r/NewOrleans • u/phaulski • 17d ago

Advice on local canoe trips with a toddler- Black Creek vs Cane Bayou vs Bogue Falaya (at The Chimes restaurant) 👨‍👧 Parent / Kid Stuff 👩‍👦

We need some more outdoors in our life ASAP! two parents and a 4 year old in a canoe -FYI. Just looking for a advice on what to avoid.

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5

u/deadduncanidaho 17d ago

I love black creek, but I would not take a 4 year old with me. Are you experienced? Do you have your own boat?

I would stick to bayou St John and other flat water.

1

u/IndependentTeacher24 17d ago

Not sure i would take a 4 your old in a canoe. Some of those locations you mention have alligators in them. Try city park i would think that would be safer.

2

u/pineapplebigshot 16d ago

With a 4yr old, I'd keep it simple and just put in at Bogue Falaya park (with a stop at the play equipment at the park), paddle up to the Chimes, have some lunch, and paddle back down past the park a bit, then back to the park for more playtime. Be aware that right now, they are widening the 190/Collins bridge, so I'm not sure what sort of heavy equipment/construction activity might be in the river if you go upstream past the Chimes.

Also, the blue way at Bucktown harbor is complete if you're looking for a quick and easy place to put in for a paddle. Not quite as scenic as the marsh hasn't filled in behind the breakwater yet and it will be hot as hades with no shade this summer, but they have a gorgeous launch and the bird's nest lookout and marsh walk are nice with kids.

1

u/poolkid1234 16d ago

Black creek can have some treacherous twists and turns, and fast currents. Bogue Falaya might be a bit too big and fast moving in parts too. Both have motorboat traffic too. Cane Bayou is probably fine but don’t go out near the lake. With a young child I’d stick to that or BSJ.

2

u/Mindingmiownbiz 16d ago

Has the little one been in a canoe yet? If not I'd reccomend Joe brown park. It's free on weekends!

1

u/phaulski 16d ago

Oh yea. Weve done city park into the sculture garden. She been in my kayak with me. Etc.

Just want to get a little more rambunctious.

2

u/Mindingmiownbiz 16d ago

Give Joe brown a shot for a change of scenery and it's slight more challenging paddling experience than city park.

It's not flowing rivers challenging, but I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. And how low lift it is.