We are often asked about things to do in Lafayette, LA with kids! When it’s hot and you are looking for a great splash pad or the best snowball in Acadiana, Lafayette Mom has you covered. Below are suggestions for indoor activities in Lafayette, LA to keep the kids busy on hot or rainy days.
Indoor Things to Do in Lafayette
The weather here in South Louisiana is unpredictable. Some days, we have beautiful sunshine with a nice coastal breeze. The following day, we might have torrential downpour or scorching summer heat! What can you do in Acadiana when the weather outside is nasty? We’ve rounded up the best INDOOR activities in and around Lafayette to help you and your kiddos escape whatever the weather might bring!
INDOOR FUN IN AND AROUND LAFAYETTE ::
Acadiana Center for the Arts :: AcA supports the creation of new works of art, exhibits, festivals, performances, and public art across an eight-parish region that includes Acadia, Evangeline, Iberia, Lafayette, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, and Vermilion Parishes.
Acadiana Gymnastics Training Center :: offers both one hour classes & parents night out
Acadiana Lanes/Premier Lanes :: bowling, laser tag, arcade, cafe & bar
All The Rage :: rage room, axe throwing & splatter paint
The Axe Throwing Place :: targets include Traditional Targets, Monster Crush and other Friendly Competitive Games
Barnes & Noble :: While it is a bookstore, there are a few toys set up in the kids section to play with.
Cajun Fast Track (Henderson) :: Indoor, air conditioned, go karts, arcade, laser tag, mini golf, tot spot, bumper cars, and an XD theater
Children’s Museum of Acadiana :: Join us at the Children’s Museum of Acadiana for a summer of fun, learning, and endless possibilities. There’s something for everyone at the CMA, where play and discovery go hand in hand. Be sure to check the special events calendar too!
Chuck E. Cheese :: Children arcade games
Clayfish Bisque :: locally owned, unique and inspiring pottery painting studio
Code + Play :: a STEAM Exploratorium where we turn complex coding into hands-on discovery
Dave & Buster’s :: arcade games for all ages, enjoy a meal before or after and watch the latest sporting event!
Elevation Station (Broussard) :: a trampoline open jump, trampoline basketball, an air bag, a trapeze, trampoline, extreme dodgeball, gladiator pit, arcade games, a Meltdown game, kiddie zones, and seven party rooms
Epic Entertainment :: rides, games, climbing wall, virtual reality & more
Escape Room Lafayette :: 8 unique, fun and interactive games for all. Bring your group and experience 60 minutes of FUN!
Fun Nation :: roller skating & indoor playground. Don’t forget to join the Kids Skate Free Program!
Games Inc. Claw Mania Lafayette :: a full arcade and an out of this world prize wall!
Gotcha-Lafayette :: Test your skills and grab a win!
Hand Star Clay Studio :: learn how to work with clay
Hilliard Art Museum :: Let’s Make Art on the third Saturday of every month or enjoy yoga in the galleries. With rotating exhibits, be sure to visit often to see the latest art!
Kart Ranch (Youngsville) :: indoor arcade and play area
Kids Bowl Free :: More than 1,500 bowling centers around the globe provide 2 FREE Games of bowling each day to kids during the Spring and Summer.
Iberia Parish Library :: check out the events calendar for free activities!
It’s Just a Cookie (Broussard) :: cookie decorating
The Little Gym :: Classes, parties, camps & drop-in events
Miko’s Playhouse and Coffee Shop :: enjoy indoor play and coffee at this precious play space designed for children 6 and under. Reservations not required but recommended
Oliver Lane Creative Studio :: a DIY Paint Studio offering 3D wood signs, canvases, and ceramics!
Painted Bayou :: Pottery shop that offers wheel classes, stoneware painting and pottery gifts.
Painting with a Twist :: guided painting
Pinspiration (Broussard) :: Splatter Painting, Candle Making, Jewelry Making, Endless Crafts
Planet Ice Rink :: Planet Ice is a brand new rink facility with ice rink, party rooms, concessions and more
Playtopia :: indoor sandbox and RC racetracks!
Pottery Alley :: Classes, workshops and parties for all ages and skill sets. Come play in the clay with us!
Premier Laser Tag :: Premier Laser Tag provides a unique experience using heavy fog that allows you to see your lasers. Experience the power of the LASERTRON system with up to 12 different power ups!
Rock’n’Bowl :: live music and bowling
Rowe & Co. Play Studio (Youngsville) :: from our large wooden play set to our quaint playhouses and ice cream truck, and all the play in between, we’ve got something for everyone
Sky Craft :: aerial arts classes for ages 5 through 99. Our Studio is a place for kids to play and learn, and a place for adults to reach their inner child.
Southern Stone Indoor Climbing :: For ages 5 and up … open to the public daily without reservations or prior experience
Surge Entertainment :: trampoline park, arcade, bowling, bar & grill. Free Bowling For Kids– Beat the heat this summer — with cool lanes and even cooler deals!
