Family-Friendly Spring Break Attractions in Louisiana
Audubon Nature Institute
New Orleans: This five-in-one attraction appeals to kids of all ages. Take a picture of white alligators at the Audubon Zoo, meet penguins at Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, eat a bug (seriously!) at the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, watch a movie at the Entergy Giant Screen Theatre and hike a trail at the Louisiana Nature Center. Buy combo tickets or a pass to experience it all – for less.
Creole Nature Trail
Lake Charles: This All-American Road trip connects Lake Charles to the state’s rugged southwest coastline, offering plenty of opportunities to get out and stretch your legs. As you drive through Louisiana’s beautiful coastal wetlands, take advantage of pit stops for birding, fishing, hiking and shelling. Pack your camera and encourage the kids to photograph the wildlife you see along the way.
Louisiana State Parks
Statewide: You can’t beat a Louisiana State Park for affordable family fun. Whether you spend an afternoon picnicking and paddling through a bayou or a few days camping by a lake, you’ll enjoy plenty of hiking, biking, fishing, swimming and floating, while making precious family memories in the process.
Alexandria Zoo
Alexandria: Find lions, tigers, bears and — oh my — so many other animals from multiple continents at this central Louisiana zoo. Be sure to venture through the Louisiana Habitat for exhibits on native species and underwater views of alligators.
Sci-Port Discovery Center
Shreveport: Sneak a little science into your spring break with two levels of hands-on (read: fun!) exhibits, a laser Space Dome Planetarium and an IMAX Dome Theatre. Trust us, the little ones won’t even realize they’re “learning” while on vacation.
Gators & Friends
Greenwood: This is a great place for families with young children to spend a morning or afternoon. There are, of course, alligators aplenty. Watch the staff feed the reptiles and have your picture made holding one. Kiddos will love the petting zoo complete with miniature horses, kangaroos and deer, too.
Tammany Trace
Mandeville: Enjoy the spring weather with a family bike ride along Tammany Trace, Louisiana’s top-rated rail-trail. The trail spans approximately 30 miles through five communities, but a good place to start your ride is at the headquarters in Mandeville. Here, you’ll find trail information at the green caboose ranger station and can turn your kids loose on the Kids Konnection inclusive playground.
USS Kidd Veterans Memorial
Baton Rouge: Walk the decks of the “Pirate of the Pacific,” a Navy destroyer in service during World War II and one of the few still preserved as a museum. Tour the ship, see authentic military aircraft and check out artifacts in the museum. For a totally different experience, round up a few other families and camp overnight aboard the ship!
Global Wildlife Center
Folsom: You’re guaranteed to have a wild time at this free-roaming wildlife preserve, home to more than a thousand exotic, endangered and threatened animals. Take a guided safari tour of the 900-acre property and get an up-close view of giraffes, zebras, kangaroo and more.
Cajun Encounters Swamp Tours
Slidell: A sure winner with kids, swamp tours provide the best way to experience Louisiana’s beautiful waters and marshlands. Plus, you can’t beat seeing the state’s wildlife in its natural environments – and up close.
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