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

5 Special Spots That Will Wow a Preschooler

by Kelly Leahy

June 23, 2009

Whether it's to make a birthday extra special or to simply get out of the house for a few hours, here are five local spots that are guaranteed to make their eyes pop out of their heads.

1. The Algiers Ferry, Canal Street. Crossing the Mississippi on a big boat is right up there on a preschooler's idea of a good time. The fact that it's free for pedestrians and only a dollar if you drive makes it a good choice for parents as well.
2. Angelo Brocato's, 214 N. Carrollton Avenue. This Italian ice cream and pastry shop has been pleasing kids and grown-ups alike since 1905. Their offerings of gelato, spumoni, cannoli and cookies are unparalelled in the city.
3. Audubon Insectarium, Custom House, Canal St. Preschoolers will have a great time not only looking into terrariums filled with bugs but also holding and even eating the six-legged wonders (and worms too). Tickets are $5 for members through the summer!
4. Whether it's Jackson Square, Wednesday in the Square or one of the various venues around town, preschoolers love music. There are plenty of events going on that are kid friendly and even unconventional spots (D.B.A., for one -- or so I've heard) welcome kids to their shows.
5. Le Jouet, 1700 Airline Drive. This family owned and operated toy store is stuffed the rafters with toys, bikes and goodlies for kids of all ages.  Children are welcome to explore the playhouses outside or try out the mini kitchens indoors. Of course, it's unlikely that you'll be able to walk away without buying something, there's always penny candy at the register.

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

Best Bet: Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival

by Kelly Leahy

April 03, 2009

The world famous (?) Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival begins today at 4 pm and runs through the entire weekend. Located about one hour from the city, this annual affair is a must-see for strawberry lovers (and it's even fun for those who aren't).

For one fabulous weekend the small town of Ponchatoula comes alive with games, rides and live music. The event is taking extra care this year to cater to children with upgraded rides and "wholesome" activities. There are plenty of musical guests scheduled including New Orleans' own Bag of Donuts and Molly Ringwalds. There is also a chance to meet 2009's Strawberry Festival royalty as they go on parade.

Oh, the berries! You can not only take home inexpensive flats of the best known strawberries in the state but you can taste the local delicacy every way imaginable. Only that the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival have I seen strawberries dipped in chocolate and then FRIED. I should have never expected less.

Directions to the festival can be found on the website. Though most of the action is located at  Memorial Park, there are treasures to be found all around the town especially if you like antiques. Once you get into town, find parking wherever you can and follow the crowds.

Best Bet: Oak Alley Plantation

by Kelly Leahy

March 27, 2009

This weekend Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie will host its 18th annual Arts & Crafts Festival. More than 170 artists from all over the country will be there selling their original handmade wares which include toys, dolls, clothing, photographs, paintings and furniture. Like any Louisiana festival there will also be plenty of food options to keep little mouths happy.

There are activities planned especially for kids including a petting zoo, face painting, sand art, jewelry making and pony rides. There will also be "EuroBungy jumping" which according to this website involves a couple of bungee cords and a trampoline. It looks a lot less harrowing than the real thing.

Admission is $5 for adults, $2 kids ages six to twelve but those under 6 get in for FREE!  All proceeds from the festival go to the upkeep and maintenance of the historic Oak Alley Plantation. As an added bonus, if you're lucky, the kids will sleep the whole ride home :)

This Weekend's Best Bet: Sunday Drive

by Kelly Leahy

December 26, 2008

Though it's supposed to storm on Saturday, Sunday's weather should be a mild 68 degrees and sunny. This is perfect weather for getting in the car and taking a trip along the river to Destrehan Plantation . Take a guided tour of the house with a costumed docent. Show your preschooler what it would have been like to live on the Mississippi during the 18th and 19th centuries. There are different  Read more...

The art of getting away without leaving town

by Kelly Leahy

July 16, 2008

I actively seek out quiet places in New Orleans; little trips I can take with a sleeping toddler in the backseat or places that feel so foreign that I could swear that I'm light years away from Orleans Parish. Going to these places serves a number of purposes but most importantily it enables me to introduce my children to new experiences and, quite frankly, reminds me of what life is like  Read more...

5 best day trips within an hour

by Kelly Leahy

May 15, 2008

Some days you might just need to escape the city and spread out a bit. The great thing is that you don't have to spend all day in the car. Here are five kid friendly destinations that take less than an hour to get to. 1. Barataria Preserve in Marrero is part of the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and preserve. There are 20,000 acres of swampland set aside which is home to alligators,  Read more...