Disclosure :: Special thanks to our sponsors, East Baton Rouge Parish Library and Ascension Parish Library for making this Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in (and around) Baton Rouge possible! If you are looking for fun in Baton Rouge with kids, we have you covered, mama!
Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in Baton Rouge with Kids
There’s nothing quite like summertime in Baton Rouge – the sun is shining warmly, schools are out, and there’s a certain joy that comes from having extra free time to explore your own city. Whether you’re looking for ways to keep the kids occupied or ideas on how you can make new memories while exploring our beloved city this summer, we’ve got you covered with our ultimate guide to summer in Baton Rouge!
From family-friendly activities and outdoor recreation spots to kid friendly restaurants worth trying and events perfect for an afternoon outing – join us as we dive into what Baton Rouge has to offer during this hot season!
Need camps? Don’t forget to check out the Ultimate Guide to Baton Rouge Summer Camps for an updated list of the best camps in and around Baton Rouge!
For more summer fun, check out our Snoball Guide and Guide to Splash Pads, Pools, & Water Parks in Baton Rouge!
If you’re looking for a place to swim in Baton Rouge with kids, check out our Best Swimming Pools in Baton Rouge post!
A Few Important Notes From Our Sponsors Who Made This Guide Possible ::
East Baton Rouge Public Library
Get Ready for Summer Reading!
C’mon, everybody! Join in the fun with East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s 2023 Summer Reading Program, All Together Now! Beginning Thursday, June 1 and running through Tuesday, August 15, enjoy an entire summer of FREE programs, workshops, storytimes, concerts, and performances for all ages, scheduled throughout the Library system. Learn more about our summer events HERE.
Track your reading and earn rewards! It’s easy! First, sign up at your local Library location or online HERE, starting June 1. Then, read books and log them into your Beanstack account to earn virtual badges and completion rewards, as well as entries for weekly prize drawings! There are reading challenges and incentives for kids, teens, and even adults. We’ve got this!
Let’s unite for fun events and reading rewards this summer! 1…2…3…All Together Now!
Ascension Parish Library
Planning a summer staycation? Explore the world and your backyard this summer at Ascension Parish Library’s Summer Reading Program, Have Book, Will Travel. We’ve planned lots of programs, with crafts and performers, to help you learn more about different countries and customs — from the mountains of Guatemala and the Madrigals of Colombia to a musical bard of the Scottish Highlands. We’ll also travel to fictional galaxies and visit a performer from India. Visit our calendar of events to keep up!
Start your travels by reading or listening to books, audiobooks, or magazines, and track your reading at myAPL.beanstack.org or the Beanstack app. You may also use a print log available at all library locations. Participants earn rewards and prizes for signing up and reading throughout the summer. Earn up to 25 chances to win one of our Grand Prize drawings at the end of the summer.
Adult Grand Prize: Tastings from Around the World Gift Basket, Rouses Market gift card, and a copy of Gastro Obscura: A Food Adventurer’s Guide by Cecily Wong and Dylan Thuras.
Teen Grand Prize: Beats Studio Buds (Black)
Kids Grand Prize: Digital Camera 1080P 44MP and Hontry Binoculars for adults and kids
Read to Me Grand Prize: Glintoper Wooden Wobble Board and Special Supplies Wavy Circle Balance Beam
Check it out starting Wednesday, May 24, and log your reading through Monday, July 31.
The Ultimate Guide to Summer Fun in Baton Rouge
Check out our event categories included below and jump straight to that section by clicking below to see all of the summer fun in and around Baton Rouge this year!
Summer Water Fun | Indoor Play Fun | Outdoor Fun | Educational Fun | Places to Eat | At Home Fun | Arts & Crafts Fun | Worth the Drive | Family Vacation Ideas
Summer Water Fun
Aqua PARDS :: Located in Denham Springs this is the perfect mini water park if you’re looking for a fun time but want to skip the large crowds.
Blue Bayou :: Blue Bayou Water Park has over 20 water attractions like the High Water Slide, a triple 7 story serpentine slide. And there’s nothing like the twin 8 story speed slide, the Ragin’ Cajun! See our 6 story Mad Moccasin water slide which twists and turns in complete darkness. Come out and ride CONJA’, the world’s largest in-line water slide; and our newest water slide, Racers. This is the tallest and fastest water racer in the world! If you like action-packed water slides, we’ve got ’em!
