Feature I Easy Family Trips from Acadiana

Adventures for Every Budget

From staycations to short car rides

By Alexis Captain Marino

As summer winks from around the corner, bringing longer days and the promise of freedom from school bells, families bubble with excitement—and maybe a hint of parental panic about keeping the kids entertained. But fear not! We’ve done the legwork to compile a guide to close-to-home, family-friendly adventures in and around Acadiana, perfect for crafting those priceless memories without the dread of lengthy travels or the pinch on your purse. Take a spicy adventure to Avery Island, hone your pasta-making skills at the Pasta Lab, or swim with the otters in Ethel. With this treasure chest of local gems tailored to fit every taste and budget, you only need to pack a picnic, gather the troops, and embark on a summer escapade loaded with fun that is light on the wallet.

Ready, set, explore!

Acadiana Staycation: Adventures in Your Backyard

Why travel far when you can have an adventure right at your doorstep? With no hassles of long travel times or high travel costs, Acadiana is an oasis of family fun and relaxation.

A Day Trip to Avery Island

Just a short drive from Lafayette, Avery Island offers a beautiful backdrop for a day of strolling through the bamboo, exotic bird watching at the rookery, or a spicy tour of the Tabasco Factory. Discover the secret behind the famous hot sauce, picnic in the picturesque Rip Van Winkle Gardens, and visit the Buddha temple. Make your visit a true staycation and spend the night at Joseph Jefferson Mansion in Cook’s Cottage or the Servant’s Quarters for an authentic bed and breakfast experience.

RV Resorts

Looking for a getaway that feels like a vacation without leaving town? The Isle of Iberia is the perfect place to park your RV for a weekend. Splash in the pool and rock out to the Beats of the Bayou summer concert series. No RV? No problem. The Isle is open to public swimming during summer hours. Camp Margaritaville RV Resort in Henderson offers RV spots and rental cabins for a true resort getaway. With a swim-up bar, a waterpark, three pools and a fitness room, your family can play in the lap of luxury on a budget.

Educational Trips

Dive into the wonders of science and space in downtown Lafayette for a quick day of education and fun. The museum and planetarium offer engaging exhibits and shows that spark curiosity and imagination in visitors of all ages. From bones and bugs to outer space, they have something the whole family will find interesting. For the younger kiddos, check out the Children’s Museum. With hands-on experiments, interactive play, and DIY crafts, a trip here will surely tire out the rugrats for next to nothing.

Short Car Ride: Discovering the Charms Nextdoor

Sometimes a short drive is all it takes to find the perfect family adventure. Here are a few destinations within a stone’s throw from Acadiana that are sure to thrill anyone in your family.

Baton Rouge Adventures

Just an hour away, Baton Rouge offers something for everyone and at all spectrums of the budget. Tiger fans will love visiting Mike the Tiger at LSU or taking a peek at Alex Box Stadium. Explore naval history aboard the USS Kidd. Learn about Rear Admiral Isaac Kidd, the first flag officer to die in WW2. You can even sleep aboard the warship with 20 of your best friends, making this ideal for field trips or Scout trips. The Knock Knock Museum is an interactive children’s museum located right on the scenic LSU Lakes.

Pasta Lab – Lake Charles

A culinary adventure awaits in Lake Charles, about an hour’s drive from Lafayette. The Pasta Lab offers a unique experience where you can create and enjoy your own pasta dishes. Ideal for groups, families or a delicious date night, their Saturday night pasta-making classes invite participants of all skill levels to dive into the art of pasta-making. Pasta Lab also features a gourmet marketplace where you can purchase handmade pasta, select olive oils, balsamic vinegars, and artisan cheeses to bring the flavors of Italy into your home kitchen. At Pasta Lab, you can get an Italian experience for way less than a plane ticket and be back home well before bedtime.

Coushatta Casino Resort

Located in Kinder, about an hour from Lafayette, Coushatta offers not just casino fun for adults but also a range of family-friendly activities and facilities, including a water park and kid-friendly zones. Drop the kids off at Kids Quest, a safe childcare environment where your littles can sing their hearts out at karaoke, play in the Barbie doll house community, win some tokens at arcade games, or enjoy quiet time with a book or a movie. Mom and Dad can have dinner at one of the many restaurants or play Black Jack. While rooms can be on the pricier side, depending on what time of year you go, the money and time you save traveling can now be spent making more memories.

2+ Hours Away: Outdoor Adventures

For those willing to venture a bit further, unique experiences are just a couple of hours away that promise unforgettable family memories.

Tunica Hills – Clark Creek Natural Area

Just a 2.5-hour drive from Acadiana, the Tunica Hills – Clark Creek Natural Area is a serene escape into nature, ideal for families craving outdoor adventure. With its lush landscapes, enchanting waterfalls, and shaded trails, this hiker’s paradise offers a delightful blend of scenic beauty and physical activity suitable for all ages. Whether you’re traversing gentle paths or exploring rugged terrains for breathtaking views, the area invites visitors to connect with nature through hiking, bird watching and picnicking amidst the tranquility of the forest. The cascading waterfalls present and serve as natural playgrounds for young explorers, making Tunica Hills an ideal spot for creating lasting family memories in ls an ideal spot for creating lasting family memories in the heart of Louisiana’s wild beauty.

Toledo Bend – A Lakeside Retreat

Rent a cabin and enjoy a weekend of fishing, swimming and relaxing by this vast man-made reservoir. About 3 hours away, it’s an excellent escape into nature that offers something for every family member. Here, fishing aficionados can enjoy abundant bass, crappie, catfish and bream, while others can dive into swimming, kayaking or paddleboarding in the lake’s clear waters. The surrounding forests provide picturesque hiking and bird-watching trails, inviting families to explore the great outdoors. As the day fades, the lake’s stunning sunsets offer a peaceful backdrop for campfire stories and marshmallow roasting, making Toledo Bend the ultimate family retreat where memories are crafted in nature.

Barn Hill Preserve, Ethel

About 2.5 hours away is a wild adventure for animal lovers at Barn Hill Preserve in Ethel. Blending unique interactions with exotic wildlife and conservation education, you can enjoy the singular experience of sipping wine with Reyna the sloth, swimming alongside the playful Draco the otter, or engaging in goat yoga. For those seeking more thrills, the preserve offers a walkabout with Mac the kangaroo. You can also visit Magnolia Ridge Adventure Park for a ride on Louisiana’s longest zipline. Barn Hill Preserve focuses on providing ethical and educational encounters with animals, making this day trip one to put on the books for this summer.

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