6 ways to beat the heat during the summertime in Baton Rouge

This story was originally published in 225 Daily in June 2023. It has been updated.

We’re nearly a month into summer, but Baton Rouge residents have truly been feeling the heat for months. 

It’s time to find activities and treats that make it a little more bearable. Though most would love to curl up under a ceiling fan or blast the cool AC indoors, there are plenty of other ways to beat the heat while getting out and about around town. 

Whether it’s cooling down with an icy dessert or enjoying a day in the water, here are six ways to enjoy the season before summer melts away. 

1. Do some local shopping at a new spot.

Find solace in the air conditioning of local retail stores for a day out that won’t make you melt. Yes, retail therapy can break the bank, but at least indoor shoppers won’t have to break a sweat. Browse Baton Rouge small businesses and visit some of the area’s shops like Emily Katherine Boutique, Fleurty Girl and Shop House (the store is currently closed for a short summer break but reopens July 22). Or search items to help make summer more enjoyable like ball caps, tank tops and graphic tees from Hey, Penelope.

2. Take home a pint or ice cream cake from Gail’s Fine Ice Cream. 

Almost nothing beats frozen ice cream on a hot day. Gail’s Fine Ice Cream has treats that can purchased in advance and enjoyed with friends—or all by yourself— like ice cream cakes and pints of its fan-favorite flavors, like Little Monsters, Cortada Crunch and Lemon Berry Ice Box Pie.

3. Make a splash at BREC parks.

Round up the whole family for a cool outing to BREC’s Liberty Lagoon, which recently reopened following a month-long delay caused by a lifeguard shortage and maintenance issues. This waterpark features the Shockwave, water slides, splash pads, a lazy river and plenty of pool space to play in. Liberty Lagoon also has concessions and umbrella-shaded seating so families can grab a quick bite between water fun. For younger ones and non-swimmers alike, seven BREC parks are home to interactive splash pads and water play areas with no standing water.

4. Cool down with a frosty beverage scavenger hunt.

A cold glass of beer is sure to offer a little relief on a hot day. Take a page from the Capital Area Craft Trail, which launched in 2022 and encouraged beer lovers to stop at local breweries for a drink. Until the trail comes back, plan your own boozy scavenger hunt drinking cool beers in the shaded shelter of Baton Rouge breweries and distilleries, or check out Ascension Parish’s Cocktail Trail, which runs through July 31.

5. Order a cold dish.

When the summer temperatures start to rise, piping hot dishes like warm pastas and soups might sound less enjoyable to some. Luckily, many Baton Rouge eateries have some cold plate options to chow down on. Try dishes that are best served cold like ceviches from Blue Corn Modern Mexican, chilled seafood from Beausoleil Coastal Cuisine, poke from Soji Modern Asian and so many more. 

6. Invest in hot-weather plants.

Plants feel the heat just like we do. If you’re tired of your garden shriveling up in the summertime, it may be time to shop for leafy friends who can handle the hotter weather. Baton Rouge Succulent Co. offers air plants, house plants, succulents and cacti. These plants are ideal in the warmer months because they either don’t need tons of care or can be housed indoors. The shop also sells dried floral arrangements, which require no care at all. Want to learn more about how to take care of your plants? Browse 225‘s plant-care guide or peek at Baton Rouge Succulent Co.’s online explainer on how to keep your plants thriving in the summer months.