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Louisiana may not the biggest state in the country, but it does not lack in fun and interesting activities! There are lots of great things to do in Louisiana. While most people usually think of the adult activities that make Louisiana famous, here are my best family friendly things to do in Louisiana.
We love visiting Louisiana. It has more than its fair share of culture, character, and entertainment. This list of must-do’s is not confined to any one location. Instead, it includes things from all over the state.
5. Eat beignets at Cafe du Monde
The first thing on my list of family friendly things to do in Louisiana is to eat beignets at Cafe du Monde.
Cafe du Monde is a fundamental piece of New Orlean’s French Quarter. It’s been around since 1862. For anyone who has visited, it is one of the things you think about when you think of the French Quarter. It simply wouldn’t be the French Quarter without it!
Cafe du Monde is famous for two things: beignets and chicory coffee. I am not a coffee drinker, but I love their beignets! They are the best! They are little square pillows of sweet fried dough covered in a mountain of powered sugar. Yummy!
Whether as an afternoon snack or an after-dinner dessert, beignets are an indulgent treat that will make you feel like a kid again! They are as fun to eat as they are delicious. Your kids will love eating them!
At Cafe du Monde, you can buy a half order of beignets, which is 3, or you can get a full order of 6. Just enjoy them while they are still warm!
If you’re lucky, you can grab a seat in their outdoor dining room and enjoy your beignets immediately. If not, grab them to go and enjoy them as you stroll the streets of the French Quarter.
4. Explore the French Quarter
The French Quarter is not a large area, but it is definitely worth taking some time to explore. The small district is full of unique architecture, colorful history, and that laid-back feel that Louisiana is known for.
If you have your kids in tow, stroll through the area during the day to see the best the Quarter has to offer.
If you have time, take a guided tour to hear some of the stories of the various buildings to give you an even deeper appreciation for the neighborhood.
Another fun way to explore the Quarter is by horse-drawn carriage.
3. See a real-life swamp
Most people know that Louisiana is full of swamps, but few ever get the chance to see them in person.
For an easy, kid-friendly way to see a real-life swamp without riding an air boat out into the middle of nowhere, visit the campus of the University of Louisiana Lafayette.
Right in the middle of the campus, you will see Cypress Lake, which is an actual living swamp. This is a great way for your kids to experience the swamp because it is surrounded by a small brick wall.
This will allow you to get up close to it while still having dry feet.
Your kids can easily see the gators and other wildlife that call this swamp home.
2. Celebrate Mardi Gras
Next on my list of family friendly things to do in Louisiana is to celebrate Mardi Gras with the locals.
Most people outside the State of Louisiana don’t fully grasp just how big of a deal Mardi Gras is. It is not just a party held on Fat Tuesday. It is a state holiday that is celebrated for a month or more.
For those who live in Louisiana, it is almost as important as Christmas. Residents decorate their homes for it. They wear Mardi Gras clothes and eat king cake.
School are canceled during Mardi Gras week. And they have a variety of parties, parades, and get-togethers to celebrate the season.
These celebrations take place all over the state, not just in New Orleans.
We attend a Mardi Gras ball with some of our good friends in Lake Charles almost every year. Check out one of our latest Mardi Gras experiences.
Take a trip to Louisiana during the early Spring to experience a little piece of Mardi Gras for yourself. For a truly kid-friendly version, visit a Mardi Gras celebration outside of New Orleans.
Your entire family will be fascinated by the holiday and the spectacle that it is.
1. Eat a Darrell’s Special
The #1 thing on my list of family friendly things to do in Louisiana is to eat a Darrell’s Special! (If you read my trip report about going to a Ragin’ Cajuns football game, you know how much I love Darrell’s.)
Darrell’s is a bar in Lake Charles, Louisiana. It has the best po’ boys in the world.
The Darrell’s Special is my favorite. It has ham, turkey, and roast beef, along with three types of cheese, on a warm, soft, and slightly sweet bun. You have your choice of regular or jalapeno mayo on it.
This is one of the most delicious things I have ever put in my mouth! I’m telling you-life is not complete without eating on of these sandwiches!
We can’t go to Lake Charles without stopping by for a Darrell’s Special. I would drive 10-12 hours just to eat one of these sandwiches!
You haven’t lived until you have had a Darrell’s Special. And while it is a bar, kids are welcome. You will always see at least one or two tables with kids present.
Conclusion
Louisiana is a fun and unique state. It has a culture all its own which is colorful, friendly, and laid-back. The people who live there truly embrace the saying, “Let the Good Times Roll.”
You need to visit Louisiana with your family at least once in your lifetime. There are many special things to do throughout the state that are perfect for families to experience together.
This is a list of my favorite family-friendly things to do in Louisiana. I hope you will take your kids to experience some of these things in Louisiana soon.
For more family travel tips, see how to have stress free travel with your spouse, why you should travel with your kids, how to pack for road trips like a pro, how to save time on road trips, and tips for successful road trips with kids.
Happy travels!
P.S. Need help finding the best places to go on your family vacations? My Ultimate USA Bucket List for Families will instantly give you 60 of the best vacation destinations for families in the United States! Get it for FREE in the box below and start planning your next trip today! Plus, as a bonus, you will receive my weekly email newsletter full of family trip tips and inspiration!
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