We’ve compiled a list of spring activities and family-friendly fun in Baton Rouge and beyond, including spring festivals, Easter Egg Hunts, berry picking locations, area plays and performances, special events, and so much more. We have plenty of events to fill up your spring calendar!
Be sure to check back often as we will continue to update with new events through the season.
Baton Rouge Area Spring / Easter Events & Activity Guide
CYT’s Production of Annie, Jr.
When: Thursday, Feb 11th – 10:00am
Friday, Feb 12th – 10:00am, 7:00pm
Saturday, Feb 13th – 2:00pm, 7:00pm
Sunday, Feb 14th – 3:00pm
Where: Shaver Theater Music & Dramatic Arts Building, Dalrymple Dr., LSU
Cost: 14 – Individual Online $16 – At-the-Door Price $12 – Group Discount (10 ticket minimum) $12 – Child Discount (Age Limit: 12)
More Info: Website
Leapin’ Lizards! The irrepressible comic strip heroine takes center stage in one of the world’s best-loved musicals.
With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. She is determined to find her parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of a New York City Orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. With the help of the other girls in the Orphanage, Annie escapes to the wondrous world of NYC. In adventure after fun-filled adventure, Annie foils Miss Hannigan’s evil machinations and even befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. She finds a new home and family in billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
Flashlight Night @ The Swamp
When: February 19th & May 20th – open until 9pm
Where: Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Cost: General Admission Free for pass holders
More Info: Website
Experience Bluebonnet Swamp after the sun goes down and the night life comes out to play. Park gates remain open on these special nights until 9 pm to allow visitors to explore the trails, enjoy live animal encounters and view a nature film. No registration is necessary.
LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s Open House
When: Saturday, February 20 at 9 AM – 3 PM
Where: LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Skip Bertman Dr, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
BREC’s Farr Park Equestrian Center, 6402 River Road, hosts its annual Stick Horse Rodeo Sat., April 9. Event registration begins at 9 a.m. and the competition will be held from 10 a.m.-noon.
Open House is an opportunity for everyone in the family to discover the fantastic world of veterinary medicine and the latest developments in animal health care, welfare and biomedical research. A self-guided tour will take visitors through the Veterinary Medicine Building, where students, faculty and staff will provide information and exhibits on veterinary medicine and biomedical science. In addition, the anatomy laboratory, intensive care units, surgery suites and radiology suites will be featured on the tour, along with other areas of the veterinary hospital.
There will also be a teddy bear repair station, where children can get their stuffed animals “sutured,” a petting zoo, an endoscopy station where children can “fish” for prizes, and animal demonstrations, such as parades of breeds for both dogs and horses. Equine treadmill demonstrations will be held throughout the day behind the Equine Research Building, as will companion animal underwater treadmill demonstrations.
Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny
When: Sunday February 28, 2016 – 2:00pm
Where: Manship Theatre
Cost: $20
More Info: Website
Adapted from Margaret Wise Brown’s sixty-year-old classic, GOODNIGHT MOON is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while THE RUNAWAY BUNNY’s pretend tale of leaving home evokes reassuring responses from his loving mum. Both feature the endearing animal puppets, stunning scenic effects and evocative music that have earned international recognition for Mermaid Theatre. The hour-long staged adaptation brings a fresh appreciation of the stories and images that have delighted several generations.
Walk with the Birds
When: March 5, April 2 – 7am-9am
Where: Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Cost: General admission,free for pass holders
More Info: Website
Led by a member of the Baton Rouge Audubon Society, visitors enjoy a morning hike through the forest and swamp while identifying various bird species. Bird-watching techniques and identification tips are also discussed. Beginners are welcome. Field guides and binoculars optional but recommended. For more information on birding and the Bluebonnet Bird Monitoring Project, visit braudubon.org. Registration is not required.
Drawing Instructions & Cartooning for Kids with Mike Artell
When: Saturday, March 5
10:30 a.m. River Center Branch
1:30 p.m. Baker Branch
4 p.m. Central Branch
Where: See above
Cost: Free
More Info: Website
Drawing Instructions & Cartooning for Kids with Mike Artell
Award-winning author, illustrator, musician and professional speaker Mike Artell will be at the Library in March to present a drawing program for children ages 6-11. Artell will read from some of his books and engage children in interactive brain games that challenge them to think in ways they may find unusual but fun! Artell also will talk about the different kinds of writing he does including fiction, non-fiction and biographies, as well as advertising copyrighting, greeting cards and other forms of writing that children don’t often hear about. The highlight of the presentation always is the step-by-step cartooning instructions. Kids will learn how to create cartoons that can help improve their reading, writing and thinking skills. Registration is required for all. For more information and to register, call the Library location directly. The date, times and locations are listed below.
