Mother and Son Date Ideas in Lafayette

Mother and Son Date Ideas in Lafayette

I want to be transparent here because I’m sure many of you can relate to my experience. When I learned that I was expecting a baby boy, I have to admit, there was a part of me that felt a tinge of disappointment. I thought about all the mother-daughter activities that I wouldn’t be able to do, like shopping trips, matching dresses, and doing her hair. However, I soon realized that having a son was a precious gift that offered me a unique opportunity to raise a young man who embodied values like kindness, respect, and thoughtfulness.

There are countless activities and experiences in Acadiana that have allowed and continue to allow me to foster a deep connection with my son and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

Here are some suggestions that I think would be great mother/son activities in Acadiana.

Activities

Lafayette Science Museum – It offers a variety of exhibits and interactive displays that are not only fun but educational for kids of all ages. From space exploration to dinosaurs, there’s something for everyone to learn and explore. It’s a great way to spark curiosity and foster a love for science. P.S this is my best-kept secret for Festival International. When it gets too hot to see a Planetarium Show. The room is cold and dark and your littles might take a nap.
Acadian Village is another favorite destination of ours. We love wandering through the recreated 19th-century Cajun village, visiting the historic homes, and learning about the traditions and customs of the Acadian people. It’s fascinating to experience life as it was lived in the past and to appreciate the strength and resilience of the early settlers who helped shape our city and region. We love to pack a lunch to eat while sitting on the benches overlooking the bayou. There is an Easter/Spring Fair on April 1, check it out here. 
Target – When my son discovered that our Target in Lafayette has a demo Nintendo Switch available for customers to play right in the store. We like to test out different games and play together while you shop. We usually get a Starbucks drink or cake pop, head to the dollar spot then make a b-line to the games!
Prehistoric Park – One fun and adventurous idea for a mother/son date in Acadiana is to visit The Dinosaur Park in Henderson. This place is my son’s favorite! What better way to spend an afternoon than with life-size dinosaur sculptures, a walking trail, and a fossil dig site where you and can uncover ancient treasures. It’s a great opportunity to learn about the history of the earth and the creatures that once roamed the planet while creating lasting memories!
Go to the Movies!  Going to the movie theater is one of our most favorite things to do in the Summer. We LOVE being outdoors but sometimes you just need the AC.
Children’s Museum of Acadiana – The Children’s Museum of Acadiana is a wonderful opportunity for hands-on museum interactive exhibits and activities that encourage kids to explore and use their imaginations. We’ve spent many happy hours there together, learning about everything from art to music to history.

Get a Mani/Pedi – These aren’t just for Moms and Daughters! Boys deserve to have soft feet and nice neat nails. He opted out of polish but had the rest of the “works” and was so happy.

Go to Dinner

One of our favorite things to do in Lafayette is to go out for a fancy dinner together. It’s a special occasion that we both eagerly anticipate, as we get to dress up and create unforgettable memories. What makes it even more special is how much my son enjoys playing a part in the experience. He loves opening the restaurant doors for me and pretending to pay for our meal with my debit card, which always makes me laugh. It’s these little moments that make our bond so strong and our time together so meaningful.
I’ve always been the type of person who doesn’t go out of my way to find “kid-friendly” restaurants. While it can be nice to have a kid’s menu or activities to keep children entertained, I believe that it’s important for my son to learn proper restaurant etiquette and to appreciate the experience of dining out. That being said, there are plenty of restaurants in Lafayette that are welcoming to families and provide a comfortable atmosphere for all ages.

Have a picnic

Girard Park  – This beautiful park offers plenty of green space, walking trails, and a large pond for fishing. It’s the perfect place to enjoy lunch while out in the fresh air.

Moncus Park – Moncus Park offers a diverse range of activities suitable for people of all ages. You can spend an entire day exploring the park, taking part in various activities, and making those memories. Keep an eye on the park’s calendar for upcoming events and festivals that may be happening during your visit. The Farmer’s Market on Saturday morning is our favorite.

There are so many possibilities for a Mom / Son Date in Acadiana that you really can’t go wrong. Have fun with it! The most important part is spending time together. If you have suggestions, send them our way because we are always on the go and looking out for fun things to do together.

Marissa Winters
Marissa has lived in Lafayette since 2014 and quickly fell in love with Louisiana culture, community spirit and the amazing food!! Marissa is the Director of Healthy Acadiana at the United Way of Acadiana and loves to be the helper. Marissa has a 5 year old named Jackson and absolutely loves being his Mama. Follow along with them as they navigate the waters of school, co-parenting, and so much more.