When the weather heats up, Baton Rouge gets cool with loads of fun summer activities. A recent poll of summer vacationers ranked their most desired activities as sightseeing (55 percent), experiencing local culture and cuisine (51 percent) and spending time in nature (45 percent). From visiting some of Baton Rouge’s historic sights to grabbing a cold beverage and enjoying live entertainment, there’s something for everyone to do. Whether traveling with the family, taking a couple’s getaway, or just stopping by for the day, there are plenty of fun things to do in the summer in Baton Rouge.
The beautiful landscape of Baton Rouge offers many opportunities to spend time outdoors. From award-winning golf courses, bike trails and paddle courses to exciting airboat tours, fishing and sports, you can enjoy a well-designed park or explore the area’s wild swamplands. There’s no shortage of ways to experience the great outdoors.
1. Experience an inland or offshore fishing trip with Reel Screamers along Louisiana’s coastal marshes and the Gulf of Mexico.
2. Enjoy Fourth of July fireworks along the Mississippi River with the historic battleship USS Kidd as a backdrop. Begin the day with fun family activities at the annual Freedom Festival and end it with a spectacular fireworks display.
3. Perfect your watersports technique at Bennett’s Water Ski and Wakeboard School. Here you can attend a weekly session to learn how to waterski, wakeboard or ride inflatable water toys.
4. Play golf at one of the 15 golf courses along the Audubon Golf Trail. Named for naturalist John James Audubon, each course is designed to protect the natural environment while preserving the natural heritage of the game of golf.
5. Audubon also lends his name to the Audubon Nature Institute. The Institute operates a host of places dedicated to nature including a zoo, aquarium, butterfly garden and several parks.
6. Camp under the stars at one of Baton Rouge’s campgrounds.
7. Attend the annual Louisiana Sports Festival, a two-day festival full of fun, challenges and camaraderie.
8. Bike along one of the city’s many trails. Baton Rouge features a variety of biking trails from smooth paved paths to rough and rugged tracks.
9. Take a boat tour with McGee’s and explore the beautiful trees, grasses and wildlife of the Atchafalaya Swamp. Choose from the adventurous airboat tour or the relaxing large boat tour.
10. Enjoy live animal exhibits at Bluebonnet Swamp and Nature Center, a 103-acre conservation center devoted to protecting the area’s wildlife and educating the public.
11. Paddle down a bayou along one of Louisiana’s many paddle trails.
12. Go on a relaxing horseback ride at the Farr Park Equestrian Center.
13. Hike or fish at Blackwater Conservation Area, featuring two large fishing lakes and nature trails.
The city of Baton Rouge boasts a rich political, architectural and agricultural history. Fortunately, much of this history has been preserved in the area’s many historic buildings and museums. There are a number of fun sightseeing tours designed to both educate and entertain the public. Summertime offers the perfect opportunity to participate in both indoor and outdoor sightseeing tours where you can learn more about this great city.
14. Take a Baton Rouge Historic Homes Tour where you can walk through beautiful antebellum mansions and learn about the area’s history and what life was like for their inhabitants.
15. Take a tour of the magnificent Old State Capitol. Known as the “Castle on the River,” this political history museum has received distinguished awards for its beautiful architecture which includes a stained glass cathedral dome and cast iron staircase.
16. Visit the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial and Museum. This restored WWII destroyer is on display in downtown Baton Rouge docked along the Mississippi River. Here you can explore over 50 areas of the ship which include restored aircraft and the largest ship model collection in the South.
17. Enjoy a three-hour guided Baton Rouge City Tour. Visit many of the city’s attractions and historic neighborhoods in the comfort of an air-conditioned minibus.
18. View the entire city from the Observation Deck of the Louisiana State Capitol, the tallest capitol building in the U.S.
19. Embark on a Big City Hunt of Baton Rouge, a walking sightseeing tour and scavenger hunt. Solve puzzles and complete challenges while you explore the city’s historic landmarks.
20. Learn about how the early Louisianians lived by visiting LSU’s Rural Life Museum.
21. Tour the Old Governor’s Mansion. Known as “Louisiana’s White House,” this beautiful mansion, now a museum, was home to nine Louisiana governors and their families.
22. Visit the Shaw Center for the Arts, a visual and performing arts facility that houses two theatres and the LSU Museum of Art and the LSU Union Art Gallery.
23. Watch an authentic Civil War Reenactment at the Port Hudson State Historic Site. This site also features a six-mile hiking trail.
A recent poll of summer vacationers showed that about 87 percent of parents vacation with their kids. If you’re planning a trip with the kids, there is plenty of family fun to be had in Baton Rouge in the summer. From cool water parks and sports facilities to fun and educational children’s exhibits, you can be sure that there are plenty of activities to keep both the kids and adults entertained.
24. Cool off at the Blue Bayou Water Park which features water fun for adults and children of all ages. Slip and slide down one of the park’s many water slides, enjoy a refreshing swim or relax on a tube as you drift along the lazy river.
25. Take a thrilling ride at Dixie Landin’ and amusement park located adjacent to Blue Bayou Water Park. Featuring roller coasters, a ferris wheel and many kiddie rides, Dixie Landin’ is sure to delight both children and adults.
26. Visit and learn about some of the many animals from around the world at the Baton Rouge Zoo.
27. Jump and bounce at Area 51 Extreme Air Sports featuring trampolines, an obstacle course and other fun aerial activities.
28. Suit up and enjoy a cool game of laser tag at this state-of-the-art complex. Enjoy arcade games and a snack in between rounds.
29. Engage in some extreme sports at the Perkins Road Community Park. Featuring a skate park, BMX track, rock climbing tower, Velodrome and more for the adventurous, this park also offers a tennis court, walking trails and fishing opportunities for those who prefer to take it slow.
