There are so many family-friendly places in and around Baton Rouge. Here are 5 of my favorite hidden gems you should check out!
Frenchtown Road Conservation Area:
You’ve heard about Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, but have you heard about this one? Stretching over 497 acres, BREC also operates this conservation area. Families can either hike over three miles of trails in the Bottomland Hardwood Forest with the view of a swamp and forest. Coming soon will be a new Nature Station Facility. Pack a backpack with snacks, lunch, binoculars, and more for a day in nature!
Cheeky Monkey’s:
Get some work done with free WiFi, enjoy free coffee while the kiddos play inside a contained, indoor playground? Yes, please! Not only is this place very affordable, but the kids love it! Inside is a two-level playground, a spacewalk, a grocery/kitchen area, and a special infant area for those tiny crawlers. Outdoor parks and playgrounds are always fun, but maybe keep this on your “to-do” list for a rainy day!
The Waterfront at Greenwood Community Park:
Looking for a picnic in the park? Want to have a day on the water? Rent a kayak, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, cruiser bike, fishing poles, and purchase bait for fishing at the Greenwood Boathouse. Enjoy a day on the water in their 18-acre lake or head to The Waterfront Cafe inside the Dumas Memorial Golf Pro Shop. The restaurant overlooks the lake and serves up grilled classics like hot dogs, hamburgers and catfish, cold sandwiches, cold beers, and more.
LSU Hilltop Arboretum
This beautiful arboretum was developed by Mr. and Mrs. Emory Smith in 1929 and donated to the university in 1981. In the shape of a cathedral, this arboretum has hallways leading to other rooms with passageways. The nave, grassy plots, walls with trees, walls with shrubs, and walls with bamboo cover this botanical garden.
Farr Park Equestrian Center and RV Campground
Yep! It’s brought to you by BREC, again! We don’t have mountains or a beach, but you can go horseback riding right here in the area. Take the family out to ride horses in BREC’s Farr Park Equestrian center with their guided trail rides on select Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy a one-hour gentle ride through the park or in the indoor arena on one of the BREC horses. During the week, ages 6+ can also take advantage of their riding lessons and learn how to ride a horse! Kids with special needs? Riders ages six and older with physical, mental, and social disabilities participate in a six-week session of riding lessons tailored to their needs.
