20 Best Things To Do In Metairie, Louisiana

Pala
Posted Mar 07, 2022
| 8 min read

Metairie has developed into a modern city that you can definitely visit on holidays. It boasts many high-end boutiques and homes with an old-world charm. It also features 2-bedroom hotels and Airbnb vacation rentals to accommodate travelers of all kinds. There is a long route lined by shops and restaurants of all types in the Veterans Memorial Boulevard, including one of the biggest malls, the Lakeside Shopping Center. In a locality called the Fat City, there is a diverse range of restaurants and bars, which is the main nightlife hub here. Metairie is also the home to the New Orleans minor league baseball team, Zephyrs, and it also annually hosts Mardi Gras parades as well as Family Gras, which is a carnival that lasts for a week. So, if you have a few days free and are planning to visit here for a holiday, choose from these things to do in Metairie, Louisiana.

1. Enjoy some family time at the Lafreniere Park

A lush and flourishing natural, green area, Lafreniere Park is filled with open spaces, lawns, family picnic areas, fountains, gardens, hills, trails, and other areas. You can spend your day boating, fishing, playing in the Frisbee golf course, soccer and softball fields and riding on the carousel. Recently, a children’s spray park and a dog park have been developed for further enjoyment and fun of the visitors. There are also picnic spots and a labyrinth being planned, to be built in the near future. You can also observe a vast range of wildlife and use the jogging trail for some exercise and recreation. No matter how old you are, you will always find something to occupy yourself with. Enjoy the soothing and calm atmosphere with all the features that the park has to offer.

Lafreniere Park

Address: 3000 Downs Blvd, Metairie, LA 70003, USA

Website: Lafreniere Park

Opening hours: 5am - 9.45pm (daily)

2. Window shop at Lakeside Shopping Center

With over 130 shops and eateries, Lakeside Shopping Center at Metairie is the best place to shop and also have some tasty food. It is gigantic and is one of the busiest malls in New Orleans. The center also has a movie theater with five screens and a big food court. It is a great shopping destination with a variety of well-known brands like Zara, Dillard’s, JCPenney, etc. You can spend the entire day window shopping, replenishing your energy at the food court to do some more shopping, and then watch a movie with some buttery popcorn and soft drinks by your side.

Lakeside Shopping Center

Address: 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002, USA

Website: Lakeside Shopping Center

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm

3. Catch a game of baseball at Shrine on Airline

Previously known as the Zephyr Field, the Shrine on Airline is the home of the New Orleans minor league baseball team and is now the best place for family entertainment in the town. Other than professional baseball matches, there are many high school and college baseball games hosted here. You can enjoy amenities like VIP luxury suites, hot tubs, and a swimming pool as well as traditional ballpark food such as fried catfish, po’ boy sandwiches, pigskin nachos, jambalaya, and muffulettas. The field often hosts football games and musical concerts on other days. Spend a great day cheering for your favorite team with your friends and family when you come to Metairie.

Shrine on Airline

Address: 6000 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003, USA

Website: Shrine on Airline

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 2pm (closed on Sun)

4. Attend a mass at St. Ann Catholic Church and National Shrine

St. Ann is a Roman Catholic Parish that serves the parishioners as well as the entire community. It is the home of St. Ann, the mother of the Virgin Mary and the grandmother of Jesus Christ. The church is committed to working for worship and service as well as education, ministry, and stewardship. Attend the mass, which takes place several times a day to cleanse and purify your soul and bring about a sense of calm to your mind. Enjoy the serene atmosphere, the beautiful architecture of the church and refresh your beliefs and faiths when you visit the St. Ann Catholic Church and National Shrine in Metairie.

St. Ann Catholic Church and National Shrine

Address: 3601 Transcontinental Dr, Metairie, LA 70006, USA

Website: St. Ann Catholic Church and National Shrine

5. Watch a live performance at Jefferson Performing Arts Center


The Jefferson Performing Arts Center provides the area with a state-of-the-art and modern theater for live performances like concerts, operas, musicals, ballet performances, and symphonies. It has the best acoustics and sound systems with a capacity to seat up to 1041 people. A professional theater of great magnitude, it can host a variety of functions and also provide catering to the audience when required.

Jefferson Performing Arts Center

Address: 6400 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003, USA

Website: Jefferson Performing Arts Center

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm; Sat - Sun: 6am - 12am

6. Explore the grounds of Camp Parapet Monument

The Camp Parapet Monument was actually a fortification for the Civil War and is a historic site, which tells you a lot about the Civil War. History buffs and die-hard fans of the war can make a quick trip here to enjoy the history of the place for a few hours. You can also visit the nearby cemetery where the bodies of many union members were once buried. Also, you can come to visit the monument to appreciate the view of the nearby river and spend an hour in peace.