30. Learn, play and explore at the Knock Knock Children’s Museum. This hands-on museum features fun learning exhibits geared toward children ages one through eight and is located atop Knock Knock Hill overlooking City-Brooks Community Park.
31. Get wet at one of the area’s parks featuring water attractions. From splash pads and fountains to lazy rivers and pools, Baton Rouge parks are the place to be to beat the heat.
32. Take in a movie or enjoy a game of bowling at one of Baton Rouge’s multiplex theatres and bowling alleys.
Whether on a budget or just looking to fit in as many fun summer activities as possible, there are many free things to do in Baton Rouge in the summer. From live music and festivals to free movies and exhibits, you’re sure to find activities that are both loads of fun and easy on your wallet.
33. Pack a picnic lunch and visit LSU’s Hilltop Arboretum, featuring 14 acres of beautiful trees and shrubs that are native to Louisiana.
34. Enjoy one of Baton Rouge’s many free festivals where you can experience some of the city’s best arts, music and cuisine.
35. Listen to live music and bring your dancing shoes to a free show during Baton Rouge’s Weekly Concert Series.
36. Visit Mike the Tiger, LSU’s mascot, at his 15,000 square foot habitat on the LSU campus.
37. Enjoy a free outdoor movie on the plaza of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library. Be sure to bring your lawn chairs and picnic blanket.
38. View works of art from local and national artists at the LSU Union Art Gallery, where exhibits are always free and open to the public.
39. You can also see new contemporary art at the Baton Rouge Gallery. In addition to showcasing the work of its current Artist Members, the gallery also hosts cultural events and special performances.
40. Enjoy Free First Sunday on the first Sunday of each month, which offers free admission to the LSU Museum of Art.
41. View the night sky through a telescope or attend a free viewing event at the Highland Road Park Observatory.
42. Located on the grounds of the New State Capitol, the Old Arsenal Museum, showcasing military history, is one of the most historic spots in Baton Rouge.
43. Visit the Botanic Gardens at LSU. Stroll along the tree-lined paths, walking trails and gardens featuring flowers, fruits, vegetables and other agricultural exhibits.
44. Visit one of Baton Rouge’s 184 parks for fun outdoor activities. Consisting of community, neighborhood and conservation parks along with golf courses and special-use facilities, you’re sure to find the perfect place to get some fresh air.
When it’s rainy or too hot outside, there are plenty of fun indoor things to do in Baton Rouge during the summer. Learn a little about the city’s rich heritage or experience some of its fantastic live entertainment. Take in a planetarium show or cool off with a cold beverage at a local brewery. Hot or rainy days in Baton Rouge offer the opportunity to take a break and enjoy some indoor activities.
45. Visit the Louisiana Art & Science Museum to experience hands-on art and science exhibits. Housed in a 1925 historic railway station, the museum also features a planetarium where you can see a sky show and learn about the universe.
46. Cool off while learning about Louisiana’s history at the Capitol Park Museum. This educational facility features exhibits that focus on Louisiana’s diverse history, industry and culture.
47. View historic structures, artifacts and documents at the West Baton Rouge Museum.
48. Enjoy the sounds of Louisiana’s many talented musicians at one Baton Rouge’s many live music events.
49. Try your luck at one of the city’s casinos where you can enjoy dining, slots, table games and shows.
50. Catch a show at Theatre Baton Rouge. This community theatre offers live productions and classes for all ages.
51. Test your wits at 13th Gate Escape. This interactive entertainment features six different escape room scenarios. Be sure to book in advance.
If shopping is your thing, Baton Rouge offers a unique shopping experience for all tastes. With quaint boutiques located throughout the city and the specialty and antique shops at Denham Springs, you’re sure to find whatever you’re looking for. From searching for the latest fashions to handpicking fresh local foods, Baton Rouge has it all.
52. Browse through the 25 antique and specialty shops of the Denham Springs Antique Village and find your latest treasure or a special memento of your visit.
53. Walk along Perkins Rowe and enjoy the shopping, dining and seasonal special events.
54. Shop til you drop at the Mall of Louisiana, featuring 160 upscale specialty stores, including Macy’s, Dillard’s, JCPenney and Nordstrom Rack.
55. Stroll through the Red Stick Farmers Market. Located in seven different areas throughout the city, this open-air market features the freshest locally-grown produce, meats, seafood and other specialty food items.
56. The Baton Rouge Arts Market takes place together with the Red Stick Farmers Market on the first Saturday of every month. Here you can find a wide variety of handmade goods including jewelry, pottery, wood carvings, metal sculptures and more.
57. Grab a quick snack at one of Baton Rouge’s many food trucks.
58. Sip a cold beer and take a brewery tour at one of Baton Rouge’s craft breweries. Both the Tin Roof and Southern Craft Brewing Companies offer daily tours and tastings.
59. If beer’s not your thing, try a tour of Cane Land Distilling where you can learn how sugar cane across the river is distilled into rum and taste some of the final product.
60. Make a reservation at The Gregory for lunch, dinner, late summer evening cocktails or dessert.
After enjoying an adventure-filled summer day in Baton Rouge, you’ll no doubt want to relax and cool off. The Gregory, located in The Watermark hotel in historic downtown Baton Rouge, is the perfect place for enjoying a delicious lunch, dinner, cool cocktail or refreshing dessert on a hot summer’s night. Featuring fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, The Gregory offers Southern cuisine with a twist. Make a reservation at The Gregory today for lunch or dinner. You can also contact us online with further questions about our dining experience or call 225-408-1800 to speak with a hostess.
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