In our annual quest to have the best summer ever, we undoubtedly must make multiple stops to various bodies of water. And honestly, it’s the only option when the temp is near triple digits.
So this summer, we’re on a mission to hit every splash pad in the metro with the whole family in tow. Grab your SPF and let’s go.
Riverfront Park
Little Rock Parks & Recreation offers two areas in downtown Little Rock for kiddos to play and stay cool this summer. The first is located in the Peabody Adventure Park near the climbing wall and is open for children of all ages. For the little splashers (up to age 5), head to the recently renovated Riverfront Park’s Children’s Play Area behind the Little Rock Marriott and look for the gentle water spouts and beautiful waterfall. More info here.
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Burns Park
The splash pad at Burns Park’s Funland has finally reopened after two years of repairs. Let the kiddos cool off on the slide or under the giant splash buckets. Afterward, they can play on Funland’s new playground or take a ride on the train. Open through the end of the season, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily. More info here.
War Memorial Park
Open for another summer, War Memorial Park’s splash playground offers rocks, nets, nooks and crannies to climb with fountains, mist and plenty of water to keep kids cool. A new
disc golf course, covered slide and nearby Coleman Creek also entice visitors. Open through the end of the season, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily. More info here.
Crump Park
As always, this addition to the park at 904 W. 33rd St. is a hit. Giant buckets, tunnels and sprayers douse kids from above, while parents can stay out of the sun in covered areas. Open through the end of the season, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily. More info here.
Lake Valencia Park
Over in Maumelle, this playground and splash pad is designed to be inclusive for all, serving up water spouts, cannons and buckets, all while meeting Americans with Disabilities Act standards. Open through October, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. daily. More info here.
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Bishop Park
Bryant’s aquatic center splash pad is a seasonal family-friendly water park open from 6:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. More info here.
Tyndall Park
This Benton community mini park has a large splash pad along with pavilions, many courts for tennis or basketball and a concession stand to fuel all your summer fun. More info here.
Splash Zone
This city park in Jacksonville boasts two water slides, a water tunnel, an umbrella-shaped rain drop and dew drop water showers and more. One of the two swimming pools is kid-friendly with a depth of just 30 inches, perfect for little ones just learning how to use their sea legs. Open through the end of the season, 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and noon – 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday and Holidays. Day and season passes are available. More info here and on Facebook.
PSA:
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Laurel Park
This Conway park opened its water play pad in 2018, and it’s been a big splash ever since. However, due to city water curtailment measures, splash pads are closed until further notice with no estimate opening date. More info here.