Finding a swimming pool in Arkansas is no problem during the summer months. It seems like every neighborhood has their own. But what about a wet place for the little ones who find that even the shallow end is a bit too deep?

We searched and found the following locations, from that municipal pool to the biggest water theme parks.

Some are free, some are not. Some may be close to your house, and some might require a day trip.
What they all share in common is that they’re great places where kids can get wet, have fun, and more importantly, keep their heads above water. 

1. PEABODY PARK PLACE

The name of the nearby hotel recently changed to Marriott, but Peabody Park Place is still the same. Kids will find a splash pad with spongy turf, geysers and fountains that erupt from the ground with the push of a button. Plus, tunnels and slides nearby to play in while drying off. Free and open to the public.

2. WILD RIVER COUNTRY

The granddaddy of big water theme parks in Central Arkansas, Wild River Country begins the 2013 summer season under new management, but with familiar favorites. Little ones will enjoy the “Tad Pool,” with fountains to shoot and waterfalls to explore. There is also an “Old Swimmin’ Hole” with shallow water for youngsters to practice their swimming. Free for ages 2 and under; see www.WildRiverCountry.com for more info.

3. MAGIC SPRINGS WATER & THEME PARK

Splash Island at Magic Springs & Crystal Falls is the park’s newest multi-million dollar attraction. More than four stories tall, Splash Island has water wheels, water curtains, climbing nets, waterfalls, 10 waterslides and a “tipping bucket” that dumps 1,000 gallsons of water on its visitors every 10 minutes. 

4. WAR MEMORIAL PARK

Open for its second summer, War Memorial Park’s splash playground offers rocks, nets, nooks and crannies to climb on with fountains, mist and plenty of water to keep kids wet. A covered slide and a view of Coleman Creek nearby also entice visitors. Free and open to the public.

5. JACKSONVILLE SPLASH ZONE

This city park in Jacksonville boasts two water slides, a water tunnel, the umbrella-shaped Rain Drop and Dew Drop water showers, and the kids-only Tea Cup. One of the two swimming pools is kid-friendly, with a depth of just 30 inches, perfect for little ones just learning how to use their sea legs. Free for ages 2 and under. 

6. DIAMOND SPRINGS WATER PARK

Even if you don’t find a diamond in the rough at the adjacent Crater of Diamonds, this aquatic playground will keep you in a mining mood. With waterfall hideaways, geysers shooting from beneath the surface, sprayers, waterspouts, cascades, two water slides and more, your little swimmers will dig this place. Admission free for ages 2 and under.

7. ARKADELPHIA AQUATIC PARK

Ask your kids if they’ve ever slid down a frog’s tongue. If the answer is no, be relieved and then take them to Arkadelphia’s Aquatic Park. You’ll find a larger-than-life amphibian to play upon, arching sprays, floating play pieces, a pool with zero depth entry and an open-flume waterslide. Youngsters are guaranteed a hopping good time.

8. DICKEY-STEPHENS PARK

While the older kids (of all ages) keep tabs on the Arkansas Travelers, Dickey-Stephens Park offers younger visitors a cool distraction at its Kids Korner. Except for one traditional playground set, everything's inflatable. Children will find three giant balloon slides with water greasing their path below. They will have a challenge climbing up the inflatable stairs, but there are plenty of park employees around to supervise and keep watch. Admission to Kids Korner is $3, on top of the admission charged at the gate.

See more watery surprises in this month's digital edition of Little Rock Family.