Camp Parapet Monument

Address: 2801 Arlington St, Jefferson, LA 70121, USA

Website: Camp Parapet Monument

7. Play golf indoors at The Flagstick

An amiable and state-of-the-art virtual golf facility, The Flagstick is a super fun place for you to spend some time playing golf with your family. It allows you to play golf on popular courses and various other games. There is also a bar and restaurant where you can enjoy some lip-smacking food along with local brews and a wide range of other drinks. Bring your children along with you because there is a junior course as well.

The Flagstick

Address: 4436 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006, USA

Website: The Flagstick

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 10am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 1am

8. Paint your own pottery at Posh Paint Pub


The Posh Paint Pub in Metairie provides a fun and soothing environment for creating personalized and creative gifts, décor and many more. You can either paint the already prepared pottery following their step-by-step projects or with your own designs. No matter whether you have any previous experience or not, you can paint your own pottery, canvas paints, create some jewelry or just take art lessons.

Posh Paint Pub

Address: 3218 Taft Park, Metairie, LA 70002, USA

Website: Posh Paint Pub

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 10am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Thu)

9. Try R & O Restaurant's roast beef debris po' boy


Enjoy the best of comfort food in Metairie by dropping in at the R & O Restaurant. Serving some of the best American, Cajun, Creole and seafood dishes, it is a favorite of both the locals and the tourists. Sample the Roast Beef Debris Po’ boy, the Shrimp Po’ boy, the tamales and the pizza with your children and family. With a casual, comforting atmosphere and efficient service by friendly staff, they serve some of the best food in Louisiana.

R & O Restaurant

Address: 216 Metairie-Hammond Hwy, Metairie, LA 70005, USA

Website: R & O Restaurant

Opening hours: Mon - Tue: 11am - 3pm; Wed - Thu: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm; Sat: 11am - 10pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm

Price: 11 - 30 USD

10. Skate under disco lights at Airline Skate Center, Inc

In Airline Skate Center Inc., you can enjoy a range of recreational activities like roller skating. You can also take your kids along with you since they provide with a kiddie skating floor with various light shows and disco lights. Enjoy the snack bars after a long session of skating and the games and music amenities. They also host hip-hop nights where you can have a fun night and bonding session with your friends and family.

Airline Skate Center, Inc

Address: 6711 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003, USA

Website: Airline Skate Center, Inc

Opening hours: Tue: 1pm - 4pm, 6.30pm - 9pm; Wed: 1pm - 4pm, 7pm - 9.30pm; Thu: 1pm - 4pm, 5:30pm - 8.30pm, 9pm - 12am; Fri: 7pm - 11pm; Sat: 1pm - 6:30pm, 7pm - 11pm; Sun: 1pm - 6:30pm, 7pm - 10pm (closed on Mon)

11. Try different flavors at Daiquiris and Creams

Founded in 1983, the handmade daiquiris are their original recipes. Enjoy up to 60 different flavors, made with the tastiest and freshest ingredients and blends of good quality liquor, which make the creamiest daiquiris. Apart from these, popular beers, liquors, and other mixed drinks are also offered at reasonable prices. There are large TVs, dart games, pool tables and some great music for your entertainment.

Daiquiris and Creams

Address: 1313, 1701 Lake Ave, Metairie, LA 70005, United States

Website: Daiquiris and Creams

Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 12am; Fri - Sat: 11am - 1am

12. Find the best Charbroiled Oyster at Drago's Seafood Restaurant


Drago’s Seafood Restaurant aims to offer some scrumptious seafood and a great time to guests at reasonable prices. With its cozy atmosphere, it is the perfect place to spend a good time with your friends and family. However, it is known for its Charbroiled Oysters all over the country. It is the menu’s centerpiece with its distinctive New Orleans flavor. You can also sample other delicious items like the gluten-free oysters, either raw or fried.

Drago's Seafood Restaurant

Address: 3232 N Arnoult Rd, Metairie, LA 70002, USA

Website: Drago’s Seafood Restaurantn

Opening hours: 11am - 9pm (daily)

Price: 11 - 30 USD

13. Cool off with Sal's Sno-Balls

Serving ice creams and sno-balls since the 1960s, Sal’s is a family-owned business that offers a great atmosphere for everybody to have fun and enjoy. Their frozen treats like sno-balls and a variety of other desserts never fail to lure people. Since it is open till late at night, you can satisfy your craving for something cool and sweet even if it is a bit late.

