Round up the littles and set sail for Louisiana’s easy escape to enjoy a spring day full of family-friendly fun, including plenty of opportunities to shake out those wiggles. Bask in the sun and build sandcastles along the shore of Lake Pontchartrain at Fontainebleau State Park, hand-feed a whole host of alligators at Insta-gator's working alligator ranch and hatchery, or put all that childish energy to good use on the Tammany Trace rails-to-trails system … by renting a special surrey bike with room for an entire family (just make sure you’re not left doing all the pedaling!) Ready to go? Here are some more ideas to jumpstart your family’s next big day out.
Northlake Nature Center
Waterside Camping
When you’re a kid, nothing quite matches the thrill of spending the night in a tent and roasting marshmallows over an open fire. So shake out that camping gear and head to Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville or Fairview-Riverside State Park in Madisonville to spend a night under the stars. 2,800-acre Fontainebleau State Park delivers a diverse range of overnight options—from primitive tent camping and serviced RV sites, all the way up to “turnkey” glamping in safari-style canvas tents provided in partnership with Tentrr, and deluxe, over-water cabins high above Lake Pontchartrain. A more intimate, 98-acre retreat, Fairview-Riverside State Park is beloved for its “old Louisiana” atmosphere, offering 81 improved campsites and 20 primitive sites scattered beneath the atmospheric canopy of moss-draped live oaks that line the banks of the Tchefuncte River.
During the day at Fontainebleau, take the kids on a hike, let them fish or splash in the lake or soak at the park’s splashpad, enjoy an outdoor picnic, and explore the ruins of the site’s 1829 sugar mill. At Fairview-Riverside, relax beside the banks of the Tchefuncte River, take a pontoon boat ride, or join a guided tour of the historic Otis House. Both parks welcome visitors with playgrounds, fishing, and nature trails, as well as serviced sites for RVs—for those inclined to sleep in a real bed!
Canopy Capers
Take to the trees and experience St. Tammany from a new perspective at Tree Frogs Adventure Park in Covington—an outdoors-focused facility that intertwines nature and active play. The park includes a Tadpole Adventure Zone that enables toddlers and young children to explore, climb, and play safely, and more advanced Tree Frogs Aerial Courses that challenge kids (and their parents) to climb, balance, and swing their way through three treetop obstacle courses—reaching new heights while testing climbing and balancing skills.
After mastering the beginner route close to solid ground, don a safety harness to clamber high into the treetops. Don’t look down while you navigate floating logs, rope nets, high wires, and other obstacles. A third, fully netted course offers toddlers and younger kids chances to safely explore at their own speed, complete with a mini rock wall, tube slide, and swinging logs.
Bring closed toe shoes and save time to visit Tree Frogs’ on-site petting zoo, where kids go nose-to-snout with miniature horses, goats, and a giant tortoise presented in partnership with the nonprofit Equestrian Angel.
Putt-Putt at Old Town Slidell Soda Shop
Pick up putters and golf balls and challenge the kiddos to a good old-fashioned game of mini-golf at the Old Town Slidell Soda Shop. The eighteen-hole course features plenty of twists and turns guaranteed to add challenge to the competition. Then, take the party inside to the arcade room and try to beat the high score in pinball.
After a winner is declared, grab a stool at the soda counter for a tasty treat. From ice cream cones and banana splits to root beer floats and year-round snowballs, every sweet tooth in the family will find something to love, here. The Soda Shop also serves popular burgers, foot-long hot dogs, sandwiches, and chicken and shrimp baskets.
There’s more to explore at Kid-Friendly Things to Do On the Northshore.