First Sunday
When: Sunday, March 6, 2016 at 1:00pm, Sunday, April 3, 2016 at 1:00pm, Sunday, May 1, 2016 at 1:00pm
Where: Louisiana Art & Science Museum &
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
Spend some time with your friends or family this first Sunday at the Art & Science Museum! Free admission to the galleries, reduced admission to planetarium shows, and a variety of art and science exhibitions and activities make this a fun and unique day out for all ages.
Read Across America: Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ Birthday!
• Tuesday, March 1
10 a.m. Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch, ages 3-5
• Wednesday, March 2
4 p.m. Bluebonnet Regional Branch, ages 4-11
10 a.m. & 4 p.m. Carver Branch, ages 3-7
4:30 p.m. Central Branch, ages 3-7
3 p.m. Eden Park Branch, ages 6-9
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Main Library at Goodwood, ages 3-11
11 a.m. Pride-Chaneyville Branch, ages 3-6
All day Zachary Branch, all ages
• Thursday, March 3
4 p.m. Baker Branch, ages 3-11
10 a.m. Carver Branch, ages 3-7
10 a.m. Delmont Gardens Branch, ages 3-6
10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. River Center Branch, ages 5-11
• Saturday, March 5
2:30 p.m. Jones Creek Regional Branch, ages 5-11
5 p.m. Scotlandville Branch, ages 7-11
• Monday, March 7
4:30 p.m. Fairwood Branch, ages 3-8
For more information, call (225) 231-3710 or visit the Library’s online calendar at www.ebrpl.com.
More Info: Website
Read Across America is an initiative on reading created by the National Education Association. The East Baton Rouge Parish Library celebrates this initiative in conjunction with the commemoration of beloved children’s book author Dr. Seuss’ birthday (March 2). Each year in early March, the Library hosts a variety of special programs, storytimes, crafts and more for children. Dates, times and locations are listed below. For a list of program descriptions, visit the Library’s online calendar at www.ebrpl.com.
Wearin of the Green St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: Mar 12 2016 – 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where: S. Acadian Thrwy & Hundred Oaks Avenue
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
The first Wearin’ of the Green Parade rolled on March 13, 1986. Antique cars, convertibles, twirlers, scouts, close friends and family made their way down Perkins Road from City Park Golf Course to Zee Zee Gardens. Blessed with a sunny day, Pat Shingleton began his day with an Irish breakfast and started his annual tradition of walking with family at the end of the parade. It was a year earlier when he and his wife, Mabyn, were visiting his hometown when they finalized their purchase of Zee Zee Gardens Pub with two friends* and Brother Kevin. As Shingleton watched the St. Patrick’s Day Parade line-up on the Boulevard of the Allies in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, his parade vision began to crystallize.
Spring Green at the Zoo
When: Saturday, March 12, 2016 – Saturday, March 12, 2016
Where: BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo
Cost: Regular Zoo admission applies
More Info: Website
Join us March 12 as we celebrate being green. Learn what you can do to help wild animals and wild places at special amphitheatre programs. Games and crafts will also be available for children. Regular Zoo admission applies. Call 225.775.3877 for more information
Dog Days @ the Swamp
When: March 12th – 9am to 5pm
Where: Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Cost: General Admission Free for pass holders
More Info: Website
With our Dog Days, the Swamp drops its “No Pets” policy and opens its doors and trails to pets four days out of the year! All pets are welcome, but they must be on a leash and have their vaccinations current.
Rockin’ at the Swamp
When: March 19th 9am to 4pm
Where: Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Cost: Adults: $5 Children (Ages: 2-17): $4 Children (Ages: 2 & younger): Free Pass members: $2
More Info: Website
Join us to explore the exciting world of rocks, minerals, gemstones, and fossils. Add to your rock collection or find some unique gift items at our Rockhound Market. Try your skill scaling our rock climbing wall. Learn to identify different rocks and minerals and make your own take-home identification card on our Treasure Trail. Experience the excitement of the gold rush while hunting for iron pyrite in our Gold Mine. Make a Pet Rock or paint your own Rock Python or Stone Turtle in our craft corner. Explore ancient life forms in the Fossil Quarry. This is one rockin’ day of fun highlighting geology and earth science. Registration is not required.
