Summer fun is in full swing, time to relax and enjoy the lazy days of summer… but tell that to kids who are bouncing off the walls or singing the boredom blues.
As parents, we want each summer to be more memorable than the last, and with that comes the need for a few new ideas, especially if your child is too young to go to a summer camp.
Here are 30 Things To Do with kids in Baton Rouge and beyond that are sure to keep you busy all summer long!
Good to Know Before You Go: Please be sure to call before heading out; times change, parks close, so many variables can affect your outing.
30 Things To Do with Kids in Baton Rouge
- LSU Lakes – Bike, Picnic, Splash Pad – Between feeding the ducks, the great little bike path, the kids’ playground, and a little splash pad behind the art gallery, this is such a fun little day to have with the kiddos.
- Baton Rouge Splash Pad Parks & Pools Guide – Visit our Baton Rouge Water Fun Guide to find one of many Baton Rouge Splash Pads, water parks, and or pools!
- Blueberry Picking – There is an abundance of places to do this around the area. The Sooner, the better before they are all picked over. We love to make Blueberry Scones with a Lemon Glaze.
- Pottery Painting – Brushfire Studios – This is a quaint little studio in downtown Denham Springs.
- Water Balloon Fight – This is a summer classic. Want to make it more fun? Add a little food coloring to the balloons and put the kids in white shirts. Just get ready to hose them down.
- Young Chefs Academy – This is one of my oldest’s favorite places. They have summer programs and fun little classes.
- Go Bowling – Kids Bowl FREE this summer – learn more!
- Blackwater Conservation
- Tunica Hills and Tunica Falls/Clark Creek – Outdoor Adventures
- $1.50 Family Friendly Movies at Perkins Rowe -Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse is back with 8 weeks of kid-approved movies! Enjoy safe and exciting big-screen entertainment for just $1.50 per ticket for each movie.
- Louisiana Peach Festival – Okay, so maybe this isn’t a day trip, but it’s totally worth the drive. Happening on June 5th in Ruston, Louisiana. Peach ice cream and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
- Delcambre Shrimp Festival – While we are on the festival beat, this is totally a day trip. You haven’t gone Cajun till you go Acadiana. A bit later in the summer, this happens in August each year. Bring your dancing shoes.
- Old State Capitol – While you’re downtown, hit up the Louisiana Art and Science Museum.
- Global Wildlife – This is one of the most underrated experiences of my childhood. Letting a giraffe eat out of your hand might be the highlight of your kid’s summer, and who am I kidding, your’s as well.
- Myrtles Plantation Tour – My oldest is very into mystery and more. On your way home, do yourself a favor and stop at Chloe’s in Zachary for a snowball.
- WWII Museum – I don’t really know that this needs much introduction; it’s a must-do with the older kiddos!
- Louisiana Children’s Museum – This is one of my fondest childhood memories.
- Audubon Zoo / Cool Zoo – I will spare you the song, but they do all “ax for you.” So don’t let those animals down. When you’re there, it’s totally worth the “pop” bracelet that gets you admission into the Cool Zoo and unlimited rides on the train and carousel.
- Audubon Aquarium of America’s & Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium – What kid doesn’t want to touch an urchin and eat crickets.
- Write and Illustrate a Children’s Book – Because, after all these big adventures, you will need some time at home.
- EBR Library – The East Baton Rouge Parish Library has many little classes and fun projects for all ages. Check out their event calendar and enjoy!
- Dinosaur Park Henderson – I have heard amazing things, and this summer, we intend to find out for ourselves.
- Livingston Parish Library – Just a little hop next door, and there are so many fun programs for littles to enjoy.
- Dig a Garden – There is no greater joy than watching my kiddos play in the dirt. If you need some help, Glad Gardens can build one for you!
- Make a Nana recipe from scratch – No box mixes here, just some love, wooden spoons, and old family recipes.
- Lemonade Stand – The earliest form of entrepreneurship at its south Louisiana finest.
- Barnhill Preserve in Ethel – (sloths…Nuff said) hands-on animal encounters and programs!
- Baton Rouge Zoo – One of our favorites to spend a day with the animals and play in the park – you can even feed the pelicans now too!
- Cajun Pride Swamp Tour – take a unique and educational journey back to the early days of Louisiana bayou and swamp explorations on this authentic Louisiana swamp eco-tour.
- Knock Knock Children’s Museum – this is a full day of fun and good eats at Acorn Cafe!
Be sure to check out our Summer Fun in Baton Rouge Guide for more!
