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Back to School Supply Drives, Events, & Programs

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The first day of school is quickly approaching families in the Baton Rouge area. The start of the school year can be a stressful time for families. For one in five children living in poverty, parents often have to choose between buying school supplies or putting food on the table. Yet, whether they’re attending class online or in the classroom, school supplies remain critical to helping students feel prepared to succeed. Here’s a running list of back-to-school events to help parents prepare their children for the upcoming school year.

Back to School Baton Rouge Supply Drives, Events, & Programs

Back to School Baton Rouge Supply Drives, Events, & Programs

Back to School Bash and School Supply Giveaway

Back to School Baton Rouge

EBR Schools is hosting their annual city-wide Back to School Bash and School Supply Giveaway! Join EBR Schools at the Raising Cane’s River Center Saturday, August 7th, from 10 am – 4 pm for a fun-filled day. Get ready for school all in one place! Get information about all of the wonderful opportunities available for students and families in East Baton Rouge Parish, along with enjoying free fitness sessions, health screenings, haircuts, entertainment, and more!

WBRZ Stuff the Bus

Back to School Baton Rouge

WBRZ’s Stuff the Bus Campaign is a school supply drive that assists parents and teachers in East Baton Rouge Parish and West Baton Rouge Parish to receive the school supplies their children need in order to succeed.

Help them fill up East Baton Rouge Parish school buses and West Baton Rouge Parish school buses with school supplies for the children of our community! Drop off supplies on Wednesday, July 28th, at the Walmart on College Drive in East Baton Rouge and the Walmart in Port Allen in West Baton Rouge.

Salvation Army Stuff the Bus Baton Rouge School Supply Drive

The Salvation Army is joining forces with Walmart to “Stuff the Bus” for children in need. During this year’s Stuff the Bus Baton Rouge School Supply Drive event, shoppers visiting the Wal-Mart on Burbank and College Dr. on Saturday, the 24th, from 9 am to 4 pm can purchase and drop off requested items at Salvation Army collection bins at the front of each store. The goal is to provide new school supplies to children in need of a fresh start to the school year.

All donations made at Stuff the Bus campaign events will remain in the community to help The Salvation Army provide back-to-school support to children in need.

Annual Backpack Give-Away Back to School Community Fair

The Salvation Army is hosting its Annual Backpack Give-Away Back to School Community Fair on Saturday, July 31st, at 4025 W Brookstown Dr. from 10 am to 1 pm.

Lunch, Health and Educational Exhibits, Carnival Games, Prizes, and more! *For Backpack Give-Away, parents must bring ID. Child must be present. Pre-K through 8th Grade only. Limited to the first 400 children. Child must be present at the event to receive a backpack*

 Family and Youth Service Center

Very little feels as good to a kid as starting school all prepared. Very little feels as bad as walking in on the first day with nothing.
Help Family and Youth Service Center make kids feel great on their first day. Please help them fill the barrel at the Family and Youth Service Center, 1120 Government St., Baton Rouge, LA 70802.
They’re open from 8-5 Monday through Friday. You can contact them by ph 225-239-7801 or roxson@fysc-ebr.org

Back to School Bash at Main Event

Back to School

Date and time

Sat, July 31, 2021

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM CDT

Featuring:

● An exclusive activity from our brand-new STEAM-based program, Play Academy

● Birthday & School Group Booking Specials

● 1 Hour of FREE Arcade Play

● ½ Priced Bowling

● Contests and Prizes

● Face Painting and a Balloon Artist

● Local Vendors

Must RSVP via Eventbrite to save your spot – space is limited!

 

Harlem Globetrotters Ticket Giveaway 2021

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The World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their newly reimagined Spread Game tour to Raising Cane’s River Center in Baton Rouge, LA, on Friday, August 6th at 7pm. The Spread Game Tour is a basketball event like no other. Ankle-breaking moves, jaw-dropping swag, and rim-rattling dunks are only some of the thrill you can expect from this fully modernized show. Part streetball from the players who defined it, part interactive family entertainment, the new tour will show off the best of the Globetrotters in a dazzling exhibition of talent and game.

Tickets are on sale now and are available through Ticketmaster.com and the Ticketmaster App.

