Fun Things to Do With Kids in South Louisiana
Pass a good time in southern Louisiana with parks, museums, playgrounds and more.
At a Glance
- Discover the best things to do with kids in South Louisiana, from interactive museums and wildlife encounters to outdoor adventures, water activities and family-friendly attractions across the region.
- Explore kid-friendly destinations in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Slidell and Covington, featuring zoos, aquariums, children’s museums, parks and hands-on learning experiences for all ages.
In south Louisiana, New Orleans, Baton Rouge and the Louisiana Northshore offer an abundance of family-friendly fun.
Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities
Zoosiana, Broussard
Visit this 45-acre gem to see more than 750 animals, including black bears, giraffes, cougars and zebras. While there, be sure to hop on the Safari Express train to ride through animal habitats. Wiggly kids will love getting out excess energy at the Jungle Lodge Playground.
Audubon Zoo, New Orleans
Located in the historic Uptown neighborhood, this award-winning zoo will captivate kids of all ages with everything from towering elephants and white alligators to reptiles and other exotic creatures. Rediscover your fascination with dinos at Dinosaur Adventure or beat the summer heat in the Cool Zoo.
Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium, New Orleans
At this state-of-the-art aquarium, you and the kiddos can watch colorful fish swim overhear as you stroll through a tunnel of water. See adorable sea otters and penguins, marvel at sea horses and jellyfish or even pet a ray. Don’t miss the sharks and sea turtles in the underwater oil rig in the Gulf exhibit, or the IMAX Theatre next door.
Global Wildlife Center, Folsom
Located just an hour away from New Orleans, the Global Wildlife Center will enchant animal enthusiasts of all ages. Climb aboard a safari wagon to feed, touch and travel through areas of wild animals at this 900-acre park, one of the largest free-roaming wildlife preserves in the country. This popular spot is home to hundreds of endangered animals from all over the world, including zebra, giraffes, camels, kudus, bison, kangaroos and more.
Tammany Trace, Northshore
Bike, walk, run or ride a horse along Louisiana’s top-rated rail trail, an approximately 31-mile route that travels from downtown Covington through the historic communities of Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe and Slidell. Kids will particularly enjoy the inclusive Kids Konnection playground in Mandeville; the beach and nature trail at Fontainebleau State Park; and scenic Camp Salmen Nature Park in Slidell.
Baton Rouge Zoo, Baton Rouge
Explore themed exhibits to see animals from Africa, Asia, Australia, the Americas and, of course, Louisiana! And no visit is complete without a ride on the scenic Cypress Bayou Railroad now with a new set of tracks going through the park.
Discover creative play at Louisiana Children's Museum.
Venture through Blue Bayou together.
Adventure-Filled Louisiana Parks
Grand Isle State Park
Here on Louisiana's stunning coast, you'll be rewarded with expansive Gulf views — and an excellent launching point for deep-sea saltwater fishing. Play in the sand, splash in the surf, camp on the beach or take a nature hike to spy numerous species of birds and other wildlife.
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Stroll the boardwalks of the Barataria Preserve deep within Louisiana’s wetlands, past palmettos, bald cypress trees and bayous filled with alligators. At the visitor center, kids can earn their Junior Ranger badge and view the animals living in Louisiana’s wetlands.
Blue Bayou Waterpark, Baton Rouge
Bring your bathing suit to Baton Rouge and experience more than a dozen water attractions, including some of the tallest, fastest and largest in the region.
Bogue Chitto State Park
At this state park, visitors will experience a variety of natural habitats along the scenic Bogue Chitto River. The site includes small streams, cypress-tupelo swamps and a forest. Rent a horse and ride along the seven or 14-mile equestrian trails through the park.
New Orleans City Park
This 1,300-acre park in the heart of the city is one of the country’s oldest urban parks — and a family’s dream come true. See storybook pages come to life in Storyland, ride an antique carousel at the amusement park or explore lush New Orleans Botanical Gardens. Ride a train or paddle your way through the many lagoons, then take a hike through Couturie Forest or stroll the tranquil paths of the Sculpture Garden.
