try in the park, including boating, canoeing, hiking, picnicking, and checking out the huge variety of local wildlife.
9. Mandeville Lakefront Splash Pad
It might not be huge, but if you’re looking for a fun way to cool off on a hot summer day, a few hours at Mandeville Lakefront Splash Pad should do the job nicely. With dozens of holes that shot up sprays of water, this interactive water feature is guaranteed to go down a storm with everyone from the tiniest tots upwards. Open from May to October, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and with no cost for admission, it’s a must-visit. Extend the fun by checking out the playground, biking and walking paths, arbors, swings, and picking spots surrounding the splash pad.
8. Spray Park at Jambalaya Park
If you’re looking for somewhere fun to take the kids this summer, look no further than the Spray Park at Jambalaya Park. Geared for the toddler to tween market, it’s a great place for kids to let off some steam and cool off on a hot day. You can also arrange to take swimming lessons at the pool or explore the park’s numerous other attractions, which include a reflection/meditation pond, a playground, picnicking areas, walking paths, and fishing spots.
7. Lafreniere Splash Park
As nola.com notes, this splash park is ideal for children 10 years and under, offering over a dozen water features (including three water cannons) that will help kids beat the heat and enjoy a fun-packed few hours of watery entertainment. The park is open every weekend from 10 p.m. to 7 p.m.until Memorial Day, then daily from then on. $5 will buy you 90 minutes of splash time… although according to regulars, no one kicks up a fuss if you run over your allotted time.
6. Ormond Spray Park
Located just a 30-minute drive from the city center is Ormond Spray Park. Perfect for little water lovers, the park is fully gated so you don’t have to worry about your kids running off without you. Just some of the features to enjoy include a rainbow mister, a dome sprayer, a water bucket, and dozens of smaller sprayers. Best of all, it won’t cost you a dime to get in. If you’re looking for some fun in the sun, it’s perfect.
5. Blue Bayou Water Park
Named one of the best places for water fun in and around New Orleans by neworleansmom.com, the Blue Bayou Water Park has enough to keep the whole family happy, boasting over 20 first-class slides and attractions, not to mention the fastest racer in the world (according to them anyway!). Once you’re ready to hit dry land, skip on over to the attached Dixie Landin’ to enjoy the rollercoaster and rides.
4. Gulf Islands Water Park
Located just a little east of New Orleans is Gulf Islands Water Park, a hugely entertaining water park that promises hours of fun for all ages with its assortment of attractions. Grab a mat and five friends for a headfirst race to the finish line on the Races, take a float along the lazy river, get your adrenaline pumping as you plunge through the 500 feet of gravity-defying twists and turns of the Gulf Coat’s first and only roller coaster, The Master Blaster, and a whole lot more besides. Little ones will love splashing around pelican bay or enjoying some tot-sized fun over at Spray St. Louis.
3. Buccaneer Bay Waterpark
If you want to kick back and enjoy some top-notch fun in the water, Buccaneer Bay Waterpark won’t disappoint. Just some of the attractions you can expect to enjoy include the 400 foot twisting, turning body slide, Pirate’s Plunge, and the 340 foot enclosed slide, Pirate’s Plank. There’s also a 17,450 sq. ft. wave pool, a hugely fun campground activity pool, and a water playground with sprays and tipping buckets for tots. If hunger strikes, head for the concessions at Sea Dog Galley to enjoy a snack and a cold drink. If you get tired of the water, there’s a huge sun deck and lounge area to relax on.
2. Liberty Lagoon
If you’re looking to escape the heat and enjoy some fun in the water, Liberty Lagoon is the perfect place. Boasting a children’s play area and splash pad for the little ones and tons of scream-inducing rides for adrenaline junkies, there’s a little something here for everyone. Whether you take a relaxing float along the lazy river or test your surfing skills on the Shockwave, a fun time is guaranteed.
1. Audubon Zoo Cool Zoo
As Only In Your State says, this exciting addition to Audubon Zoo offers a lazy river, slides, and much, much more besides. The 750-foot lazy river connects two sandy beaches that make lovely spots for relaxing, while the water cannons, water curtains, and jumping jets are sure to go down a storm with kids.
