Whether he’s 25 or 85, there’s nothing dad loves more than family time. This year, take Father’s Day out of the backyard and make memories together.

Get Wild with Dad 

Whether you hop on an airboat and fly through the swamp, take a traditional swamp boat, or go kayaking, nothing brings the family together like a Louisiana swamp tour! Learn more. Get coupon.

Go Cruising on the Steamboat NATCHEZ or the Riverboat City of New Orleans

Take dad back in time on a river cruise. He’ll have fun listening to jazz, exploring the boat with the kids or grandkids, and taking in some of the best views of New Orleans.  Learn more. Get coupon.

Swing Over to Loft18

Play golf without breaking a sweat at Loft18, featuring five golf simulation stalls and a fun menu with great burgers and more.  Learn more.

Visit Mardi Gras World

Why not make Father’s Day another Mardi Gras? There’s fun – and king cake – for everyone at Mardi Gras World. Learn more. Get coupon. 

>>Where to Take Dad Out to Eat This Father’s Day >>

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This year, Family Gras will take place at Mardi Gras Plaza, in the 3300 block of Veterans Memorial Boulevard across from Lakeside Shopping Center. The festivities are scheduled for February 6 & 7 with free outdoor concerts. See entertainment lineup below.

But Family Gras is more than just great concerts by big-name performers – it’s parades, food, an Art Market, kids’ activities and even a run! Come enjoy all your favorite New Orleans dishes at the Flambeau Food Court, shop for local art, photography and hand-crafted jewelry at the Art Market and don’t miss the face painting, hand-wax art and interactive games for kids 12 and under at the Kids’ Court. 

Mardi Gras is not just for grownups. Come join the fun this year!

Photo: VisitJeffersonParish.com

>> See The Complete Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

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How’d you like to take your kids on a free tour of the Historic New Orleans Collections’ newest permanent exhibition, A Vanishing Bounty: Louisiana’s Coastal Environment and Culture? Or maybe they’d like to go to the Mardi Gras Museum at the Presbytere for free.

Every August, local museums of all kinds and sizes open their doors to members of other participating museums for no admission fee. For instance, if you’re a member of the Louisiana Children’s Museum, in August you can get into the National World War II Museum, the New Orleans Museum of Art or any one of 27 participating museums at no cost to you. Please note, free admission is limited to 2 people per membership, even if you have a group or family membership. You’ll also have to show proof of a current museum membership. And keep in mind that admission may not include special exhibitions.

Participating museums:

• The 1850 House
• American Italian Cultural Center
• Ashe Cultural Arts Center
• The Backstreet Cultural Museum
• The Cabildo
• Confederate Memorial Hall Museum
• Contemporary Arts Center
• Friends of the Cabildo
• Hermann-Grima House
• Historic BK House & Gardens
• The Historic New Orleans Collection
• Longue Vue House and Gardens
• Louisiana Children’s Museum
• Louisiana Civil Rights Museum
• Louisiana State Museum
• Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
• New Orleans African American Museum
• New Orleans Museum of Art
• New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
• Ogden Museum of Southern Art
• Pitot House
• The Presbytere
• Sazerac House
• Southern Food & Beverage Museum
• Studio BE
• TEP Center
• The National World War II Museum

If you’re not a member of any of these museums, August is the perfect month the join! 

Check Out These Other Free Activities for Families

View Top New Orleans Kid’s Menus

Elegant though it may be, Houmas House on the Great River Road isn’t just for grown ups. It’s a magical place to take the kids this summer. Along with discovering history with a tour of the majestic mansion, they can have a great time exploring outside.

One of our favorite spots on the grounds is the Secret Garden. Follow the winding, shaded path into a world filled with funny garden gnomes, fascinating sculptures, and all kinds of flowers. You might even spy a lizard or a butterfly!

Speaking of wildlife, Houmas House has more than its fair share. There are peacocks, chickens, swans, ducks, koi ponds…and then of course there’s Princess Maggie the dog to pet. For most kids, Maggie alone is worth the half hour drive from New Orleans.

Houmas House is the perfect place to picnic, too. Whether you pack a lunch or pick one up at their cafe, find a shade tree and make sweet summer memories. 

Photos courtesy of Houmas House

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