Downtown Lafayette :: Safe And Family-Friendly Fun
I am a huge fan of Downtown Lafayette. I worked for various employers located in the district, and I now serve on the board of directors. I am a huge believer in the economic impact downtowns have on a city. I am also a mom who likes to do things together as a family that we can all enjoy.
Activities to Do
I have visited the Children’s museum with my 3.5 and 2 year old with hours of play. There are several exhibits, clean facilities, and an outdoor playground. Their admission covers ALL-DAY play. So you can play in the morning, grab a bite to eat, and then head back for more play. CMA is our go-to for indoor play for our kids.
Downtown Alive! is celebrating 40 years in Acadiana and has an incredible slate of shows for the fall season. The concert series features incredible local live music, delicious food and beverages, and lots of space to play and dance for your littles.
The second Saturday of each month, Downtown turns into an immersive art experience. Businesses and galleries open their doors for the public to enjoy art galleries and exhibits while also strolling along for different food and drinks. It’s very family-friendly, and a great way to explore Downtown on foot.
Parc Sans Souci
The anchor of Downtown is the beautiful public space that is Parc Sans Souci. A beautiful shaded area, a splash pad, and soon a PLAYGROUND adorn the space making it perfect for families.
Rock ‘N Bowl
If you love live music, a beautifully repurposed bank building, great drinks and snacks, come to Rock’n’Bowl de Lafayette. The New Orleans-based staple made its way into Lafayette almost 5 years ago and has become an entertainment center for Downtown. It’s a beautiful space and a fun way for the family to enjoy some bowling.
Places to Eat
Some eateries are better suited for date nights, but these places have the space, capacity, and environment perfect for a family meal.
Sunday’s Soda Fountain (my personal favorite family spot)
- Kid’s menu, ice cream, and even adult food and beverages. Also, as the name says, it’s open on Sundays!
Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant
- Kid’s menu, outdoor seating, casual atmosphere
- Great casual atmosphere, outdoor seating, kid-friendly food, quick-serve style. Read our review here.
- Pizza by the slice for the kiddos, a bit of outdoor seating, yummy cocktails for parents
- Excellent lunch options; lots of seating options; delicious margaritas
- Often have live music; outdoor seating; also yummy margaritas
- New flare on classic options; casual atmosphere; yummiest fries Downtown
Safety
Many people associate danger with Downtown. The reality is that crime can happen anytime, anywhere. Downtown has a police precinct that is specifically devoted to the district 24/7, additional lighting infrastructure for poorly lit areas, and other safety measures to keep you and your loved ones safe. The more foot traffic there is in an area, the less likely for crime to happen. Businesses are thriving Downtown, which means crime or dangerous situations must not be a big hindrance to the vibrancy in the area. I am never scared to bring my littles Downtown and use the same caution I would anywhere else.
