Louisiana State Parks is turning 90 this year and they want to celebrate with the public this weekend. On Saturday, July 13, 2024, all visitors to ANY Louisiana State Park or Historic Sites will enjoy free admission all day. Whether you want to take in a bit of history, canoe in our waterways, or take the kids for a hike in nature, this weekend makes it the perfect time to do so!
We have several parks in our area that you can choose from that offer an easy day trip from New Iberia. Each park has it's own amenities and offers, so before heading out be sure to visit www.LaStateParks.com to get the details of what each park will offer to keep your kids entertained. You can choose from several activities and amenities and find one that your family will enjoy.
Here are the top picks we recommend at Macaroni KID New Iberia for families to plan a day trip to this weekend:
 Image by Louisiana State Parks |
1. Cypremort Point State Park - Franklin
This is a family favorite for us as it is only about 30 minutes from New Iberia. Kids of all ages will enjoy playing in the sand, swimming, and the playground areas. Pack a picnic lunch and stay for the day! You can also fish, hike, and the park just added several new sites for campers to stay overnight. We always enjoy our trips to Cypremort!
2. Palmetto Island State Park - Abbeville
Abbeville offers the beauty of Palmetto Island State Park as a easy getaway from the hustle and bustle of a busy week. I truly forget I am in Abbeville when I am at this park. My kids loved the splash pad area when they were younger. I enjoy the hiking trails and Nature Center activities. You can do overnight camping, paddle in the Vermilion River, or do some biking around the park as well.
The park is the host site for the Latanier Cookers as they offer their Dutch Oven Gatherings once a month in the park that is free for anyone to attend. They will be there this weekend for the July session, so if you make it to the park, make sure to get in a lesson of Dutch Oven cooking and a taste of the goodies as well!
 Image by LightFieldStudios |Getty Images Pro |
3. Lake Fausse Pointe State Park - St. Martinville
Nestled around the heart of the Atchafalaya Basin is Lake Fausse State Park that offers families the opportunity to hike, fish, and enjoy the nature of the Louisiana waterways. Cabins and RV rentals are also available for overnight trips as well. Kids will enjoy the water playground as well on a hot summer day. Bring water, snacks, and get in on some bird watching with the kids!
4. Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site - St. Martinville
Take a step back in history at Longfellow-Evangeline State History Site. If you have never been to the park, this is the weekend to plan a trip! Learn all about the cultures and influences of the Acadians, Creoles, Indians, Africans, Frenchmen, and Spaniards and what they have contributed to our state. You can also see how a family would have lived in the 1800s in an Acadian farmstead. The park offers plenty of opportunities to incorporate a family fun experience while learning at the same time. This is also a great choice for littles as they have The StoryWalk Trail, a feature with the support of the St. Martin Parish Library, that offers children a chance to get physical activity while reading a story.
5. Sam Houston Jones State Park - Lake Charles
Make plans for a road trip from New Iberia to Lake Charles to check out the Sam Houston Jones State Park in Lake Charles. It's about a two hour drive, so depending on the age of your kids, this could be an ideal getaway for a fun summer trip. Enjoy the rich nature of the pine trees and the park is known for the best spot for bird watching. There are several hiking trails to enjoy for every level of hiking. Visitors also have the option to rent cabins for an overnight stay. Bring your bikes to check out the lay of the land and you can also enjoy water sports on the Calcasieu River.
6. Chicot State Park - Ville Platt
Take a trip up I-49 from New Iberia to enjoy Chicot State Park in Ville Platt. The park offers a water playground for the kids, camping, hiking, and fishing on Lake Chiot. Bring your boats or rent one at the park for a trip in the lake. The Louisiana State Arboretum is located in Chicot State Park and offers a day of learning all about the exotics plants and animals that call this place home. There is no camping or picnicking at the arboretum but you can take plenty of pictures! Kids of all ages will enjoy a day with the family learning about the residents of this state park.
Depending on the ages of your children and what activities you would like to do, it's best to take a few minutes to plan out your trip by visiting www.LaStateParks.com for more information. You can select the activity or activities that your family is interested in and go from there.
These six parks are all within a short drive from New Iberia offering the chance for your family to create a happy summer memory before the kids head back to school next month. But you can also check out the other parks a bit further away from New Iberia to make it a bit more adventurous!
Looking for more family fun in and around New Iberia? |
Our event calendar covers family fun events and resources for all families in
New Iberia, Abbeville, Franklin, Morgan City, St. Martinville, and Breaux Bridge.
If you head out to any of these events, please tell them you heard it on Macaroni KID New Iberia!
Our newsletter and resources are FREE for our subscribers through advertising services and sponsorships with local community partners. Interested in learning more? Contact us at mackidnewiberia@macaronikid.com.
 Image by Macaroni KID National |
