Updated May 23, 2025 - Things to Do

10+ splash pads in New Orleans metro to check out

Carlie Kollath Wells

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Image shows a white gator dumping water. — The Cool Zoo at Audubon Zoo has a giant white alligator that dumps water. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios

Splash pads are just what kids need on a hot, sticky day in New Orleans.

Good news: Most in the region are free.

The big picture: Here are some splash pads and water parks in the area and a few more within driving distance.

New splash pad in Algiers

image shows water splashing at a spray park — New Orleans' first public splash pad is adjacent to the George V. Rainey Natatorium. The space is due to get a painted mural before it's officially complete. Video: Chelsea Brasted/Axios

The city opened its first public splash pad this year at Morris F.X. Jeff Sr. Park.

There's indoor swimming next door at the new natatorium. Go deeper.
Admission is free.

Kenner's new splash pad

Kenner's new splash park opens Saturday at 939 Rev. Richard Wilson Drive.

It's next to the playground and has restrooms and picnic tables.
The splash pad is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 31. Go deeper.

Lafreniere Spray Park

Photo shows water features that spray water. — Photo: Courtesy of Lafreniere Park

The spray park in Metairie opens for the season Saturday.

It's fenced in and has park benches and 12 water elements, including water cannons.
Hours are Thursday through Sunday from noon to 7pm. Admission is free.

Wading pool at Audubon Park

image shows a wading pool — Bring floaties and water toys for some extra fun at Hyams Fountain. Photo: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios

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 a fee on top of zoo admission.

Monkey Hill

Audubon Zoo also has a free water option included with admission.

Next to Monkey Hill is a tropical, shady area with a small waterfall, multi-level stream and rocks to climb.

Parc des Familles Spray Park

This parish-run spray park in Marrero has 20 water features.

It's fenced in and has benches and shade structures, too. It's open daily.
Admission is free.

Claudette B. Fennidy Splash Pad

Photo shows a black fence around a splash pad — This splash pad opened last year in Marrero. Photo: Chelsea Brasted/Axios

The Claudette B. Fennidy Splash Pad debuted last year at Johnny Jacobs Playground in Marrero.

It opens for the season on Memorial Day. Go deeper.
Admission is free.

Ochsner Fitness Center

Image shows a mushroom-style water feature with a pool. — **This is one of five outdoor pools at the center. Photo: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios**

You can get a day pass or an annual membership to the pools at the Harahan location.

There's a mushroom-style splash pad along with kiddie pools. Go deeper.

Ormond Spray Park

The park in Destrehan has multiple water features, including a water-spraying tube tunnel. It's free.

It's also fenced in and has benches and some shade. Hours.

West Bank Spray Park

This $2 million splash pad opened last year in Luling.

It's swamp-themed and has water features, shade sails, benches and bathrooms. Hours.
Admission is free.

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 expected to open next week for the summer. Check hours before you go.

Up for a drive?

Image shows an indoor water park with slides — Tropic Falls is a large indoor waterpark in Alabama. Outside, there's a wave pool and other activities. Image: Carlie Kollath Wells/Axios

We've got a few ideas if you want to head of out of town for bigger thrills.

Buccaneer State Park: This park in Waveland, Mississippi, has a 4.5-acre water park with a wave pool, water slides and kiddie splash pad.
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.

Editor's note: This story was updated to add Kenner's splash pad.

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