Tubing on the Bogue Chitto River
Anyone who lives in New Orleans, or the Gulf South in general, knows that summer days can be absolutely brutal. The heat feels as if it’s attacking you, and your shirt sticks to your body like a wet blanket. At LOOP NOLA, we have adjusted to the heat and fully accept it as part of life. However, we are always on the lookout for fun ways to cool off in the outdoors over the summer. Hopefully this quick article will leave you with some good ideas on how to beat the heat this summer.
4 ways to beat the heat in New Orleans this summer
Go to a pool
The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD) provides access to a massive number of recreational facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools. The indoor pools are open year-round, and the outdoor pools have officially opened for the summer.. In addition to offering swim lessons and an opportunity to join a team, NORD also provides a number of other aquatic activities, such as canoeing, aqua fitness, fishing, and more.
Take a small beach trip
If you aren’t the biggest fan of pools, then maybe a sandy destination will float your boat. There are numerous beaches in and around the Louisiana area, and taking a day trip to one of them is a perfect way to spend a hot summer day. Fontainebleau State Park is a short drive from New Orleans and has both a beach and a splash pad. Bay St. Louis, Gulf Port, and Biloxi are all popular beach destinations within a two-hour drive of the city. If you pack your own lunch, the cost of venturing out to a beach is extremely cost efficient.
Cool off this summer
Hot weather is no reason to stay inside! There are plenty of options in the New Orleans Area for outdoor summertime fun.
Visit a water park
Another great way to escape the heat is to visit a waterpark, though this tends to cost a little more. The Blue Bayou Water Park located in Baton Rouge offers prices starting at $39.99, and provides a wide variety of attractions including 12 full-size waterslides, lazy river, wave pool, and over 25 on-land rides. The Buccaneer Bay waterpark in Waveland, Mississippi, is also a great destination to spend a hot day. Although it is a bit further away, their rates are certainly tough to beat. Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, this 4.5 acre waterpark is open daily throughout the summer season from 10am to 6pm through Labor Day, and is equipped with a wave pool, two giant water slides and a kiddie pool, aptly dubbed the “Lil’ Smugglers’ Cove.” Additionally, coming this summer, there are plans to construct “Splash Island,” with 3 new waterslides, 26 interactive spray features, 2 giant tipping buckets, and cabana rental.
Try some water sports
Water sports are another great way to cool off, with a multitude of different aquatic amenities being available in Louisiana. Whether you want to take a serene kayak or canoe trip on a local lake, or have an urge for something a bit bigger, all of these are open to rent around the area. Our Outdoor Adventure Club members always look forward to their annual trips with Canoe and Trail Adventures and Louisiana River Adventures. Both options are located north of Lake Pontchartrain with Canoe and Trail being the closer option. Canoe and Trail is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and stand up paddleboarding on scenic rivers; and they offer guided tours for a more educational experience. Louisiana River Adventures offers tubing and kayaking for a relaxing float trip on a cool river. For something a little closer, check out Community Sailing New Orleans for their access pass options and sailing lessons.
Given that New Orleans is notorious for unforgiving summer heat, it’s no surprise that the city has adapted and established a plethora of solutions to such a problem. So there is no need to suffer, as there are plenty of aquatic activities to help cool off this summer. We hope to see you outside!
