Where will you go on vacation this summer? While many families will have old favorites that come to mind such as the beach or a local amusement park, why not try something a little different this year? Louisiana is a great tourist stop with a colorful history. It might surprise you, but this is one destination that can provide entertainment for people of all ages.
New Orleans, Louisiana was founded in 1718, and is a still a top destination for quite a few tourists, especially around Mardi Gras. It is a 300 year old city that offers a rich history. There is a misconception that the city and surrounding areas are lacking the right kind of fun for kids. This is simply not true.
When people think about fun summer vacations, amusement parks top the list of places to go. New Orlean’s offers its own location, the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland. This park can offer a day’s worth of distraction, and is still within the city limits.
For kids are fascinated with all things that crawl and fly, the Audobon Insectarium offers close encounters with the insects found in New Orleans. Not a fan of creepy crawlies? No problem, you can head to the Japanese butterfly exhibit instead.
The city also boasts the Audubon Zoo, as well as the Audobon Aquarium of the Americas. These two are a part of the top-ranked attractions in the country. The aquarium features many favorites, such as penguins, sharks, and alligators. The zoo is a great way for smaller children to view some of the local wildlife up close without a swamp tour.
If you and your family are feeling particularly adventurous on your summer vacation, you can always tour the swamp area. The wetlands of Louisiana account for roughly 41% of the U.S. total. Swamp tours by boat are a popular option for tourists, as are New Orleans kayak swamp tours. When traveling with family, it maybe best to book a boat tour.
Before you tour the swamp area, here are a few things to know. Reservations are highly recommended, which can help you plan your day’s activities. Most tours operate rain or shine, and will only cancel if the weather presents a danger to the tour.
The tour takes place entirely by boat. This means there will be no walking, but there will also be no bathrooms. As you tour the swamp, there are sure to be some insects, so bug spray is recommended. Food is not allowed, nor is feeding the wildlife for the safety of the passengers.
Tours last around three hours, but double check with your tour guide when making a reservation. Many tours offer pick up and drop off, which may save some trouble with finding parking. It is recommended that tourists plan to arrive early to the tour.
One survey found that 37% of families say that going on vacation together is their favorite activity to do together that makes everyone happy. This year, why not try something new? New Orleans is a city that has a lot to offer in terms of entertainment, history, and culture.