Think Slidell’s just another sleepy Southern town? Think again. This gem on the edge of the bayou is hiding unforgettable experiences perfect for every generation-including grandparents.
From paddlewheel boat rides to nostalgic diners and shady oak parks built for breezy strolls, Slidell mixes charm and adventure in a way that clicks with both tech-savvy teens and storytelling seniors. This isn’t just sightseeing – it’s memory-making.
Ready to trade screen time for quality time? Let’s go through the top things to do with grandparents in Slidell.
Senior-Friendly Outings: Olde Towne Slidell
Historic Olde Towne Slidell is the kind of place where generations can wander together and find something that speaks to them. Nestled within a walkable stretch bordered by Fremaux Avenue, Front and Robert Streets, and Sergeant Alfred Street, this charming pocket of Slidell has evolved into a hub for culture, history, and locally loved businesses.
Start with a stroll. The streets here are lined with unique shops offering everything from vintage furniture and antique jewelry to Saints and LSU gear, perfect for fans across age groups. Whether grandparents are hunting for classic keepsakes or grandkids are browsing quirky gifts, the Historic Antique District delivers.
On Carey Street, stop in at Green Oaks Apothecary for herbal remedies and handmade goods, then grab a bite or a drink at local gems like Olde Towne Pizza Company or The Brass Monkey Draught Emporium. There’s even a plant shop that doubles as a coffee bar, a millennial twist on a timeless pastime.
Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge
Bogue Chitto National Wildlife Refuge is the kind of destination that balances adventure with peace. About 40 miles north of New Orleans and tucked right along the Louisiana-Mississippi border, this 36,500-acre sanctuary is one of the South’s best-kept wild secrets when it comes to family bonding activities.
Though much of the refuge is only reachable by boat, you don’t have to be a wilderness expert to enjoy it. The Pearl River Turnaround, just off I-59 at Exit 11, makes for an easy and accessible entry point for families. Here, you’ll find a shaded picnic pavilion, a boardwalk through a floodplain cypress forest, and a calm fishing area where you can cast a line without needing to trek deep into the swamp.
It’s the kind of spot where grandparents can sit back and soak in the stillness, while the kids explore lily-covered ponds and learn to spot turtles, ducks, or even an egret in mid-flight. That can help seniors come up with creative hobbies for older adults.
For those feeling more adventurous when it comes to outdoor activities for grandparents, there are several free boat launches nearby, perfect for paddling through the winding sloughs, bayous, and backwater lakes that make up the refuge’s hidden corners. Bird watchers and nature photographers will have a field day.
You might catch a glimpse of the rare ringed sawback turtle or the Gulf sturgeon if you’re lucky, and in cooler seasons, the floodwaters transform the terrain into a maze of shimmering reflections and wild beauty.
Slidell Little Theatre
Since 1963, this community-driven gem has been giving locals of all ages an option for intergenerational fun – all without leaving the parish. What began in school gyms and church halls has grown into a full-fledged performing arts destination, now housed in a modern, two-stage facility.
Slidell Little Theatre runs a diverse season each year, offering something for everyone – whether your crew leans toward heartwarming musicals, classic dramas, or sharp-witted comedies.
Grandparents will appreciate the craftsmanship and nostalgia of live theater, while younger audience members get a front-row look at what real storytelling looks like, unscreened and unfiltered. Every actor, costume designer, and set builder is a local volunteer, which adds a layer of community pride you just don’t get with a movie ticket. It’s also a quick trip from your local senior living community!
Honey Island Swamp Tours
When you’re in Slidell and want to show the grandparents a slice of true Louisiana wilderness – without getting too wild – Honey Island Swamp Tours is the move.
The tours are smooth, scenic, and surprisingly relaxing, making them ideal for all ages. Grandparents can sit back under the shaded boat canopy and glide through moss-draped cypress groves while learning about the delicate ecosystem that thrives in the Honey Island Swamp.
The local guides are storytellers at heart, mixing Cajun folklore, wildlife facts, and a bit of humor to keep everyone engaged – whether it’s your first swamp tour or your fiftieth.
Slidell Museum
Tucked in the heart of Olde Towne, the Slidell Museum isn’t just another stop. It’s a full-on step back into the stories that built the city.
Inside, the old jail cells now display artifacts and exhibits that reveal everything from the city’s railroad beginnings to its Mardi Gras legacy. Don’t be surprised if you hear someone say, “I think that’s my great-uncle in that court ledger!” The museum’s charm lies in these unexpected personal connections, and it’s not uncommon for visitors to spot family names or hear stories.
The building itself is a story. Originally home to the mayor’s office, courtroom, and even the town’s first fire truck garage, the structure now serves double duty as both the Slidell Museum on the first floor and the Mardi Gras Museum on the second. It’s not a massive space, but that’s part of the appeal – no one’s rushed, and there’s plenty of time to linger, ask questions, and really take it all in.
Things to Do With Grandparents: Plan Your Weekend Today
There are so many options when it comes to things to do with grandparents in Slidell. Try out a few of these, and you’re sure to have a ball!
Slidell is full of unforgettable moments to share with grandparents – and the best ones start at SummerHouse at Park Provence. Just minutes from Olde Towne and the Northshore’s scenic beauty, our community offers a vibrant, worry-free lifestyle designed for the way seniors want to live today.
From Independent Living and Assisted Living to our newly renovated Memory Care neighborhood, every space, service, and smile is built around connection, comfort, and genuine Southern hospitality.
This is senior living the Northshore way. Schedule your tour today and see why families trust SummerHouse at Park Provence to feel like home from day one.
