New Orleans & the Gulf South

The Louisiana Art and Science Museum combines hands-on science exhibits, art galleries, and often a planetarium, giving kids a fun, educational break from outdoor heat or rain.

New Orleans Museum of Art offers families approachable galleries and a sculpture garden where kids can roam and discover art in an open, relaxed setting.

The Cabildo puts Louisiana and New Orleans history into context with engaging exhibits right on Jackson Square, easy to pair with a family stroll through the French Quarter.

New Orleans Jazz Museum introduces kids to the city’s signature sound with instruments, performances, and stories that bring jazz to life.

The New Orleans Mint (within the Jazz Museum complex) lets families explore money, music, and history all under one roof in an easy, kid-manageable visit.

New Orleans African American Museum offers families an important look at local Black history and culture in a bite-sized, walkable museum setting.

Ogden Museum of Southern Art showcases colorful, varied works that give kids a visual sense of the American South while adults enjoy serious art.

Bogue Chitto State Park is great for families who want to hike, paddle, splash, and picnic in a safe, natural setting not far from New Orleans.

Percy Quin State Park gives kids room to run, play by the lake, and spot wildlife, making it a relaxed nature break on a Gulf South road trip.

Chemin-A-Haut State Park offers family-friendly trails, water access, and shady picnic spots ideal for burning off energy and enjoying the outdoors.

Birmingham Zoo is a classic kid-pleaser with animals, play areas, and seasonal events that make a perfect half- or full-day stop.

Hattiesburg Zoo packs a lot of animals, a splash pad, and play spaces into a compact zoo that’s easy to manage with younger children.

Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo lets kids meet animals near the beach, creating a fun contrast to sand and surf days on a coastal family trip.

Chimp Haven fascinates animal-loving kids with the chance to learn about and see retired research chimpanzees in a sanctuary setting.

Aldridge Botanical Gardens is a peaceful, stroller-friendly green space where kids can explore trails, ponds, and seasonal blooms.

LSU Rural Life Museum gives families a glimpse of 19th‑century Louisiana farm life with historic buildings and artifacts that feel like stepping back in time.

Baton Rouge makes a convenient family base with riverfront walks, kid-friendly museums, and easy access to nearby plantations and nature.