Metairie is a thriving census-designated area in Jefferson Parish, Louisiana.
While it’s dwarfed by its more prominent neighbor, New Orleans, Metairie offers plenty of attractions for tourists to explore.
Metairie is known for its vibrant culture and thrilling attractions.
However, exploring the city’s many free attractions is a highly underrated yet delightful way to discover Metairie.
Metairie has a unique personality, from city parks to historical landmarks, that makes tourists want to know what’s out there.
If you’re looking for things to do in this small community at no charge, here are some free things to do in Metairie, Louisiana.
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As the largest park in Metairie, Lafreniere Park is a popular spot for locals and tourists.
This massive 155-acre park features an array of attractions, including a two-mile multipurpose trail, a glass-enclosed room, several picnic shelters, two playgrounds, multi-use sports fields, and an 18-hole disc golf course.
Lafreniere Park also features the Foundation Center, a multipurpose space for meetings, parties, small conferences, and other events.
There’s also a 20-acre lagoon where you can go fishing or bird watching.
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The park also features a carousel, which the kids should love.
The best part about Lafreniere Park is that it’s open to the public and several of its amenities are accessible for free.
Prepare a picnic basket and bring some friends, and enjoy the free attractions at Lafreniere Park.
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Veterans Memorial Square is a memorial park dedicated to the Armed Forces veterans who have defended the United States of America.
This landmark, located at the heart of Metairie, features a concrete platform with two large slabs that feature inscriptions as a tribute to the veterans.
The memorial also features two benches you can sit on during your visit.
Since it’s in the middle of Metairie, the Veterans Memorial Square is also near several shops, a shopping district, and local restaurants.
Check out this memorial park during your visit, as it will be your starting point for exploring Metairie and its hidden secrets.
Clearview Shores FitLot Fitness Park is the premier outdoor fitness park in Metairie.
This accessible facility has everything you need to get fit and stay active during your vacation, offering a wide range of cardio and strength training equipment.
At the park, you will find fitness equipment targeting every muscle group in your body, including benches for squats and pull-ups, ellipticals, steppers, and more.
The Clearview Shores FitLot Fitness Park also features several fitness classes; some are free, so check them out.
Apart from the fitness equipment, the park also features a roofed playground where the kids can play without worrying about the sun.
There are also plenty of grassy areas so you can sit, relax, and take in views of the beautiful surroundings.
If you’re bringing kids to Clearview Shores FitLot Fitness Park, remember that this park is beside the road.
Keep a close watch on your little ones, as they might wander too close to the street.
Vivid Palms is a garden center in Metairie that specializes in cultivating unique palm trees.
Located at 2505 David Drive, it’s a great place to visit if you want to learn more about different types of palms and their various uses.
Vivid Palms have a passion for palm trees, showing how they go the extra mile to ensure the health and growth of the trees they sell.
The garden center offers free tours, so you can explore the various types of palm trees and learn more about them.
You can also take this opportunity to observe and learn more about the different palm trees and the techniques used in cultivating and caring for them.
When you first arrive at Bayou Metairie Park, you first want to take a stroll and get your feel of nature and the great outdoors.
With a walking trail and plenty of amenities, the Bayou Metairie Park is a great place to have a great time while exploring Metairie.
Facilities at the Bayou Metairie Park include picnic tables, an event space, plenty of open green spaces, and even a pavilion for special events or big gatherings.
The park also gives you a glimpse of what it’s like to live in Metairie; you’ll meet plenty of people and explore the city’s unique culture.
If you want to explore the quaint community of Metairie, head to the Bayou Metairie Park.
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The community’s official library is the Jefferson Parish Library, also known as the Old Metairie Library.
It provides books and media from all genres, including academic textbooks, novels, magazines, and more.
The library also gives access to public computers with internet access on top of their free WiFi zones.
If you’re planning to study with a group, you can book reservations in their 60-capacity meeting room.
Apart from being a modern-day learning hub, the Jefferson Parish Library also hosts numerous activities and events for the community throughout the year.
Most of these activities are free, so join as many activities as possible in Metairie.
Lakeshore Playground is the premier destination if you want to check out the active football scene in Metairie.
Located at 1125 Rosa Avenue, this playground is where locals and visitors get together for a competitive football game.
The playground is open to the public and free of charge, making it a great place to take the kids and enjoy some football action while in town.
Local tournaments are also held here occasionally, so check out the event schedule before going there.
You can bet on which team will win or enjoy the games.
If you want a great way to spend your time in Metairie, head to the Lakeshore Playground and experience the thrill of football.
Test your mettle at La Salle Park if you’re more of a participant than a spectator.
Located at 6600 Airline Drive, this park has something for everyone.
Plenty of sports facilities are available for different sporting activities.
There’s a public baseball quadruplex, soccer fields, a general fitness area, and even batting cages.
