Located in Hammond, LA, this play and learn center was well worth the drive to the north shore. From NAS JRB Belle Chasse, it was an easy 1 hr and 15 mins on a weekend morning.
There is a free parking lot next to the building, and ample street parking all around. When we arrived, we were greeted by the front desk staff. We were excited to learn that military members get in free, so there was no charge for my AD spouse.
There is a nice area in the back of the center for babies and crawlers. We loved that it was set away from where the big kids were playing, as it gave the little ones a safe place to move around independently.
As a family that is new to the area, something else we loved about this center was the involvement of local businesses in the exhibits. There was a kid-sized grocery store and restaurant, sponsored by a local eatery (Middendorf’s) known for their long-standing special of thin fried catfish!
There was a great mix of both active (construction zone play area) and quiet (a giant bin of Tegu magnetic blocks) activities for the kids to enjoy.
Our kids loved learned how to fish and milk a cow (water actually squirted out of the udders if you used the correct technique for milking the cow)!
My personal favorite was this giant Operation game. It was a LOT harder than it looked!
We really loved the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center, and we appreciated their military discount. On the drive out of Hammond, we noted several cute restaurants, and even a rolled ice cream shop around the corner! We plan to go back and make a day of it.
Have you been?? If you’re in the area, check it out! You won’t disappointed!