We’ve teamed up with The World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters to host a giveaway for TWO Lucky Families! The Prize packs include a FAMILY FOUR PACK plus MAGIC PASS PRE-SHOW EVENT TICKETS! Enter for a chance to win on our Giveaway widget below.

Harlem Globetrotters Baton Rouge

About Harlem Globetrotters:

This tour introduces new premium fan experiences with unprecedented access and interaction, including celebrity court, passes, meet and greets with players, and in select markets, the #SQUADZONE, where fans have the opportunity to feel like part of the show.

For over 95 years, the Harlem Globetrotters organization has been committed to spreading joy through its unparalleled basketball skill. The Globetrotters have always been global ambassadors of goodwill. Above all, the reimagined team is even more committed to bringing their voice to social justice conversations. They invite communities all over the U.S. to come together and recognize the power of our commonalities and celebrate our differences. The Globetrotters’ mission, to spread the game and bring family entertainment to the world, continues to drive them today.

Harlem Globetrotters- MAGIC PASS PRE-SHOW EVENT

THIS IS A PRE-EVENT PASS and A TICKET TO THE MAIN EVENT IS ALSO REQUIRED.

Before the game, take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your family where you have an opportunity to spend time on the court with the Globetrotters. Enjoy shooting, trying out ball tricks, and getting autographs and photos with the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters!  The unique 30-minute pre-show, “Magic Pass,” will create memories of a lifetime.  All customers must have a game ticket AND Magic Pass for entry.

Everyone attending Magic Pass must have a Magic Pass ticket as well as a game ticket.

Harlem Globetrotters Baton Rouge

Harlem Globetrotters GIVEAWAY:

TWO Lucky Families will win a FAMILY FOUR PACK OF TICKETS to the game plus FOUR MAGIC PASS PRE-SHOW EVENT TICKETS

Three ways to enter via the Rafflecopter widget below. Each entry increases your chances! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

More Details:

Harlem Globetrotters
Fri • Aug 06 • 7:00 PM
Raising Canes River Center Arena, Baton Rouge, LA

Please read our Contest Rules!

Disclaimer: This event is subject to last-minute cancellations and changes that might not be reflected in this BatonRougeFamilyFun.com post. Please always confirm with this family-friendly business by calling or clicking.

The Yard Milkshake Bar Baton Rouge – First Look

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The Yard Milkshake Bar milkshakes will surely bring us all to the yard this weekend when they open their first Louisiana location in Highland Park Marketplace! The Yard Milkshake has announced a grand opening date of Friday, July 9th at 12:00 pm for their new Baton Rouge location.

The dessert chain is based around a variety of specialty milkshakes and sundaes in collectible Mason jars. Customers can also build their own milkshakes from a long list of ice cream flavors, adding to it their choice of toppings, perhaps even a scoop of edible cookie dough.

Tiger Deaux - The Yard Milkshake Bar Baton Rouge

We attended The Yard Milkshake Bar’s soft opening to have a first look and try out a few of their signature menu items. Of course, the “Tiger Deaux” is a must-try, our very own Baton Rouge specialty milkshake!

Every shake is Instagram-worthy, social media-perfect for sharing. They are masterpieces and almost too pretty and too fabulous to eat. Almost!

There are 18 specialty milkshakes on the menu. The cost is $15 and includes a souvenir pint glass. Some of the popular ones are:

  • Unicorn (pictured): Cotton candy ice cream, purple marshmallow drizzle, topped with rainbow whipped cream, cotton candy, a sour rainbow candy strip, sugar cone unicorn horn, and sprinkles
  • Cookie Monster: Cookie Monster ice cream, topped with whipped cream, chocolate and marshmallow cream drizzle, Cookie Crisp cereal, and a cookie dough sandwich
  • Mint Green Monster: Mint ice cream, chocolate and marshmallow drizzle, topped with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, crushed Oreo pieces, and a brownie
  • Cookie Dough Delicious: Cookie Dough ice cream, topped with whipped cream, chocolate drizzle, and a scoop of cookie dough

They also have ice cream bowls topped with cupcakes, brownies, waffles, cookies, cookie dough pops, candies, and other treats, as well as traditional scoops of ice cream and edible cookie dough.

