6 Underrated Attractions Near New Orleans That Are Oodles of Fun For The Whole Family

Located in Livingston Parish, Tickfaw State Park has endless attractions that the whole family will love. There are multiple hiking trails that will lead you through the cypress/tupelo swamp and bottomland hardwood forest, playgrounds for the little ones, and cabins if you’d like to make a fun weekend out of it. 27225 Patterson Rd., Springfield, LA 70462.

This Fletcher-class destroyer from WWII has been restored to its days of glory, so climb aboard and see what a real battleship looks like. Kids will love getting to walk around the ship and climbing around, and adults will love the history behind this incredible vessel. 305 River Rd. S., Baton Rouge, LA 70802.

For a fun-filled adventure, head over to Kliebert’s Turtle and Alligator Farm. Kliebert’s opened in 1984 and is known as the first alligator farm in Louisiana. This family owned and operated business is open for tours just about every day and you just may get the opportunity to hold a gator! 40511 West I-55 Service Rd., Ponchatoula, LA 70454.

With nearly 60 original structures, Laurel Valley Village is the largest surviving 19th and 20th century sugar plantation complex left in the country. You’ll be able to drive past many of these structures and learn the history of the plantation along the way. Kids will love getting to feed the farm animals around the Laurel Valley Store, where you can also pick up some locally made products. 302 Laurel Valley Rd, Thibodaux, LA 70301.

Tucked away along Bayou Petit Caillou, this amazing sculpture garden is a sight to be seen. The bold colors and the story each sculpture tells is truly amazing, and you’ll me mesmerized by how intricate the sculptures are. 5337 Bayouside Dr., Chauvin, LA 70344.