Feeling cooped up yet? Who else’s kids have already eaten through one month’s worth of snacks in three days? I guess I’m not the only one around here that’s stress eating!
If you are practicing social distancing, or even isolating, that doesn’t mean you can’t get out of the house and enjoy all that New Orleans has to offer … outdoors!!
My family and I are trying to make the best of this situation, and using this opportunity to take advantage of being in nature and exploring places we may not normally have the chance to in the summer heat. I’ve compiled a list of outings or day trips you can take to enjoy the spring weather and absorb some Vitamin D! Please take proper precautions, such as bringing along hand sanitizer, trying to avoid public restrooms unless necessary and keeping a safe distance from strangers.
- Hands-on field trips at the 2.5 acre farm in New Orleans City Park, Grow Dat, lets small groups get their hands dirty while learning about birds, bugs, growing veggies and farming with care. They are following COVID-19 protocols and opening their tours up to families and homeschool groups.
- There are several nature trails in the area that offer sunshine and a peaceful learning experience for your kids. Bring along some ziploc bags and let them collect different leaves and rocks to make a craft back home. Don’t forget your bug repellant, sunscreen, drinking water and water safe shoes for any mud trails. Barataria Preserve Trails in Jean Lafitte Park, Couturie Forest in City Park, Northlake Nature Center in Mandeville, and Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge are just a few.
- Walk along the lake or ride bikes along the New Orleans Lakefront.
- Ride bikes or walk along the levee. You can even bring a flattened cardboard box for sliding!
- Take a day trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. You can find a secluded area to park and walk along the beach.
- Bring the soccer ball to one of the many fields or open spaces at parks around town. Lafreniere, City Park and Audubon have some great areas. I highly recommend avoiding playground equipment, though. Don’t forget to bring snacks to feed the ducks!
