Kart Ranch 508 Youngsville Highway 89 , Lafayette, LA 70508, 337-837-5278, This family fun center offers go-karts, kiddie karts, bumper boats, mini-golf, batting cages, water wars, a huge game room, inside playground, private party rooms, and food, featuring fresh baked Perky's Pizza.  more... 

Alexandre Mouton House (circa 1800) 1122 Lafayette Street, Lafayette, LA 70501, 337-234-2208, The oldest part of this historic structure was built by Jean Mouton, the founder of Lafayette, as a Sunday house. The house operates as a museum with period pieces and local artifacts. 

Cathedral of St John the Evangelist (circa 1916) 515 Cathedral Street, Lafayette, LA 70501, 337-232-1322, This cathedral was built in the Dutch Romanesque style. The Cathedral grounds include a 500 year old oak tree and cemetary dating from 1821, while the museum chronicles the parish history through artifacts, documents and memorabilia.  more... 

Edith Garland Dupré Library 302 East Saint Mary Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70503, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, 337-482-6025, Even if you are not planning on using the research facilities, stop by and check the changing exhibits in the library lobby. The library is one of the best sources of information on subjects relating to Cajun and Creole cultures, the oil industry, local history, genealogy and more. more... 

Children's Museum of Acadiana 201 East Congress Street, Lafayette, LA 70501, 337-232-8500, Developed especially for children, this museum offers hands-on displays of real life situations such as an operating room, television news room, and a bank. more... 

Gallery 912, The 912 Coolidge Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70503, Located Midcity in the Oil Center, 337-237-2915, With "Fear No Art" as their motto, this gallery of original art by local artists features a variety of medias and is people-friendly. Browsers are welcome. They are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. more... 

Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum 710 East St. Mary Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70504, University of Louisiana at Lafayette Campus, 337-482-5326, This museum features exhibits from Robert Rauschenberg, Darryl Pottorf, and Christopher Rauschenberg. The museum is the recipient of six architectural design awards. more... 

Jean Lafitte National Park Acadian Cultural Center 501 Fisher Road, Lafayette, LA 70508, 337-232-0789, 800-346-1958, The center is among the best places to learn history and folkways of Cajun and black Creoles in the region. They have displays on Cajun music, food and traditional pursuits. more...

Girard Park 500 Girard Park, Lafayette, LA 70503, Enjoy the Girard Park Recreation Center outdoor pool (seasonal lessons), 1.25 mile jogging trail, work-out station, covered pavilion with restrooms and grill (reservations required), open play area, tennis courts, hitting wall, basketball courts, backstop ball diamond, covered picnic areas, restrooms, handicapped restrooms, water fountain, children's playground with baby equipment, 9-hole disc golf course, pond, natural wildlife, and historical or commemorative markers.  

Vermilionville 300 Fisher Road, Lafayette, LA 70508, 337-233-4077, 866-992-2968, Truly a Cajun and Creole history lesson. Listen to music, taste baked goods and learn from craftsmen about long ago arts. more... 

Zoo of Acadiana 5601 Highway 90 East, Lafayette, LA 70501, Located in Broussard, 337-837-4325, The zoo is nestled on 45 acres of rolling grounds with a very natural setting and environment and houses more than 500 animals representing over 150 species. Guests are satisfied to see that the zoo's animals are happy and content - not bored or agitated. The zoo has the Critter Café Concession Stand, Jungle Junction Train Depot, George's Jungle Room, and the wild-and-crazy Zoovenir Gift Shop. more...

Lafayette Natural History Museum & Planetarium 433 Jefferson Street, Lafayette, LA 70503, 337-291-5544, The museum offers planetarium programs, environmental trails and nature stations on over 10,000 square feet. more... 

USGS National Wetlands Research Center 700 Cajundome Boulevard, Lafayette, LA 70506, 337-266-8655, Learn about current US Geological Survey research in wetland ecology including ways to manage and restore disappearing LA wetland habitats. Tours by appointment. more... 

Acadian Village 200 Green Leaf, Lafayette, LA 70505, 337-981-2364, 800-962-9133, An entire 19th century bayou town which has been restored to depict the life of Acadians in southern Louisiana. Buildings include homes, blacksmith shop, general store and a chapel. There is a pavilion on the grounds for larger gatherings and the chapel is available for weddings and other services. more... 

Atchafalaya Experience 338 North Sterling Street, Lafayette, LA 70501, 337-261-5150, A father-son team with many years of experience within the swamp, and knowledge of the fauna and flora of the Louisiana ecosystems. These trips are designed to expose guests to the wild portion of the Atchafalaya. Two trips are taken daily, seven days a week (weather permitting). Make you reservations today. more... 

Azalea Trail 337-232-3737, The Azalea Trail is a 20-mile, self guided city driving tour that passes some of the lovely manicured lawns and ornamental stands of azaleas for which Lafayette is famous.