Summer is winding down, and the kids are going back to school soon! To end summer with a bang, make sure you visit these affordable, family-friendly, Baton Rouge attractions before school starts! The kids will thank you.

1. BREC
Baton Rouge was just named a 2014 Playful City USA community for a second-consecutive year, so it's only fitting that you take the kids to one of BREC's 184 parks. You can go to your local neighborhood park, a larger community park, or even a special-use facility, like BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo or Magnolia Mound Plantation. Think it's too hot to go outside? Go to BREC's Liberty Lagoon, and you'll for sure cool off at this huge water park.

 

2. Old State Capitol
If you want to prepare the kids for school, give them a fun history lesson at the Old State Capitol. This building has been around since before the Civil War, and you'll learn something new about Louisiana around every turn. You can even watch an interactive theatrical presentation, "The Ghost of the Castle." On top of that, the Old State Capitol is arguably the most beautiful in Baton Rouge, with a domed, stained-glass ceiling, large spiral staircase, and marble walls.
*FREE ADMISSION*

 

 

 

 

 


3. Louisiana State Capitol
Easily the most iconic building in Baton Rouge, the Louisiana State Capitol stands tall at 450 feet in the air. Climb the steps to the grand entrance, and ride two elevators up to the observation deck on the 27th floor! Play a game and try to find different Baton Rouge sites, like the Mississippi River, Tiger Stadium or Southern University.
*FREE ADMISSION*

4. LASM
The Louisiana Art and Science Museum offers four art galleries, featuring a diverse collection of art. You can also view the museum's Ancient Egypt gallery, which is home to a 2,300-year-old mummy! After exploring the museum, head to the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium and ExxonMobil Space Theater. Catch a planetarium show and don't forget to view the two-story planet tower! Schedules for planetarium shows can be found here.

 

 

 


5. LSU Rural Life Museum
Take a step back in time at the Rural Life Museum, where the museum is divided into three sections: the Exhibit Barn, which features rural artifacts from the early 20th century; the Plantation Quarters, which includes nine early 19th century buildings to replicate daily plantation activities; and the Louisiana Folk Architecture complex, which includes six Louisiana-style buildings to represent the various and distinct cultures found in our state. Leave with an appreciation for our Louisiana ancestors’ lives.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


6. USS KIDD
Docked downtown on the Mighty Mississippi is the USS KIDD, a Fletcher-class destroyer that sailed in the Pacific during World War II. Sure to please any history buff, student or patriot, the KIDD is a place to recognize America's veterans and learn more about our military past. Explore the KIDD's deck, weapons and barracks.


Get to it! Give the kids one last adventure before school starts, and #GoBR!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Posted by:
Danielle Kelley, communications intern

 

 

Danielle is the communications intern for Visit Baton Rouge. She was born and raised in East Baton Rouge Parish, and is passionate about all things Louisiana. An LSU senior, Danielle is studying mass communication with a concentration in public relations. She loves books, birds and Baton Rouge.


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