The Yard Milkshake Bar

Photo Credit: The Yard Milkshake Bar

The Yard Milkshake Bar

Created by husband-and-wife team Logan and Chelsea Green. They both came from families of entrepreneurs and spent their early years working for their parents. In 2011 Chelsea and her mother started their first ice cream shop, Island Ice Cream, which Chelsea still owns today.

If The Yard sounds familiar to some people, that’s because they may have seen it on TV. Founders Logan and Chelsea Green pitched the company on ABC’s “Shark Tank” that aired in November 2019.

They opened in May of 2017 and were blown away by the community’s positive reaction in their hometown of Gulf Shores, AL. They have now expanded to Panama City Beach, FL, Fairhope, AL, Austin, TX, and Louisiana!

The Yard Milkshake Bar

COOKIE DOUGH THAT IS ACTUALLY SAFE TO EAT RAW

Do you love digging into the cookie dough before baking it?!?!  The Yard Milkshake Bar creates yummy cookie doughs that you don’t have to worry about consuming raw. Eat it at room temperature or cold to satisfy the child within. No need to worry about getting sick from raw eggs again. They don’t have eggs in their dough, and their flour is heat-treated.

We think it’s safe to say that many are excited and ready to welcome The Yard Milkshake Bar to Baton Rouge from the reaction we received from our Facebook share. 

The Yard Milkshake Bar $50 GC Giveaway

Three ways to enter!! Enter this giveaway on Facebook and or Instagram and use the widget below for an extra entry! USA only.

 

The Yard Milkshake Bar is located at
Highland Park Marketplace
Perkins Rd E Baton Rouge, LA 70810

You can connect and drool over their over-the-top shakes on Instagram and Facebook.

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse $1.50 Movies

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Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse is back with 8 weeks of kid-approved movies! Enjoy safe and exciting big-screen entertainment for just $1.50 per ticket for each movie. Save even more with $1 OFF deals on kids’ snack packs, large popcorns & large drinks during Summer Movie Clubhouse showtimes.

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse

2021 Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse

June 23, 2021 – The Secret Life of Pets 2

June 30, 2021 – How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World

July 7, 2021 – The Lego Movie 2: The Second Parts

July 14, 2021 – Fast Five

July 21, 2021 – Dora and the Lost City of Gold

July 28, 2021 – Minions

August 4, 2021 – Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse Prices

Tickets are $1.50 per person (adults and children). You can also book a Summer Movie Clubhouse private screening for 25 or more guests with your choice of 8 family-friendly favorites. Contact the theater for details.

Special deals on popcorn and drinks are also available at the theatre.

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse Tickets

New in 2021 – you can buy tickets online in advance!

Participating Theatres

Visit the Cinemark website to see more details and a list of participating theatres.

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse

Cinemark Movie Theatres in Baton Rouge are participating in the Summer Movie Clubhouse program! Cinemark is located at Perkins Rowe. (TIP – you’ll need to select the Wednesday date to see the available movie tickets).

Summer Fun in Baton Rouge

Baton Rouge Fourth of July Guide – Fireworks, Parades, Events and More!

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Looking for all the local 4th of July parades, activities, and fireworks? Many communities are excited to bring back their favorite 4th of July activities in 2021.  Get out your red, white, and blue and celebrate America’s Independence! The Baton Rouge area will host a variety of events celebrating the Fourth of July — from parades and fireworks to festivals and lake parties. Baton Rouge Family Fun compiled a comprehensive list of the festivities, starting as early as July 2nd.

THANK YOU TO OUR LOCAL
4TH OF JULY EVENT GUIDE 2021 SPONSOR:

From everyday life and beyond, chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic
can help your family find relief from back pain, neck pain, migraines, and more.

WHERE TO WATCH FIREWORKS IN BATON ROUGE AND BEYOND – plus parades, food & fun.

Kenilworth Independence Day Parade
Saturday, July 3rd at 6:30 pm

The annual parade is a Baton Rouge tradition and returns in 2021! The theme of this year’s parade is “America: Forever Resilient ”
The Grand Marshal – Baton Rouge sportscaster Matt Moscona. The 2021 Keliworth parade is scheduled to roll at 6:30 p.m. on July 3rd at Kenilworth Science & Technology School and roll down Kenilworth Parkway.