An Old Fashioned Easter Celebration
When: Sunday, March 20, 2016
1:00pm until 4:00pm
Where: LSU Rural Life Museum
Cost: $5 per person
More Info: Website
Children ages 2 through 8 will have the opportunity to enjoy customs associated with Easter in Louisiana. Activities such as egg dyeing, paquing, and leg races will be available to participate in as well as hunting eggs for prizes. Admission fee: $5.00 per person.
Daisy’s Book Garden
When: March 20th 10:00am, 7:00pm
Where: Barnes & Noble
Cost: New or Gently used book
More Info: Website
Please join the Cure For Daisy team on the first day of spring, March 20, for our official launch for DAISY’S BOOK GARDEN. Donate a NEW or GENTLY — USED children’s book and pick an Easter Egg. Eggs will have candy, coupons & possible prizes.
For more info on Daisy’s Book Garden, visit Facebook.com/Thedaisynews
Pretend Play Party Easter Egg Hunt
When: March 25th 10am to 12pm
Where: Pretend Play Party
Cost: TBA
More Info: Website
Join Hopsy the Bunny for a fun Easter egg hunt, photos ops, Face Painting with Animated Ar!
South Louisiana Crawfish Boil, Craft & Car Show
When: Saturday, April 2 at 9 AM
Where: Lamar Dixon Expo 9039 S St Landry Ave, Gonzales, Louisiana 70737
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
Free to the public. Rain or shine, this year we are indoors! Events include, crawfish boil contest, jambalaya cook-off, craft show with over 150 craft booths, car show, eating contest, Hot boiled crawfish, live bands, beer booth, kids petting zoo, inflatables, 50/50 drawing, silent auction, washer board contest, celebrity judges, DJ, and much more!
Zippity Zoo Fest
When: Saturday, April 2, 2016 – Sunday, April 3, 2016
Where: BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
Join the Zoo as we celebrate our 46th birthday with our annual Zippity Zoo Fest! Guest will enjoy a Children’s Village, face painting, EdZooCation station, photo contest winners gallery, partner activity booths throughout the Zoo, animal enrichments and chats, family entertainment stage and of course, birthday cake! Regular Zoo admission applies. For more information, please see our Zippity Zoo Fest page.
FestForAll
When: April 2 – 3, 2016
Where: North Boulevard Town Square.
Cost: $8/person – Children under 2 are FREE
More Info: Website
Each spring the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge presents FestForAll – Baton Rouge’s premier art & music festival! Join us for a full weekend of art and entertainment downtown at the North Boulevard Town Square. FestForAll has been a Baton Rouge tradition since 1974. It is a chance for families to experience visual arts, and music in a wonderful festival atmosphere. Its distinguished 40+year history has garnered it a reputation as one of Louisiana’s finest art and music festivals. FestForAll is free & open to everyone. Each year the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge partners with the Junior League of Baton Rouge to coordinate the FestForAll Children’s Village. Children’s Village features hands-on art activities, live performances, great music and a lot of fun! We encourage young people and families to get creative while enjoying musicians, puppeteers, storytellers, jugglers, magicians, stilt walkers, and watch fun and entertaining stage performances on the Children’s Village Stage. All of these fun activities are free!
12TH ANNUAL KITE FEST LOUISIANE’
When: APRIL 2nd & 3rd, 2016
Where: WBR Soccer Complex Port Allen, Louisiana 70767
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
Bring your lawn chairs and come out to enjoy this one of a kind festival. Kites of all shapes and sizes fill the skies at this festival, the only Kite Festival in the state of Louisiana. This unique festival combines professional kite flyers from all over the country who come to enjoy performing with exotic kites and do kite ballets in the skies over West Baton Rouge. 20,000 people annually attend this festival held in April of each year. This family friendly event includes kite making, kite design and many fun events for the children. This is a free event to the public. NO PETS OR ICE CHESTS PLEASE!
Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival
When: April 8-10 2016
Where: Ponchatoula, Louisiana
Cost: See website
More Info: Website
Since 1972, the Ponchatoula Strawberry Festival has been attracting both young and old alike to its annual party to recognize and honor the tireless dedication of the regions farmers and in celebration of the Louisiana State fruit – the plump, juicy, sweetness of a good ole ripe Ponchatoula Strawberry.
Farr Park Stick Horse Rodeo
When: April 9th 9am and competition will be held from 10 a.m.-noon.
Where: BREC’s Farr Park Equestrian Center 6402 River Road
Cost: Registration is $5 per event or $20 for all five events.
More Info: Website
BREC’s Farr Park Equestrian Center, 6402 River Road, hosts its annual Stick Horse Rodeo Sat., April 9. Event registration begins at 9 a.m. and the competition will be held from 10 a.m.-noon.
