Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in new orleans, LA

Down on the Farm

by Kelly Leahy

June 16, 2009

 There has been a push to buy local over the past few years. This can be evidenced by the growing farmers markets and even produce offerings at Whole Foods and Rouse's. But what better way to spend an afternoon than at a local farm where your preschooler can see just where their favorite foods come from? Here are a few spots in and around New Orleans that offer a chance for the kids to see livestock and crops up close and personal.

1. Smith Creamery is a relatively small dairy that prides itself in the quality of its product. Located about two hours from the city in Mt. Hernon, the facility is open to the public from 1-4 pm Wednesday through Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday. Their milk and butter can be found at the Crescent City Farmers Markets, Whole Foods, Robert's, Langestein's and Rouse's. 
2. Hollygrove Market & Farm just off of South Carrollton offers not only a generous helping of local produce every Saturday but they are currently planting and growing produce on site. Stop by for an impromptu tour with the knowlegable staff.
3. When I started this post, I wasn't thinking of reptiles but gators are big business here. Insta-Gator Ranch offers tours of its alligator facility. Your preschooler can not only watch the hatchlings as they emerge from their shells but they can hold and feed them as well. Located in Covington, this is just a quick jaunt across the Causeway.
4. Since Katrina, a slew of schoolyard gardens have popped up around the city. This gardens are worked by students and the produce turns up in their lunches. You can find examples at Ben Franklin, Lusher Elementary and High School, McDonugh 15, Laffayette Academy, Edward Hynes and the International School.
5. If your preschooler is crazy about animals (and who's isn't?) take a drive out to Lil's Country Critters Petting Farm in Bush, LA. For $6 a person, you and your crew can feed and pet goats, poultry, donkeys, cows, bunnies, deer and whole lot more. They also have a pumpkin patch and an indoor carousel. Definitely a place to spend some time this summer.
6. You can't drive through a neighborhood in this city without spotting a vacant lot turned community garden, check out Parkway Partner's list of local gardens.
7. Just because you can't make it out of the house, doesn't mean that your preschooler can't learn a little something about farming. Check out this 4-H Virtual Farm featuring aquaculture, beef, dairy and wheat production.

virtual farm

http://sites.ext.vt.edu/virtualfarm/main.html

5 best ways to enjoy City Park

by Kelly Leahy

May 20, 2008

I have underused City Park since moving here and I am slowly making up for lost time. The 1,300 acres are owned by the City of New Orleans. With the first parcel being bought in 1854, it's been available for several generations worth of New Orleans children. Here are five of the best ways to enjoy City Park with your preschooler beyond the playground and feeding ducks in the lagoon. Carousel  Read more...