Picture this: purple-and-gold kites dancing above the Parade Ground while your little Tigers run the lines, faces painted and giggling. You’ve still got jaw-dropping barbecue waiting back at Tiger’s Trail, and the only whistle you hear is the wind—kickoff is hours away, but your game day is already winning.
Key Takeaways
• Parade Ground is the main kite zone; arrive early for open grass and close parking
• LSU limits tents to 10 × 10 feet, no ground stakes, and no gas generators allowed
• Pack single-line purple-and-gold kites, sandbag weights, beach wagon, sunscreen, water, fruit cups, and PB&J sliders
• Leave Tiger’s Trail RV Resort around 7 a.m. for a 40-minute drive that beats traffic and grabs good spots
• Use only battery inverters for power and keep music off after midnight (2 a.m. post-game)
• Mark a 50-foot play zone with bright blankets so kids stay safe and in sight
• Ideal winds are 6–18 mph; stop flying if gusts top 20 mph or thunder is within 30 seconds
• Keep everyone cool with ice-water towels, shade, and steady drinks in reusable bottles
• Clean up every string, wrapper, and crumb to leave the Parade Ground spotless
• Exit during a TV timeout late in the game for an easier walk back and quick RV getaway.
Stick with us and you’ll learn:
• The exact grassy pocket where kites soar clear of tents and traffic.
• What to pack so the kids stay busy, fed, and sunscreened without a single screen.
• How to dodge campus no-nos (👋 generators, giant grills) and still keep the tailgate tasty.
No generator? No problem.
First LSU trip with kiddos? We’ve got you.
Ready to make game day fly? Let’s geaux!
Quick-Glance Cheat Sheet
Every great tailgate starts with a few clutch facts, so here’s your at-a-glance boost before the coffee even brews. Skim this section, screenshot it, and you’ll have the essentials in your pocket the second wheels roll toward campus. Commit these bites to memory, and you’ll troubleshoot on autopilot when the crowds close in.
Must-Know LSU rules: tents max at 10 × 10, no ground stakes, and generators are off-limits. Three packing essentials: single-line delta kites, beach wagon for gear, and a cooler loaded with water and fruit cups. Favorite Tiger’s Trail perks: free charcoal grills, pond-side open field for test flights, and a lazy river reward for tired parents after the W.
Why a Kite-Flying Tailgate?
Kites give families a screen-free magnet that draws every age into the same moment. Kids chase the wind, teens film slow-mo launches for Instagram, and adults relax because the activity naturally keeps everyone inside a safe boundary. Add LSU’s purple and gold on the sail and you’ve got instant school spirit soaring high over the Parade Ground.
Unlike tossing a football—where rogue spirals can collide with coolers or strangers—kites stay above the crowd, turning wide sky into play space. They also fill the long gap between pancake breakfast and kickoff, sparing you the “I’m bored” chorus that can derail an early Saturday. Grandparents appreciate the gentler pace, and fun aunts/uncles rack up insta-cred with zero special equipment beyond a spool of line.
Night-Before Prep at Tiger’s Trail RV Resort
Set the stage the evening before when winds around the resort pond tend to glide at a friendly 6–10 mph. A quick test flight lets you tweak tail lengths and show rookies how a gentle tug can right a nose-diving kite. Kids practice away from traffic, and any tangled lines are fixed in sandals, not stadium crowds.
If showers pop up, roll the project indoors to the air-conditioned clubhouse, where Wi-Fi streams a how-to loop and tables hold markers, stickers, and purple crepe-paper tails. While crafts dry, fire up the complimentary charcoal grill, flip a batch of sliders, and tuck them into insulated carriers for the next morning. Quiet hours begin at 10 p.m., so drop the volume on the victory playlist and earn neighborly kudos for future weekends.
Game-Day Departure Logistics
Traffic along the ten-mile stretch to campus doubles on game mornings, so leaving Tiger’s Trail by 7 a.m. usually means a 40–50-minute ride and a decent parking choice. Many families tow a compact sedan or book a ride-share to avoid navigating an extended truck down Nicholson Drive’s tightening lanes. A brief detour via Gardere Lane can shave another five minutes if traffic reports look rough.
Before rolling, switch any RV refrigerators to propane mode because LSU forbids running gas generators once parked. Pack kites, chairs, and sunscreen into a beach wagon so grown-ups keep both hands free to guide kids through crosswalks. Ice packs layered around sliders and fruit keep food safe until the first blanket spread.
LSU Tailgating Rules in Plain English
No one likes discovering a rule by meeting a campus marshal, so lock down the basics now. Tents may go up after 5 p.m. Friday or at sunrise for early kickoffs, but the footprint tops out at 10 × 10 and must rest on weighted feet—no metal stakes. Knowing these numbers ahead of time keeps set-up stress off your morning.
For power, only battery inverters pass muster; leave the noisy gas units at home. Amplified music stays within your space and goes silent by midnight Friday, stretching to 2 a.m. post-game. Full regulations live on the LSU site, and a quick skim of the official tailgating rules will save you fines and frowns.
