June 21, 2026

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, grandfathers, and father figures in our community!

We hope you're enjoying the weekend with family and friends. If you're looking for a fun way to cool off after the Father's Day festivities—or anytime this summer—here are some great splash pads, pools, and water parks around the River Valley.

When Arkansas summer temperatures climb, finding a place to cool off becomes a priority.

Whether you're looking for a free splash pad, an affordable afternoon at the pool, or a full day at a water park, the River Valley has plenty of great options for families.

Here are a few places to beat the heat this summer.

📍 100 N. A Street, Fort Smith

Located next to the Park at West End in downtown Fort Smith, Compass Park features dancing fountains, interactive water features, and colorful LED lighting after dark. It's an easy stop if you're already exploring downtown or grabbing a bite to eat nearby.

Hours: Dawn – 10 PM (spring through summer)
Cost: Free

One of Fort Smith's most popular splash pads, Martin Luther King Jr. Park features water sprayers, arches, and dumping buckets that keep kids entertained on hot afternoons.

Cost: Free

📍 2006 N. 6th Street

A neighborhood favorite that's open throughout the summer, Woodlawn is perfect for a quick afternoon outing.

Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM (Memorial Day through September 30)
Cost: Free

📍 3700 Grand Avenue

Combine water play with one of Fort Smith's most popular parks. Tilles Park is a great option for families wanting to cool off before heading to the playground or enjoying a picnic.

Hours: 8 AM – 8 PM (Memorial Day through September 30)
Cost: Free

📍 421 Fox Run Road, Greenwood

One of the newer additions to the area, Greenwood's splash pad has quickly become a favorite for local families looking for a free place to cool off.

Hours: 8 AM – Dusk
Cost: Free

Ask local parents about splash pads, and Barling comes up often. Families frequently recommend it for younger children thanks to its family-friendly design.

Cost: Free

For families on the Oklahoma side of the River Valley, Muldrow offers another convenient free option during the summer months.

📍 3301 S. M Street

If you're looking for an affordable afternoon at the pool, Creekmore offers open swim, a floating Wibit obstacle course during scheduled sessions, and one of the best values in the area.

Hours: Monday–Saturday Noon–6 PM | Sunday 1–5 PM

Admission:

A longtime family favorite featuring slides, water play areas, and nearby playgrounds. It's an easy way to spend several hours without breaking the budget.

If you're looking for the biggest water attraction in the area, Parrot Island offers slides, splash zones, a lazy river, and attractions for both younger children and older kids.

Worth the drive for families looking for a full-day adventure, Clarksville features water slides, a splash area, a lazy river, and both indoor and outdoor swimming options.

💲 Best Free Options

🏊 Best Budget-Friendly Pool

🌊 Best Full-Day Water Park

👨‍👩‍👧 Great Family Value

These are just a few of the places families around the River Valley enjoy each summer. Whether you're looking for a quick stop after work or planning a full day in the water, there's no shortage of ways to cool off close to home.

Did we miss one of your family's favorite places to beat the heat? Hit reply and let us know—we'd love to hear your recommendations for a future update.

Thursday, June 25 | The Bakery District – Fort Smith
Looking to meet new people? Segue is a relaxed monthly gathering with games, conversation, and free coffee in downtown Fort Smith.

Saturday, June 27 | Kirksey Park – Mulberry
One of the area's early Independence Day celebrations featuring a car show, food vendors, live music, bounce houses, water slides, and a fireworks show after dark.

June 18–20 | Greenwood
Crawfish, carnival rides, food trucks, vendors, contests, live music, and plenty of reasons to spend some time in Greenwood next weekend.

Saturday, June 27 | Van Buren
Browse handmade goods, baked treats, woodworking, jewelry, 3D printing, laser creations, and more while supporting local makers and small businesses.

➡️ Looking for more things to do this week? Browse even more local events at RiverValleyLocal.com/events

Have a great week, and we’ll see you around the River Valley.

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