Fourth of July Celebrations in Baton Rouge

 

USS KIDD’s 4th of July Spectacular – Patriots & Pirates: A Revolutionary Celebration
Sunday, July 4th at 12 PM CDT – 10 PM CDT

USS KIDD 4th of July

Join the USS KIDD Veterans Museum on Independence Day! This event includes military displays on site, Will Wesley performing from noon until 3 p.m., the Marine Forces Reserve Band from Belle Chasse performing from 6-9 p.m., kid’s activities, a River Road Market with food, beverage, arts, and souvenir vendors, and WBRZ’s Fireworks on the Mississippi at dusk. All of this will be happening on the beautiful Baton Rouge Riverfront.

USS KIDD Veterans Museum is offering a special V.I.P., that’s Very Important Patriot (or Pirate), event beginning at 5 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person and include access to the museum for the evening, food and beverages, access to the ship beginning at 8 p.m., and the best view of WBRZ’s Fireworks on the Mississippi River.

WBRZ’s Fireworks on the Mississippi

Sunday, July 4th at 9 pm

Downtown riverfront in Baton Rouge and Port Allen 9 p.m. Sunday The display will be accompanied by a live telecast on WBRZ+, WBRZ.com, and WBRZ News 2’s Facebook page.

 L’Auberge Casino and Hotel Baton Rouge- FREEDOM RULES WEEKEND

Baton Rouge Fireworks near me

 

4th Fest
Canceled

While Fourth Fest won’t be happening in 2021, you can still take advantage of some of the best fireworks views on the Mississippi River!

Gonzalez

Stars & Stripes: A Celebration at Conway
Thursday, July 1st – 6 pm-8 pm

430 Conway Village Blvd., Gonzales
Fireworks, food, face painting, and live music!

 

Walker – CANCELED 

Independence Day Celebration
Saturday, July 3rd at 4:00 pm

Live bands, face painting, and concessions starting at 4:00. Fireworks at dark!

Orleans Parish

New Orleans City Park’s 3rd of July Celebration

Saturday, July 3rd – 7:00 pm to 9 pm

New Orleans City Park will celebrate the Fourth of July a day early, with a spirited gathering of our community from across the region for a free night of music and fireworks on July 3, 2021, at 7 p.m. on the Goldring/Woldenberg Great Lawn.

“We support City Park because of its importance to the City of New Orleans and to the families who reside in the neighboring areas. We grew up in this area and remember how much the City Park meant to us,” says Lisa Romano and Vincent Giardina, Trustees of the Oscar J. Tolmas Charitable Trust.

7PM: National Anthem sung by Robin Barnes
Performance by Marine Forces Reserve Band

9PM: Fireworks by AFXPro

Jefferson Parish

Uncle Sam Jam

Saturday, July 3rd – 3:00 am to 10:45 pm

The Uncle Sam Jam is a family-friendly day of music, food, and fun at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, concluding with a fireworks show at 9 p.m. Taking place on Saturday, July 3, this year marks the celebration’s 25th anniversary. The event is free, but different premium parking packages are available.

Iberville Parish

July 4th Hometown Celebration
Sunday, July 4 – 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm

The City’s annual July 4th Hometown Celebration, set for Sunday, July 4, includes a fun patriotic boat parade and fireworks.

4th of July Fireworks Near Me

Pointe Coupee Parish

False River Annual 4th of July Boat Parade :
Festival – Friday, July 2, 6 PM – 9:30 PM
Boat Parade – Thursday, July 4, 2 PM

Get ready for the City of New Roads July 4th Festival beginning Friday, July 2 through Sunday, July 4 in Downtown New Roads. It will be a star-spangled event with fun, fireworks, and live entertainment for all to enjoy. The theme for this year’s event is “Quarantining in America.”
The festivities kick off at 5 p.m. Friday, July 2, 2021, with live entertainment from The Michael Foster Project. A spectacular firework display over False River at approximately 9 p.m. will immediately follow.
The highlight of Saturday is a live performance by Tyree Neal. The unique patriotic boat parade begins at 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 4 at 210 Morrison Parkway.
Event Schedule:
FRIDAY, JULY 2, 2021
4 PM DJ Robbo
5 PM The Michael Foster Project
6 PM – 8 PM Waterslides
9 PM Fireworks
SATURDAY, JULY 3, 2021
2 PM DJ Robbo
2 PM – 8 PM Waterslides
5 PM Tyree Neal
SUNDAY, JULY 4, 2021
12 PM DJ Robbo
1 PM – 8 PM Waterslides
2 PM Boat Parade
All events FREE and open to the public.

