When the sun is sizzling and the humidity is doing its thing (you know the one), it’s time to find your chill—literally. We’ve rounded up the coolest spots in Northeast Louisiana to help your family beat the heat, from splash pads to sweet treats and everything in between.
This article is brought to you by The UPS Store in West Monroe #5068, where convenience meets professionalism—whether you’re shipping summer camp care packages or printing flyers for your lemonade stand empire. 📦✨
Grab your shades and let's dive into the chill zone! 😎💦
We advise always checking with the venue when possible before heading out as hours and availability can change due to many factors.
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Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo Splash Pad (Zoo Oasis) - Monroe, LA
What to expect: Have lots of fun on the newly repainted nonslip surface. Playing at the splash pad is included with the regular price of admission. You can also check out their new exhibits, including feeding a tortoise, budgies, and sloths!
Address:
1405 Bernstein Park Rd., Monroe, LA
Dates:
May 1st - September 30th (Open Every Day), April and October (Open on Weekends Only), November 1st - March 30th (Closed)
Hours:
Monday - Sunday
10 am - 5 pm (Splash Pad begins to close at 4:30 pm)
Admission price:
Adults: $6.00 (13 - 65)
Children $4.50 (3 - 12)
Children Free (2 and under)
Seniors $4.50 (65 and up)
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Map made possible by The Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society |
Jen's Indoor Swimming Pool Rental
112 Dopson Place, West Monroe, LA
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday Prices: $25 per hour for 1-5 guests, $35 per hour for 6-10 guests, $45 per hour for 11-15 guests, $55 per hour for 16-20 guests, $65 per hour for 21-25 guests.
Saturday Prices: $35 per hour for 1-10 guests, $45 per hour for 11-15 guests, $55 per hour for 16-20 guests, $65 per hour for 21-25 guests.
(You must book in advance).
BOOK NOW
Conveniently located in West Monroe, our pool rental is easily accessible for everyone. Whether you are planning a romantic date night, a memorable birthday party, or a fun-filled family day, Jen's Indoor Swimming Pool Rental offers an affordable option that fits any occasion. Dive into the excitement and create lasting memories with us. Book your pool rental today and get ready for an unforgettable experience!
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Photo: Jen's Indoor Swimming Pool Rental |
Ruston Park and Recreation Introduce 3 Splash Pads!
Monroe City Recreation Centers (Henrietta W. Johnson Community Center and Liller-Marbles Community Center) - Monroe, LA
What to expect:
Each recreation center has a very large pool parent supervision is required for children. In addition to pools, there are playgrounds, and The City of Monroe has some wonderful summer programs, including tennis and swimming lessons. (Click Here to Learn More)
Address:
HWJCC
2800 Burg Jones Ln
Monroe, LA
LMCC
2950 Renwick St
Monroe, LA
Dates:
Open June 6th
Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday (11 am - 6 pm)
Sunday (1 pm - 5 pm)
Admission price:
FREE
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Jimmie Davis State Park 2019 |
Jimmie Davis State Park
What to expect: To ensure that there's never a dull moment, the park also has a playground for the kids after a day on the lake. Cyclists will enjoy the park as a starting point for biking treks through the hills of North Louisiana, and nature lovers are invited to discover the beauty of the wooded land and lakefront. Bring your binoculars to get a closer look at the variety of birds living in or passing through the area.
Cabin rentals are also available.
Address:
1209 State Park Rd., Chatham, LA
Dates: Generally, Memorial Day to Labor Day for Swimming
Hours:
Sunday - Thursday 8 am - 5 pm
Friday and Saturday 8 am - 8 pm
Admission price:
$3.00 Per Person
Free for Seniors 62 or Older
Children Under 3
Town of Farmerville
What to expect: This is the second year for this splash pad to be open, and it is located at the Boys and Girls Club in Farmerville, LA! There are a couple of benches for parents to sit on that are covered, but plan for lots of sun and bring drinks.
Address: 606 Bernice St., Farmerville, LA
Date: Opens May 23rd
Times: Daily, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Cost: FREE
Lincoln Parish Park - Ruston, LA
Rated as one of the best mountain bike trails in America, Lincoln Parish Park is a treasure for mountain bike lovers and noncyclists too. The 10-mile trail offers a challenging and exciting course for the advanced rider and beginners.
Park amenities include covered pavilions, picnic tables, and benches throughout the park. A 1.25-mile walking path winds around the beautiful lake. Guests can fish from piers or non-motorized boats. Kayaks and canoes are welcome.
The park also offers a playground for children. Legacy Park, located inside the park grounds, is boundless, allowing children of all abilities a chance for fun and play. The park’s sandy beach and swimming area are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day each with a lifeguard on duty.
