Things to Do in Gardere

The Southern Food & Beverage Museum quells culinary curiosities with ongoing exhibits celebrating the unique bites and beverages of the South. Permanent exhibits include Tout de Sweet: All About Sugar, which examines the role of sugar production in Louisiana, and A Table at Galatoire’s, which traces the venerable restaurant’s history through artifacts such as original plates and salvaged blue-cheese crumbles. Inside the museum, guests encounter The Museum of the American Cocktail, a Martha Stewart brand-endorsed knowledge vault that explores the history of mixed drinks from the 1800s to the modern day, housing original absinthe fountains and Prohibition-era flasks crafted from Al Capone’s day planner.

Check the schedule for showtimes. Student tickets are regularly $10 each, and Thursday performances are pay-what-you-can shows.

Circle Bowling Lanes has been hosting bowling bashes—particularly accommodating of families—for more than 50 years. Thirty-two slick lanes score automatically, allowing ample time to test motor skills at the arcade or snag eats at the full-service snack bar. Cheesy pizzas arrive steaming from the oven beside golden-fried appetizers and brimming pitchers of root beer, Coke, and Dr. Pepper’s lesser-known cousin, Mr. Salt, M.B.A. The recreation haven even offers weekend galactic-bowling sessions that shower patrons with neon lights, fog, and bumping music.

Rök Haus poses challenges for all levels of climber via wall surfaces that span from introductory routes to treacherous inversions, which summon strength and smarts from even the most accomplished scrambler. The friendly staff keeps a lookout for safety while competitive climbers try to navigate the central climbing boulder’s circuitous network of pathways, ensuring that the climbers do not seek guidance by bribing a local troll with Tootsie Rolls. Between ascents, climbers can take a break from the rigorous physical and mental exertion on one of the couches in the relaxation area adjacent to the climbing walls.

The Zephyrs boast a rich history of nurturing budding bat-swatters and arm-bazooka wielders; nearly 50 former Zephyr players are currently playing in the major leagues. Led by the big-swinging 22-year-old first baseman Logan Morrison, who sported a .300 average and 10 RBIs in his first 40 at-bats, and 23-year-old hurler Ryan Tucker, who posted a 1.59 ERA and nine strikeouts in his first 11.1 innings, the Zephyrs are primed for another run at the PCL American South division title.

With its imposing, slate-gray façade, the 170-year-old U.S. Custom House may be the last building in which you’d expect to hear the delighted squeals of children. But behind the steely columns, the building erupts into 23,000 square feet of colorful displays and fluttering, scuttling insects, courtesy of the Audubon Society and Insectarium. In the Asian garden, hundreds of butterflies dodge shafts of sunlight to alight on tropical ferns and the shoulders of young visitors. And at the Insects of New Orleans gallery, visitors can ogle the pink katydids, cockroaches, and lovebugs that contribute to the city’s heritage.

These bug-filled displays are all part of the insectarium’s mission to conserve Louisiana’s indigenous species and inspire stewardship in its visitors. While adults can sate their curiosity with the vast array of exotic species, curators gear many displays toward young guests by making them lighthearted and interactive: the Field Camp’s entomologist answers questions about how to collect bugs or break up flea-circus strikes, and at Bug Appétit, chefs dole out insect-filled delicacies to adventurous palates.