Picking the Perfect Flying Field
The Parade Ground is prime because its wide grass gives kites room to climb without snaring tent poles, and nearby parking lots shorten the wagon haul. An oak line offers pocket shade where grandparents can settle into chairs while still enjoying the airborne show. Early birds lay claim to center patches, so arriving before breakfast pays off.
If that lawn is jam-packed, pivot to the Nicholson Drive green belts or the open grass near Bernie Moore Track. These backups still provide clear sky lanes and keep you close enough to smell tiger-striped sausages popping on grills. Wherever you land, mark a 50-foot buffer with bright blankets so kids see the safe zone at a glance.
Kid-Friendly Set-Up Checklist
Start by popping the tent at the rear of your 10 × 10 so the front half stays open as a “runway.” Weight each corner with 20-pound sandbags that double as kite anchors when the breeze picks up. Next, unspool single-line delta or diamond kites pre-rigged with 15- to 25-pound test cotton line—perfect for small hands without surprise snaps.
Slide a cooler under the shade and stock it with chilled water, electrolyte pouches, PB&J sliders, and cutie oranges for quick vitamin C. A safety table holds sunscreen, ID wristbands, and a first-aid kit ready for minor scrapes. Clip a battery fan to a canopy pole for whisper-quiet airflow that respects LSU’s generator ban.
Activities that Make the Day Fly
Little hands love a mini kite-making station where paper-bag kites can be colored, stapled, and aloft in under ten minutes. Nearby, launch a “Highest Flight Before Kickoff” contest using a ribbon marker tied at max altitude—kids cheer, phones film, and the scoreboard resets between heats. Draw extra inspiration from demo loops you might spot at Kite Fest EBR or Kite Fest Louisiane’ each spring; visits to these festivals (East Baton Rouge event, Louisiane’ festival) teach fun tricks you can replicate.
For a parade of pure spirit, line kids up for the Sideline Strut—kite handles in one hand, tiger-tail streamers in the other—marching the length of your buffer zone to shouts of “Geaux Tigers!” Teens can capture slo-mo footage of synchronized dives, and grandparents judge creativity from shaded seats. Because every activity stays within the boundary, parents relax without scanning the horizon every second.
Snack and Hydration Game Plan
Nutrition sneaks in when treats taste like tailgate heaven. Cold boxes hold ham pinwheels, goldfish, and fruit cups that slide neatly into compostable bamboo trays—no foam to toss, no sticky fingers to scrub. For something warm, a small portable grill under LSU’s size cap reheats sliders in minutes, sending hickory aroma across the grass.
Hydration is a must under that Baton Rouge sun, so issue reusable bottles to each child and stash powdered drink sticks for flavor variety. Parents love the waste-cutting angle; kids love choosing grape or fruit punch on the fly. Keep a separate cooler of ice-water towels to drape over necks during shade breaks—quick cooldowns mean longer smiles.
Weather and Contingency Tactics
Ideal kite winds hover between 6 and 18 mph, but gusts above 20 call for grounding to prevent snapped spars. Follow the 30/30 lightning rule: if thunder follows a flash in under 30 seconds, pack up and find shelter, then wait 30 minutes after the last rumble to relaunch. Plastic totes with sealing lids protect kites from sudden showers and double as dry seats if turf turns mushy.
When the heat index climbs past 95°F, battery fans, pop-up shade, and steady water rounds keep the crew safe. If storm clouds stall the fun, pivot to the LSU Museum of Natural Science or retreat to Tiger’s Trail for board games in the clubhouse. A backup plan keeps morale high and proves to kids that adventure doesn’t depend on perfect skies.
Eco-Friendly Leave-No-Trace Steps
Low-impact habits earn nods from LSU grounds crews and neighboring fans alike. Swap disposable plastic for stackable containers and reusable bottles; the waste you don’t create is weight you don’t lug back. A quick sweep with a travel broom clears cracker crumbs that attract ants and cranky looks.
Before the final whistle, walk your 10 × 10 in a slow grid, snagging stray line bits and zip-ties that wildlife might mistake for snacks. Hand extra trash bags to a neighbor whose supply ran out—instant goodwill and a cleaner Parade Ground. Anchoring kites with sandbags, not tree trunks, protects bark and keeps pedestrian paths open for stroller traffic. It’s a small gesture that makes a big, visible difference after the crowds clear.
Sample Timeline for a Morning Kickoff
Mapping the day helps everyone, especially kids, know what happens next. Depart Tiger’s Trail at 7 a.m., park by 8 a.m., and haul gear to your chosen grass patch by 8:30. Boundaries get marked and sunscreen applied by 9 a.m., and first kites climb skyward moments later. Building this rhythm into the kids’ expectations cuts down on mid-morning meltdowns.
A snack surge hits at 10 a.m., followed by the Highest-Flight Contest at 11. Pack down at 11:30 so you’re strolling toward Tiger Walk with gear stowed and excitement fresh. For seats in the upper decks, a mini kite encore on the concourse behind section 404 at halftime keeps restless legs busy without losing sight of the score. Leave a five-minute cushion between activities so everyone can hydrate and re-apply sunscreen.
