Southern Louisiana thrives with rich cultures and gorgeous outdoor settings. Within a few hours of Baton Rouge, families can tour historic plantation homes, look out for alligators in a cypress swamp, and build sandcastles on a sunny beach. Keep reading to discover the best day trips from Baton Rouge and start planning your next getaway.
Get out there and explore the Pelican State! Here are our favorite things to do in Louisiana with kids.
Day Trips from Baton Rouge for Families
St. Francisville
Just 30 minutes north of Baton Rouge is the cute antebellum town of St. Francisville. Experience classic southern hospitality as you enjoy the outdoors and tour historic sites and plantation homes.
Hike through bottomland hardwood forests in the Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge. As you meander through the cypress-tupelo swamps, keep an eye out for migratory birds and Louisiana black bears. The refuge is also open for fishing, paddling, and even hunting.
After experiencing the natural history of the area, check out the many historic buildings. The Myrtles Plantation has been called the most haunted plantation in America. At the Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site, visitors can get a glimpse into life as a wealthy plantation owner.
Or get inspired at the Oakley Plantation where John James Audubon, noted artist and ornithologist, spent a summer. This home is located on the Audubon State Historic Site. Take a tour through the 17 room Oakley House or just wander the grounds where Audubon worked on his famous paintings of area birds.
While in town, visit the art galleries and shops selling antiques, and fun toys for the kiddos. And stop for a bite at Magnolia Cafe offering local, fresh cuisine.
Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge
Experience “Cajun Country” in the 15,000 acres of Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge offers oxbow lakes, scenic bayous, bottomland hardwood forests, and cypress-tupelo swamps. It’s the perfect place to connect with nature.
Migrating shorebirds, songbirds, waterfowl, and birds of prey call this refuge home. Do some bird watching while hiking along the nature trail at the end of Section 120 Rd. You can also hike on the ATV trails or along the levees.
The Atchafalaya National Wildlife Refuge is also a popular place for fishing. Over 85 species of fish inhabit the basin, including bluegill, largemouth bass, and channel catfish. Motorized and non-motorized boats are permitted in the water.
Lafayette
French, Spanish, and Caribbean cultures combine in the heart of Cajun Country – Lafayette, Louisiana. It offers plenty of cultural experiences, beautiful scenery, and amazing food. And at only an hour from Baton Rouge, it is one of the most popular day trips from the Capital City.
One of my favorite ways to start a day trip is by learning the history of the area. One of the best places to do that in Lafayette is at the living history museum, Vermilionville Historic Village. The restored homes and costumed artisans bring visitors back to the 18th-century in Southern Louisiana.
The Acadian Cultural Center also focuses on Cajun history and culture. This free park is managed by the National Parks Service. The visitor center showcases exhibits and an educational film detailing the customs, history, and language of the Acadians.
Local cuisine is my other favorite thing to do on a day trip, and Lafayette boasts plenty of delicious local eateries. Travel to the French countryside, home of some of the original Lafayette residents, with fresh baked breads and treats from Poupart’s Bakery. Then sample some Cajun cuisine in downtown restaurants like Spoonbill Watering Hole & Restaurant or Pop’s Poboys.
What will kids love in Lafayette? Hands-on museums like the Lafayette Science Museum and the Children’s Museum of Acadiana teach through pretend play and interactive exhibits. Or for outside fun, check out Moncus Parks play areas and ponds.
One more stop that everyone is sure to enjoy in Cypress Lake (or “The Swamp”) on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus. Keep an eye out for alligators, bullfrogs, and turtles as you bask in the beauty of the swamp.
Global Wildlife Center in Folsom, LA
Take an African safari, just an hour outside of Baton Rouge. Giraffes, kangaroos, zebras and more roam freely on 900-acres of the Global Wildlife Center. Take a tour to get up close and personal with these exotic animals.
Large tractor-pulled covered wagons convey families through the gently rolling hills on a guided safari. The guide teaches visitors all about the animals they see and gives them opportunities for touching as many as possible. Where else can you snuggle with bison and camels?
