Families with children will find adventures abound in Louisiana. A state sitting on the gulf coast, Louisiana is lined with rivers, swamps and bayous. Animals considered exotic to most people, such as alligators, herons and crawdads, will keep children's attention outdoors. Indoors, interactive exhibits and historical sites found in Louisiana give children something interesting to do while they are learning more about the state and themselves.
Hundreds of alligators are available for children to come and watch, touch, feed and even eat at Bayou Pierre Alligator Park in Natchitoches, Louisiana. A five-acre establishment, the park welcomes visitors to Cajun country, where alligators take the main stage. The park also includes informative demonstrations on alligator conservation efforts. A reptile habitat filled with snakes, turtles, lizards and alligators living in aquariums is part of the tour. Children will enjoy visiting the small town located in the park that is home to birds, goats, peacocks, nutria and raccoons. The Gator Bites Snack Shop serves up alligator sausage, bites and kabobs, as well as hot dogs, cookies, nachos and chips. The park is open from April 1 to Oct. 15. Children under 3 are admitted at no charge.
Bayou Pierre Alligator Park
380 Old Bayou Pierre Road
Natchitoches, LA 71457
1-877-354-7001
alligatorpark.net
The KIDD, known as the "Pirate of the Pacific," is an actual U.S. Navy ship that is cradled out of water and open for public tours. A Fletcher-class destroyer, the KIDD is located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Visitors get to walk on deck, examine weaponry and tour all the areas of the ship including the midship passage, the laundry, whale boats, galley, officer's wardroom, food service area and the crew's mess. The vessel is open for tours every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. A tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. Groups of 20 or more can get guided tours of the ship. Children under 4 are free. Large bags and strollers are not permitted but can be stored in the gift shop or the quarter deck. For safety purposes, wear close-toed flat shoes when touring the ship.
USS KIDD
305 South River Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
225-342-1942
usskidd.com
A hands-on, interactive museum created with children's interests in mind, the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum offers exhibits, birthday packages and customized field trips. Permanent exhibits for children include the Health Hall, Kids' Cafe, Stuffee and Bubbleworks. At the Health Hall, children get to play doctor, paramedic, ambulance driver and X-ray technician. The Kids' Cafe is an accurate restaurant where children can be a food server, dishwasher and chef. Stuffee is a nine-foot stuffed doll with removable internal organs. Children get to make gigantic bubbles at Bubbleworks. The museum is closed Sunday and Monday, and children under 1 are free.
Northeast Louisiana Children's Musuem
323 Walnut St.
Monroe, LA 71201
318-361-9611
nelcm.org