Children, ages 2-7, are encouraged to saddle-up on their stick horses and compete in a variety of contests. Participants will compete in rodeo events in a miniature rodeo arena on stick horses. The events are: Bronc Riding, Bull Riding, Pole Bending, Barrel Racing and a Flag Race. Children will be split into two age groups and prizes will be given. Bring your own stick horse or borrow one of ours! Participants can also enjoy the petting zoo, face painting and other equine activities. Registration is $5 per event or $20 for all five events. For more information about Farr Park’s Stick Horse Rodeo, call 225-769-7805 or visit brec.org/farr.
NANO DAYS
When: Saturday, April 16th from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Where: Highland Road Park Observatory
Cost: FREE 6 and up
More Info: Website
For the seventh consecutive year at HRPO, big things in the Universe take a backseat to all things tiny. Dr. Juana Moreno and her colleagues return for another celebration of nanotechnology!When reduced to the width of a human hair or smaller, ordinary materials often take on extraordinary properties. The iridescent colors in butterfly wings are not created by pigments but instead by tiny patterns on the wings. Tinted glass in old cathedrals was made by mixing different sizes of gold particles to create a wide variety of colors. We are just beginning to understand these fascinating phenomena and their potential uses in everyday life. Nanotechnology promises advanced information processing and storage, new medical treatments and much more.
Children and adults alike will—
—be able to see how big they are compared to nanoscale objects.
—understand how a Scanning Probe Microscope explores the nanoworld.
— try to pour water out of a nano-cup.
—learn about nanomaterials used stain-free clothes.
—have a chance to build models of nanoscale structures.
—play with liquid crystals.
—make fluids part in the middle by applying magnets to them.
Solar viewing will take place from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm! There is still one more good season of solar activity, so come see it through HRPO’s Coronado Solar Max II!
Lunar viewing will take place from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm. Have you ever seen a magnified daytime Moon? Our nearest celestial neighbor tinted with the shade of a blue springtime sky is a sight to behold!
LA Earth Day
When: April 17th Noon to 6pm
Where: Downtown Baton Rouge
Cost: FREE
More Info: Website
Earth for Children has hands-on educational activities for children of all ages! Children will enjoy visiting the Native American teepee, learning ways they can help conserve Earth’s resources, finding out about animals and their habitats, how they can help protect our environment, and more! Children even have their own entertainment stage right under the Old Governor’s Mansion Portico!
Denham Springs Spring Festival
When: April 30th
9:00am until 5:00pm
Where: Antiques Village on Range Ave. in Denham Springs.
Cost: $5 per person
More Info: Website
The Spring Festival is presented by the Antique Village Merchants Association and Pelican State Credit Union. Held on the last Saturday of April each year, this one-day festival is bursting at the seams with unique and interesting arts, crafts, music, entertainment, demonstrations, delicious foods, as well as an opportunity for pet adoption. It is one of the area’s premier events. More than 150 vendor booths line Range Ave. and Railroad Ave. along with artisans which set up on Mattie Street. There are plenty of free children’s rides courtesy of the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Department. The local Fire Department provides a smokehouse and other equipment to teach young people fire safety. There are two music stages, one located at Train Station Park on Railroad Ave. and the second on Range Ave. near the Centerville Street corner. The festival is scheduled from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. in the Antiques Village on Range Ave. in Denham Springs. For more information, call 225-667-8308. Vendors call 225-665-4666.
Flashlight Night @ The Swamp
When: February 19th & May 20th – open until 9pm
Where: Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Cost: General Admission Free for pass holders
More Info: Website
Experience Bluebonnet Swamp after the sun goes down and the night life comes out to play. Park gates remain open on these special nights until 9 pm to allow visitors to explore the trails, enjoy live animal encounters and view a nature film. No registration is necessary.
Magic Tree House Space Mission
When: Through May 31, 2016
Where: Louisiana Art & Science Museum
Cost: $8/person – Children under 2 are FREE
More Info: Website
A mysterious “M” sends the intrepid Jack and Annie on a fun-filled journey to discover the secrets of the Sun, Moon, planets, space travel, and more. This beautifully-produced show is a winner with Magic Tree House® book series fans of all ages.
Before the main show begins, enjoy two brief Art & Science Museum original featurettes: Discover the local night sky in The Sky Tonight: Winter, and explore both the danger and beauty of the Sun in Secrets of the Sun: Strange and Beautiful.
Baton Rouge Easter Egg Hunts
