Springtime Adventures :: Day Trips to Enjoy with Your Child
With the new year beginning, I have begun looking over our schedules for the upcoming semester. In addition to MLK Day, Mardi Gras, and Spring Break, my son’s school also has quite a few professional development days. These days are almost always in the middle of the week, which means that an extended weekend trip is not an option. As I have been thinking through options for making the most of these days off while spending quality time with my son, I have come up with a few ideas.
Knock Knock Museum in Baton Rouge
With so many neat features, this children’s museum is a little over an hour from New Orleans. There is a Storybook Climber, which is a two-story “library” of books that kids can climb up, along with a steamboat that allows children to navigate their way through the Mississippi River. A vet clinic allows the kids to practice caring for the animals in need while the car mechanic shop allows them to run through the car wash, replace the tires on a car, or build and race their own car down the track. Children, who are feeling more artistic, can enjoy the art studio, or join a dance party where they follow the choreography on screen. Kids under 4 can enjoy the “Crawbaby,” which is a play area exclusively designed for the younger group.
TrainTastic in Gulfport
The TrainTastic museum is sure to be a favorite for all the train loving kids. You have the opportunity to tour a large selection of model trains. They also have indoor play equipment and train tables available for play. The best part is that your admission covers unlimited train rides, both the motorized and hand pedal trains. Traintastic is also a little over an hour away from New Orleans.
Infinity Space Center in Pearlington, MS
A little less than forty minutes from New Orleans, the Infinity Science Center has exhibits designed for the STEM lovers. They have a wide range of artifacts, along with an engineering workshop that allows you to design and build your own inventions. They have live presentations, a 3D immersive theatre, and simulators for the kids to enjoy. There is also a small playground nearby where your kids can run off some energy before getting in the car and heading home.
While You’re Out: Detours to Consider
If you’re hungry and you have the time and energy left for a detour, you might consider stopping at either Buc-ee’s or Southern Girl Cookies. Buc-ees is on the way to Traintastic and a little less than thirty minutes away from the Infinity Space Center. Southern Girl Cookies, in Waveland, Mississippi, is a slight detour. She always has a variety of yummy treats available, such as cookies, cheesecake, truffles, and more. During Mardi Gras, she often has king cake bites available. If you are looking to get some shopping done, the Gulfport Outlets are also on the way to Traintastic.
I would love to hear your ideas for making the most of those days off our kids have in the Spring!
