and weekly events the whole family can enjoy. If you’re looking to get outdoors, visit BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center . This 103-acre facility houses an award-winning building filled with animal exhibits, natural artifacts and mineral displays, and a waterfowl decoy carving collection. Outdoors, you will find over a mile of gravel paths to explore, including plenty of wildlife to see. WHERE TO EAT When it comes to food in the capital city, you really can’t miss anywhere you go. There’s something to satisfy every taste bud, and yes, even those picky eaters! If a chain restaurant is more your speed, you’ll find Shake Shack and Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers nearby. If you’re looking for a nice restaurant to sit down at, consider Mi Padres Mexican Grill & Catering or Roux 61 Hop in the car for a quick trip to Lafayette for the weekend. The “Happiest City in America” offers an experience for all personalities, whether you’re an outdoors enthusiast or a history buff. WHERE TO STAY Homewood Suites by Hilton Lafayette is the perfect walking distance from most shopping and dining in the area, and it boasts a wide selection of amenities. Start your morning with a buffet-style complimentary breakfast, or work up a sweat in the fitness center. For those with little ones who eyed the pool as soon as they arrived, there’s one to enjoy featuring comfortable seating and sparkling water–and it’s heated for those chilly mornings. WHAT TO DO Lafayette is home to Surge Entertainment by Drew Brees , a cutting-edge entertainment, fitness, and sports facility, offering bowling, karaoke, a trampoline park, sports simulator, arcade, ninja course, jousting, and a zipline–just to name a few activities. This summer, kiddos can bowl for free, Monday through Friday, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m., through August. Seafood & Grill . LAFAYETTE Kid’s World Indoor Play Arena is a two-story, 1,700 total square feet, playground structure, filled with climbing obstacle courses, slides, swings, ball pits, and a ball blaster, providing endless hours of fun so you can beat the Louisiana heat. Looking for a different form of indoor fun? Don’t forget to stop by the Lafayette Science Museum . Offering hands-on experiences for curious minds, the Museum is a “playful portal” featuring exhibits and installations designed to educate and enlighten. WHERE TO EAT Tacos, burritos, salads, bowls, and more are ready to be dressed to perfection and just the way you like them at Taco Sisters . After your meal, top it off with one of their housemade pops! If you’re looking to tempt your taste buds with something new, venture over to Viva La Waffle for all things waffle–waffle sandwiches, waffle fries, and pizza waffles! NEW ORLEANS Down in New Orleans, there’s plenty to do and see. It’s an epicenter of fun, if you know where to go. WHERE TO STAY Within walking distance from the Mississippi River, Omni Riverfront Hotel is a luxury hotel offering top-notch amenities for guests to enjoy, including an on-site bistro, room service, a
fitness center, and concierge. The hotel is also kid-friendly and hosts an Omni Junior Chefs Program, offering the youngest guests an enriching experience where they are given a “Say Goodnight to Hunger” postcard to color and turn in at the front desk to donate a meal to Feeding America. Also, through September 29, kiddos staying at the hotel can eat for free! WHAT TO DO Attractions in New Orleans could easily be described as endless. Whether you’re heading over to the National World War II Museum to learn more about the “war that changed the world” or diving under the sea at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas to learn about our scaly friends, there’s almost always something new to discover. Take a walk on over to the Riverwalk Outlets for some shopping, or stop by the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen to take a tour with your crew. If seeing a performance is more your style, the Saenger Theatre cannot be missed. WHERE TO EAT For delicious food and great service, make sure you stop by Mulate’s while visiting. Whether you prefer seafood, pasta, or a salad, there are multiple tasty options to choose from. However, one cannot visit without indulging in the Famous Bread Pudding and the Nutella Crème Stuffed Beignets. Looking for a real crowd pleaser for the kiddos? Try Magazine Pizza ! Magazine Pizza offers pizzas, calzones, wraps, salads, and sandwiches, all made with the freshest ingredients. Make it your own or try one of the specials before satisfying your sweet cravings with some cheesecake. SHREVEPORT–BOSSIER CITY The Shreveport-Bossier City area is two cities that are twice as nice and twice as fun for your next staycation. WHERE TO STAY A trip to paradise for the weekend sounds nice, right? At Margaritaville Resort Casino Bossier City , you’ll get to experience tropical elegance with luxury resort amenities, including a spa and salon, pool, dining options, and live entertainment. WHAT TO DO If you can tear yourself away from the resort and are looking for entertainment in the area, check out Sci-Port Discovery Center . This 92,000-square-foot science and entertainment center houses the Louisiana’s Science and Space Center , Power of Play (PoP) Children’s Museum , Gallery of Intrigue , and an IMAX® Dome Theatre . If you still have kiddos full of energy, visit the Shreveport Aquarium to get up close and personal with sharks, seahorses, turtles, and eels. Or, visit the Louisiana Boardwalk to shop until you drop. WHERE TO EAT Margaritaville Bossier City offers an assortment of dining options on-site, including Drago’s Seafood , Sportsbook Restaurant , Jimmy’s Seafood & Steak , Bamboo Asian Café , and Banyan Tree . If you’re wanting to venture away from the resort, head over to The Blind Tiger to try some of their Cajun specialties or one of their shareable desserts. ■
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