By Timothy Sexton
The entire state of Louisiana has wonderful things to offer families. Louisiana is justly famous for its native alligators, but there are many destinations that expand beyond the native to offer an up-close and personal look at animals from every continent. Once the kids are done with these spots, of course, don't forget to head south. Take in the state's
beaches on the warm waters of the Gulf of
Mexico.
Global Wildlife Center
The highlight here is a safari trek that lasts nearly two hours. It will quickly have you thinking African savanna: giraffes, bisons, zebras, and camels can be found here. What really makes this safari exciting is that the animals come right up to the tram and feed right out of your child's hands.
Global Wildlife Center
26389 Highway 40
Folsom, LA 70437
Telephone: 1-985-796-3585
Audubon Zoo
The Audubon Zoo in New Orleans features all the standard animals that make any zoo exciting, but is also the home to a fantastic aquarium and even something termed an insecterium that features hands-on learning about the smallest creatures around us. One thing that the New Orleans zoo has over many of its rivals is a gorgeous layout populated with Spanish moss trees. Plan on spending an entire day here at your children's request.
Audubon Zoo
6500 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
Telephone: 1-800-774-7394
Dixie Landin'/Blue Bayou Theme Parks
Dixie Landin' is a traditional theme park with both extreme thrill rides and tamer rides for the younger kids. Blue Bayou is a water park located right next door and features a collection of exciting water rides. The rides include the Voodoo, billed as the world's largest dark behemoth bowl slide.
Dixie Landin'
18142 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
Telephone: 1-225-753-3333
Bayou Pierre Alligator Park
Every kid loves gators, and there is no shortage of roadside attractions to see these ancient creatures. However, no other place is better suited to fulfill this alligator curiosity than Bayou Pierre. Its five acres of land are populated by hundreds of gators, and some of them are over 50 years old. There are so many alligators to be seen at Bayou Pierre that you may even begin to feel a little creepy. Have no fear; this is one of the safest places to learn about alligators in the country.
Bayou Pierre Alligator Park
380 Old Bayou Pierre Road
Natchitoches, LA
Telephone: 1-877-354-7001
About the Author:
Timothy Sexton is an award-winning author who started writing in 1994. He has written on topics ranging from politics and golf to nutrition and travel, and his work appears online for Zappos.com, Disaboom and MOJO, among others. He has also done work for "Sherlock Holmes and Philosophy." He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of West Florida.
