The Capital Region is a paddler's paradise, brimming with glistening lakes, winding rivers, and mysterious bayous. Test your skills at Zachary's famed Bennett's Water Ski School, renowned for its world-class instruction and water-skiing experiences. For a more leisurely pace, explore the LSU Lakes. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and enjoy a scenic paddle around the calm waters. Beyond these popular spots, the region offers a treasure trove of hidden gems. Kayak through the cypress swamps of Manchac State Park or canoe down the Comite River. Boating more your speed? Head to False River to cruise along the shoreline, admire the waterfront homes, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.

Sometimes, you just want to kick back and relax—or maybe challenge your friends to a game of disc golf. With numerous parks scattered throughout the Capital Region, you’ll find spaces to picnic, play, and just enjoy the great outdoors. Baton Rouge’s parks and recreation program offers a variety of activities, ranging from golf venues like Santa Maria and Beaver Creek to a variety of extreme sports options. BREC has more than 180 parks, including a unique mix of facilities, including a state-of-the-art observatory, a swamp nature center and conservation areas, a performing arts theatre, an equestrian park, an art gallery, an arboretum, an accredited zoo, six golf courses and an extreme sports park with a 30,000-foot concrete skate park, rock-climbing wall, BMX track and velodrome. Since 2004, BREC has constructed 12 community parks, five dog parks, a family-sized Aquatics Center, a growing trails system, fishing ponds, larger playgrounds and procured two mobile recreation units.