Easy Exit and Post-Game Wind-Down
If little ones sag mid-fourth quarter, slip out during a TV timeout to beat the mass exodus on River Road. The walk back is calmer, and you’ll find your rig untouched at Tiger’s Trail, ready for rinse-off stations that blast grass from kite fabric and mud from sneakers. A lazy-river float rewards parents while kids replay victories in the splash zone.
Once you’re back at camp, store kites loosely coiled so the line dries overnight and stays tangle-free for Sunday play. A quick wipe-down of tent feet and sandbags prevents mildew and keeps your gear inspection-ready for the next road game. When the kiddos finally crash, parents can swap highlight reels over a quiet beverage beneath the string lights.
So go on—let the kids chase the sky, let your kites paint it purple and gold, and let Tiger’s Trail handle the rest. From sunrise test flights over the pond to post-game floats down the lazy river, everything you need for a breezy, rule-smart game day is waiting just south of campus. Reserve your RV site or lakeside cottage today, and make sure the next tailgate that really takes off starts and ends at Tiger’s Trail RV Resort. Geaux fly, geaux Tigers!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can we really fly kites on LSU’s Parade Ground or do we need a different field?
A: Yes, the Parade Ground is kite-friendly as long as you stay clear of walkways and other tailgate tents; its wide, treeless center catches steady breezes and campus security only asks that lines stay under 150 feet and kites avoid hovering above nearby roads.
Q: What if the Parade Ground is jam-packed when we arrive?
A: Your next best spots are the green belts along Nicholson Drive or the open lawn by Bernie Moore Track, both within stroller distance of game-day bathrooms and still close enough for a quick stroll to Tiger Walk.
Q: Do I need a permit or have to register a kite with LSU?
A: Nope—single-line recreational kites are considered “personal sports equipment,” so no paperwork is required; just follow the general tailgating rules about no metal stakes and keep your flying zone inside your 10 × 10 footprint plus a safe buffer.
Q: Does Tiger’s Trail RV Resort run a shuttle so I can leave the rig parked?
A: Absolutely; complimentary shuttles roll every 30 minutes starting four hours before kickoff, dropping you near the Union Square bus stop, which is a three-minute wagon pull to the Parade Ground.
Q: How far is Tiger’s Trail from Tiger Stadium if we need to make an early exit with sleepy kids?
A: The resort sits about 10 miles south of campus, translating to a 25-minute drive on light-traffic days and 40-50 minutes on game mornings; leaving during a TV timeout in the fourth quarter usually beats the post-game gridlock.
Q: Where can we park close enough to haul tailgate gear and kite supplies without turning the kids into pack mules?
A: The West Lakeshore and Touchdown Village lots are the easiest for families; both are pay-to-park, open at 7 a.m., and give you a flat, sidewalk path straight onto the Parade Ground in under five minutes.
Q: Are poles, stakes, or sandbags allowed for tents and kite lines?
A: LSU forbids ground stakes, so use 20-pound sandbags, water jugs, or weighted plates to anchor your 10 × 10 canopy and to secure kite handles when you need a snack break.
Q: Can we rent kites on site or should we bring our own?
A: While LSU doesn’t offer rentals, Tiger’s Trail sells affordable purple-and-gold delta kites in the front office, and local shop Hobby Towne on Coursey Boulevard carries sturdier options if you want to grab gear in town.
Q: What kind of kite works best for kids under 12 in Baton Rouge wind?
A: A single-line delta or diamond between 36 and 48 inches wide with 15- to 25-pound cotton line is perfect—light enough for young hands, stable in 6–15 mph breezes, and quick to reel down when it’s time to head to the stadium.
Q: Does the resort Wi-Fi handle photo uploads if we’re posting our kite shots later?
A: Yes, Tiger’s Trail’s fiber-backed network easily streams video and uploads high-res photos; just log on with your site or cottage code and you’ll have speeds around 50 Mbps in most outdoor common areas.
Q: What food rules should we know—can we grill at the Parade Ground?
A: Charcoal or small propane grills are fine as long as the cooking surface is under 55 gallons, flames stay supervised, and hot coals are doused before you leave; generators are banned, so plan on battery fans or ice to keep food safe.
Q: Is there shaded seating near the kite area for grandparents?
A: The oak line on the east edge of the Parade Ground casts generous shade all morning, and portable camp chairs set just inside that tree row still give a clear view of every soaring kite.
Q: What should I pack to keep the kids entertained between kickoff and halftime?
A: Bring a mini kite-craft kit (paper bags, markers, tape), a soft football, and a handful of purple face-paint sticks; these quick, mess-light activities hold attention during the stadium lull without needing screens.
Q: Are restrooms close by or will we be sprinting toddlers across campus?
A: The LSU Student Union opens three hours before kickoff with clean, climate-controlled restrooms, and a bank of portable toilets lines the north edge of the Parade Ground for faster pit stops.
Q: What post-game kid attractions are waiting back at Tiger’s Trail?
A: The resort’s lazy river, splash pad, and evening s’mores kits turn tired kite pilots into happy campers, while adults can unwind in the hot tub or catch replays on the clubhouse’s big-screen TVs.