CHEAP and FREE THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS ON THE CAJUN COAST

If the good old summer time means finding stuff for the kids to do without spending a fortune, the Cajun Coast has got you covered! We have put together a Family-friendly itinerary, and a list of the top FREE or Cheap things for kids to do this summer!

EDUCATION & EXPLORATION

Kids will enjoy learning about the oil industry on this retired oil rig and the many ways oil is used at the International Petroleum Museum & Exposition, the “Mr. Charlie.” Visit the Wedell-Williams Aviation & Cypress Sawmill Museum (A Louisiana State Museum). Not only will their imaginations soar with all of the aviation exploration, but this summer, they can experience the Water Trails of the Atchafalaya exhibit. Tour the Chitimacha Museum in Charenton. The Chitimacha were the first settlers to the area and lived in and around the Atchafalaya Basin. The museum documents their history, culture and their efforts in preservation. Walk the “Great Wall,” a 21-foot seawall. Built for flood protection, visitors can climb up for a bird’s eye view of the traffic in the Atchafalaya River, one of the busiest rivers in the state. See the Southwest Reef Lighthouse in Berwick. This iconic symbol in Berwick is one of only 3 lighthouses in Louisiana that are easily accessible, and visitors can see the structure up-close for FREE at the Everett S. Berry Memorial Lighthouse Park. A Fresnel lens and fog bell similar to what would have been used in the lighthouse are displayed in the lobby of Berwick Town Hall, located 2 blocks west of the park on Third Street. If you have a Lighthouse Passport (available from https://uslhs.org/products/items/lighthouse-passport), bring it by the Berwick Town Hall during regular business hours for a stamp!

FESTING & FEASTING

Don’t forget summer festivals for FREE entertainment! 4th of July is always an exciting celebration with Party in the Park and fireworks over the Atchafalaya!

Mid-July features the Bayou BBQ Bash in Morgan City that is just as yummy as it sounds and includes a Kids Q competition. That same weekend, Bikers on the Bayou in Franklin celebrates 50 Years of “Easy Rider” on with music, food & fun on Saturday, and tours of locations from the movie!

OUTDOORS & ACTION

Summer on the Cajun Coast also means basking in the sunshine (FREE!) along with ways to beat the heat! Spending time on the water is easy on the coast along with finding an inland splash pad or swimming pool. Check out a few locations to play in the spray or deeper waters.

Morgan City Public Pool, 985-380-4652
Splash Pad and Spray Park in Bayou Vista, 985-395-6552
Kiddy Pool at Franklin City Park, 337-828-6324
Lake End Park in Morgan City, 985-380-4623 (beach, fishing)
Cypremort Point State Park, 337-867-4510 (beach, fishing)

If your adventurer likes to skate, we have a few skate parks as well

Morgan City Skate Park, 985-380-4600
Swamp Skate Park in Bayou Vista, 985-395-6552
Franklin Skate Park, 337-828-3631

With a self-guided driving trail, the Atchafalaya National Heritage Area will take you on an adventure, showcasing the dramatic affect water has had on this area.

Byway drives along with biking, paddling and hiking trails, along with the Bayou Teche National Wildlife Refuge and Boardwalk in Franklin will keep your nature-lover happy as well.

MOVIES & INDOOR FUN

Indoor fun can also be done on the cheap with FREE Summer shows at Lake Cinema on Ninth Street in Morgan City.

Fairview Cinema on Anthony Street in Bayou Vista also has plenty of movie action.

Bowling, Mini-Golf and other recreation can also be found on the Cajun Coast! Check out the adventures, plus a petting zoo and plan your summer fun!

COOL TREATS & CHEAP EATS

Cooling off with a good old fashioned snowball is also a delicious solution! These shaved ice concoctions of sugary syrup and any number of add-ins, from condensed milk to fruits and candies, are a prized commodity on a summer afternoon. Below are a few locations to pick up one of these treats around the Cajun Coast!