Louisiana for Families: All-Ages Fun Awaits

Louisiana’s distinct landscapes make exciting backdrops for family outings. Head to New Orleans to tour the immersive Audubon Aquarium and learn more about the unique animals and ecosystems of South Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico. Chat with animal keepers as they feed South African penguins, get hands-on with sharks and rays and experience immersive virtual reality exhibits. Even more exploration awaits at the Audubon Insectarium and Zoo; combination tickets are available for families who want to see all three.

There’s maybe no animal more emblematic of Louisiana’s bayous than the American alligator. At Gator Chateau in Jennings, experienced alligator handlers will tell you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the iconic critter. At the end of your experience, you'll get a chance to hold and snap a photo with a baby alligator. The wild adventures don’t stop there: You can even set off on a safari experience without ever leaving Louisiana. In Folsom, the Global Wildlife Center invites you to board an open-air wagon and feed free-roaming camels, bison and more. As you cruise the expansive grounds, you might spot zebras, giraffes and kangaroos grazing.

Visitors of all ages can learn something new and have a great time doing it in immersive museums all across Louisiana. Baton Rouge’s Knock Knock Children’s Museum features 18 interactive Learning Zones, themed exhibits that encourage hands-on learning for all ages through imaginative play. Aspiring veterinarians will love caring for stuffed animals at the Paws & Claws Clinic, while young learners can climb and explore safely in the Crawbaby soft play area. A designated Quiet Cabin offers a calm, sensory-friendly space to decompress from the activity of the museum. Science is the main attraction at Sci-Port Discovery Center in Shreveport. Explore two floors of exhibit halls, where attractions include PoP Children’s Museum as well as escape room and planetarium experiences. See Hollywood films and engaging educational programming on the big screen in the Goodman IMAX Dome. For a look into the history, art and industry of South Louisiana, visit New Iberia to tour the Bayou Teche Museum. Don't miss a chance to ride a replica of a salt mine elevator and admire iconic Blue Dog paintings by local legend George Rodrigue.

Now that you’ve learned all about Louisiana’s landscapes, get out and explore them! Louisiana is home to 21 state parks, so you’re never far from an ideal spot for trail walking, wildlife watching, fishing or boating. Visiting city and municipal parks across the state can also be a great way to meet locals while admiring beautiful views. Stroll along the wetland boardwalks at Moncus Park in Lafayette and enjoy live music and food trucks on select Friday nights throughout the year. Just-for-kids activities include the swamp-themed Ochsner Playground and the Interactive Water Adventure. At Kiroli Park in West Monroe, little ones will love circus-themed playground Civitan Smiles Park, while all ages can enjoy kayak launches, pickleball courts, bike trails and a fishing pond together.

Fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and rent a car for a family-friendly tour of Louisiana.