Summer is here and it's time to enjoy the sunshine and cool off in the water. Monroe-West Monroe has plenty of options for families looking to have some fun in the water. From community pools to splash pads, there are plenty of places to take your kids for a refreshing and fun-filled day.
We advise always checking with the venue when possible before heading out as hours and availability can change due to any number of 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: $4.50 (13 - 65)
Children $3.00 (2 - 12)
Children Free (2 and under)
Seniors $3.00 (65 and up)
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Map made possible by The Louisiana Purchase Zoological Society |
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 lesson. (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 - Chatham, LA
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
Twin Lakes Country Club
They are a community pool with membership and non-membership swimming options. They are currently having a pool repair that has caused them to delay their opening date, but it is worth checking back with them.
Typical Season: May 27th - September 3rd, 2023
Time: Daily, 12 pm - 7 pm
Location: 216 Lakewood Dr., Monroe, LA
Cost: Family Membership $300, Party Booking $300, Couple Membership $225, Individual $150
Individual Day Rate: $5.00 per person
There is a one-time fee for new members which is $175.
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 noncyclist 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 from 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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Monroe Athletic Club - Monroe, LA
What to expect: This fitness center with an aquatics park has many amenities such as a large swimming pool, Splash Park, and Baby Pool which are centrally located around a 10,000 square foot Youth Center that has games, water aerobics, and social events, etc.
Dates:
May 15 - Labor Day
Pool Hours:
Monday - Saturday 11 am - 7 pm
Sundays 1 pm - 7 pm
Requires Membership:
Summer Family Membership for $900 that includes the use of their facility from May 15th to Labor Day
Chemin-A-Haut State Park - Bastrop, LA
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 convenient 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
Splash Kingdom Oasis - Shreveport, LA
What to expect: They offer cabana rentals, a lazy river, several water slides, a kid's castle, an activity pool, and more! (Virtual Tour)
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: $24.95 per person (They offer all types of ticket options like season passes, 3-day passes, and a special Toddler Tuesday ticket.
DIY Splash Pad - Your Backyard, USA
There is a super inspirational vegan mom marathon runner from Run Like Kale and she came up with a design for your own backyard splash pad. If you can handle a DIY project, check it out! Back Yard Splash Pad
Not crafty? That's okay, check out these best-selling outdoor water play sprinklers.
If you really want to make it fun, book Copsicles Ice Cream Truck!
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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. Teach your children to swim: Enroll your children in swimming lessons from a certified instructor to help prevent drowning accidents.
