5 splash pads to check out in New Orleans metro
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Audubon Zoo has a spray park and lazy river in its ticketed Cool Zoo area. Photo: Courtesy of Audubon Nature Institute
New Orleans metro has several family-friendly splash pads for cooling off this summer.
Why it matters: Kids still need to burn energy, even when it feels like 100°F outside.
The big picture: Here are some splash pads and water parks in the area and a few more within driving distance.
Lafreniere spray park
The spray park in Metairie opened Thursday for the season. Good news: It's free this year.
- It's a fenced-in area with several sprayers and park benches.
- Hours are Thursday through Sunday from noon to 7pm.
Wading pool at Audubon Park
Hyams Fountain in Audubon Park is a shady place to go with children.
- It's free and is less than two feet at its max depth.
- To access it, park on the left side of the zoo's parking lot and follow the path.
- There are no bathrooms so plan ahead.
Audubon's Cool Zoo
Audubon Zoo's Cool Zoo has several areas for different ages, such as a quieter splash pad for toddlers along with the bigger water slides and lazy river.
- It requires an additional fee on top of zoo admission.
Parc des Familles Spray Park
This parish-run spray park in Marrero has more than a dozen water features and activities.
- It's fenced in and has benches and shade structures too. It's open daily.
Ormond Spray Park
The park in Destrehan has multiple water features, including a water-spraying tube tunnel.
- It's also fenced in, free and has benches and some shade.
North Shore splash pads
Head across the Causeway for splash pads in Mandeville, Covington and Madisonville.
- There's a nice one in Fountainbleau State Park too.
NORD pools
The city's pools are open for the summer. Check hours before you go.
Riverwalk dancing fountain
The dancing water jets in front of the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium are turned off due to construction in the plaza.
- It's unclear when the DIY splash pad will reopen, an Audubon spokeswoman said.
Up for a drive?
We've got a few ideas if you want to head of out of town for bigger thrills.
- Blue Bayou Waterpark: This Baton Rouge attraction has giant waterslides, concessions and a connected amusement park.
- Gulf Islands Park: This Gulfport waterpark has slides, a wave pool and other water activities.
- Salvation Army Kroc Center: This indoor option in Biloxi has a splash pad, pool, slide and lazy river.
- Tropic Falls at OWA: This indoor waterpark in Foley, Alabama, has slides, a splash pad and an outdoor wave pool and surf simulator.
Go deeper:
- NORD's aquatic schedule.
- 5 cool New Orleans pools you can dive into now.
- New Orleans' historically Black beach a step closer to reopening.
- 13 of New Orleans' best snoball stands.
Editor's note: This story was updated June 28 to reflect that Audubon's dancing fountain is temporarily closed.