Sal's Sno-Balls

Address: 1823 Metairie Ave, Metairie, LA 70005, USA

Website: Sal’s Sno-Balls

Opening hours: Mon - Wed, Fri - Sat: 11am - 11pm; Sun: 1pm - 11pm (closed on Thu)

14. Grab a late night snack at Tic-Toc Café


This American eatery not only has a vibrant atmosphere but also serves some of the best food in Metairie. With some great coffee, quick bites, and delicious food, it is an integral part of Metairie. The diner serves comfort food and is very kid-friendly, providing them with high chairs. The staff is very warm and friendly with the owner ready to serve coffee in their quirky cups with a smile.

Tic-Toc Café

Address: 3205 36th St, Metairie, LA 70001, USA

Website: Tic-Toc Café

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Under 10 USD

15. Enjoy a fun afternoon at Palm Tree Playground

Editor’s note: establishment is permanently closed

The Palm Tree Indoor Playground welcomes kids of all ages with their families. They aim to help the children learn, play and grow while having the best time of their life. Parents can relax and chat with their friends while keeping an eye on their children. The area is safe and suitable for all kids aged 9 months to 10 years. They also host parties for kids and provide food, sodas, decorations, and utensils.

Palm Tree Playground

Address: 3011 N Service Rd E, Metairie, LA 70002, USA

Website: Palm Tree Playground

Opening hours: Sun - Wed, Fri: 10am - 5pm; Thu: 10am - 2pm; Sat: 10am - 12:45pm, 3:45pm - 5pm

16. Win a game at Laser Tag of Metairie


Laser Tag of Metairie is a sci-fi themed arena, which is a perfect place to spend some time for both kids and adults. It is a safe space for kids with family-friendly entertainment and good food. Enjoy the laser tag arenas, bumper cars, a very cool arcade, and Rollerball. There are also private rooms where you can celebrate your kid’s birthday or register for some fun team-building activities.

Laser Tag of Metairie

Address: 8855 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70003, USA

Website: Laser Tag of Metairie

Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 11pm; Fri: 12pm - 12am; Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 11pm

17. Jump on trampolines at Sky Zone


Sky Zone is a collection of indoor trampoline parks with dodgeball, normal bouncing, fitness programs, and many other features. They also have wall climbing areas and places for aerial action. You can gather here with your family and friends to play together or enjoy yourselves with the other amenities if you are not interested in playing. So, take part in a dodgeball game or simply bounce around on the trampolines.

Sky Zone

Address: 6509 Riverside Dr, Metairie, LA 70003, USA

Website: Sky Zone

Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 9am - 9pm; Thu: 9am - 4pm; Fri - Sat: 9am - 11pm; Sun: 11am - 9pm

18. Spend hours at The Book Rack of Metairie

The Book Rack in Metairie has a diverse selection of books varying from the best reads, the critically acclaimed to study materials and other course materials. This superior bookstore is perfect for a visit with your entire family where you can spend your time reading books from all genres and writers. You can also update your digital library with some of the best e-books available from their large and assorted collection.

The Book Rack of Metairie

Address: 3407 Metairie Road B, Metairie, LA 70001, USA

Website: The Book Rack of Metairie

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10:30am - 4pm; Sat: 10:30am - 3pm (closed on Sun)

19. Try king cakes at Gambino's Bakery


One of the best bakeries in Louisiana and also around the globe, Gambino’s Bakery serves the best-baked delicacies made from the ingredients of the finest quality. Whether it be their Doberge cakes, layer cakes, wedding cakes or their most popular King cakes, no holiday or celebration is complete without at least one of them. Also, their specialty treats, assorted French breads, and the Italian olive salad are to die for.

#### Gambino’s Bakery

Address: 4821 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006, USA

Website: Gambino’s Bakery

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm; Sat: 9am - 8pm; Sun: 9am - 5pm

20. Enjoy karaoke night at Mo's Chalet


One of the best places in town for an amazing night out, Mo’s Chalet is an old-school, warm and friendly bar with an amazing selection of simple but tasty food and endless options for your drinks. You can enjoy any beer that you want, with friendly bartenders and drink specials. The burgers and fries are one of the best in the town. So, visit Mo’s Chalet to experience one of the best nights of your lives.

Mo's Chalet

Address: 3201 Houma Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006, USA

Website: Mo’s Chalet

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11am - 2am; Sun: 11am - 3am

Magnificent Metairie

Enjoy a memorable vacation in Metairie, which offers a plethora of tourist attractions for various age-groups. It offers all the amenities offered by any modern city so that you do not have to face any inconvenience. Check out these top 20 things to do in Metairie, Louisiana, and enjoy a scintillating vacation.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

LET'S CONNECT