When the grandkids come to visit, the last thing you want to hear is “I’m bored.” Fortunately, living at The Windsor Senior Living Community in Mandeville, Louisiana, puts you at the doorstep of one of the most family-friendly regions in the entire state. The Louisiana Northshore — St. Tammany Parish and its surrounding communities — is full of outdoor adventures, history, and good old-fashioned fun that kids of all ages will love.
Whether your grandchildren are toddlers or teenagers, you’ll find no shortage of activities for grandkids on the Northshore that don’t require a long drive or a big budget. Below, we’ve rounded up the very best places to explore together — with a focus on accessibility, fun, and making memories that last a lifetime.
Why Mandeville? Located on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain, Mandeville is consistently celebrated as one of Louisiana’s most livable communities — quiet enough to feel like home, yet close enough to New Orleans for a day trip. It’s the perfect backdrop for meaningful time between grandparents and grandchildren.
1. Tammany Trace — Bike, Walk, & Explore Together
If there’s one activity for grandkids on the Northshore that stands above the rest, it’s the Tammany Trace. This celebrated 31-mile paved rail-trail winds through five charming communities — Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe, and Slidell — offering a completely car-free path for biking, walking, and even rollerblading. The trail crosses more than two dozen bridges over scenic bayous and is shaded by beautiful oak canopies, making it comfortable even on warmer Louisiana days.
You don’t have to ride all 31 miles. Families can choose short, easy segments directly from the Mandeville Trailhead, which also hosts a weekend community market, free Friday evening concerts, and a cultural interpretive center with restrooms and picnic areas. Bike rentals are available nearby, so no need to bring your own wheels. It’s been inducted into the Rails to Trails Hall of Fame — and once you ride it, you’ll understand why.
2. Fontainebleau State Park — Nature, History, & a Splash Pad
Just a short drive from The Windsor, Fontainebleau State Park is one of the best places to take grandchildren in Mandeville — and arguably the most beloved outdoor destination on the entire Northshore. Spanning 2,800 acres on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, the park has been welcoming Louisiana families since 1942 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
Kids will be captivated by the ruins of an 1829 sugar mill built by Bernard de Marigny, the founder of Mandeville himself. Beyond the history lesson, the park offers a sandy beach with calm, shallow water perfect for young swimmers, a year-round splash pad, nature trails through towering oaks and wetlands, a fishing pier, and picnic areas galore. An all-terrain track wheelchair is available for visitors with limited mobility — making this a truly accessible destination for the whole family.
Entry is just $3 for ages 4–62, and free for children 3 and under and adults 63 and older.
3. Northlake Nature Center — A True Hidden Gem
Tucked just east of Mandeville on U.S. Highway 190, the Northlake Nature Center is a 400-acre wildlife park and nature preserve that most tourists never find — but locals treasure it. This volunteer-run, nonprofit organization is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the natural ecosystems of southeastern Louisiana, and it’s one of the most engaging activities for grandparents and grandkids you’ll find anywhere on the Northshore.
The trails wind through habitats as diverse as a Cypress-Tupelo Swamp, mixed pine hardwoods, and a longleaf pine savannah. Children can spot birds, turtles, and native wildlife along the way. The center even offers downloadable children’s activity sheets on their website — perfect for turning a nature walk into an interactive learning adventure. Trail access is free, with nominal fees for special events and guided programs.
4. Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum — History Comes Alive
Just a few minutes from Mandeville, the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum in Madisonville is one of the most surprisingly engaging and educational spots on the Northshore — and a wonderful activity for grandparents and grandkids who love stories and hands-on learning. Situated on the scenic banks of the Tchefuncte River, the museum takes visitors on a journey through Louisiana’s rich maritime heritage, from early Native Americans to present-day boaters.
Kids will be mesmerized by the replica of the Steamship Louisiana, models of Civil War-era submarines, miniature lighthouse reproductions, and exhibits about the massive WWI-era Jahncke Shipyard that once stood on the very same grounds. The museum also hosts boat-building programs and field trips, and staff and volunteers are known for making history genuinely exciting. Visitors frequently call it a “hidden jewel of the Northshore.”
Each fall, the museum hosts the popular Wooden Boat Festival — a spectacular event featuring live boat-building demonstrations, local food, music, and artisan crafts, perfect for the whole family.
5. Mandeville Lakefront — Simple, Free, & Beautiful
Sometimes the best activities for grandkids on the Northshore don’t cost a dime. The Mandeville Lakefront along Lakeshore Drive offers a public beach on Lake Pontchartrain where the shallow, gentle waters are ideal for young children. Pack a picnic, let the kids splash around, and take in the sweeping views of the lake — especially magical at sunset. The nearby Mandeville Trailhead combines a splash pad, a well-equipped playground, and access to the Tammany Trace all in one convenient spot, making it one of the most popular gathering places for local families.
Practical Tips for Multigenerational Outings
Planning activities for grandparents and grandkids requires a little extra thought — but a little preparation goes a long way toward making everyone comfortable and happy. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before heading out:
- Go early: Morning hours at parks and trails are cooler and less crowded — especially important in Louisiana summers.
- Bring water: Hydration is essential in Louisiana’s heat. Pack plenty of water for everyone in the group.
- Bug spray: Louisiana’s wetlands are beautiful — but they come with mosquitoes. Pack insect repellent for any outdoor adventure.
- Check accessibility: Several parks, including Fontainebleau, offer accessible equipment and pathways for seniors with mobility needs.
Why The Windsor Is the Perfect Home Base
When grandkids visit you at The Windsor Senior Living Community at 1770 North Causeway Boulevard in Mandeville, they’re not just visiting you — they’re visiting one of the most welcoming and well-positioned senior living communities in all of St. Tammany Parish. You’re minutes from the Tammany Trace, a short drive to Fontainebleau State Park, and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Louisiana Northshore.
The Windsor has served seniors since 1998 and offers both independent and assisted living options in a warm, community-centered setting. Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals, a beautiful pond surrounded by cypress trees, and an active social calendar. But what truly sets The Windsor apart is its location — because when the family comes to visit, you’re already right in the heart of everything the Northshore has to offer.
Finding the right activities for grandkids on the Northshore is easy when you call Mandeville home. Whether it’s a leisurely bike ride along the Tammany Trace, an afternoon exploring the ruins at Fontainebleau, or a free afternoon at the lakefront, the memories you make with your grandchildren here are ones they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives.
Want more Northshore family ideas? The official Visit the Northshore website and Explore Louisiana are excellent resources for discovering events, seasonal festivals, and family-friendly destinations updated year-round.
Come See What Life at The Windsor Looks Like
Schedule a tour and enjoy a complimentary 5-course lunch — and bring the grandkids. They’ll love it here just as much as you do.