Louisiana Staycation: 7 Fun Things to Do While Staying Close to Home

Louisiana offers plenty to do and much to see. The Pelican State offers many attractions for families planning a vacation or staycation.  

Here are seven places to visit when planning a vacation or staycation to Louisiana:

1. The French Quarter: Experience a melting pot of European, Caribbean, African and American influences. Here you will often find a combination of lively music, dancing, shopping and dining adventures. Take the French Quarter Tours du Jour to learn more about its history and go on a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through this neighborhood's charming streets.

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2. Mardi Gras Tour: New Orleans is best known for Mardi Gras. At Mardi Gras World you will learn everything that you need to know about this enchanting parade in the most fun and entertaining way possible. Learn about the history of the festival and get to see how the floats are made.

3. Avery Island: Home of the world-famous Tabasco sauce. Surrounded by swamps and marshes, this is where the McIIhenny family continues to work as they have for the past generations. Take an island walking tour.

4. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve: Here, you will learn all about Cajun traditions in their purest form from the people actually lived these traditions. Take a walk along the same trails where the 1815 Battle of New Orleans took place.

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5. Honey Island Swamp Tour: Take a thrilling journey into the swamplands of Louisiana. Honey Island Swamp is known as the least-altered river swamps in the country, and this boat ride will surely be one of the best highlights of your trip. Bring your camera as you search for different wild animals such as alligators, wolves and deer.

6. Louisiana State Museum: This museum currently houses 450,000 artifacts and works of art that reflects the unique and diverse Louisiana culture.

7. USS Kidd and Veterans Memorial: Located in Baton Rouge, here you can visit the "Pirate of the Pacific" to honor the lives of the men and women of the American Armed Forces. Located at the heart of Baton Rouge, this is where you and your kids will learn all about the wars that American soldiers bravely fought.

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