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!
The newly reconstructed Jasper Municipal Pool is set to open this Saturday, May 24, 2025, just in time for Memorial Day weekend. The new design emphasizes fun and inclusivity, featuring a zero-depth entry, a current channel for floating or water exercises, and various interactive elements such as a ninja obstacle course, rope swing, and erupting geysers . The facility also offers ample lounging space and shaded areas. The pool hourse are Monday-Friday 8am-4pm. You can purchas a season pool pass for $60/per person. Enjoy extended hours: May 4th-1-3pm, May 6,9,12, & 14 from 8am-5:30pm.
Want to go swimming, jump off diving boards, or go down water slides. You can enjoy the HUNTINGBURG MUNICIPAL SWIMMING POOL! The pool has new hours this year. Sunday: 1-5pm, Monday: 12-5pm, Tuesday: 12-8pm, Wednesday: 12:5pm, Thursday: 12-8pm, Friday: 12-5pm, and Saturday: 12-5pm. General admission is $5.00 and children 4 and under are FREE! A coupon booklet can also be purchased. 20 coupons for $60.00. 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!
Holiday World & Splashin’ Safari is a family theme park and water park combo located in the nearby town of Santa Claus. Holiday World celebrates Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving and the 4th of July with rides – from mild to wild, live entertainment, games and attractions there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Holiday World is located only 30min from Jasper, 2omin from Huntingburg, and 15min from Ferdinand.