3 Best Places To See in Lafayette, LA

“Lafayette Science Museum offers an interactive exhibition that delves into paleontology, marine biology, and geology, complemented by a planetarium. The museum provides an engaging and hands-on experience tailored for curious minds of all ages. With exhibits and installations carefully designed to inform and enlighten, the museum is a hub for natural history exploration and astronomical discovery. Featuring daily presentations of the celestial sphere, as well as a diverse range of educational and entertaining programs projected onto its domed walls, the Lafayette Science Museum offers a dynamic learning environment. Housing a vast collection of exhibit pieces and archived materials, including a state-of-the-art all-digital planetarium, the museum now occupies a prominent location on Jefferson Street, at the city's heart. Preserving a blend of natural history and astronomical wonders, the museum boasts over 1,000 paintings, prints, and sculptures by Louisiana artists, alongside regularly rotating exhibits and planetarium programs. Visitors can enjoy interactive experiences such as a virtual aquarium, where children are encouraged to interact by tapping on the glass, and immersive displays showcasing geology and meteorite specimens.”

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“Children's Museum of Acadiana features a variety of interactive exhibits crafted to impart practical knowledge and creative skills to children. The museum provides a unique environment where youngsters can freely explore, engage, and connect with the world around them with 15,000 square feet of space. Their curriculum emphasizes STEAM-based learning, offering hands-on activities encouraging creative thinking and exploring real-world concepts. At campCMA, children can immerse themselves in scientific investigations, experiments, crafts, educational games, and art projects. The program also allows ample time for exploring the museum's interactive exhibits. Conveniently located with a free parking lot accessible from Taylor Street, the museum has surpassed its expectations in fulfilling its mission. Furthermore, the Children's Museum of Acadiana hosts monthly sensory-friendly mornings, providing a welcoming environment for children with sensory sensitivities to enjoy the museum's offerings.”

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“Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum serves as the art museum for the University of Louisiana, named in honor of Paul Hilliard. The museum offers diverse educational publications tied to its exhibitions and serves as a hub for learning. Within its walls, students engage in sketching sessions amidst the galleries while artists share insights into their creations. By bridging art and education, the museum fosters connections between the university and the community, spanning generations and cultures. The experiences gained within the museum contribute to developing skills applicable across various aspects of life. Encouraging dialogue and understanding, viewing art catalyzes meaningful interactions among individuals and families. With hands-on activities tailored for children, the museum also serves as a family-friendly destination where youngsters can express their creativity freely.”

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