Looking for some fun day trips to take with the family? Sometimes that can be tough, depending on the age range in the family and everyone’s interests. Hopefully, this list will help the next time you’re looking for someplace fun to spend the day. In no particular order, here are some of the best day trips in Louisiana that both kids and adults can enjoy. Gas up the car and pack some snacks!
- Sci-Port Discovery Center
TiknorTribe/Trip Advisor The Sci-Port Discovery Center is a 92,000 square-foot science and entertainment center that’s one of the most unique things to do around Louisiana. Kids and adults can interact with more than 200 hands-on exhibits, interactive demonstrations, a planetarium and Louisiana’s only IMAX Dome Theatre. Plus, so much more. Sci-Port Discovery Center, 820 Clyde Fant Pkwy, Shreveport, LA 71101, USA
- Take a hike
Steve Birmingham/All Trails The Kisatchie National Forest has tons of trails to choose from, all varying in difficulty. You can take the easy trails if you prefer, and then maybe work your way up to the medium or difficult terrains. Kisatchie offers beautiful vista views, challenging terrains (at times), and you’ll love being outside in nature with the family. Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana 71433, USA
- Splash Kingdom Waterpark
Splash Kingdom Waterpark/Facebook Hit the waterparks with your family before they close for the year. Whether you’re a thrill seeker, flying down those super fast slides, or maybe you just want to chill out in a lazy river, Splash Kingdom is great fun for the whole family. Splash Kingdom Oasis, 7670 W 70th St, Shreveport, LA 71129, USA
- LSU Rural Life Museum
Sherrie C./Trip Advisor Step back in time and learn what life was like in pre-industrial Louisiana at this hidden gem in Baton Rouge. Walk through the exhibits learning about the day to day lives of those who lived over a hundred years ago. From the construction of their houses to how they tended to the fields and animals, you’ll walk away with a greater knowledge of what rural life was like way back when. Louisiana State University Rural Life Museum, 4560 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
- Swamp Tour
OnlySteve/Trip Advisor It’s not just a touristy thing, y’all. Swamp tours are an amazing way to spend the day with your family, learn about the history of the swamps and wildlife, and really get a close look at Louisiana’s natural landscape. Everyone from all ages will be amazed at the scenery, the wildlife, and the always fun experience of feeding a marshmallow to an alligator. There are plenty of incredible swamp tours in Louisiana, find one close to you and set up a tour!
- Visit a state park
Palmetto Island State Park/Facebook There are more than 20 state parks in Louisiana, so chances are, you don’t have to travel very far to visit one. Take the family and spend the day exploring the state park closest to you. Explore a new nature trail, let the kids play on the playground, pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic outdoors.
- USS Kidd
961Pearl/Trip Advisor Hop aboard this WWII Destroyer and learn firsthand what it was like for the brave crews who worked and lived on this ship. USS KIDD Veterans Museum, 305 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, USA
- Avery Island
Avery Island/Trip Advisor Tour the Tabasco plant then wander around the Jungle Gardens and Bird City and see hundreds of birds and other wildlife while surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscaping you’ve ever seen. Afterwards, head over to Restaurant 1868 for some delicious Cajun fare spiced with that famous little red bottle, Tabasco. Avery Island, LA, USA
- Alexandria Zoological Park
Alexandria Zoological Park/Trip Advisor Established in 1926, the Alexandria Zoo houses more than 500 animals representing 160 species. There’s a playground for the kids to play, a cafe for a quick bite to eat, and you can hop on the zoo’s train, which is always a winner for kids and adults alike. Alexandria Zoological Park, 3016 Masonic Dr, Alexandria, LA 71301, USA
Have you visited any of these spots? Let us know in the comments below! And once you tackle this list, you might be inspired to take the family for a fun hike along some of the most family-friendly hikes in Louisiana.
TiknorTribe/Trip Advisor
The Sci-Port Discovery Center is a 92,000 square-foot science and entertainment center that’s one of the most unique things to do around Louisiana. Kids and adults can interact with more than 200 hands-on exhibits, interactive demonstrations, a planetarium and Louisiana’s only IMAX Dome Theatre. Plus, so much more.
Sci-Port Discovery Center, 820 Clyde Fant Pkwy, Shreveport, LA 71101, USA
Steve Birmingham/All Trails
The Kisatchie National Forest has tons of trails to choose from, all varying in difficulty. You can take the easy trails if you prefer, and then maybe work your way up to the medium or difficult terrains. Kisatchie offers beautiful vista views, challenging terrains (at times), and you’ll love being outside in nature with the family.
Kisatchie National Forest, Louisiana 71433, USA
Splash Kingdom Waterpark/Facebook
Hit the waterparks with your family before they close for the year. Whether you’re a thrill seeker, flying down those super fast slides, or maybe you just want to chill out in a lazy river, Splash Kingdom is great fun for the whole family.
Splash Kingdom Oasis, 7670 W 70th St, Shreveport, LA 71129, USA
Sherrie C./Trip Advisor
Step back in time and learn what life was like in pre-industrial Louisiana at this hidden gem in Baton Rouge. Walk through the exhibits learning about the day to day lives of those who lived over a hundred years ago. From the construction of their houses to how they tended to the fields and animals, you’ll walk away with a greater knowledge of what rural life was like way back when.