The wagon tours last just over an hour. You can also take a Private Pinz tour in a 4×4 vehicle to get places the wagons cannot and have even more one-on-one time with your favorite animals. Make sure to buy plenty of animal feed to encourage the animals to come visit you.
After your visit, stop by the village of Folsom for lunch at Gus’s Restaurant. They serve up delicious po-boys and hamburgers. Or if you just need a quick pick-me-up. Grab a coffee or sweet pastry at Giddy Up Folsom.
Mandeville, LA
Take an hour and a half long drive to Mandeville on the northern shores of Lake Pontchartrain. The refreshing rural beauty and rich history make a visit to Mandeville, Louisiana one of the best day trips from Baton Rouge.
The highlight of Mandeville is Fontainebleau State Park. Situated on a former sugar plantation, this park contains ruins of the sugar mill, trails through woodlands and marshes, as well as a beach on Lake Pontchartrain. If wandering over boardwalks above alligators makes you nervous, join a guided swamp tour to learn about the wildlife.
For more outdoor activities, try Tammany Trace. Bring your bikes or rent some to ride along the trails. Kids will also enjoy the seasonal splash pad and inclusive playground.
Located right beside the playground is the Children’s Museum of Tammany. This is the perfect place for kids to play indoors. Imaginative play, art projects, and the climbing wall keep kids entertained for hours.
Interested in history? Check out the self-guided walking, driving, and biking tours that the Old Mandeville Historic Association put together. Self-guided tours are perfect for families to tailor to their kids interests and ages.
The various tours lead visitors past historic homes and buildings, some with QR codes to scan for more information. You can even join a free guided tour inside the Jean Lafitte Baptiste Lang Creole House and gardens. Tour information can be found on the association’s website at the Lang House.
New Orleans
The towering oaks of the Garden District, the lively music scene, and the fascinating history of the French Quarter make New Orleans one of the most popular day trips from Baton Rouge. Families love the unique culture and history of this famous port town. And there are activities for all ages and abilities.
In Uptown New Orleans, head to the beautiful City Park. Here you can wander among artwork in the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden before playing in the Louisiana Children’s Museum. On a nice day, rent a bike to explore the trails around the park, or a boat to paddle around the lakes.
While uptown, stop by the Audubon Zoo to visit local and exotic animals. And play among the branches of The Tree of Life, an ancient, sprawling oak tree. Be sure to hop aboard the historic St. Charles streetcar for a ride past the antebellum mansions of the Garden District.
Get to know the French Quarter by taking a kid-friendly tour by French QuarTour Kids. Listen to the street musicians while dining on beignets at Cafe Du Monde. Then cruise along the Mississippi River on the Steamboat NATCHEZ.
If you still have time, check out some of the amazing museums of New Orleans. The National WWII Museum is one of the best museums in the nation, full of interactive and colorful exhibits. And the Mardi Gras Museum lets families experience king cake and the larger-than-life parade floats any time of year.
With so much to do in New Orleans, you may want to consider extending your day trip into a weekend trip. Discover where to stay and even more to do with our article, Things to do in New Orleans with Kids.
New Orleans Plantation Country
The 60-mile long stretch along the Mississippi River from Baton Rouge to New Orleans is known as New Orleans Plantation country. Throughout the region, discover unique ecosystems, cultures and historical sites.
Each plantation tells a different story. At the Whitney Plantation, visitors learn about the lives of enslaved people. Laura, a Creole Plantation, shares the story of strong women who ran this plantation for generations. And kids appreciate the daily folklife demonstration at Destrehan Plantation.
Learn more about Cajun culture from Spuddy’s Cajun Cooking Experience. During this experience, Spuddy helps families create classic favorites like gumbo and Andouille sausage while teaching the history of each food. This was probably my favorite activity I’ve ever done in Southern Louisiana.
