While living in or around New Orleans can feel like a vacation in itself, sometimes a change of scenery is just what the family needs. We’ve rounded up five road trip-ready spots that offer something special for everyone: sandcastles and seafood, small-town charm, outdoor adventures, and even mountain springs. Pack the snacks, queue up a playlist, and get ready to explore these kid-approved escapes.
Gulf Shores, AL
~196 miles from New Orleans | ~3-hour, 21-minute drive
For families craving sun, surf, and sandy toes, you’ll feel right at home in beautiful Gulf Shores, Alabama. This beachside haven offers everything you need for a classic coastal vacation: from soft white sand to calm, kid-friendly waves and crystal-clear water. With loads of beachfront condos, restaurants with water views, and plenty of spots for seafood, ice cream, and outdoor play, it’s a dreamy destination for low-stress family fun.
When the beach day ends, there’s still plenty to explore. Take a dolphin cruise, ride the ferris wheel at The Wharf, or make a splash at Waterville USA, a water and amusement park combo with thrills for all ages. The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is another hit with little animal lovers. Whether you’re in the mood for nature trails, mini golf, or a sunset shrimp basket, Gulf Shores delivers beach-town magic with a family-first feel. Don’t forget to stop at the Buc-ees Beach Express on your way in!
Natchitoches, LA
~259 miles from New Orleans | ~4-hour, 22-minute drive
Step into a slice of Louisiana’s past with a visit to Natchitoches, the oldest town in the state and one of the most charming. Brick streets, historic buildings, and a scenic riverfront make this small-town escape feel like a movie set (literally–it was where they filmed Steel Magnolias, and you can even visit the house from the movie!). It’s quiet, picturesque, and perfect for unplugging from screens and tuning into quality time.
Families can stroll along Cane River, enjoy a carriage ride, or visit Fort St. Jean Baptiste for a peek into 18th-century colonial life. Kids will love looking for alligators and listening to live music along the riverfront, and parents will appreciate the boutique shops and plethora of Southern comfort food (pro tip: don’t skip out on the famous Natchitoches meat pies). It’s a relaxed getaway that’s rich in both history and hospitality.
Toledo Bend Reservoir
~273 miles from New Orleans | ~5-hour, 3-minute drive
For a peaceful, nature-rich retreat, Toledo Bend Reservoir is a hidden gem on the Louisiana-Texas border. This massive lake is perfect for families who love the outdoors! Think fishing, swimming, boating, and evening campfires under the stars… sounds like a dream, right? It’s less commercialized than other destinations, which makes it ideal for quality time and unplugged fun.
There’s no shortage of cabin rentals and lakefront campgrounds along the shoreline, so families can choose their own adventure: cozy cabin mornings or tent-side marshmallow roasts. Kids can splash in the water, try their hand at fishing, or hike nearby trails like those in South Toledo Bend State Park. With its tranquil vibe and breathtaking views, this trip feels like a true escape and a perfect reset from city life.
Houston, TX
~347 miles from New Orleans | ~5-hour, 45-minute drive
If your family craves action, variety, and a little big-city sparkle, Houston is calling. This Texas metropolis is packed with kid-approved attractions, from one of the country’s best zoos to the always fascinating Space Center Houston. It’s an energetic and diverse city where every member of the family can find something to love.
Spend a day exploring the Houston Museum of Natural Science, stroll through the Museum District, or burn some energy at Discovery Green, an urban park with splash pads and playgrounds. Catch an Astros baseball game at Minute Maid Park or plan your trip around the world-famous Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo–complete with carnival rides, fried food, and big-name concerts. Foodies of all ages will enjoy the city’s eclectic dining scene that caters to all flavors of the world. With top-tier attractions and an anything-goes vibe, Houston is the perfect mix of education, entertainment, and adventure.
Hot Springs, AR
~464 miles from New Orleans | ~7-hour, 31-minute drive
Tucked into the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs offers a one-of-a-kind mix of natural beauty, quirky charm, and old-school Americana. It’s named for the thermal springs that have drawn visitors for centuries, and it’s still home to historic bathhouses, scenic trails, and fun spots for families to explore. Think mountain getaway meets retro resort town.
Start with a stroll down Bathhouse Row, then hike one of the many kid-friendly trails in Hot Springs National Park. Families can visit the Mid-America Science Museum, meet baby alligators at the Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo, or get wild at Magic Springs Theme and Water Park. With cabin rentals, walkable streets, and mountain views, Hot Springs is a refreshing escape that blends fun, nature, and just the right dose of weird.
From beach towns to mountain hideaways, small-town strolls to big-city thrills, these destinations prove that the best family memories are often made on the road. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, spotting alligators, or just looking for a change of pace, each one of these trips offers its own kind of magic. So pick a spot, pack up the car, and let the adventure begin, because the perfect family escape might be closer than you think.
Kid-Approved Car Games (No Screens Required!)
Keep boredom at bay and backseat meltdowns to a minimum with these fun, easy games that require zero packing and max imagination. Perfect for winding highways, long bridges, or just the last 30 minutes of “Are we there yet?”
- License Plate Bingo: Spot plates from different states and try to fill your card (make one ahead of time or just shout them out as you go!).
- I Spy: Take turns choosing an object in or outside the car and giving clues with “I spy with my little eye…”
- Would You Rather?: Silly or serious, kids love debating questions like “Would you rather ride a dolphin or a dragon?”
- Alphabet Game: Start with A and find words on signs or license plates that begin with each letter—first to Z wins!
- 20 Questions: Think of a person, place, or thing, and let the rest of the car guess by asking yes/no questions.
- Story Chain: One person starts a story with a sentence, and everyone adds to it one line at a time. Chaos = guaranteed.
- Name That Tune: Hum or whistle a song (kids’ favorites or radio hits) and see who can guess it fastest.
- What’s in the Trunk?: One player imagines packing a silly or themed suitcase (“I’m going to space and bringing…”)—others guess what fits the pattern.
- Cow Count: Choose a side of the car and count animals or specific things (like cows, horses, or red barns). Most by the next town wins!
- The Next Stop Game: Everyone guesses what the next exit sign will mention—town, restaurant, landmark, etc.