You can join a pick-up game or practice your skills with friends.
The park also has a nature boardwalk, a jogging pathway, a rustic garden, and an outdoor environmental classroom.
Whatever you want to do, La Salle Park is the perfect place to explore Metairie while keeping fit and staying active.
The Cleary Playground is a playground on the grounds of a County Government Office in Metairie, Louisiana.
Located at 3700 Civit Street, this playground is a great place to take your kids for an afternoon of fun and frolic.
The playground complex features all of your kids’ favorite activities.
There are swings, slides, seesaws, trampolines, and plenty of play structures to keep them engaged and entertained.
The playground also hosts youth and adult programs that include sports, music lessons, and educational camps.
The park also has other facilities such as meeting rooms, baseball fields, a mini kitchen, a tot lot, batting cages, and a picnic shelter with tables.
It’s safe to say that the fun things your kids can do at Cleary Playground are endless.
Plan your visit the next time you’re in Metairie.
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Located along the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, the Bonnabel Boat Launch is a great place to go for a peaceful and relaxing experience.
Enjoy a scenic view of this majestic lake while you try fishing.
The Bonnabel Boat Launch offers free access to the lake and its waters; it’s the perfect spot to go boating or enjoy peaceful fishing.
You’ll find plenty of freshwater fish in Lake Pontchartrain, including bass and catfish, as well as other species.
Apart from the fishing pier, Bonnabel Boat Launch also has a tot lot, a walking trail along the lake, plenty of open areas, and four boat ramps for easy access.
You can bring your fishing gear or rent fishing equipment from the nearby bait shop.
Whatever you do, the Bonnabel Boat Launch is a great place to spend a leisurely afternoon and enjoy some quality time with friends and family.
Bookworms of all ages should visit the Book Rack of Metairie.
Located at 3407 Metairie Road, this independent bookstore sells used books of all genres at affordable prices.
Book Rack of Metairie also offers free reading sessions at their store, so if you’re looking to kill some time, this is a great place to visit.
You can also attend the monthly book club sessions hosted by the store, a perfect opportunity to explore your love for literature and meet fellow book lovers.
You can socialize and share your thoughts on a particular book in a friendly and accepting atmosphere.
Explore the world of literature at the Book Rack of Metairie!
The Pontiff Park Dog Park is the premier destination for dog owners who want to let their furry friends get some exercise.
This lovely dog park is located at 1200 217 Fairmont Avenue in downtown Metairie and features tons of areas for your pup to explore.
The park is fully fenced and designed for your pet’s safety.
It’s also a leash-free environment, so your pet can have all the freedom to run around with other dogs.
Spanning 25,000 square feet, the park has more than enough room for your dogs to move around and have a great time.
Pontiff Park Dog Park also has plenty of shaded areas and water stations for your pet’s comfort and convenience.
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Jefferson Performing Arts Center is a performing arts center in Metairie, Louisiana.
Located at 6400 Airline Drive—3.6 miles east of downtown Metairie—Jefferson Performing Arts Center offers over 1,000 seats in an amphitheater-style theater.
The performing arts center hosts various events throughout the year, including concerts, plays, and special presentations.
As the state’s largest performing arts organization, the Jefferson Performing Arts Society manages the venue.
While most events require buying a ticket, you should watch out for free events organized from time to time.
They will accept donations to support their operations, but attendance is always free during these events.
These free events include plays, musical performances, and other special presentations.
If you want to watch a spectacular performance for free, look no further than the Jefferson Performing Arts Center.
The Camp Parapet Monument is worth visiting due to its cultural significance.
Located just six minutes from central Metairie in nearby Jefferson, Louisiana, this site preserves the heritage of Camp Parapet, a historic fortification during the American Civil War.
The monument stands majestically on the banks of the Mississippi River and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.
It’s a great place to take in the beautiful scenery and learn about the area’s history.
Plus, it’s completely free to visit!
If you want something unique and exciting to do near Metairie, the Camp Parapet Monument is worth checking out.
The New Orleans City Park is beautiful, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, nine minutes from Metairie.
This large public park spans over 1,300 acres and features sculptures, lagoons, walking trails, a golf course, and a disc golf course.
Likewise, New Orleans City Park is home to the Botanical Gardens, an expansive two-acre garden filled with exotic plants and flowers from around the world.
However, you need to pay admission fees to enter the garden.
If you want to enjoy the park for free, take photos of the picturesque spots.
Check out the arch bridge and a scenic lake where you can enjoy a romantic moment with a partner with a gorgeous view.
Don’t miss out on the fun and beauty at New Orleans City Park, one of the best attractions near Metairie.
The free things to do in Metairie, Louisiana, are endless.
Whatever you choose, you should have a fantastic time in this lovely city without worrying about your budget.
Explore Metairie and make some fantastic memories!
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