SCHOOLS OUT FOR SUMMER and if you are looking for an affordable family fun outing, we have you covered. Summers can be hot, but these places are sure to cool you down. These local places to swim or splash around are just what the kiddos need on those sizzling summer days!
First up we have THE PARKLANDS OF JASPER which is a 75-acre major urban renewal endeavor which turned a private 9-hole golf course and the surrounding woodlands into Indiana’s Natural Destination. With this beautiful park they have a SPLASH PAD with three rock features and 42 jets. Kids will enjoy splashing around in the water and you can take in all the amazing scenery. Take advantage with all the other amenities this park has to offer. They have a two miles of walking trails, an adventure play area featuring climbing rocks and balance beans, along with a tree fort and a musical playground. Oh, did I mention this park is FREE!
Our second SPLASH PAD is formerly the site of the old Jasper High School and Jasper Middle School, CENTRAL GREEN is a passive park that was created in memory of the late Larry and Dianne Seger. Central Green has a splash pad fountain with benches for all to enjoy. Picnic tables and a restroom facility are also available. This beautiful park is located next to Jasper’s historic Cabby O’Neal Gymnasium. This place is also FREE to the public!
Want to go swimming, jump off diving boards, or go down water slides. These two municipal pools have all that! We first have the JASPER MUNICIPAL SWIMMING POOL. The pool is open daily from 12:00pm to 7:00pm with twilight swim Wednesday evenings starting June 2nd from 8:00-10:00om. General Admission to the pool is $4.00 and children under 4 are admitted FREE when accompanied by an adult. They also offer season coupon books with 20 passes that are available at the ticket booth for $50.00.
The HUNTINGBURG MUNICIPAL SWIMMING POOL is open on M, W, F from 12:00pm-5:00om, Tues., and Thurs. from 12:00pm-8:30pm, Sat. from 12:00pm-6:00pm, and Sun from 1:00pm-6:00pm. General admission is $4.00 and children 4 and under are FREE! A coupon booklet can also be purchased. 20 coupons for $50.00. Coupon booklets may be purchased at the City Pool.
Let’s move on to our State Forest options for some lake swimming! You have the option of going to the Ferdinand State Forest, Patoka Lake, or Lincoln State Park. The beach areas are open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. They have restrooms, dressing facilities, and showers available to visitors. Swimming is permitted in the beach area only. Make sandcastles with the kids or take in a swim with them. You can also do a little fishing (a valid Indiana fishing license is required), or a hike on one of the many hiking trails. Ferdinand and Lincoln also have canoe, and rowboat rentals. Check out the Patoka Lake Marina & Lodging for different boat rentals. They also have picnic areas or shelter houses available for day use. They do have a gate entry fee of $7 for In-State or $9 for out-of-state guests. If you have an annual entrance permit, you can use that to enter the park!
