Buhlow Fun Park 1715 Monroe Highway, Alexandria, LA 71360, Pineville, 318-442-5110, A big variety of entertainment is available at this family amusement center that features two go-cart tracks, 18 holes of miniature golf, a batting cage, and a game room with over 30 of the most recent video and arcade games available. A popular spot for birthday parties. Full concession stand is also on site.

Jump-N-Jive 910 Expressway, Pineville, LA 71360, 318-448-3292, A wonderful indoor play place for children of all ages, Jump-N-Jive is filled with large inflatable jumpers and slides, a 30 foot climbing cage and plenty of open space to just run around. Excellent birthday party packages that include special party rooms and a private diva area for dressing up and singing with friends are available. All parties are private and you must book in advance. There are some open play times during the week for toddlers and children after school. Please call for a schedule before you go. more...

T.R.E.E. House 1403 Third Street, Alexandria, LA 71301, Downtown Alexandria, 318-619-9394, Standing for The Rapides Exploratory Education House (T.R.E.E. House), this wonderful museum is designed for children of all ages who will love learning and experimenting with math, science, and the world around them through hands-on, interactive exhibits. more... 

Kent Plantation House (circa 1800) 3601 Bayou Rapides Road, Alexandria, LA 71315, 318-487-5998 or 318-487-5660, One of the oldest standing structures in the central Louisiana, this French Creole plantation house anchors a complex of authentic Antebellum buildings and contains numerous exhibits that depict Louisiana history and plantation life from 1795 to 1855. Tours are available. more... 

St Francis Xavier Cathedral (circa 1898) 626 Fourth Street, Alexandria, LA 71301, 318-445-1451, Restored in 1977, this Neo-Gothic structure boasts some of the most beautiful stained glass windows in the state. The rose windows in the apex of the transept is the largest in the state and the main altar is hand-carved walnut. Filled with highly symbolic pieces and given its rich history, a visit to this Cathedral offers a lesson in the history of the parish and community as well as the Catholic church and its teachings. more... 

Fort Jesup (circa 1822) 32 Geoghagan Road, Many, LA 71449, Sabine Parish, Six Miles East of Many off LA 6, 318-256-4117, 888-677-5378, Once a military post established and commanded by Lieutenant Zachary Taylor, this state historic fort was responsible for establishing law and order in what had been the "Neutral Ground" between the United States and Spain when fighting to establish the western border of the US. One kitchen is the only historic structure remaining from the original large reservation. A reconstructed officers' quarters contains visitor information, a gift shop, and interpretive exhibits. Demonstrations of frontier skills are offered daily. more... 

Alexandria Historical & Genealogical Museum (circa 1907) 503 Washington Street, Alexandria, LA 71301, Downtown District, 318-487-8556, Built in 1907 as a library, with funds from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, and listed on the National Historic Register, this extensive genealogical resource includes colonial archives and French and Spanish records for the Louisiana territory. A historical and educational museum, as well as a Louisiana history museum are also on site. 

Rapides Parish Library 411 Washington Street, Alexandria, LA 71301, 318-442-1858, A medium-sized public library serving Rapides Parish County in central Louisiana, this library provides information, cultural, educational, and recreational materials that include books, reference materials, magazines, newspapers, and audiovisual media.  more... 

Alexandria Museum of Art 933 Main Street, Alexandria, LA 71309, Historic Rapides Bank Building, 318-443-3458, Housed in the historic Rapides Bank Building that was built in 1898 and is listed on the National Historic Register, this museum is only one of four nationally accredited museums in Louisiana with features including a children's gallery, a Louisiana gallery, and three galleries for touring exhibits. You'll also find the state's largest collection of North Louisiana folk art at this museum, as well as an extensive collection of contemporary Louisiana art. more... 

Arna Bontemps African-American Museum 1327 Third Street, Alexandria, LA 71301, Located in the Historic Downtown District, 318-473-4692, This is the boyhood home of Arna Wendell Bontemps, an African-American author, poet, anthologist, and librarian. He is noted for fostering appraisal of his race and the black man's place in American History. This museum contains an array of African-American memorabilia, pamphlets, books, and artifacts plus hosts several events throughout the year including a quiz bowl, a storytelling residency, and Jazz on the River. A gift shop is also on site. This home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. more... 

Louisiana History Museum 503 Washington Street, Alexandria, LA 71301, 318-487-8556, Showcases the history of Louisiana but also shows the unique beginnings and history of Central Louisiana. Over 50 displays and exhibits on the ground floor of the historic Alexandria Public Library, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, are featured.  more... 

Louisiana Maneuvers & Military Museum 409 F Street, Pineville, LA 71301, Located at Camp Beauregard, 318-641-5733, Housed in a replica of World War II barracks, this museum pays tribute to the soldiers and civilians of the Louisiana Maneuvers with exhibits on display including uniforms, equipment, and Maneuver's era arms. An extensive collection of artifacts from Colonial Louisiana to Desert Storm are also on display.  more...

River Oaks Square Arts Center 1330 Main Street, Alexandria, LA 71301, 318-473-2670, Supported in part by the City of Alexandria and the Louisiana Division of the Arts, this colorful contemporary visual arts center features a gallery which showcases the work of local and regional artists plus host a wide variety of art events and exhibits. 

Southern Forest Heritage Museum 3821 Highway 497, Alexandria, LA 71448, Long Leaf, 318-748-3404, Built over 100 years ago, this historic 57 acre sawmill and company town was closed in 1969 when lumbermen set down their tools and walked away. Features of the complex include audiovisual presentations, exhibits, souvenirs, picnic areas, a nature trail, and railroad motor car rides on the Red River and Gulf Railroads. more...

Alexandria Levee Park 3621 Bayou Rapides Road, Alexandria, LA 71303, Downtown Alexandria, 318-352-7446, Overlooking the beautiful Red River, this scenic park has numerous features including a three lane boat launch, a 150-foot floating wharf, an outdoor amphitheater, three picnic shelters, 22 picnic tables, barbecue grills, hiking trails, and a children's playground. 

Alexandria Zoological Park 3016 Masonic Drive, Alexandria, LA 71301, Bringhurst Park, 318-473-1143 ext. 10, Featuring over 500 animals native to Africa, Asia, Australia, South America and North America, including 20 endangered species, in exhibits resembling their natural habitats, this zoo encompasses over 30 shaded acres and also features the award-winning Louisiana Habitat Exhibit which highlights Louisiana wildlife, architecture, industry and culture. A variety of special events and educational programs are offered throughout the year. more...