 

St. Mary Parish

Party in the Park – Morgan City’s Independence Day Celebration

Sunday, July 4 – 1:00 pm to 8:30 pm

4th of July Lake Jam on Lake End Parkway! Bands playing from the Judges’ Stand, food vendors, activities for the kids, and fireworks shot from a barge in the middle of the Lake!

 

St. Tammany Parish:

Mandeville

Light Up The Lake

Sunday, July 4 – 10:00 am to 8:45 pm

Picnicking starts at 10 AM, Food Trucks 5 PM, Entertainment 6 PM, Fireworks 8:45 PM.
Price: Free
Mandeville Lakefront – Stage at Coffee and Carroll Sts.
Lakeshore Drive, Mandeville, LA 70448

Olde Towne Slidell 4th of July Summer Concert & Fireworks Show

Sunday, July 4, – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM

  • Old Town Slidell Soda Shop
  • 301 Cousin St, Slidell, LA

Homecoming: Abita Springs 4th of July Celebration

Sunday, July 4, – 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM

  • Abita Springs Trailhead, Abita Springs, LA
  • 6 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Sparks in the Park

Saturday, July 3, – 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Bring your lawn chairs, picnic baskets, beverages and blankets to Covington’s Bogue Falaya Park on Saturday, July 3rd  for the annual “Sparks in the Park”, a free festival for families and friends to relax and enjoy live entertainments and music, and fireworks at dusk. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. and ends with a bang at 9 p.m. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

5-6PM: The Dis Honorable Johnsons (Lacroix Stage)
5-7PM: Northshore Traditional Music Society (Frederick Stage)
6-7PM: Extraordinary Sessions (Lacroix Stage)
6-6:30PM: Hot Dog Eating Contest
6:30-7PM: Watermelon Eating Contest
7-9PM: The Covington Concert Band
8:50PM: Fireworks

 

There’s something for everyone to celebrate this year’s 4th of July! We hope you have a fun, safe, and Happy Fourth of July with your family!

Due to weather, the pandemic, and other unforeseen factors, firework details can and do change. Please visit the original links and check with coordinators before promising a firework show to your family! Baton rouge FamilyFun can’t be held responsible for inaccuracies, typos, changes, human error, clouds, thunderstorms, or meltdowns from tired children who have stayed up too late to watch the fireworks. (We will, however, commiserate with the meltdowns. We’ll be dealing with them too!) 

Summer Fun in Baton Rouge

Beaching with Baby – 10 Mom-Approved Tips, Hacks, and Products

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If you’re heading to the shore with the family this summer, you will want to read on for some mom-approved tips, hacks, and products that will make Beaching with Baby a breeze! You won’t want to head to the beach without these beach essentials for toddlers and babies!

Updated June 5, 2021

Beaching with Baby and Family

Beaching with Baby: Tips for a Successful Trip to the Beach

Here are some fabulous tips for Beaching with Baby from a mama who recently had a first-hand experience!

Umbrella Stroller

We brought an old, cheap one that I found in my in-law’s garage. It did the trick and would probably use it even if the baby was walking. It helped with trips back and forth to the room.

Beaching with Baby and Family

Swim Diapers / Baby Wipes / Regular Diapers / Clothes

I used the Huggies Little Swimmers and didn’t have any issues with them. They were just the first ones that I saw on the shelf. We brought a pack of normal baby wipes, as well as regular diapers. I packed the diapers and an extra set of clothes, and a light blanket for nap time. I packed a hooded towel and a hooded cover-up in case of a change in weather.

Sun Protection

I saw this fabulous Mom Hack on Facebook, and it’s a game-changer! Use a beauty blender to apply sunscreen on the face!

