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There's always something fun happening at the Baton Rouge River Center. What better way to keep cool than to hit the ice at the center's expansive ice skating rink. This fun activity is available on selected days of the month during the summer. Also, big-name attractions are featured frequently, like the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus, various musical acts, and even specialized event shows like the bi-annual bridal fair.

Louisiana's Old Governor's Mansion has, in a sense, gotten a second chance. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is a breathtakingly beautiful structure that also serves as the headquarters for the Foundation for Historical Louisiana. The home has a dramatic history all its own. The structure was built in 1929 by Huey P. Long and served as the governor's residence until 1963 when a new structure was built. The house museum now houses rare artifacts, documents, and other relics of Louisiana's history and features regular tours headed by highly knowledgeable guides. The venue is also available for private parties, family gatherings and weddings.

Since 1987, the Greater Baton Rouge State Fair has been creating lots of fun for area families to experience while helping out a great cause. The volunteer staff puts together this festival every year and the funds raised from the rides, food and admission go to help youth-oriented causes in the greater Baton Rouge area. It happens every year at the State Fair Grounds and for 11 days, the celebration is all about food, music, games, shows and giving back to the community of Baton Rouge.

If absorbing nature sounds like a great idea to you, then you can take it all in at BREC's Cohn Memorial Arboretum. The facility is used for the preservation and study of plants from other areas, but having them all together only adds to Baton Rouge's beauty. In addition to the enticing foliage, there are fruit orchards, a butterfly garden, paved walkways and a bamboo collection that inhabit this outdoor environment. Choose between self-guided or guided tours. If you prefer the guided tour, the number of participants is limited to 14 and arrangements must be made ahead of time. Admission to the area is free, but no picnics or pets are allowed.