Visiting Lafayette, Louisiana With Kids

Are you planning to visit Lafayette, Louisiana with kids? If you’re looking for ideas, we have you covered. Whether you’re in for a quick day trip or here for the weekend, Lafayette Mom has all the information you’ll need! Maybe you’re looking for splash pads and pools around town, we’ve got it. Looking for some fun indoor activities to help beat the summer heat? No problem, our list will keep you busy all summer. Trying to save a few bucks, but still have fun? Look no further. Why not look into a getaway with the kids? Whatever you are looking for to make this a summer full of memories, you’re in the right place.

If your family is looking for Mardi Gas events in Lafayette, LA, this guide to family-friend Mardi Gras events will help! If you want to get away from Lafayette, LA for a road trip after the festivities, here are the best vacations within driving distance of Lafayette.

Visiting Lafayette, Louisiana With KidsVisiting Lafayette, LA with Kids

Will you be taking the drive to Cajun Country this summer? Lafayette, Louisiana is known to be a great family friendly city, full of exciting festivals, friendly people, one of a kind attractions and delicious restaurants. You can’t come to this city and NOT have a great time.

Home to the University of Louisiana Ragin Cajuns, the reigning Sun Belt Conference Champions. Taking a stroll through the campus always excites the little ones. Make sure to visit Cypress Lake located behind the student union. You may spot an alligator or two and I’m sure you’ll see quite a few turtles. Don’t forget about the big fleur de list fountain in the quad. If you’re a graduate take some time to try to find your brick!

Outdoor Activities in Lafayette

Girard Park, located on the campus of UL, is the site of Festival Acadiens each year. The park includes multiple play areas with one being an inclusive play area. Pack your lunch and a swimsuit! The park offers covered picnic areas along with a splash pad.

Take a stroll to Downtown Lafayette for a bite to eat. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting downtown on one of the few days that aren’t blazing hot, take your meal to go and enjoy the parklets.  Make sure to bring a change of clothes for the fountain at Park Sans Souci. The splash pad is one of the many ways to enjoy and cool off this summer.

Continuing our outdoor ideas… Moncus Park is one you won’t want to miss! Our newest city park has much to offer from Ochsner Lafayette General’s inclusive playground, the interactive water adventure, and the tree house designed by Animal Planet’s Treehouse Masters.

visit lafayette with kids

Visit Moncus Park on Saturday morning and you’ll also be able to shop at Lafayette’s Farmers Market. The market is open Saturdays from 8am until noon. Shop local, fresh produce, local art and jewelry, desserts and more!

If teaching your kids about the rich Acadian, Native American, Creole and African history of Acadiana is up your alley, visit Vermilionville. Located along Bayou Vermilion with 19 attractions, including 7 restored original homes. Vermilionville is open six days a week, closed on Mondays and major holidays.

While you are near Vermilionville you can take a hike at the Acadiana Park Nature Station. Visit this 150-acre facility located in the northeastern corner of Lafayette. Since its construction in 1978 they have conducted field trips, workshops, and educational activities for kids and adults of all ages! There are also six miles of hiking trails. Make sure you bring bug spray and keep an eye out for critters along the way.

Zoosiana, a classic, will keep the kids asking questions about all the animals. You can’t pass up the train and the playground area. The petting zoo, giraffe feeding station and gem mine are other activities that you won’t want to miss. They are open seven days a week, closed on major holidays.

visit lafayette with kids

Want to take a trip into the swamps of the surrounding area? McGee’s Louisiana Swamp & Airboat Tours has been around for 40 years showing people the beauty of the Atchafalaya Swamp. Swamp tours, airboat tours, canoe rentals and guided photography tours… they have it all. Experience the swamp like never before and have a chance of getting up close and personal with the animals and fish that symbolize South Louisiana.

Avery Island Tabasco Tour

Interested in hot sauce, the world-famous Tabasco that is? Take a short drive to Avery Island and visit the Home of TABASCO®. You are able to take a tour of hot sauce museum and learn the spicy history of the hot sauce that took the world by storm. While there you can also take the driving tour of Jungle Gardens which also can include a few walking areas, one of which leads you to Bird City.

Indoor Activities in Lafayette

There are numerous indoor activities in Lafayette; below are just a few of the many to visit. Enjoy some time in the AC while making some wonderful memories.

Children's Museum of Acadiana

The Children’s Museum of Acadiana is sure to keep kids of all ages entertained. Visitors will love the play areas including the grocery store (always a favorite), cafe, art room, toddler area and we can’t forget the bubbles! The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays (closed Monday).

Next on the list is the Lafayette Science Museum. Exhibits in geology, paleontology, biology, air, and spacecraft just to name a few. The museum offers a hands-on experience for all ages. The Planetarium is located on the second floor and always has the best shows of the night sky! At this time they are undergoing some transitions, so make sure to check their site before making plans.

Another fantastic option is Kids World, an indoor playground perfect for burning energy on hot or rainy days.

Visiting Lafayette with kids is a no-brainer. You have history, culture, fun, food, and more to choose from. Take the time and visit a few or all of them! The people in Cajun Country will welcome you with open arms and open hearts. If you have any other suggestions to add please let us know and we will be more than happy to add to the list.

Patrice LaBauve
Patrice is a Baton Rouge native that moved to the area to attend UL Lafayette in 2002 and never looked back. Since graduating with a degree in Public Relations she has worked in the insurance business on both personal and commercial sides. Her love of her Cajun heritage made it an easy decision to marry her New Iberia born and raised husband, Matt. They now resides in Youngsville and have two daughters Jolie (9) and Amelie (5) and her bonus son, Eli (14). On most weekdays you will find her running the roads to the dance studio, soccer field or her favorite place, 220 Fitness. The weekends are her favorite family time and are usually spent cooking with her family, watching her daughter show off her goalie skills, checking out any festival around the area, and catching all Saints and Cajuns game. She and her husband are craft beer drinkers, but she also won’t turn down a good Pinot Noir or fancy cocktail. She loves a good philanthropic event, to-do lists, singing in front of people whenever she gets the chance, her gym family and live music. Lafayette has been the perfect place to raise her children and immerse them in the culture she loves.