Make a big splash at Baton Rouge's Blue Bayou Water Park. The kids will love the fast-paced action as they can experience the gravity-defying rush of Azuka, the world's largest tornado slide. There are more dizzying rides and attractions like water racers, sled slides and the biggest in-line water slide you've ever seen. The park is also equipped with a fully-stocked concession stand and shaded area to relax and wade around in the children's area. To paraphrase the song, you and your family will never be blue at Blue Bayou.
The Afton Villa Gardens stand as proof that there can be beauty among the ruins. These breathtaking gardens rest on the terraced ruins of the palatial home built by Susan Barrow in 1849. These are 250-acres of trees, plants and flowers that line a winding walking trail. Take a stroll along this gorgeous path that always proves to be a calming, restorative exercise no matter what the season. And speaking of seasons, when spring brings the flowering and budding of these plants and trees, it also brings throngs of nature lovers to see the indescribable outdoor beauty unfold right before their eyes.