When Arkansas summer hits, it hits hard, and it’s usually here for the long haul. Fortunately, South Arkansas offers several opportunities to cool off at a variety of water parks and splash pads. Here are seven places to head for water parks and splash pads in the southern part of the state.
All parks open for the season on or around Memorial Day.
1. Diamond Springs Water Park
Murfreesboro, AR
Cool down after digging for diamonds at Diamond Springs Water Park. Located inside the Crater of Diamonds State Park, Diamond Springs is a mining-themed water play area. Diamond Springs features a wading pool, spray geysers and jets, animated waterspouts, two water slides and waterfall hideaways. They also have a deck with pool furniture and umbrellas.
Admission:$6 or $10 depending on height, chaperone (non-water admission) is $2
Open: 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, closed Monday and Tuesday
2. Prescott Splash Pad
Prescott, AR
The Prescott Splash pad is located right next to a playground so it is 2-for-1 summer fun. The splash pad has water arches, water buckets that fill then dump, and water sprayers that kids can rotate from side to side. Because the splash pad is not staffed, it runs on a timer; the timer begins when a visitor pushes the “on” button. Parents will appreciate the two areas with covered picnic tables around the outside of the splash pad area.
Admission: Free
Open: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, Sundays 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
3. Arkadelphia Aquatic Park
Arkadelphia, AR
Home to a 25-meter pool with a diving area, two water slides, an umbrella-style water fountain, a bench with spraying heads, a frog slide for toddlers, and floating play pieces, the Arkadelphia Aquatic Park is full of water features for kids of all ages. The pool is zero-entry, and there are many lounge chairs in the areas around it. The park also has a concession area and concession stand.
Admission: $8 or $10 depending on height, kids 2 and under are free
Open: Sundays and Wednesdays 1-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
4. Holiday Springs Waterpark
Texarkana, AR
Holiday Springs Waterpark has five water slides, a kids pool, a lazy river and an adult pool. They also have a large play structure and wave pool, concessions and a gift shop.
Admission: Buy season passes to get in each day the water park is open for $85-$110 per person depending on the number you purchase. One-day tickets are $32.99 plus tax.
Open: Usually 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., but check their Facebook page for updates.
5. Crenshaw Springs Water Park
White Hall, AR
A lazy river, pool with diving board, a toddler play area, and slides are all part of Crenshaw Springs Water Park in White Hall. This water park features a rock climbing wall that is over a pool. Visitors can also access cabanas, huts and a snack bar.
Admission: Ages 13 & Up: $12, Ages 4-12: $10, Ages 3 & Under: FREE
Open: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sundays 1-6 p.m.
6. MAD Playscape Splash Pad
El Dorado, AR
Part of the Murphy Arts District (MAD), the MAD Splash Pad has a giant razorback water slide and a splash area. Located on the same grounds is a kids playground making the MAD playscape a 2-for-1 summer experience.
Admission: Free
Open: Sunday-Friday noon-7 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
7. Lake Saracen Splash Park
Pine Bluff, AR
You’ll find over 70 water jets at the Lake Saracen Splash Park in Pine Bluff. This splash park also has LED lighting, vending machines, changing areas and restrooms.
Admission: Free
Open: 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily
Via Only In Arkansas.