Blue Bayou Water Park – A Summer Survival Guide

It's funny how kids around Acadiana seem to know the names Blue Bayou and Dixie Landin' long before they're tall enough to ride all the rides. Despite being located in Baton Rouge, these parks have long been Acadiana's summer fun destination. A right of passage of sorts for area youths, no summer is complete without a trip to the parks.

For those poor souls who have never experienced a day at the park, Blue Bayou/Dixie Landin' is a water and amusement park wrapped into one located at I-10 and Highland Road in Baton Rouge,LA.

Blue Bayou, the water park, has over 20 water attractions ranging from intense slides for thrill seekers to lazy rivers, a waves pool, and a children's play area. Dixie Landin' features 26 amusement rides, midway games, concerts, and so much more.

Now that we've gotten that out of the way, the following is our top tips for summer fun at Blue Bayou/Dixie Landin':

1. Watch the weather when planning your trip

-Nothing can ruin a day at the park faster than thunderstorm, and Louisiana weather can change in an instant, so be sure to check the radar before hauling the family to Baton Rouge. The way the weatherman's radar works today, you should be able to get a decent heads-up on impending weather for the next few days.

2. Get to the park early (for parking and setting up camp)

- As they old saying goes, "the early bird gets the worm". It's first come first serve in the park and the best tables, parking places, and shady spots will be gobbled up fast. There are a few keys spots to keep an eye out for, one near the Pirates Cove and the other near the wave pool, both of which have covered areas to protect you things in case the weather gets bad, or if someone just needs to get out of the sun for a while.

3. Look for discounts (Coke cans, other coupon offers)

-The park is constantly offering coupons and discounts. Check around for special deals and offers. It will only help you save money!

4. Pack a lunch (as well as enjoy food in the park)

-Packing a lunch can save some extra $$ on the trip, but if not make sure to indulge in some park delicacies. The summer sun can be taxing on the body and proper nutrition is imperative to safety. One suggestion is to snack inside the park at one of the many food vendors and then take a walk back to your vehicle and have a pick-nick with the family while you take a break from the rides. Then head on back for round two.

5. Sunscreen early/often

-It goes with out saying, but every year someone you know will get burnt to a crisp. Don't let you are the people in your party be that poor person. Sunscreen up! The higher the SPF, the better off you'll be. Remember to reapply frequently, especially if you're sliding down one of the slides or relaxing in the lazy river. That inner tube can rub the sunscreen off your back and then...you know.

6. Change of clothes for the second half of the day

-Whether drenched in sweat from the heat, or drenched in water from the rides, it will be a good idea to pack an extra set of clothing. The park offers lockers to keep your valuables safe while you enjoy your day. The other reason why you'll want dry clothes is so you won't be damp when you hit Dixie Landing ride all the other rides in the park

7. Invest in some water shoes (lots of walking)

-Anyone who's ever walked barefoot on hot pavement knows that it's not a pleasant experience. Water shoes work great to keep the heat off your feet, and aide in hygiene issues. You'll have a lot of walking/stair climbing/treading in the wave pool so make sure you've got your feet covered.

8. More than one trip this year? Get a season pass

-If you're a multiple trip kind of family a season pass can help save big $$$ in the long run.

_________________

Hours of Operation for June - July:

Blue Bayou: 10am - 6pm Monday - Sunday

Dixie Landin': 2pm - 8pm Sunday - Thursday & 2pm - 10pm Friday and Saturday

The parks' hours are seasonal, subject to chance, and differ for each section, so it's best to check out the official schedule before planning a trip.

Rides and Attractions

For those who haven't been to the parks lately, Blue Bayou "Land of the Giants" has really stepped up it's game. Some of the park's famous attractions include (and yes, they are the World's Largest, not just saying...):

VooDoo -The World's Largest Dark Behemoth BOWL.

Azuka - The World's Largest Tornado Slide.

Racers - The World's Largest Water Racer.

Flying Pirogues - The World's Largest Sled Slide.

Conja - The Worlds Largest In-Line Water Slide.

Dixie Landin's top attractions include:

Xtreme - A spinning roller coaster that gives you a different ride every time.

Hot Shot - A 200 Foot Combo Drop Tower Ride.

Ragin Cajun - A steel looping roller coaster.

Splinter - A log ride has drops of 26 and 50 feet.

__________

Have you been to Blue Bayou/Dixie Landin' lately? What are you favorite rides/attractions/memories? What tips do you have for people planning trips this summer? Let us know in the comment section.

Be sure to click the "Like" button to share this with your friends!

For additional information on Blue Bayou or Dixie Landin', check out their website here.