BREC Pools :: Pool hours are subject to change based on operations and/or inclement weather. There is no cost for entry to these facilities. 2023 Season: May 27 – July 30, Wednesday-Sunday from 2:00-5:00pm
- City-Brooks
- Anna T. Jordan
- Howell Community Park Pool will be closed for the 2022 season
BREC Splash Pads :: Cool off from the heat at one of BREC’s FREE splash pads. The BREC splash pads are interactive water play areas with no standing water. Anyone can activate the water spray features by simply pushing the activator button located within the splash pad. This will engage the water system and which will run for approximately 12 minutes and turn off. Pushing the button will activate the system again.
Jambalaya Park Spray Pad and Pool :: Located in Gonzales, this park offers both a splash pad and a swimming pool!
Liberty Lagoon :: The park will be open on weekends only until May 27. Summer hours of operation vary by day. Secure your spot by purchasing your tickets online! Tickets and season passes can be purchased at LibertyLagoon.com.
Oak Grove Community Center Splash Pad :: This park has a splash pad, playground, and basketball courts and is located at Hwy 42 and Hwy 73 in Prairieville. Also, there is a small skate park next door that is perfect for beginners!
Cost: FREE
ADDITIONAL WATER FUN RESOURCES
10 Places for Water Fun in New Orleans
Indoor Play Fun
Bowl at All Star Lanes (sign up to bowl free here), Premier Lanes Entertainment Center in Gonzales, or Red Stick Social.
Celebration Station :: Celebration Station in Baton Rouge offers both indoor and outdoor attractions. Outside attractions include go-karts, bumper cars, miniature golf, playland rides, and batting cages. Inside, enjoy our arcade with the latest and greatest games.
Cook during classes with the Louisiana Culinary Institute, Red Stick Spice Company, or Young Chef’s Academy!
Chuck E Cheese :: Kids eat and play starting at $19.99 per child.
Jump into fun at Airborne Extreme Trampoline Park or Urban Air Adventure Park both in Denham Springs, Jump N Jive in Prairieville, or DEFY Baton Rouge.
Knock Knock Children’s Museum :: The Knock Knock Children’s Museum is filled with hands-on, fun-filled interactive exhibits called “Learning Zones.” Anchored in research and evidence-based practices addressing all areas of development, our Learning Zones are designed to create teachable moments that will connect children’s every day experiences to learning.
Main Event :: Join us for over 49,000 square feet of FUN, games, food, and excitement – it’s all here at Main Event! Our commitment to safety doesn’t stop at cleaning and sanitizing, it also includes a promise to communicate.
Play indoors at Chee Chee’s Playroom, Java Mama in Central, Lil Bambinos in Gonzales, or Operation Imagination.
Skate Galaxy :: Skate or check out laser tag, the rock wall, and arcade!
Top Golf :: A sports entertainment complex that features an inclusive, high-tech golf game that everyone can enjoy. Paired with an outstanding food and beverage menu, climate-controlled hitting bays and music.
Uptown Climbing :: Louisiana’s largest indoor rock climbing gym with 10,000+ square feet of climbing for all skills. Plus Fitness, Yoga, Parties, and more.
Watch a movie :: AMC 15, AMC 16, Celebrity Theater, Cinemark Perkins Rowe, Movie Tavern Citiplace, or Movie Tavern Juban Crossing
Try a new board game :: Here are 13 suggestions!
Outdoor Fun
- Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
- Magnolia Mound
- Farr Park Equestrian Center
- Highland Road Observatory
- Oak Villa and Central Sports Park
Fishing :: Nothing like the simple pleasure of fishing! Here’s a listing of local lakes and ponds in and around Baton Rouge.
LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens :: The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens at Burden is an expansive collection of specialty gardens, woodlands, wetlands, arboreta and university research facility. The Botanic Gardens features Trees and Trails, five miles of serene walking paths through the Burden Woods, the Rose Garden, Children’s Garden, All-America Selections Garden, Stone Camellia Collection, Crowder Camellia Collection, Herb Garden, Tropical Garden, Memory Garden, Barton Arboretum, Oak Grove, StoryWalk loop, and Windrush Gardens showcase the beauty of plants and flowers and provide educational experiences for gardeners of all ages.
