When the Louisiana summer sun starts turning sidewalks into skillets, parents know it's time to find a place to cool off. Fortunately, Northeast Louisiana families have plenty of options, from splash pads and swimming pools to sandy beaches and state park adventures.
Grab the sunscreen, towels, and water bottles—here's where your family can make a splash this summer!
Monroe's FREE Community Pools
Looking for an affordable way to cool down? The City of Monroe's community pools are a favorite summertime destination.
The pools at Henrietta W. Johnson Community Center and Liller Maddox Marbles Community Center are currently open, and admission is FREE. According to recent City of Monroe announcements, the pools are operating Tuesday through Saturday from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Families are encouraged to bring towels, sunscreen, water, and snacks for a fun afternoon in the water.
As always, check with the City of Monroe before heading out, as schedules may change throughout the season.
Zoo Oasis Splash Pad
One of Northeast Louisiana's coolest hidden gems is right inside the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo.
The Zoo Oasis Splash Pad is included with zoo admission and is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. through September. Kids can run, splash, and cool off while enjoying a day at the zoo. It's the perfect way to combine animal adventures with water fun.
Louisiana State Parks: Water Fun Worth the Drive
Louisiana State Parks offer some incredible opportunities to cool down while enjoying nature.
Swimming Pools
- Chemin-A-Haut State Park
- North Toledo Bend State Park
Note: The pool at Lake D'Arbonne State Park is currently closed due to mechanical issues. The park has indicated that repairs are underway.
Splash Pads
- Bogue Chitto State Park
- Chicot State Park
- Fontainebleau State Park
- Jimmie Davis State Park
- Lake Bruin State Park
- Palmetto Island State Park
- Poverty Point Reservoir State Park
- St. Bernard State Park
- Tickfaw State Park
Beaches
- Lake Claiborne State Park
- Poverty Point Reservoir State Park
- South Toledo Bend State Park
- Plus beaches at Bogue Chitto, Fontainebleau, Jimmie Davis, Cypremort Point, and Grand Isle State Parks.
State park pool hours are generally:
- Friday–Saturday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
- Sunday–Monday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Splash pads and beaches are typically open daily during the summer season.
Make It a Summer to Remember
Whether your family spends the afternoon splashing at the zoo, takes a dip in Monroe's free community pools, or heads out for a state park adventure, summer memories are waiting to be made.
A little water, a lot of sunshine, and plenty of laughter—that sounds like the perfect Northeast Louisiana summer.