Address:
211 Parish Park Rd., Ruston, LA
Dates: Generally, Memorial Day to Labor Day for Swimming
Hours:
Monday - Sunday 10 am - 6 pm
Admission price:
$3.00 Per Person
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Chemin-A-Haut State Park
What to expect: Chemin-A-Haut State Park was designed with children in mind. Two playgrounds in the day-use area are a favorite spot of the younger patrons, as is the wading pool in the swimming complex. Also, the park's swimming pool is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, so campers and picnickers can refresh themselves on hot summer days. In addition to RV and tent camping, overnight guests can also relax in cabins, some located conveniently to the day-use area, while more secluded units are located on the bayou.
Cabin rentals are also available.
Address: 14656 State Park Rd., Bastrop, LA 71220
Dates: Memorial Day to Labor Day (Pool Closed Monday-Wednesday for Maintenance)
Hours:
Sunday - Thursday 8 am - 5 pm
Friday - Saturday 8 am - 8 pm
Admission price: $3.00 per person, Free for Seniors and Children Under 3
Wonder Oasis Waterpark (Formerly Splash Kingdom)
The waterpark has a new owner, and they are excited to serve you and your family. They have been busy doing renovations, which makes us excited to make a trip to Shreveport!
What to expect: They offer cabana rentals, a lazy river, several water slides, a kids' castle, an activity pool, and more!
Dates and hours: Generally Memorial Day - Labor Day, Sunday - Thursday 11 am - 6 pm, Friday 11 am - 9 pm, Saturday 11 am - 7 pm
Admission price: For individual tickets, prices start at $21.99. An individual season pass is $59.99 and a family of four season pass $199.99. Children two and under enter for free, and anyone under 42 inches tall can enter for $18.99. Individual tickets go down to $14.99 after 4 p.m.
Backyard Splashpad!
Having fun at home with family and friends is an awesome way to make memories, and when you have a Backyard Splashpad, everyone wants to come! We found one with great reviews and a nonslip surface, it is also thick enough that pets can play on the splash pad without fear of it being punctured. (CLICK NOW!)
Next Level Fun! What about adding Eskamore's Frozen Custard & More, KONA Ice of NELA, or Copsicles to your event!
Eskamoe's Frozen Custard & More
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Looking to sweeten up your celebration? 🎉 Eskamoe's Frozen Custard & More is the ultimate party upgrade. Whether you're hosting a birthday bash, family reunion, or neighborhood get-together, their rich, creamy custard and fun selection of toppings bring instant smiles. With cool treats and warm service, Eskamoe’s doesn’t just show up to the party—they are the party. From sundaes to shakes, it’s a guaranteed way to beat the heat and boost the fun! 🍦💃
KONA Ice of NELA
KONA Ice of NELA (Facebook) offers the perfect refreshing treat for those sizzling Louisiana summer days! Imagine the joy on your guests' faces as they spot the brightly colored snow cone truck arriving at your event, ready to serve up delicious, ice-cold delights. With a variety of mouth-watering flavors to choose from, KONA Ice ensures everyone stays cool and satisfied, making your gathering an unforgettable experience. You can typically find a KONA Ice truck at Kiroli Park by SMILES Park.
Copsicles Ice Cream Truck!
Copsicles is a sweet hometown favorite, cruising through neighborhoods and serving up joy one frosty treat at a time. Whether it’s a birthday bash, block party, or community event, this charming truck is ready to roll in and make your day a little sweeter. Keep your ears peeled for the music—and your taste buds ready for a treat!
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Top 10 Things You Don't Want to Forget!
1. Supervise your children at all times: Always keep an eye on your children, even if they are good swimmers. Children can get into trouble quickly and silently in the water.
2. Learn CPR: Knowing CPR can save a life in case of an emergency. Take a CPR course and keep your certification up to date.
3. Follow the rules: Make sure your children understand and follow all pool rules, such as no running, no diving in shallow water, and no pushing or horseplay.
4. Check the water depth: Make sure your children know the water depth and never dive into shallow water.
5. Wear appropriate swimwear: Dress your children in appropriate swimwear, including swim diapers for infants and toddlers.
6. Use sunscreen: Protect your children from the sun's harmful rays by applying sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30.
7. Stay hydrated: Make sure your children drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
8. Check the facilities: Check the cleanliness and safety of the pool or splash pad before allowing your children to use it.
9. Know the emergency protocol: Make sure you know the emergency protocol and the location of the nearest phone, first aid kit, and AED.
10. Avoid the use of flotation devices and instead, partner with a Certified Infant Swimming Rescue (ISR) Instructor. ISR is a specialized program designed to teach babies and toddlers essential survival swimming skills. The program emphasizes self-rescue techniques that empower young children to save themselves in the event of an accidental fall into water. Unlike traditional swimming lessons, ISR focuses on teaching infants as young as six months old to hold their breath, roll onto their backs, and float unassisted until help arrives. For toddlers, the training includes learning to swim face-down and then roll onto their backs to rest and breathe.
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