As summer heats up in the Gulf South, families in New Orleans have a plethora of options to help cool down. Pack your swimsuits, grab the goggles, and get ready to road trip; these splash-tastic destinations are perfect for a summer day (or weekend) out of the city! Tap the park name to visit its website to learn about hours, tickets, and more.
- 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA (Audubon Zoo)
Located inside the Audubon Zoo, Cool Zoo is a summertime staple. With splash pads, jumping fountains, a lazy river, and a massive gator slide, it’s perfect for littles who want to cool off and play after checking out the animals.
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- 17200 16th St., Gulfport, MS
- Travel: 80 miles | ~1 hour, 30 minutes
Just a short hop to the Mississippi coast, this park is packed with wild rides like the Horn Island Blaster, plus wave pools and a lazy river. Kid-friendly Pelican Bay keeps the smallest swimmers entertained for hours.
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- 1150 S. Beach Blvd., Waveland, MS
- Travel: 60 miles | ~1 hour, 15 minutes
Tucked inside Buccaneer State Park, this pirate-themed gem features a wave pool, splash pad, and water slides—all just steps from the beach. It’s a low-key favorite for families who want thrills and chill in a natural setting.
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- 52129 Sandstone Blvd., Franklinton, LA
- Travel: 75 miles | ~1 hour, 30 minutes
Float, jump, climb, and splash in this spring-fed lake with huge inflatables, floating trampolines, and a beachy shoreline. You can BYO picnic and cooler—just don’t forget the sunscreen.
- 209 Black Jack Rd., Philadelphia, MS
- Travel: 200 miles | ~3 hours, 30 minutes
This tropical-themed park brings serious resort vibes, with 12 major slides, a white-sand beach, a wave pool, and a kids’ splash zone. Perfect for a weekend getaway with water fun and a little luxury.
- 7670 W. 70th St., Shreveport, LA
- Travel: 320 miles | ~4 hours, 45 minutes
Wonder Oasis in Shreveport delivers classic water park thrills with high-speed slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. Little ones will love the castle-themed splash zone, and parents will appreciate the clean, safe, and welcoming atmosphere.
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- 1000 Great Wolf Way, Webster, TX
- Travel: 350 miles | ~5.5 hours
Opened in August 2024, this brand-new Great Wolf Lodge offers a massive indoor water park, themed hotel suites, and a variety of family-friendly activities. With its close proximity to New Orleans, it’s an ideal destination for a weekend getaway filled with water fun and entertainment.
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- 382 Peps Point Rd., Hattiesburg, MS
- Travel: 110 miles | ~2 hours
This throwback park offers simple, lakefront fun with waterslides, paddle boats, and mini-golf. Bring your own food and enjoy the shady picnic areas; it’s old-school fun with a homespun vibe.
- 1501 S. OWA Blvd., Foley, AL
- Travel: 170 miles | ~3 hours
One of the Gulf Coast’s newest and most exciting indoor/outdoor water parks! Tropic Falls features a convertible roof, a massive slide tower, a wave pool, a lazy river, and tropical décor. Bonus: it’s next door to OWA’s amusement rides and shopping district.
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- 906 Gulf Shores Pkwy., Gulf Shores, AL
- Travel: 195 miles | ~3 hours, 15 minutes
For a classic beach-meets-water-park day, Waterville USA brings the thrills—60-foot slides, a surf simulator, a wave pool, and a kids’ area with splashy fun. Pair your visit with a trip to Gulf Shores for the ultimate summer family getaway.
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Tips for the Trip:
- Check each park’s calendar for summer hours and ticket specials
- Arrive early to snag shaded spots or cabanas
- Pack extra towels, sun protection, and a dry change of clothes
Happy splashing!