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.
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.
The Swine Palace is one of the newest venues on Baton Rouge's ever-growing entertainment and cultural scene. Fitted with state-of-the-art lighting and an incredible sound system that's complemented by some impressive acoustics, you'll enjoy the many varieties of stage productions all the more thanks to the technically stunning aspects of the building. What's on the stage is equally impressive, as everything from Shakespeare to Neil Simon plays are staged, as well as classical recitals and ballet programs. The variety of performances presented are all part of the Swine Palace's ever-deepening tradition of excellence.
If you're a real nature lover and want to see animals from all over the world but don't have the time or resources to make the trip, the Global Wildlife Center is a total must-see! This is the largest totally free-roaming wildlife preserve of its kind in the world. The 900-acre center is home to over 4,000 exotic, endangered and threatened animals from all over the planet. You can actually feed and touch the animals when you take the guided safari tour. Just reach out and touch a fascinating world of nature.