FIVESPOTS

FONTAINEBLEAU STATE PARK

This 2,800-acre park not only has a splash pad, it also has a sandy beach with shallow water to wade in, too.

62883 LA-1089 , MANDEVILLE

COQUILLE SPORTS COMPLEX

This large splash pad area and playground has lots of shady space for watchful parents.

13505 LA-1085 , COVINGTON

MANDEVILLE TRAILHEAD

Children love to splash at the Tammany Trace Trailhead in Mandeville and climb the steps to the lookout.

675 LAFITTE STREET, MANDEVILLE

ABITA SPRINGS PARK

The Abita Brew Pub, the Abita River and a playground are nearby this popular splash site.

22044 MAIN STREET, ABITA SPRINGS

LAKESHORE DRIVE meandering Cane Bayou, arriving at the mouth of the bayou where it empties into Lake Pontchartrain—just in time to catch a glorious pink, purple or gold sunset. Cane Bayou has plenty of wildlife spotting opportunities. Paddlers regularly spy osprey and great blue herons soaring over cypress trees and alligators in the reeds near the banks. After the sun sets, excitement is palpable as the symphony of night sounds envelop paddlers on their journey back to the launch site. Bring a flashlight to illuminate the flora and fauna along the way.

Canoe and Trail Adventures also offers rentals of paddleboards, family canoes and kayaks launching from the popular Chimes Restaurant on the scenic Bogue Falaya River. There are many sandbars to splash around on, making the river paddles perfect for fun-filled family adventures. After you work up an appetite paddling, slurp some fresh Gulf oysters shucked onsite, or enjoy Louisiana specialties like alligator, crawfish étouffée, BBQ shrimp or red beans and rice. The kids will love playing on the boardwalks and meeting The Chimes’ resident goats. Their parents will appreciate the extensive collection of beer on tap. Visit Canoeandtrailadventures.com to book a tour or for rentals.

Playgrounds, a swing set and a sandy beach are part of this splash pad complex.

1545 LAKESHORE DRIVE, MANDEVILLE

Two local outfitters offer guided tours of Honey Island Swamp by kayak. Cajun Encounters has been offering tours of the pristine ecosystem via 22-passenger flat-bottomed boat since 1997, and their experienced local guides recently began taking more adventurous visitors on a two-hour kayak paddle down Eagle Slough. Expect utter serenity and a stunning and verdant area of the swamp filled with oldgrowth cypress trees on your paddle, as well as fun-loving guides with insight into the area’s ecosystem and the wildlife that can be found there. Call Cajun Encounters at (504) 834-1770 to book. Transportation from New Orleans is available.

Jessica’s Honey Island Kayak Tours is a family-owned business with outdoor enthusiasts as guides and offers customizable and intimate tours for small groups— they’re even pet-friendly. The paddle will take you through the heart of the swamp where you’ll learn about the diverse ecosystem and wildlife that inhabit the island. HONEYISLANDKAYAKTOURS.COM