Breaux Bridge, Louisiana: Animatronic Swamp Puppet Show

This was a perfect pit stop for the kids. It is very clean and safe, with workers there 'round the clock. There is a room where you can watch a five minute movie, which plays every 15 minutes, and also a show with animatronic animals that talk and sing. Outside, in back, there are alligator, bird, and turtle statues where my kids played.

Grab a free cup of coffee and enjoy this rest stop.

Enjoyable show and movie for children and adults at the Atchafalaya Welcome Center.

The Atchafalaya Welcome Center is basically a snazzy rest stop, but it is great if you have kids. There is a show with realistic animal puppets; a raccoon, a loggerhead snapping turtle, and a big alligator. At one point they sing. In another room there is a film running on infinite repeat (apparently) which is about the Acadian area. So some of the family can visit the plumbing while the rest gawk at talking animals. Since the swamp (the Atchafalaya) is huge and you are driving on a bridge most of the way, a break is prudent, one with free brochures and nowhere to spend any money. Cheap parents take note.

The rest stop is far enough away from the actual swamp to where you won't have to worry about Junior getting nabbed by a real gator, which is also considerate. The greeters are friendly locals who can dole out useful info, but the talking creatures are the main attraction here. Plus it is Your Tax Dollars At Work, so free.