News Summary
As temperatures soar in Greater New Orleans, families can look forward to summer fun at various splash pads and spray parks. The NORDC operates several indoor and outdoor pools, while attractions like Cool Zoo and Jefferson Parish facilities provide refreshing outdoor water play. Noteworthy updates include splash park reopenings and new water features across different parishes, ensuring that families of all ages can enjoy cool summertime activities. With accessibility and affordability in mind, local parks offer free water activities, making it a season to beat the heat in a fun and engaging way.
New Orleans – As temperatures rise in the Greater New Orleans area, families are looking for refreshing activities to stay cool. This summer, a variety of splash pads and spray parks are open across the region, offering accessible and enjoyable water play for children of all ages.
The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORDC) is operating five indoor pools and eight outdoor pools, providing ample opportunities for swimming and relaxation during the sweltering heat. Residents can also visit the Cool Zoo at Audubon Zoo, which boasts a 750-foot lazy river, water cannons, sand beaches, and a range of water attractions designed to delight families.
In Jefferson Parish, families have access to an outdoor pool and two splash pads, making it easy to stay cool without having to travel far. The city of Kenner has notably reopened a splash park featuring new water elements such as spray rings and ground fountains, enhancing the experience for visitors. Additionally, St. John the Baptist Parish offers three splash pads and two pools for summer enjoyment, while St. Charles Parish provides two specific spray parks tailored for cooling off in the summer.
St. James Parish is also contributing to summer fun, with six parks featuring splash parks accessible to the public. Roger Halphen Park has reopened its splash pad as of June 3, while the Airbase Splash Pad in Houma came back online on May 23. Families in Covington can visit the Coquille Parks and Recreation Sports Complex, which has a splash pad that is now open for the summer season.
Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville is an excellent option year-round, featuring a water playground complete with a splash pad. Admission is $3 per person, while seniors and children under the age of three can enter free of charge. The splash pad is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, making it a perfect destination for weekend outings.
Ormond Spray Park in Destrehan welcomes guests from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, designed for children measuring 62 inches or shorter. This focused approach ensures that younger kids can enjoy themselves safely. Lafreniere Park offers a free spray park featuring 13 water elements, open from noon to 6 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.
Families can enjoy free water activities for children aged 10 and under at Parc des Familles, which will operate daily until August 13, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., before switching to weekend-only hours until September 3. This community-oriented opportunity ensures that all children can have fun without financial barriers.
Looking towards the future, a new spray park is set to be constructed in St. Charles Parish, scheduled to open in fall 2024. This exciting new facility will feature approximately 30 interactive elements, marking a significant investment in outdoor family amenities.
As local levels of heat and humidity rise, public parks and recreational facilities are emphasizing the importance of courtesy and respect among visitors to ensure that all experiences remain enjoyable and safe. The focus remains on making seasonal fun in water accessible for families eager to beat the heat.
Whether swimming in a pool, splashing at a pad, or enjoying outdoor water activities, there are plenty of ways for families to stay cool this summer in the Greater New Orleans area.
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- NOLA Now
- Fox 8 Live
- WGNO
- NOLA.com
- WGNO Article
- Wikipedia: Splash Pad
- Google Search: Splash Pads New Orleans
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Splash Pad
- Google News: Splash Pads New Orleans
- Google Scholar: Splash Pads
