Both An Exotic Animal Petting Zoo And Adventure Park, Louisiana’s Gators & Friends Is An Underrated Day Trip Destination

We're always on the hunt for those special attractions in Louisiana that are worthy of a road trip from any corner of the state, and Gators & Friends is one of those places. Whether you're an animal lover or a thrill-seeker, Gators & Friends is a favorite family-friendly destination for those in Northern Louisiana, and it should move to the top of your bucket list.

Part petting zoo, part alligator park, and part adventure zone, Gators & Friends is certainly one of the most unique attractions in Louisiana.

Since opening in 2006, Gators & Friends has been on a mission to increase awareness about exotic animals, including their habitat and lifestyles.

Animal lovers of all ages will enjoy a visit here, where you can pet and feed these exotic critters while learning all about them.

Visitors can feed and pet more than 20 different types of exotic animals, ranging from ring-tailed lemurs to kangaroos.

And, of course, you'll want to check out the alligators.

Look how perfectly they posed for this photo!

Gators & Friends is home to more than 150 alligators, and the feeding show is always the highlight of any trip.

Watching these gators leap out of the water is always amazing, and you'll have a front-row seat for the action.

Speaking of action, those with a need for speed will love taking these high-powered go-karts for a spin around the 1,600-foot track.

These Sodi gas-powered karts can top speeds of over 35 miles per hour!

But that's not all. If you prefer your thrills from the sky, then the zip line is right up your alley.

The seven-part zip line will have you soaring over the treetops, giving you a fabulous bird's eye view of the park.

Oh, and the final 750 feet of the course will have you zipping over the alligator pond! Don't worry, you won't become part of the feeding show.

Before you head over, you'll want to give them a call and check their website for the latest hours of operation and schedule of events, especially if you want to take a ride on the zip line. If you've visited Gators and Friends, we'd love to hear from you! Share your experience with us in the comments!