Kid-Friendly Museums & Other Attractions
Children’s Museum of Acadiana, Lafayette
This museum in Lafayette is packed with activities for the kids, and the warning “don’t touch” doesn’t apply here. Hands-on exhibits help children explore a mock bank, grocery store, dentist office, veterinary hospital and more. A Wee Acres Farm, Architecture Alley, Sensory Sea and Bubble Factory add to the fun.
Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point, Lake Charles
Start your journey on the Creole Nature Trail — an All-American Road linking Lake Charles with the state’s rugged, southwest coastline – at the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point, a free fun attraction that immerses you in nature. The kids can check out the imaginative, hands-on displays that will show them the best places to spot alligators and migrating songbirds, plus give them a peek at wildlife found in bayous and marshes.
Louisiana Children’s Museum, New Orleans
This museum offers interactive exhibits and 8.5 acres of outdoor adventures in the garden or on the water. Separate galleries are devoted to food, art, nature and more, while nooks throughout offer great places for storytelling, puppetry, poetry — and play!
Longue Vue House & Gardens, New Orleans
Hidden away inside this eight-acre jewel in New Orleans is the children’s Discovery Garden, where kids can dig for worms, plant seeds, cart around pint-sized wheelbarrows, maneuver an herb maze and learn about the wonders of gardening.
Lake Area Adventures, Lake Charles
Looking for an easy way to keep everyone entertained? Lake Area Adventures in Lake Charles has options for every member of the family. Younger kids can bounce and play on the Inflatable AirPark, while older ones head to the Gamers Lounge for VR experiences and racing simulators. There’s also a 1,700-square-foot indoor swimming pool, perfect for water bugs of all ages.
Knock Knock Children’s Museum, Baton Rouge
This award-winning facility overlooking City-Brooks Community Park in Baton Rouge is filled with fun hands-on “Learning Zones” designed to create teachable moments that will connect with children’s every day experiences. Special emphasis is placed on STEAM learning through exhibits touching on science, technology, engineering, art and math.
Louisiana Art & Science Museum, Baton Rouge
At this museum, marvel at fine art, immerse yourself in interactive art and science exhibits, stroll through an Egyptian gallery and visit the planetarium for exciting sky shows and large-format films — all inside a historic railroad depot overlooking the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge.
Looking for more Louisiana family fun? Find kid-friendly activities in North Louisiana and Central Louisiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do with kids in South Louisiana?
Some of the best kid-friendly activities in South Louisiana include visiting zoos and aquariums, exploring children’s museums, taking wildlife tours, playing in parks, visiting state parks, enjoying beaches, and experiencing Louisiana’s unique culture through music, food and festivals.
What should families pack for a South Louisiana vacation?
Families should consider packing lightweight clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes, refillable water bottles, swimsuits, rain gear and weather-appropriate clothing. Outdoor activities may require additional items such as hats and binoculars for wildlife viewing.
What are the best indoor activities for kids in South Louisiana?
South Louisiana has many indoor attractions for rainy days or hot summer afternoons, including children’s museums, science museums, aquariums, planetariums, and interactive learning centers. These attractions allow kids to play while learning about science, art, nature and Louisiana culture.
What outdoor activities can kids do in South Louisiana?
Families can enjoy outdoor adventures such as hiking, wildlife viewing, paddling, fishing, biking trails, playgrounds, beaches and nature walks. Louisiana’s parks and wetlands provide opportunities for children to experience the state’s unique landscapes and ecosystems.
What are the best family attractions near New Orleans?
Family-friendly attractions near New Orleans include animal experiences, museums, parks and interactive attractions. Families can visit places such as Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, New Orleans City Park, Storyland and the Louisiana Children’s Museum.
What is the best time of year to visit South Louisiana with kids?
Spring and fall are often popular times for family trips because temperatures are generally comfortable for outdoor activities. Summer can also be enjoyable with water attractions, indoor museums and shaded outdoor activities available throughout the region.
What are the best free or affordable things to do with kids in South Louisiana?
Families can find affordable activities such as exploring parks, walking nature trails, visiting public outdoor spaces, attending community events and enjoying scenic areas. Many destinations also offer free educational experiences or low-cost admission options.
