Travel Acadiana I Family outings that won’t break the bank

The Best Things in Life are Free

A fun family outing doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. There is plenty of free or inexpensive fun in and around Acadiana. After all, the best things in life are free.

Fun and Free For All

Lafayette and its surrounding areas offer a treasure trove of activities that don’t cost a penny, ensuring that fun and entertainment are always accessible.

Parks and Recs

Calling all outdoor enthusiasts and families. Don’t sleep on St. Julien Park in Broussard. This sports complex offers a plethora of activities ranging from splash pads for the little ones to scenic walking trails and sports facilities like disc golf and basketball courts. Spend the afternoon at Moncus Park to climb the treehouse, relax beneath the trees, or roll down the hill. Stay for a free yoga or Tremble class.

Bayou Bargain

Cypress Lake is home to alligators, birds and other boggy creatures. What’s so cool about this swampy terrain is that it sits in the middle of UL’s campus, so be sure to stroll through the century-old college of the Ragin Cajuns. Drive down the roads of Lake Martin, where you can encounter more bayou wildlife and beautiful scenery. Or bike down the Bayou Teche for an adventure full of fun and free of charge.

Free History Lesson

Acadiana’s rich history is so abundant that it can’t help but be free. Take the family on an excursion to Acadian Village and Vermilionville, living museums, transporting visitors back in time to explore the early settler’s way of life. The Cathedral of St John adds a spiritual and architectural dimension to this journey, with its magnificent design and serene gardens. Are you or your children Francophiles? Stop into one of the many French Table locations for a conversation in French. Some venues include Hundredfold Coffee in Ville Platte, the Valsin House in Broussard, and Victor’s Cafe in New Iberia.

A Little Money, A Whole Lot of Fun

For those willing to spend a small amount for a significant return on experience, there are plenty of options.

$5 Below

For $5 or less, tour the Conrad Rice Mill, the oldest of its kind in the country. For only $3 you can hike through St. Martinville’s Lake Fausse Point, go fishing at the Chicot State Park in Ville Platte, or look for wildlife at Palmetto Island State Park in Abbeville. To beat the summer heat, most of these state parks have splash pads for the littles.

Farmers Markets

Saturdays in Acadiana are bustling with farmers and vendors. Grab the freshest catch at the Delcambre Seafood & Farmers Market. Pass a good time with the Cajun Jam and a little breakfast at the Lafayette Farmers Market. City Girls Farmers Market is perfect for a quick produce pickup. The Creole Farmers Market in Breaux Bridge has all the seasonal produce you’ll need.

Brewery Stops

Adopted Dog Brewery blends family-friendly activities with the local craft beer scene. Let the kids run around or play Jenga while you sip on a brewsky. Hit up Bayou Teche Brewery in Arnaudville with the kids for arcade games. Parish Brewing in Broussard is a great place for the kids to play outside while you throw back a cold one. Best part about these family-friendly breweries is that you can spend as little or as much as you like.

Free Fun At Your Own Pace

The adventure continues with more free activities that showcase the beauty and history of the area.

Self-Guided Downtown Tours

Pick a city in Acadiana. Any city. You’re bound to pick a quaint Cajun city that is full of culture, history, and things to see for free. Stroll through Magdalen Square in Abbeville and stop in at the Abbeville Cultural & Historical Museum & Gallery. Bike through downtown New Iberia catching glimpses of Bayou Teche, PJ Allain Waterfront Park and Sculptural Garden. and the infamous places James Lee Burke describes in his novels. Pop into one of the many antique stores in downtown Breaux Bridge and while you’re there, don’t forget to check out the Bayou Teche Visitors Center.

Self-Guided Bike Trails

Pump some air in your tires and grab a water bottle for a self-guided ride through the bike trails of Acadiana. The Atakapa-Ishak Trail is over 100 miles of terrain connecting the communities of Lafayette, Breaux Bridge, St. Martinville, Henderson, Krotz Spring, Arnaudville, Port Barre, Opelousas, Sunset and Grand Coteau. Stop along the way to take in the wildlife and daily life of each of these unique towns.

Self-Guided Art Walks

Acadiana is an art lover’s canvas. Stroll down Jefferson St. downtown Lafayette to find all the art wall murals. The Lafayette Art Association & Gallery is home to six working artist studios. The Pink Alligator Gallery in Breaux Bridge houses curated jewelry and vintage decor from emerging and established artists. For a look at one-of-a-kind egg purses and other elegant objects of art, take a tour at Vivian Alexander Gallery & Museum in Maurice.