Spring fun continues around Baton Rouge this weekend with magical adventures, hands-on history activities, and exciting nighttime nature experiences for families. If you’re looking for Things To Do in Baton Rouge This Weekend, we’ve rounded up some fun family-friendly events happening around town.
Weekend Weather in Baton Rouge
Friday: Rain during the day with highs in the low 80s
Saturday: Highs in the low 80s with early rain showers
Sunday: Clear, cloudy with highs in the low 80’s
Disclosure: Event details can change due to weather or other circumstances. We always recommend checking with event hosts or official websites before heading out.
Things To Do in Baton Rouge This Weekend
Friday May 8th
Swamp Flashlight Night
📍 Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
🕐 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (May 8)
👶 Ages 3+
Details: Experience the swamp after dark during this family-friendly nighttime adventure at Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center. Families can enjoy live animal encounters, explore the trails on a self-guided flashlight hike, or join a guided hike for an additional fee. The swamp gets very dark at night, so don’t forget to bring a flashlight. Closed-toe shoes and insect repellent are recommended.
Admission: Regular admission applies
Note: Trail admission ends at 8:15 PM.
Learn more:
https://www.brec.org/calendar/detail/swamp-flashlight-night/21758
Nature Night Hike + Campfire – CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
📍 Manchac Park
🕐 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM (May 8)
👶 Ages 6+
Details: Discover what happens in nature after dark during this guided nighttime hike through Manchac Park. Families will learn about nocturnal wildlife and nighttime ecology while exploring the woods with conservation staff. The evening wraps up around the campfire with s’mores. Registration is required, and children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Admission: $5
Registration: Online registration required
Learn more:
https://www.brec.org/calendar/detail/nature-night-hike-campfire/21828
Saturday, May 9th
Colonial Games + Toys
📍 BREC’s Magnolia Mound
🕐 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM – Saturday, May 9
👶 Ages 6 – 12
Details: Step back in time at this hands-on history event where families can explore what life was like more than 230 years ago. Kids can enjoy colonial games and toys, interactive history activities, a guided walking tour, and hands-on crafts to take home.
Learn more:
https://www.brec.org/calendar/detail/handson-history-games
FAE Fest – NEW TIME!
📍 Forest Community Park
🕐 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, May 9
👶 All ages
Details: Enter a magical world filled with fantasy adventures, storytelling, crafts, potion-making, music, and mythical creatures. Families can explore interactive quests, shop the mystic marketplace, and enjoy a whimsical afternoon designed for fairies, wizards, gnomes, and magical beings of all ages.
Learn more:
brec.org/faefest
Science Academy (Ages 8–12)
Highland Road Park Observatory
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Price: $5 per session
Registration Method: Online or In-person
Age Limit: 8-12
Young explorers can dive into the world of astronomy and space science. Topics vary each session and may include rockets, the Earth–Moon system, galaxies, gravity, and more.
Guided Horseback Trail Rides
Farr Park Equestrian Center
Select Saturdays & Sundays (by appointment) May 9th 10:30 AM & Noon Registration required
Enjoy a peaceful guided horseback ride through scenic trails on gentle, well-trained horses. These one-hour rides are open to riders ages 9 and up and are perfect for families, friends, or anyone wanting a relaxing outdoor adventure.