Top Things to Do With Kids in Central Louisiana
Culture, history and beautiful landscapes make central Louisiana a hit with parents and children.
At a Glance
- Central Louisiana offers family-friendly wildlife attractions including the Alexandria Zoo, Gator Country and Gone Wild Safari.
- Outdoor adventures for kids include Kisatchie National Forest and the North and South Toledo Bend State Parks.
- The T.R.E.E. House Children's Museum in Alexandria and CM Farms in Dry Creek provide fun family-friendly activities for all ages.
The swath of land cutting through central Louisiana is both an outdoor paradise and a keeper of history. Take your little ones camping, fishing and hiking in some of the best wilderness in the state. Home to the oldest town of the Louisiana Purchase, central Louisiana brings history to life.
Kid-Friendly Wildlife Attractions
Alexandria Zoo
Experience the wild animals of Asia and Africa, take a stroll through the Australian Walkabout, see native South American wildlife or simply get an up-close look at the creatures lurking in Louisiana’s backyard. Hop on the zoo’s train, let the kids burn off some energy on the playground, grab a bite in the Palm Café and hit the gift shop on your way out. A top family-oriented attraction in central Louisiana, the Alexandria Zoo should make the top of your to-do list.
Gator Country Louisiana
Looking for a real, live alligator experience? Find one right outside of Natchitoches at Gator Country Louisiana, a swamp-side park with alligators, caimans, tortoises and more. Kiddos will love befriending animals at the petting zoo, spotting snakes in the reptile house, watching colorful birds in the aviary and romping through the Rocky Raccoon Resort.
Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium
The only federal fish hatchery in Louisiana offers a rare opportunity to see largemouth bass, bluegill and catfish raised to stock National Wildlife Refuges and federal waters, plus alligator gar, alligator snapping turtles, freshwater mussels and other recreational species across 53 ponds. An onsite aquarium features more than a dozen tanks filled with local fish, alligators and turtles, plus a wood duck display, replica Caddo Indian village and mock archaeological dig site.
Gone Wild Safari
In Pineville, get up close with a variety of exotic animals at Gone Wild’s petting zoo; search for gemstones, minerals and fossils at the Mining Company; see colorful birds at the Toucan Pavilion, let some energy out at the playground, and grab a treat at the concession stand.
Take a horseback ride through the Kisatchie National Forest.
Kayak on central Louisiana's waterways.
Outdoor Activities for Kids
Kisatchie National Forest
Louisiana’s only national forest features more than 604,000 acres of land waiting to be explored. Hike or bike its trails, canoe or kayak its rivers, cast a line for fish, take a horseback ride or enjoy a scenic drive to spot grand vistas, rippling waterfalls and hidden caves. And the best part? You can set up camp to enjoy even more adventures the next day.
North & South Toledo Bend State Parks
Nestled on opposite ends of one of the country’s largest man-made reservoirs, these North & South Toledo Bend State Parks offer camping, hiking, biking, birding, pools, lake swimming and boating along with beautiful waterfront views. Be sure to bring your fishing gear, too. Toledo Bend Reservoir is nationally known for top-notch bass fishing!
River Paddle Rentals
Operating near the old Oxbow Marina, this couple-owned and family-friendly standup paddle-boarding (SUP) outfit provides everything you need to explore the area’s waterways. All rentals include a paddle, leash and life jacket. Delivery service is available, or choose inflatable boards that easily fit in your car.
Cane River Paddle & Pedal Sports
Located on the Cane River in Natchitoches, Cane River Paddle & Pedal Sports offers kayaks, hydrobikes and stand-up paddle boards for rent. For a more leisurely activity, take a ride on the the Cane River Queen.
The T.R.E.E. Children's Museum & CM Farms
T.R.E.E. House Children’s Museum
This hands-on children’s museum in Alexandria provides hours of educational fun and entertainment for kids and young teens, through exhibits and programs that explore science, math, social studies and the humanities. A children’s TV studio, bank exhibit, dress-up center, mini-mart, replica doctor’s office, toddler corner and more keep wee ones busy all day.
CM Farms
This farm in Dry Creek has spring and fall activities for the whole family. Celebrate springtime on the farm and go berry picking for Strawberry Harvest Days, enjoy Easter egg hunts, a May Day picnic or release butterflies for Mother’s Day. During the fall, get lost in a maze, pick pumpkins, and crunch kettle corn. And of course, there are always farm animals to be seen.
Looking for more kid-friendly adventures? Find family fun in North Louisiana and South Louisiana or get inspired with family-fun trip ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best kid-friendly attractions in central Louisiana?
Top family attractions include the Alexandria Zoo, Gator Country Louisiana, the Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium, Gone Wild Safari, Kisatchie National Forest and the T.R.E.E. House Children's Museum.
Where can kids see alligators in central Louisiana?
Gator Country Louisiana, just outside Natchitoches, is a swamp-side park with alligators, caimans and tortoises, plus a petting zoo, reptile house and the Rocky Raccoon Resort.
What is the Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery and Aquarium?
It's Louisiana's only federal fish hatchery, raising largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish and other species across 53 ponds. The on-site aquarium features more than a dozen tanks and a replica Caddo Indian village.
What can families do at Gone Wild Safari?
Located in Pineville, Gone Wild Safari offers a petting zoo with exotic animals, a Mining Company for finding gemstones and fossils, a Toucan Pavilion, a playground and a concession stand.
What outdoor adventures are available for kids in Kisatchie National Forest?
Kisatchie National Forest spans more than 604,000 acres and offers hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, horseback riding and camping, making it ideal for family adventure.
What activities do the Toledo Bend State Parks offer families?
North and South Toledo Bend State Parks, set on opposite ends of one of the country's largest man-made reservoirs, offer camping, hiking, biking, birding, swimming pools and boating, plus nationally known bass fishing.
What is the T.R.E.E. House Children's Museum?
Located in Alexandria, this hands-on children's museum offers exhibits and programs exploring science, math, social studies and the humanities, including a children's TV studio and a replica doctor's office.