Set an SPF timer

Set a timer on your phone so you know when it’s time to reapply sunscreen to your child and yourself. Make sure you cover sensitive exposed spots like the tips of the ears and back of the neck. Set another timer to remind you both to drink liquids so you don’t get dehydrated. Check out our favorite sunscreens for babies and toddlers.

Hats with Ties

In addition to sunscreen, sun hats with ties are a beach must-have with kiddos. Our favorite hat is the  SwimZip Kid’s Sun Hat – Wide Brim UPF 50+ Protection Hat for Baby, Toddler, Kids. With ADJUSTABLE HEAD AND CHIN STRAPS – Both the head strap and the chin strap are adjustable to easily create the best fit possible with a breakaway chin strap that helps prevent choking. Side venting keeps heads cool. Wide brim for optimal protection. 

Battery Operated Fan / Air Pump

We didn’t need a fan because there was a good breeze every day and it was never too hot. We used the air pump to blow up the kiddie pools/floats/toys after getting down to the beach. It is easier to carry floats not inflated.

Entertainment

A kiddie pool is a must-have for babies because it kept them cool and entertained, and contained. We sat the pool on the sand in the shade, so they were out of the sun pretty much all day. Our kiddos weren’t able to get out on their own, so they played in the pool most of the time.  We had the guys bring up water from the gulf in buckets to fill the pool up. It took a couple of trips, but it was worth it.  I brought some beach toys and some water toys from home. The biggest hit was foam bathtub letters and koozies – who would have thought?! We used the Swimways Baby Spring Float Activity Center with a canopy in the pool, and it was perfect.

This is Charlee and Hayes in their kiddie pool at the beach.

Shades and Covers for rest and naps

A small tent for the kiddos or baby to get out of the sun is also a great item to bring to the beach. Our favorite is the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent.

Beaching with BabyAnother option for the baby is this small SUNBA YOUTH UPF 50+ Sun Shelter Baby Travel Crib with Mosquito Net.

Baby Powder

This is a miracle worker! You cover the sandy area and let the powder and let it sit for a minute, brush the sand off and the result is no scratching or pain. However, you will be covered in white baby powder, thankfully, it will wash off easily.

Most importantly, make some new memories with the fam and enjoy soaking up the sun, the sounds, and the breeze of the salty air! 😉

Waterproof bags

When you’re done swimming, you’ll want somewhere to put your wet clothes. Babygoal Wet Dry Bags are especially nice because they have two compartments- one for wet clothes and one for dry.

Beach tips for kids

We’d love to know what beach tips, tricks, and or products worked or didn’t work for you?
Follow the conversation on Facebook! 

This post may contain affiliate links. We may be compensated if you make a purchase through our links.

Baton Rouge Splash Pad Parks & Pools

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Baton Rouge Splash Pad Parks & Pools have reopened, and along with that come special guidelines to help protect visitors and prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Good to Know Before You Go: Please be sure to call before heading out, times change, parks close, so many variables can affect your outing.

Thanks to our sponsor, The Joint Chiropractic!
From everyday life and beyond, chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic
can help your family find relief from back pain, neck pain, migraines, and more.

Baton Rouge Splash Pad Parks & Pools

Image Credit: BREC Parks

Liberty Lagoon
111 Lobdell Ave
Baton Rouge, LA 70806
(225)-923-3202

Liberty Lagoon promotes a safe family-oriented atmosphere. All groups must have at least one (1) adult for every six (6) children under the age of 12 years old.
The facility will be cleared the last 15 minutes of each session. Make sure to check out their new hours and park rules before getting to the park!

🎟️ Tickets can be purchased at LibertyLagoon.com

Highland Road Community Park
14024 Highland Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70810
144.04 Acres – This park is located in the southeastern part of East Baton Rouge Parish. Highland Road Community Park serves a larger geographic area than a neighborhood park and is designed to engage the entire family for a whole day. Higher levels of maintenance, security, and recreational opportunities are offered at community parks. It is very popular because of all the features the park has to offer and for the scenic landscape.