Louisiana State University Rural Life Museum, 4560 Essen Ln, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
OnlySteve/Trip Advisor
It’s not just a touristy thing, y’all. Swamp tours are an amazing way to spend the day with your family, learn about the history of the swamps and wildlife, and really get a close look at Louisiana’s natural landscape. Everyone from all ages will be amazed at the scenery, the wildlife, and the always fun experience of feeding a marshmallow to an alligator. There are plenty of incredible swamp tours in Louisiana, find one close to you and set up a tour!
Palmetto Island State Park/Facebook
There are more than 20 state parks in Louisiana, so chances are, you don’t have to travel very far to visit one. Take the family and spend the day exploring the state park closest to you. Explore a new nature trail, let the kids play on the playground, pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic outdoors.
961Pearl/Trip Advisor
Hop aboard this WWII Destroyer and learn firsthand what it was like for the brave crews who worked and lived on this ship.
USS KIDD Veterans Museum, 305 S River Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802, USA
Avery Island/Trip Advisor
Tour the Tabasco plant then wander around the Jungle Gardens and Bird City and see hundreds of birds and other wildlife while surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscaping you’ve ever seen. Afterwards, head over to Restaurant 1868 for some delicious Cajun fare spiced with that famous little red bottle, Tabasco.
Avery Island, LA, USA
Alexandria Zoological Park/Trip Advisor
Established in 1926, the Alexandria Zoo houses more than 500 animals representing 160 species. There’s a playground for the kids to play, a cafe for a quick bite to eat, and you can hop on the zoo’s train, which is always a winner for kids and adults alike.
Alexandria Zoological Park, 3016 Masonic Dr, Alexandria, LA 71301, USA
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The OIYS Visitor Center
best day trips in Louisiana May 31, 2022 Jackie Ann Are there any animal encounters in Louisiana? Louisiana has several zoos peppered throughout the state, and each one is worthy of a visit. One of the most unique animal encounters in Louisiana is in the tiny town of Ethel where you’ll find Barn Hill Preserve. Here, you can get up close and personal with exotic animals including holding baby sloths, swimming with otters, and enjoying a picnic with a giraffe. What are the most memorable hotels in Louisiana? One of the most memorable hotels in Louisiana is the Hotel Bentley in Alexandria. Whether you’re interested in the history, or the haunted side of Hotel Bentley, you’re sure to have a memorable stay at this beloved Central Louisiana hotel that was built over a century ago. If you’re looking for lodging in New Orleans, La Belle Esplanade is a quirky and colorful bed and breakfast centrally located to all your Crescent City needs. What are the most thrilling attractions in Louisiana? Adrenaline junkies and nature lovers alike will love a visit to Gators & Friends, one of the most unique things to do in Louisiana. Not only is it part adventure park and part petting zoo, but it’s also an alligator farm that’s home to hundreds of gators. For the truly adventurous, there’s a 7-part zip line that will have you soaring all over the park with the final 750 feet being the most thrilling: you’ll be soaring directly over the alligator pond, home to over 150 live alligators! Don’t worry, you’ll be safely harnessed the entire time.
The OIYS Visitor Center
best day trips in Louisiana
May 31, 2022
Jackie Ann
Are there any animal encounters in Louisiana? Louisiana has several zoos peppered throughout the state, and each one is worthy of a visit. One of the most unique animal encounters in Louisiana is in the tiny town of Ethel where you’ll find Barn Hill Preserve. Here, you can get up close and personal with exotic animals including holding baby sloths, swimming with otters, and enjoying a picnic with a giraffe. What are the most memorable hotels in Louisiana? One of the most memorable hotels in Louisiana is the Hotel Bentley in Alexandria. Whether you’re interested in the history, or the haunted side of Hotel Bentley, you’re sure to have a memorable stay at this beloved Central Louisiana hotel that was built over a century ago. If you’re looking for lodging in New Orleans, La Belle Esplanade is a quirky and colorful bed and breakfast centrally located to all your Crescent City needs. What are the most thrilling attractions in Louisiana? Adrenaline junkies and nature lovers alike will love a visit to Gators & Friends, one of the most unique things to do in Louisiana. Not only is it part adventure park and part petting zoo, but it’s also an alligator farm that’s home to hundreds of gators. For the truly adventurous, there’s a 7-part zip line that will have you soaring all over the park with the final 750 feet being the most thrilling: you’ll be soaring directly over the alligator pond, home to over 150 live alligators! Don’t worry, you’ll be safely harnessed the entire time.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Louisiana has several zoos peppered throughout the state, and each one is worthy of a visit. One of the most unique animal encounters in Louisiana is in the tiny town of Ethel where you’ll find Barn Hill Preserve. Here, you can get up close and personal with exotic animals including holding baby sloths, swimming with otters, and enjoying a picnic with a giraffe.
What are the most memorable hotels in Louisiana?
One of the most memorable hotels in Louisiana is the Hotel Bentley in Alexandria. Whether you’re interested in the history, or the haunted side of Hotel Bentley, you’re sure to have a memorable stay at this beloved Central Louisiana hotel that was built over a century ago. If you’re looking for lodging in New Orleans, La Belle Esplanade is a quirky and colorful bed and breakfast centrally located to all your Crescent City needs.
What are the most thrilling attractions in Louisiana?
Adrenaline junkies and nature lovers alike will love a visit to Gators & Friends, one of the most unique things to do in Louisiana. Not only is it part adventure park and part petting zoo, but it’s also an alligator farm that’s home to hundreds of gators. For the truly adventurous, there’s a 7-part zip line that will have you soaring all over the park with the final 750 feet being the most thrilling: you’ll be soaring directly over the alligator pond, home to over 150 live alligators! Don’t worry, you’ll be safely harnessed the entire time.
