2-Day Family-Friendly Baton Rouge (Spring) Itinerary
A relaxed, kid-centered 2-day plan for families visiting Baton Rouge in spring (March). Short transfers, stroller-friendly routes, regular snack/nap breaks, and hands-on attractions for ages ~2–12. Weather in March is mild; outdoor stops are scheduled mid-day with shade or indoor alternatives.
Highlights
- Baton Rouge Zoo — kid-friendly animal exhibits and shady paths
- Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center — stroller-friendly boardwalks and wildlife viewing
- Louisiana Art & Science Museum (Shaw Center) — hands-on exhibits and family programming
- USS KIDD Veterans Museum — climbable ship decks for older kids
- Riverfront Plaza (Shaw Center) & North Boulevard Town Square — easy outdoor play spaces
Itinerary
Day 1
Zoo, nature boardwalk, relaxed downtown evening — gentle pace with naps and snack breaks.
Baton Rouge Zoo — Morning animal walk (great for ages 2–10)
Start at the Baton Rouge Zoo to see mammals, birds and the KidZone. Paths are paved and shaded in many sections — excellent for strollers and short attention spans.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive at opening to avoid crowds and catch keeper talks — restrooms with changing tables are available near the main entrance.
- Bring a lightweight stroller or wagon; routes are paved but some animal-viewing areas can be sunny — pack sunscreen and a hat.
- Visit the KidZone and education barn first for hands-on encounters and a quieter play area if younger kids need to burn energy.
Lunch at The Chimes (LSU-area family-friendly)
Local favorite with a kids' menu, high chairs, and quick service. Good for picky eaters — children can get simple plates while adults try local flavors.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a corner table for stroller parking and room for kids to spread out; staff are used to families and can speed up orders.
- The Chimes offers grilled and fried options — request allergy notes to the server for simple substitutions.
- If lines form, consider takeout and a shaded picnic on nearby LSU campus lawns (short 5–10 minute walk).
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center — Boardwalk nature time (ages 2–10)
Stroller-friendly boardwalks through swamp habitat. Great for birdwatching, spotting turtles, and short, engaging nature walks without long hikes.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the visitor center restroom/changing table before heading onto the boardwalk; some boardwalk sections are uneven so a compact stroller is easier.
- Bring binoculars or a simple spotting sheet for kids — spring is good for migratory birds and active wildlife.
- Plan for shade breaks at the pavilion and keep insect spray handy during warmer afternoons.
Quiet break / hotel time — Nap and snack window
Allow 75 minutes back at your hotel or a quiet downtown spot for naps, diaper changes, and regrouping. Keeps the afternoon low-stress for little ones.
Tips from local experts:
- If staying downtown, pick a hotel with a suite or rollaway option for a comfortable nap; otherwise, the Shaw Center plaza has benches and shaded spots.
- Use this time to pre-fill water bottles, double-check sunscreen, and change into dry layers for evening activities.
- Keep a small snack bag (crackers, fruit pouches) ready — it prevents hangry meltdowns during the next short transfer.
Early dinner at Parrain's Seafood — family-friendly seafood with flexible options
A local seafood house with kid-friendly plates and quick-cook options. Offers grilled choices for children who prefer milder flavors.
Tips from local experts:
- Request a high chair and ask kitchen for smaller portions or plain grilled fish for picky eaters — servers are used to families.
- Sit near the windows or in a quiet corner to avoid busy service periods; earlier reservations reduce wait times with kids.
- If any family member has seafood allergies, mention this immediately — many dishes can be prepared separately or substituted.
Riverfront stroll at Riverfront Plaza (Shaw Center) — gentle evening wind-down
Short, stroller-friendly walk along the Mississippi River. Good way to let kids roam safely and watch river traffic as the sun goes down.
Tips from local experts:
- There are wide paved walkways for strollers and scooter-friendly paths — bring a small blanket if you want to sit and watch boats.
- Evenings can be breezy in March — pack a light hoodie for kids and check restroom availability at the Shaw Center before heading out.
- Point out boats and bridges as a calm, educational wrap-up to the day — bring a small snack to enjoy on a bench.
Day 2
Interactive museum time, a quick local lunch, hands-on naval ship experience, and an afternoon park/play area before departure.
Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM) at the Shaw Center — Kids' exhibits & planetarium (ages 3+)
Interactive exhibits and rotating family-friendly displays. Check planetarium show times in advance — great indoor morning activity if weather changes.
Tips from local experts:
- Book any planetarium shows in advance online; arriving early lets kids explore the hands-on gallery before the show starts.
- Strollers are accepted but you'll likely leave them at the gallery entrance for shows — bring a compact carrier for toddlers if you plan to go inside the planetarium.
- The museum has family restrooms and changing stations; ask staff about quiet corners if a child needs a calm space.
Mid-morning snack & downtime at Shaw Center cafe / plaza
Short snack, bathroom break, and time to refill water bottles before heading to lunch. Good buffer for nap-prone kids.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the indoor cafe seating if it's windy or cool; outdoor plaza offers space for kids to move safely for a few minutes.
- Ask the cafe staff for low-sugar options and cut fruit — helpful to avoid sugar crashes before lunchtime.
- Locate the nearest family restroom before leaving; the Shaw Center has accessible facilities near the main lobby.
Lunch at Raising Cane's — quick, local chicken favorites kids love
Local-born chain known for simple chicken finger meals. Fast service, kid-friendly menu and easy takeout if you prefer a nearby picnic.
Tips from local experts:
- Raising Cane's is quick-service — good option when kids are hungry and impatient; ask for cutlery for little hands.
- The menu is simple; request grilled or plain options if your child has sensitivities — staff can accommodate basic substitutions.
- If full dining isn't appealing, take the meal to go and picnic at nearby North Boulevard Town Square (short drive) for more space.
USS KIDD Veterans Museum — Explore a WWII destroyer (best for ages 6+ with supervision)
Climbable decks and real naval equipment make USS KIDD a tactile museum for older kids. Some narrow stairs and metal surfaces — parents should supervise younger children closely.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a baby carrier instead of a stroller — the ship has many ladders and tight passageways where strollers can't go.
- Wear comfortable shoes and keep hands on little ones; some decks and ladders are steep. The Visitor Center has restrooms and changing facilities.
- Plan a 90–120 minute visit and focus on the main deck and engine room highlights — staff often welcome curious kids and can point out safe areas to explore.
Play & wind-down at North Boulevard Town Square — Fountain and small play area
Urban park with open paved plaza, fountains, and seating — a good final stop for kids to run and for families to relax before heading home.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a towel or change of clothes if kids want to play near the fountains — spring days can still be cool, so plan accordingly.
- Benches and shaded areas are available for caregivers; this plaza is stroller-friendly and an easy spot for a last diaper change or snack.
- If you're catching late travel, the square is a safe place to let kids burn energy while adults pack up the car or check travel plans.
