Ford Park is one of the most popular parks in Shreveport. Children can play on sports fields, tennis courts and two playgrounds, then break for lunch in the well-kept picnic area, which is large enough to comfortably fit a playgroup or school event. A fishing and boating pier is a main draw of the park, and stroller-friendly walking trails snake through the 85 acre area that the whole family can enjoy. The park is on Cross Lake and is closed on Sundays.
Ford Park
5784 S. Lakeshore Drive
Shreveport, LA 71108
318-673-7727
ci.shreveport.la.us
The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta was created to educate the people of Northwest Louisiana about Hispanic culture and to heighten the Hispanic community's presence and involvement in the state. The Fiesta features family entertainment, music and food. Children particularly enjoy the magic shows, dog shows, appearances by such characters as Dora the Explorer and the children's activities area, where children can do arts and crafts and play games. The salsa dancing, mariachi bands and fencing demonstrations are also favorites of children and families. Admission is free for adults during the day, and children 12 and under get in free at all times.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
P.O. Box 5042
Shreveport, LA 71171
318-688-5553
louisianalulac.org
Holiday in Dixie is one of the oldest festivals in Louisiana. The first one was held in 1949 and focused on Shreveport's history. Featuring family activities and a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase, Holiday in Dixie still highlights the region's history, while promoting economic development and community pride. The festival, held every April, has added a Treasure Hunt, parade and riverfront activities as it has grown. Balls such as the Plantation Ball, the Military Ball and Cotillion represent the formal and elegant elements of the celebration, while carnival rides (and that carnival food!) appeal to children and families. Local entertainment and vendors round out the wide-reaching appeal of the festival, and help boost it to its ranking among the Top 100 Events in North America as designated by the American Business Association. Admission is free to the festival events during the day for everyone, and children 12 and under are always free.
Holiday in Dixie
220 Carroll, Suite C-2
P. O. Box 6774
Shreveport, LA 71136
318-865-5555
holidayindixie.com
Enjoy beautiful views of the Red River from the RiverView Park. A water playground featuring streams of water spraying up from the ground will delight children, and the view from the play area of the river is a unique quality for any playground. The river and bridge views from the park are sweeping and dramatic and make the park an ideal place for a picnic for the whole family. The R.S. Barnwell Memorial Center is part of the park and features gardens of local and exotic flowers and a variety of plants--the roses are particularly noteworthy. Whether your children are more interested in taking a stroll around natural environments or splashing in the water play area, this park is a fun and free way to spend the day.
RiverView Park and R.S.Barnwell Memorial Center
601 Clyde Fant Parkway
Shreveport, LA 71101
318-673-7703
shreveportla.gov