Another awesome way to explore Plantation Country is on an airboat tour. Swamp Adventures knowledgeable guides drive families through the swamps, telling stories of the people and animals of the area. Along the route, spot resident alligators and even have a chance to feed them.
Avery Island
Do you love hot sauce? Then plan a day trip from Baton Rouge to Avery Island, the home of TABASCO brand pepper sauce. Learn how this spicy condiment is created while enjoying the surrounding natural beauty.
The best place to start your day trip is at the award-winning TABASCO Brand Factory Tour & Museum. See the process of how pepper seeds transform into the popular hot sauce. Families also learn about the history of this product and the family who created it.
After the tour, try some classic Southern comfort food and spicy Cajun favorites at Restaurant 1868!, the TABASCO restaurant. It’s the perfect opportunity to try all the hot sauce flavors you just learned about, and create your own bloody mary. A key on the menu reveals the spice level of each dish, but of course, you can always add more TABASCO.
In addition to the factory, Avery Island boasts beautiful Spanish moss draped oak trees and lush vegetation. At the Jungle Gardens, wander among exotic plants while keeping an eye out for wildlife, including deer, alligators, and even bears. And stop by “Bird City” rookery to see thousands of migrating coastal birds.
Gulfport, MS
For a beach getaway full of adventure and interactive education, head to Gulfport, Mississippi. This two hour trip from Baton Rouge promises family-friendly activities at its interactive museums as well as relaxing time at the beach. It is also home to the world’s largest rocking chair!
Meet the sea creatures of Gulfport at Ocean Adventures Marine Park. Watch trainers interact with resident dolphins and sea lions. Then gets hands-on at the stingray touch tank. Be sure to catch the bird show before wandering through the aviary.
Extend your marine fun with a trip aboard the Tour Train to IMMS’s Discovery Center. Here you’ll find touch pools, aquariums, and a special educational presentation.
Another family-friendly attraction is the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. This children’s museum entertains and educates families through interactive play, with their main focus on children up to age ten. Climb through the Super Colossal Climbing Structure to reach exhibits on space, local history, and science.
In addition to the 15,000 feet of indoor space, seven and a half acres of outdoor exhibits await adventurous children. Play in the outdoor musical garden, live oaks, and tiny town of Kids Street.
When you’re ready to relax on the beach head over to Jones Park. In addition to sandy fun, a boat themed playground and splash pad also entertain children. Take time to walk around and admire the lighthouse and boats in the marina.
Or if your crew prefers adrenaline inducing water activities, check out Gulf Island Water Park with miles of slides and water recreation. If it’s too cold for a waterpark, head next door to Zip’N Fun Adventure Park. The ropes courses and ziplines let you experience Gulfport from the treetops.
My love for storytelling led me to earn a bachelor's degree in Communications from Brigham Young University-Idaho in 2003. In 2008, when my husband’s job required frequent travel, I refused to be left behind. With my toddlers in tow, we set off on adventures, discovering family-friendly attractions and activities along the way. Trekaroo became an invaluable resource for us, helping me navigate travel with young children. Once I gained experience, I felt compelled to share my insights with other families embarking on similar journeys.
As a mother of five, I’ve embraced the joys and challenges of traveling with children of all ages and consider myself an expert in multigenerational travel, large family adventures, and finding the best travel deals.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with numerous tourism organizations, hotels, and travel brands, helping to highlight incredible family-friendly destinations. I’ve worked with local tourism bureaus in Phoenix, New Orleans & Baton Rouge, Denver, Greater Zion, Portland, Oakland, Salt Lake City and many more cities, as well as major travel brands like Margaritaville, Dreams Resorts & Spas, Dark Rome, LEGOLAND California, Walt Disney World, and Great Wolf Lodge. Through these partnerships, I provide firsthand insights and expert recommendations to help families make the most of their travel experiences.
I currently live in Phoenix, Arizona, with my husband and our five kids (ages 10–19). When I’m not traveling, I love hiking, reading, and substitute teaching at my kids’ schools.
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