Top Family-Friendly Things to Do in Louisiana
Louisiana is a state rich in culture, history, music, and natural beauty—making it a perfect destination for families looking to explore and make memories together. From lively cities to peaceful bayous, there’s something for every age and interest. Here are some of the top family-friendly things to do in Louisiana.
1. Discover the Magic of New Orleans
While New Orleans is known for its vibrant nightlife, it’s also packed with family fun:
- Audubon Zoo, Aquarium & Insectarium – A must for kids of all ages! See rare white alligators, watch penguin feedings, and wander through hands-on exhibits.
- Steamboat Natchez Cruise – Take a daytime cruise on the Mississippi River complete with live jazz music and sweeping views of the city.
- City Park & Storyland – City Park is home to botanical gardens, paddleboats, and Storyland, an imaginative playground filled with fairy-tale sculptures.
2. Explore Baton Rouge’s Museums and Parks
Louisiana’s capital is a hidden gem for family travel:
- Louisiana Children’s Museum – Packed with interactive exhibits that encourage learning through play.
- USS Kidd Veterans Museum – Tour a real WWII destroyer ship and step into history.
- Baton Rouge Zoo – Home to more than 1,800 animals and fun seasonal events.
3. Get Wild in Lafayette and Cajun Country
Lafayette is the heart of Cajun culture and a place to experience music, food, and outdoor adventures:
- Vermilionville Historic Village – A living history museum where kids can try crafts, see historic homes, and listen to live Cajun music.
- Lake Martin Cypress Swamp – Take a guided swamp tour to spot alligators, turtles, and countless birds.
- Try authentic Cajun food—many local restaurants offer kid-friendly versions of gumbo and jambalaya.
Kayaking at Lake Martin, a bald cypress swamp, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana, USA
4. Adventure in the Great Outdoors
Louisiana’s natural beauty offers endless ways to get outside:
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve – Just outside New Orleans, with boardwalk trails through lush wetlands where you might see alligators in the wild.
- Chicot State Park – Perfect for hiking, kayaking, or renting a cabin for a family camping trip.
- Grand Isle – Louisiana’s only inhabited barrier island, where families can fish, beachcomb, and enjoy nature trails.
Final Thoughts
From hands-on museums and historic sites to bayou boat rides and wildlife encounters, Louisiana is overflowing with family-friendly activities. Whether you’re soaking in the jazz in New Orleans, exploring Cajun country, or hiking through cypress forests, your family is sure to leave with unforgettable memories (and maybe a little powdered sugar from those famous beignets!).
