The 7 Best Public Pools and Water Parks in Little Rock

This pool is owned by the Jim Dailey Fitness & Aquatic Center, but you don't have to be a member to swim. With it's close proximity to The Zoo and War Memorial Park, it's a nice place to take a quick dip. The price is right too. Admission is just $5 for adults and $3 for kids under 16. Hours vary but they are open most days from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. The pool opens Memorial Day Weekend.

This is definitely the biggest and the best water park near Little Rock, but it's pretty pricey for a whole family. They have themed water slides, a wave pool, river rafting rides, kiddie areas and more. It is one of the more expensive attractions in the area—admission is $34.99 for adults and $22.99 for kids, as of March 2019—but they have special discounted rates for things like the "PM Plunge." You can also buy discounted tickets locally. Additionally, season passes are often a bargain, especially if you buy them before the season starts. The park is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

If you really want a day out, try Magic Springs, located in Hot Springs. This is two parks in one. You get admission to a really great water park and an amusement park for one price. You can get discounted rates if you order online, but the daily ticket price starts at $49.99 for an adult ticket (as of March 2019). The park has lots of rides and you can stay all day. Hours vary, but they are open most days from 11 p.m. through 6 p.m. As with Wild River Country above, a season pass makes a lot of sense, and they often offer discounted ones during the down season.

Both of these are multi-purpose health clubs with swimming lessons and more. The fee to join is pricey ($300, plus additional monthly dues), but well worth it if you'll be swimming a lot with your family and you can take advantage of the other amenities. Be sure to check out the website and find out which location's offerings and schedule matches best with your family.

Tyndall Park is located in Benton. Admission is free to the splash pad located in the park. This is great fun for little kids and open from Memorial Day until Labor Day. The splash pad is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Sunday.

This used to be called Peabody Park because it's behind the former Peabody Hotel. The park has several outdoor and underground rooms, large native stones for climbing, a splash pad and the Ozark Pavilion. There is an area specifically for small children. The park for older kids is near the climbing wall. The splash pad is open from Memorial Day until October, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Admission is free.

War Memorial Park's splash bad offers fountains, mist and lots of water fun. There are lots of hidden places to explore and climb. The park also has traditional playground equipment. The splash pad is open from Memorial Day through October. Hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and admission is free.