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Wildlife Recipe There’s lots to do on a Northshore family vacation – great outdoor activities, animals to see, cool places to visit. We aim to please all ages.
Nourishment Have a leisurely breakfast at the Big Easy Diner or grab something quick at the Creole Bagelry, both in Slidell, before heading out to the Honey Island Swamp. Tour time There are several operators offering tours of this large and lovely swamp. It’s best to make reservations ahead of time, though walk-ins are accepted as space allows. Allow about two hours for the tours, which are good for all ages, offering an upclose look at gators, large birds and other wildlife, and colorful, informative narration. Climb on up Energy to burn? Head for Slidell Rocks, a climbing gym. Get gear and let the kids clamber up the rock walls, or suit up and climb as a family. Young kids might enjoy Heritage Park and its large playground. Burger heaven Stop for lunch at Times Grill, located in an old railroad depot in Olde Towne Slidell. It’s a great spot for casual eating, good salads, seafood and excellent burgers. More gators! If you didn’t see enough of the big reptiles out in the swamp, Insta-Gator Ranch and Hatchery in Covington is a must-stop. Learn about the prehistoric creatures, then see hundreds of them at the only alligator ranch in the state open to the public. You can touch them, hold them, even hatch them.
Animal farm If cuddly’s more your style, Miss Lil’s Country Critters in nearby Bush offers a great petting zoo experience. Go wild with baby animals, sheep, llamas and more. UCM, ICM Venture to Abita Springs and the Abita Mystery House at the UCM Museum. Kids and grown-ups, too, love this rambling assembly of buildings crammed with oddball collections, fun art, vintage pinball and hands-on exhibits. You won't see any real animals here, but you will see fanciful creatures like the bassigator and the doggigator. Remember to pop into the gift shop on your way out. Ma, I’m hungry! Enjoy excellent pizza at Mama D’s, two blocks from the Mystery House, or do supper at nearby Camellia Café or Abita Bar-B-Q, both kid-friendly places with satisfying food. If you go… Big Easy Diner, 985-639-8006 Creole Bagelry, 985-649-6151 Cajun Encounters Honey Island Swamp Tours, 985-641-5879, www.cajunencounters.com Dr. Wagner’s Honey Island Swamp Tours, 504-242-5877, www.honeyislandswamp.com Pearl River Eco-Tours, 985-649-4200, www.pearlriverecotours.com Slidell Rocks, 985-646-1411 Times Grill, 985-639-3335 Insta-Gator Ranch & Hatchery, 985-892-3669, www.insta-gatorranch.com Miss Lil’s Country Critters Petting Farm, 985-892-0914, www.lilscountrycritters.com Mama D’s Pizza, 985-809-0308 Camellia Café, 985-809-6313 Abita Bar-B-Q, 985-892-0205 Hungry for more vacation "recipes?" To see them all, click here.
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