LSU Hilltop Arboretum :: Fourteen extraordinarily beautiful acres in Baton Rouge showcase an extensive collection of Louisiana native trees and shrubs. Cross the old footbridge overlooking a twenty foot deep ravine and wander into the tranquil “cathedral”, where tree canopies form a green protective room or discover the bamboo grove where you can sit and listen to the wind in the trees.
LSU Rural Life Museum :: The LSU Rural Life Museum is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of materials from the cultures of 18th and 19th century rural Louisianans. Through the forethought and generosity of the Burden Family, the LSU Rural Life Museum remains intact for future generations.
Magnolia Ridge Adventure Park :: Located just north of Baton Rouge in Ethel, this is South Louisiana’s largest zipline park, with featuring 32 acres of beautiful creekfront property.
Mike the Tiger :: Visit the famed Tiger and LSU Mascot in his 15,000-square foot habitat. Geaux Tigers!
Red Stick Farmers Market :: Shop local farmers while teaching your kids where their food comes from and the importance of buying locally every Saturday morning.
State Parks :: parks are open for canoeing, fishing, hiking, biking, and more! Visit the programs and events page for daily schedules. Louisiana’s great outdoors and state parks are a great way for visitors to see the Sportsman’s Paradise while visiting our recreational and historic sites. So book a cabin and see for yourself why our State Parks system is the best!
Educational Fun
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo :: In the coming months, you’re sure to hear the sound of progress at the Zoo! We are thrilled to be delving in full steam ahead into Phase 1 of the Master Plans for Reinvention. This means some areas of the Zoo may be a little loud & be unaccessible temporarily. As well, some animals might be off exhibit for a short time. But, don’t fret…we love the animals behind the scenes just as much!
Baton Rouge Blue Zoo :: Blue Zoo is an Interactive Aquarium. Admission to the aquarium includes access to all shows, animal exhibits and play areas! Day pass pricing can be found here.
East Baton Rouge Parish Library and/ or Ascension Parish Library :: Browse the books, take a Grab & Geaux craft, or stay for storytime!
Louisiana Art & Science Museum :: Housed in a historic railroad depot on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum offers educational entertainment for visitors of all ages.
LSU Museum of Art :: The LSU Museum of Art is the only dedicated art museum in the City of Baton Rouge, and houses one of the largest university art collections in the American South. The collection consists of more than 6,500 objects, ranging from a world-class collection of Chinese jade to one of the most comprehensive public collections of Louisiana art.
USS KIDD :: USS Kidd is recognized as one of the most authentically restored vessels in the world by the Historic Naval Ships Association, an organization whose fleet spans several nations scattered across five continents. The attached Veterans Museum displays a variety of artifacts that celebrate veteran and naval military history, with displays and interesting artifacts for all generations.
- 10 Boredom Busters To Prime Right Now
- 15 Indoor Activities to Bust Boredom
- Watch a Classic Summer Movie
- Arrange a scavenger hunt
- Bake something new
- Build a fort
- Camp out in the backyard
- Create chalk art
- Enjoy a fancy “high tea”
- Have a family game night
- Have a nerf war
- Have a water balloon fight
- Make DIY Game Boards :: Boredom Buster
- Make Kool-Aid Playdough
- Make your house more like the beach
- Plan a movie-themed dinner night (watch Lady and the Tramp and have Italian food)
- Plant a garden
- Read outside and cloud gaze
- Set up a living room zoo with stuffed animals and take the family on a tour
- Take a bike ride
Art Academy :: The mission of Art Academy is to inspire, educate, and build confidence in children and adults through the core fundamentals and elements of visual art. We are dedicated to fostering self-expression, creativity and pride in our students’ individuality, through captivating and professional instruction, allowing students to create and appreciate their artistic abilities and self-made masterpieces.
Brush Fire Art Studio :: Pottery and canvas pointing studio located in Denham Springs.