The Bougie Bar :: Indulge in the ultimate blend of fun and creativity at The Bougie Bar, an exciting candle-making experience
The Grand Theatre (2 locations in Lafayette) :: offering Real D 3D, IMAX and reclining seats
The Lafayette Public Library :: The Lafayette Public library hosts several FREE events throughout the year. Some do require pre-registration so be sure to check out the events calendar. But there is always a rotating scavenger hunts, toy stations or finding books/movies to borrow!
The Play Place (Broussard) :: indoor play area features a variety of interactive activities for children to enjoy including slides, ball pits, climbing structures, and areas for imaginative play
The Yard :: 5,000 sq ft climate-controlled facility, complete with batting cages, pitching lanes, and a host of athletic equipment
University of Louisiana at Lafayette Science Museum :: This science museum has natural artifacts and interactive science stations set up throughout. Be sure to inquire about the planetarium schedule in advance!
Urban Air Adventure Park :: Epic attractions for all ages!
Vermillion Parish Library :: check out the events calendar for free activities!
Vivian Alexander Gallery and Museum (Maurice) :: Vivian Alexander uses the studies of the works of Van Cleef & Arpels and Fabergé to create the most important minudières available in the world. Tour the gallery in Maurice.
We Rock the Spectrum (Broussard) :: WRTS is committed to providing a safe, nurturing, and fun environment to foster learning, exploration and safe sensory experiences.
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS ::
SNOBALLS::
Brain Freeze Snowballs (Broussard, LA)
Coastal Fire and Ice (Broussard, LA)
Crawfish Boss (Broussard)
The Big Chill (Breaux Bridge, LA)
Brain Freeze Snowballs (Broussard, LA)
Frozen Rayne SnoCones (Rayne, LA)
Isis Snowballs (Crowley, LA)
Meaux Sneux Shack (Maurice, LA)
Murph’s Olde Tyme Snowball Stand
My Love’s Snowballs (Abbeville, LA)
Snowball Factory (New Iberia, LA)
Yabbos (Broussard, LA)
BEST SWEET TREATS IN LAFAYETTE, LA ::
Andy’s Frozen Custard (Lafayette & Youngsville)
Baskin-Robbins (Lafayette, Youngsville & New Iberia)
Bonne Vie Macarons :: daily menu consists of macarons, cupcakes, cookie sandwiches, petit fours, cookie dough cups and more.
Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe :: Visit the last retail Borden’s Ice Cream Shoppe in the World in Lafayette, Louisiana where you can get a taste of ice cream done “the Old Fashion Way”!
Candyland Cottage & Ice Cream Shoppe (Scott & Rayne)
Classic Cup (Abbeville & Maurice) :: coffee, teas, smoothies, and a “cupcakery”
Emmy’s Ice Cream Bar (Broussard & Lafayette)
Huya Craft Coffee (Youngsville) :: coffee, teas, milkshakes & toaster pastries
Marble Slab Creamery (Lafayette, New Iberia & Youngsville)
Sunday’s Soda Fountain :: sodas, floats, sundaes, milkshakes and baked goods
The Peach Cobbler Factory (Lafayette & Scott)
WHERE TO EAT IN LAFAYETTE, LA WITH KIDS ::
Adopted Dog Brewing :: small arcade room, corn hole & outdoor activities
Agave Mexican Grill & Cantina (Youngsville) :: large patio & playground
Deano’s Pizza (2 locations in Lafayette) :: arcade room
Fat Pat’s (Broussard, Lafayette & Carencro) small arcade area, corn hole & lawn games
Market Eatz :: gated outdoor eating area
Parc De Oaks :: Lafayette’s first food truck park!
Pizza Artista (Lafayette & Broussard) :: create your own pizza with kid friendly events & characters meets. Check Facebook page for upcoming events!
SHUCKS! (Abbeville) :: “Known throughout Louisiana as the premier restaurant for authentic Cajun dishes and arguably the best oysters in the world.”
The Flats :: picnic tables and patio area
WORTH THE DRIVE FROM LAFAYETTE, LA ::
Audubon Aquarium (New Orleans) :: new, reimagined and redesigned Audubon Aquarium
The National WWII Museum (New Orleans) :: The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn.
Mall of Louisiana (Baton Rogue) :: Indoor/ outdoor shopping, MAIN EVENT ENTERTAINMENT & AMC THEATERS
Mesmerica 360 (Baton Rouge) :: Mesmerica is a visual music journey that brings the mesmerizing music of Grammy-nominated composer and percussionist James Hood together with visually-hypnotic, 3D animated art curated from artists around the world, creating an immersive experience designed to transcend time, relax, soothe, and stimulate your mind and senses…
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ::
The Ultimate Guide to Summer Camp in Lafayette, Louisiana
The Perfect Birthday Party Location: The Little Gym of Lafayette!
Lafayette Area Restaurant Bucket List
Lafayette Area Snowball Stands :: Where to go to Prevent Summer Meltdowns
Youngsville is Exploding in Flavor :: The New Restaurants We Can’t Wait to Visit
The Hilliard Art Museum: Come Play and Learn With Us!
