Summer in Louisiana

Summer in Louisiana

Bennett's Water Skiing

I think that we can officially say, summer has arrived in Louisiana. School is out, the temperature is heating up, skies are blue, and fun times are awaiting. Being such a diverse state, Louisiana is full of activities for all seasons. Summer is no exception. It might not be the festival season, or football season, but summertime can be fun in Louisiana if you know where to look.

To give you an idea of what summer in Louisiana is like, I once heard someone compare the heat of a Louisiana summer to wrapping yourself up in a blanket that has been soaked in hot water then going inside of a sauna. Whether that is an intense hyperbole or a modest description, I think anyone who has experienced a summer in Louisiana would likely agree that it can be hot. Darn hot!

Since summer is here and will not be leaving soon, I thought that I would share a few fun summer activities in Louisiana. Here is a list of fun things to do in Louisiana for the summer.

10 Things to do in Louisiana this summer

1.) Blue Bayou Waterpark – Blue Bayou is Louisiana’s largest and most popular waterpark. Located in Baton Rouge on the way to New Orleans, Blue Bayou is a nice place to have some fun in the sun for summer in Louisiana. Blue Bayou has multiple water attractions that appease every adventurous spirit. Ranging from extreme slides like Lafitte’s plunge to a lazy river, surely there will be something for you to enjoy.

Check with them as they often have new attractions and concerts of popular music artists. In addition, an added bonus of Blue Bayou is Dixie Landin’, which has several rides and attractions itself.  (If you bring a Coke-Cola can you can get a $5 discount on admission – Check their site here for details.) Adults can expect to pay around $40 for entrance fees while children range from free to ~$30 depending on their height. Also, don’t forget about $5 parking charge per vehicle.

Blue Bayou Slide

 

2.) Tiki-Tubing – In recent years, Tiki-Tubing has become a popular past time for Louisianans. Can you imagine something more pleasing than floating aimlessly down a slow flowing river with your beverage of choice? Tiki-tubing is a great summer activity for Louisiana. When the weather is hot, you have the water, you have your drinks, and of course you can have your tiki tube.Tiki Tubing in Louisiana

One of the nice things about Tiki Tubing in Louisiana is that you have a few choices. Therefore, if you are located on one side of the state, you may not have to drive to the other. Some of your choices:

(a) Adventure Canoe and Tubing – Located on the Quiska chitto (Pronounced “Whiskey Chitto”)

(b) Tiki Tubing – Located in Denham Springs. Cost is about $20-30.

(c) Wayne’s World Canoeing and Tubing – Located on the beautiful Bogue Chitto. (~$15 for tube case only)

 

3.) Kart Ranch – The Kart Ranch is Lafayette’s very own center for games. The indoor facilities have some arcades and children’s games, but the outdoor facilities has an array of options such as putt-putt, go-kart racing, batting cages, water wars, and ‘bump n blast’ water boats. Kart Ranch is affordable as there are no parking or admission fees, which makes it a great option for families. You just pay as you play. Be sure to check their website here for coupons!Bump n Blast Kart Ranch

 

4.) Kayaking/Canoeing – Kayaking is a really great outdoor activity that can involve camping, fishing, or just a leisurely trip down a river. When the weather his right, why not hit the waterways of Louisiana and go for a paddle. Canoes and kayaks are offered by the Tiki tubing businesses, as well as in other places such as Lake Martin. At Lake Martin you will find Champagne’s Tours. Champagne’s Tours rents Kayaks and Canoes as well as swamp tours of Lake Martin, where you can see many of Louisiana’s big 5. Pack and Paddle, a Lafayette adventure store, also hosts outdoor events frequently. Check out their website here for a listing of places to kayak in Louisiana.Canoeing and tubing

 

5.) Sailing – Sailing can be a nice way to break the summer heat in Louisiana. Sailing opportunities arise with Pack and Paddle, but others exist around as you can go in a multitude of Louisiana lakes such as Lake Ponchartrain, Lake Martin, even others such as False River. You have many more options with your own boat of course. Sailing in Louisiana

