What I love about my city of Baton Rouge is that we have the best Park and Recreation Commission. They have been honored twice with a nationally accredited gold medal award. The Commission is known to us Baton Rougians as BREC. BREC operates over a hundred parks, golf courses, museums, and recreation areas throughout the parish.

This summer, as with every summer, my family spends a lot to time partaking in BREC festivities. Whether you are a native to the area or just visiting for a few days, BREC offers many activities… that are both fun and educational. And most cost less than $5.

Today I am going to talk about 8 BREC facilities or sponsored events that the family will enjoy. I tell you, it was hard to ratchet this list down to only 8. But even with these 8, you’ll find much joy and excitement for under $5 (and some are even free).

1 - Bluebonnet Swamp Tour ($2 for adults, $1 for kids, free for babies)

Ever wanted to get up close and personal with nature? Well, here is where you ought to be. The nature center is 100 acres of swamps, woods and wildlife. Here you can watch snakes slither and listen to the birds sing.

2 - BREC Zoo ($3 for kids, $1 for everybody on Wednesdays)

Chill out with the elephant, be terrified by the tigers! Croak with the frog, but don’t feed the bears!

3 - Highland Observatory (Zero dollars and zero cents)

Hang out with the stars… the real kind. The observatory is open every day… but on Friday and Saturday, they host a science academy and sky viewing. The science academy is really entertaining. Each week the focus is something new. Last week we made rockets, the week before we made short wave AM radios.

4 - Magnolia Mound Plantation House ($3 for kids, free for everyone on Thursdays)

A historical landmark and a memento of times gone by! This plantation home even has a crop garden with cotton and sugar cane. Magnolia Mound is architectural wonder and a piece of history preserved.

5 - BMX Park (free if you have your own bike or you can rent one for $4)

So you fantasize about being the next Matt Hoffman? Well go to the raceway to practice your high flying tricks. Or if being a spectator is more your M.O., stop by to watch the daredevils play.

6 - Skate park (not even a cent, i.e. free)

Not into Matt Hoffman, then maybe Tony Hawk is more your style. Well kickflip, mc twist and primo grind until you break a hip. The skate park has ramps, rails and fun boxes. However, EMS is not on site, so have a blast, but be careful.

7 - Sunshine Socials ($2-$3 per person)

Sunshine Socials offers a time to relax and play for people with disabilities and their families. Depending on the night, the social is a dance, a movie night, or a karaoke night.

This next one is not sponsored by BREC, but it is still worth a mention…

8 - USS Kidd ($4 for kids)

Tour a real live U S Naval destroyer! The ship comes quipped with original bunks and machine guns. And if you want, you can make reservations to spend the night. Along with a ticket to tour the ship, your $4 also gets you a pass into the Veterans Memorial Museum. Inside there is a mini replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall.