The Play List: Things to do for families in Cajun Country

September 3, 2013

Acadiana Paintball Complex

What says quality family time more than shooting each other with high-powered paintballs? At the Acadiana Paintball Complex in Lafayette, you can pick from six different playing fields representing everything from a forest to post-apocalyptic nuclear fallout. $30 gets you 200 paintballs and all the equipment you need. Get out your frustrations and have some fun family time. 1101 Breaux Rd., Lafayette, LA 70506. (337) 322-5426. acadianapaintballcomplex.com

Art Walk

On the second Saturday of each month, Downtown Lafayette hosts a giant art walk, with each gallery, studio and art house opening its doors to the public for a festive and creative experience. The art’s on sale for a discount, and local establishments offer food, drink and live music, too. downtownlafayette.org

Children’s Museum of Acadiana

The Children’s Museum of Acadiana is a hands-on, participatory museum geared toward toddlers to 12-year-olds, providing interactive exhibits focused on health, math and science. The museum demystifies things like money and restaurants by putting them at the child’s level. Everything has a hands-on aspect. 201 E. Congress St., Lafayette, LA 70501. (337) 232-8500. childrensmuseumofacadiana.com

Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site

This site features an exact replica of a French fort that’s sure to make any kid want to explore, plus exhibits and demonstrations illustrating what life in rural Louisiana was like in the 1700s. Tours are available, and costumed interpreters are on site. 155 Jefferson St., Natchitoches, LA 71457. (318) 357-3101. crt.state.la.us

Lake End Park

Lake End Park is situated along Lake Palourde in Morgan City, nestled in gorgeous moss-laden cypress trees and lined with a small sandy beach. Kids can splash and swim in the calm lake waters, while parents can take their pick of either sun or shade. Fishing is available, and campsites are reasonably priced. 2300 Louisiana 70, Morgan City, LA 70380. (985) 380-4623. lakeendpark.net

Lake Fausse Pointe State Park

If you want to rough it, Lake Fausse is the place to do so. While they do have waterside cabins, they’re perhaps best known for primitive camping locations deep within the park. As part of the Atchafalaya Basin, Lake Fausse Pointe boasts a wide variety of wildlife worth hiking for. Boats are available for rental, as well. 5400 Levee Rd., St. Martinville, LA 70582. (337) 229-6173. crt.state.la.us

Long River Lodge Clay Shooting

Challenge your family to friendly competition at the Long River Lodge Clay Shooting Range. Their Bayou Course was professionally designed to be fun and challenging, and target control systems make it simple to increase or decrease the difficulty. Private instruction is also available for men, women and juniors. 497 Cannatella Rd., Melville, LA 71353 (337) 623-4595. longriverlodge.com

Pastor Brothers Cajun Excursions

The Pastor Brothers offer energetic and enthusiastic swamp cruises, focusing on family. They know how to keep the kids entertained while making sure they still absorb some essential facts about Louisiana’s vital wetland ecosystems. 1905 Verot School Rd., Lafayette, LA 70508. (337) 205-3276. pastorbrothers.com

Wedell-Williams Aviation and Cypress Sawmill Museums

Filled with aircrafts, trophies and other memorabilia from the “Golden Days” of Louisiana Aviation, the Wedell-Williams Aviation and Cypress Sawmill Museums track the histories of aviation pioneers Jimmie Wedell and Harry Williams. In a somewhat unlikely but still interesting combination, the sawmill museum pays tribute to the fact that Patterson was once home to the largest cypress sawmill in the world. 118 Cotten Rd., Patterson, LA 70392. (985) 399-1268. crt.state.la.us

Zydeco Brunch at Café des Amis

Café des Amis takes brunch up a notch or two with live music and two-for-one mimosas from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. It’s a rollicking good time that even the kids will enjoy. 140 E. Bridge St., Breaux Bridge, LA 70517. (337) 332-5273. cafedesamis.com

Want more things to do? Check out the lists below.