 

6.) Fishing – Fishing is a staple in Louisiana. Whether you enjoy salt water fishing, pond fishing, marsh fishing, lake fishing, or even river fishing, Louisiana has you covered. Louisiana is full of waterways that are home to a variety of species of fish ranging from game fish to cat-fish and several species of bream. Fishing possibilities are endless in Louisiana. You have many opportunities both for private and commercial fishing.Deep Sea Fishing in Louisiana

 

7.) Water skiing – Ever thought of jumping up on some water skis or wake boarding? Why not start this summer off with some lessons? Bennett’s Water Ski and Wake Board school in Baton Rouge gives lessons for all ages. Bennett’s offers several packages including a tourist package and extended weekend package, which are both good for people just taking some short-term lessons. In addition, Bennett’s offers a weekend recreation package which includes a cottage rental to enjoy all that the property has to offer such as fishing, skiing, hiking, volleyball, swimming, and more. Check out Bennett’s school and the packages that they offer here. Bennett's Water skiing

If you aren’t into lessons or already have access to a boat and equipment, why not head out to one of Louisiana’s many waterways. Water skiing and wake boarding are popular in many places such as False River in Point Coupee parish.

 

8.) Hiking – Hiking in Louisiana is a perfect summer activity for those who enjoy the outdoors, like a bit of exercise, but don’t want to be pushed to the limit. One of the good things about hiking in Louisiana is that there is no real change in elevation.  Therefore, it will be ideal even for a novice hiker. There are a few nice walking trails around including one at Lake Martin and Chicot State Park. Some of Louisiana’s hiking trails also offer camping. I’d suggest checking out the Hiking Club of Louisiana and messaging them if you’d like to know more about hiking in Louisiana.Hiking trail in Louisiana

 

9.) Trail Riding – Looking for something a bit more thrilling? Pick up your ATV and hit the trails. Louisiana has a multitude of trails for ATVs some including mud and some not, depending on the weather and time of year. RiderPlanet USA has a great listing of Louisiana ATV trails as well as their status being open or closed.

 

10.) BBQ at Cypremort Point – After all of these outdoor activities, you must have worked up an appetite. Why not head over to Cypremort Point to cook up a good ole fashioned southern BBQ? Cypremort Point State Park is very welcoming to outsiders. For a nominal fee you get access to its many covered BBQ areas that lie along the beach where you may fish, relax, or just enjoy the sun with good company. If interested one can rent cabins for a night or weekend.  Check their website here for details.BBQ Louisiana

 

What is your favorite summer activity in Louisiana?

 

Thanks for stopping by!

 


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9 comments

  1. It’s fair to say that summer certainly hasn’t arrived in the UK! Reading this at work has definitely got me looking forward to taking a holiday.
    I definitely need some Tiki-Tubing in my life, that looks amazing! 🙂

  2. I’m not familiar with the term tiki-tubing but it certainly sounds like fun. In fact all the recommendations look like fun, especially the water based ones.

    I just wish the good weather had arrived here in the UK.
    The Guy recently posted…Is This Really The Most Famous Beach In The World?My Profile

    • Water sports are really fun if you like a bit of a thrill. Tiki-tubing isn’t that thrilling as you are moving slow, but it is certainly relaxing. It will get there eventually!

  3. Paul Melanson via Facebook

    The Louisiana Board of Tourism should direct people to your site to familiarize people with what Louisiana has to offer in the summer. Reading this I almost started packing my bags for some ‘Summer Fun on the Bayou”!

    • Great Paul. I’ve actually tried contacting them, but I am still waiting on a response… Hopefully, I will do some projects with them in the future.

  4. When I lived in New Orleans, I used to tell my friends that the heat and humidity in the summer was like being wrapped in a warm, comfy blanket all the time. For some reason they didn’t seem to find this idea as pleasant as I did.
    Jess recently posted…Photo Safari-ing at the Lincoln Park ZooMy Profile

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