Create Studios :: We offer a variety of classes in painting, resin art, mosaics, etching, jewelry making, and other arts and crafts. Each class is taught by experienced and knowledgeable instructors who are passionate about the art form. We’re here to help you tap into your creative side and bring your ideas to life!
Fleur de ME :: Creative Art Studio- Be different, paint different!
Mid City Artisian :: Mid-City Artisians offers a wide range of kids painting classes and kids drawing classes.
Painting and Pinot :: Painting and Pinot is the place where anyone can find their inner artist, regardless of age or skill level. During our classes, you will have one of our incredible artists lead you through the painting – step by step! Our paintings are created for artists of all skill levels, so whether you are an aspiring Picasso or just looking for some much needed relaxation, you can transform a blank canvas into an original piece of art.
Pinspiration :: At Pinspiration, you can choose from dozens of the trendiest DIY projects and make a reservation to create on your own schedule.
BellyFire Studios :: Come explore what we have to offer: Paint Your Own Pottery, Classes, Space Rental, and Camps. We are a one stop shop for your artistic needs. Though we are known for pottery, we tackle all art mediums.
Worth the Drive
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas :: Located on the Mississippi River adjacent to the French Quarter, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is consistently top ranked, voted as one of the top five in the country in the USA Today “10Best” reader poll and ranked as one of the top things to do in New Orleans. The Aquarium transports visitors to an underwater world from the Caribbean, to the Amazon Rainforest, to the waters that give New Orleans its lifeblood: the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. With more than 3,600 animals from more than 250 species, including endangered species, such as African penguins, and rare animals, such as white alligators, the Aquarium offers you an experience you’ll never forget.
Audubon Cool Zoo :: Find out why New Orleans moms love visiting the Cool Zoo on a hot day!
Audubon Zoo :: Located in historic Uptown New Orleans Audubon Zoo cares for animals from around the globe, engaging educational programs, and hands-on animal encounters. Unique natural habitats such as the award-winning Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle showcase the relationship between people and nature.
Avery Island :: Find out what makes the Tabasco Pepper Sauce Factory a great place for a family-friendly visit!
Barnhill Preserve :: Located in Ethel, Barnhill Preserve offers hands-on animal encounters and programs! Book an otter swim or encounter tour.
Coastal Ridge Sunflower Farm :: Take a drive to Mississippi to explore the large sunflower fields and pick your own!
Fountainbleau State Park :: Located in Mandeville, Fontainebleau offers so many things to do that you can easily spend the day at the park without getting bored.
Global Wildlife Center :: The Global Wildlife Center is one of the largest totally free-roaming wildlife preserve of its kind in the country! It is located in Folsom, Louisiana and home to over 1,000 exotic, endangered, and threatened animals from all over the world.
Grand Canyon of Mississippi :: Red Bluff, as the locals call it, is a canyon formed from the erosion of the west bank of the Pearl River. Read more about why one New Orleans family loved their visit!
Louisiana Children’s Museum :: When you make a child’s potential visible, wonderful things happen. So we created a place where kids use play, shared exploration, and conversation to connect with the people and world around them. A place where kids can be the amazing humans they are. A place where wonderful things happen daily.
Mrs. Heather’s Strawberry Patch :: Pick your very own farm-fresh strawberries here! Collect and eat or take em’ home. Children actually walk through our Strawberry Patch and pick their own strawberries!
Tunica Hills :: a beautiful piece of heaven that is located right over the state line in Woodville, MS. If you have never been before, go ahead and plan a trip with your family. Here are a few things you need to know before going!
White Sands :: White Sands Lake, located on the Northshore, is in essence a large lake with sandy shores that features several VERY fun inflatable water toys like slides and trampolines. Find out why families love to visit, and what to bring!
A River Tour of the Tchefuncte River :: Captain Mike of Louisiana Tours and Adventures offers customizable boat trips along the Tchefuncte River. Docking in Madisonville at Fairview State Park, it’s easy to access and hop on Capt. Mike’s boat for a fun-filled family day of nature, river history, and water fun. Feel free to bring your own lifejackets (mandated for 16 and under riders) or use the ones provided on the boat.
Family Vacation Ideas
