“Summer in Louisiana: 10 Joyful Picks
Summer in Louisiana is hot, humid, and full of flavor—from backyard boils to Sunday sno-balls. Whether you’re planning a staycation, entertaining kids, or just trying to stay cool with Southern style, here’s our curated list of summer favorites that help make it joyful.
🍤 1. Backyard Boil Must-Haves
You can’t spell summer without seafood—whether it’s shrimp, crawfish, or crab, a backyard boil is a Louisiana tradition.
Etsy Pick:
🦐 Cajun Boil Party Kit – Table Runner & Seasoning Labels
Optional Tip: Use newspaper or butcher paper for easy cleanup and let the kids draw their own crawfish while it simmers.
🍧 2. Sno-ball Station at Home
Beat the heat with a DIY sno-ball bar! All you need is a shaved ice machine, syrup, and some good cups.
Amazon Pick:
🍓 Hawaiian Ice Maker with Louisiana-Style Syrups
Bonus: Add your own printable sign that says “Sno-ball Stand: Open for Business!”
🎨 3. Cajun Craft Time
Keep little hands busy with crafts that tie into our local culture—think Mardi Gras masks, crawfish stamping, or beignet-shaped playdough.
Etsy Pick:
🎭 Louisiana Craft Kit for Kids – Printable + Physical
📚 4. Read-Alouds Under the Oaks
Take story time outside! Louisiana is full of children’s books with local flavor, from swamp tales to gumbo rhymes.
Etsy/Amazon Pick:
📖 “Petite Rouge” – Cajun Red Riding Hood
📖 “Goodnight NOLA” – Bedtime in the Big Easy
Bring a picnic blanket and let the cicadas be your soundtrack.
🐊 5. Bayou Nature Walk Bingo
Take a slow stroll through your neighborhood or a nearby trail and see what critters and plants you can spot.
Freebie:
📥 Download my Bayou Bingo printable here
Amazon Pick:
🔍 Nature Explorer Kit – Magnifying Glass + Net + Bug Box
🍋 6. Sweet Southern Sips
Pour up some café au lait over ice or whip up a pitcher of lavender lemonade. Bonus points if you drink it from a Louisiana-themed tumbler.
Etsy Pick:
☕ “Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler” Mug or Glass Tumbler
🎶 7. Zydeco Kitchen Dance Party
Turn on the tunes while you cook or clean. You can’t help but smile when a washboard hits the beat.
Spotify Playlist:
🎵 Search: “Joyful Louisiana – Summer Mix”
Etsy Pick:
🥁 Mini Wooden Washboard for Kids or Decor
🌽 8. Mama’s Porch Joy
Give yourself a moment of peace—grab a book, light a candle, and sit on the porch like a proper Southern woman.
Etsy Pick:
🕯️ Louisiana Scents Candle – Bayou Breeze, Beignet, Sweet Magnolia
📔 “The Joyful Louisiana Journal” – Lined pages for reflections
🧺 9. Picnic at the Park
Pack some boudin, fruit, and lemonade and take the family to your favorite shady park. Let them run barefoot and wild.
Amazon Pick:
🧺 Gingham Picnic Blanket – Waterproof & Foldable
🎁 10. Bayou Baby Gifts for Summer Showers
It’s baby shower season! Whether you’re the host or guest, go with gifts that feel homegrown and heart-filled.
Etsy Picks:
👶 Louisiana Alphabet Print for Nursery
🦞 Crawfish Bib Set or Beignet Onesie
💜 Final Word:
There’s no summer quite like a Louisiana summer. It’s messy and beautiful, loud and loving—just like our families. Whatever your season looks like, I hope you find a little more joy in it, Louisiana style.