Greenwood Community Park
13350 Hwy, 19
Baker, LA 70714
At BREC’s Greenwood Community Park, you can not only enjoy a splash pad, includes a golf course, a community playground, tennis courts, Raising Cane’s Dog Park and ExxonMobil Cypress Bayou Lake Trail. You can also fish, kayak or canoe in the 18-acre lake at the park.

City-Brooks Community Park
1515 Dalrymple Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
154.53 Acres – This park is located in the southwestern part of East Baton Rouge Parish by LSU. City-Brooks Community Park serves a larger geographic area than a neighborhood park and is designed to engage the entire family for a whole day, includes a splash pad.  City-Brooks Community Park splash pad can be activated with a green push button on the three foot brown pole next to the spray feature area at the edge of the brick near the landscaping.

Forest Community Park
13900 South Harrell’s Ferry Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70816
BREC’s Forest Community Park’s splash pad can be operated from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. all summer long. Be sure to also enjoy Forest Community Park’s trails, playground, Raising Cane’s Dog Park and bank fishing. Forest CommunityPark splash pad can be activated with a green push button on the three-foot light blue pole located in the splash pad spray area.

Jackson Community Park
12250 Sullivan Road
Central, LA 70818
This park is located in Central, on Sullivan Road between Hooper Road and Joor Road.

North Sherwood Forest Community Park
3140 N. Sherwood Forest Drive
Baton Rouge, LA 70814
This park is located in the northern part of East Baton Rouge Parish before you reach the City of Central. North Sherwood Forest Community Park serves a larger geographic area than a neighborhood park and is designed to engage the entire family for a whole day. Higher levels of maintenance, security, and recreational opportunities are offered at community parks. The site is on the old Federal Sharp Station Depot used during World War II. Over the years, the federal government has released the land at different times to BREC for use as a park. Today, some of the land is still owned and managed by the federal government.

Zachary Community Park
20055 Old Scenic Hwy
Zachary, LA 70791

BREC Pools

City-Brooks and Anna T. Jordan Community Pools open Tuesday-Sunday at a 50% capacity in sessions to allow for sanitizing. Session 1 – noon-2 p.m.
Session 2 – 3-5 p.m.
All guests 18 years of age and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over the age of 18 who must remain inside the facility during the time of use.

Brooks Pool – This park is located in the southwestern part of East Baton Rouge Parish by LSU. City-Brooks Community Park serves a larger geographic area than a neighborhood park and is designed to engage the entire family for a whole day. Higher levels of maintenance, security, and recreational opportunities are offered at community parks, the best part is that they use Professional locksmith to secure their facilities.

Anna T. Jordan  Pool – Anna T. Jordan Community Park serves a larger geographic area than a neighborhood park and is designed to engage the entire family for a whole day. Higher levels of maintenance, security, and recreational opportunities are offered at community parks.

Beyond Baton Rouge

Oak Grove Community Park – Prairieville
Located at Hwy 42 and Hwy 73in Prairieville, this splash park offers visitors a chance to enjoy splash fountains and a recreational park and playground with Beach Volleyball.

Jambalaya Park – Gonzales

  • Max # of patrons inside the facility at any time will be 50 persons.
  • All children under 15 years old must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who is at least 18 years old.
  • The pool will open 2 sessions per day, 11am – 2pm & 3pm – 6pm. Patrons will be able to purchase a session pass for $5 per person, which is usable only for 1 session. (You can’t use the same pass for the morning and afternoon session).
  • We will have a 1 hour cleaning period between 2pm and 3pm, and all patrons will be required to leave the facility with all of their belongings. Our staff will sanitize touchpoints during this time.
  • The splash park and spray features will remain closed, per Governor’s order.
  • In-water activities that could reasonably result in physical contact or less than 6 feet of distancing between patrons who live in different households shall not be allowed.
  • We are unable to offer season passes, party rentals, or groups larger than 10 people.
  • No adult over 18 years old may accompany more than 5 children under 15 years old to the pool.

Denham Springs North ParK Aqua Pards – Denham Springs
The largest of the parks in the Denham park system with over 110 acres and is the site for athletic programs operated by the parks department. The park’s multi-purpose Fitness & Aquatics Facility has a fitness center, indoor swimming pool and the Aqua Pards splash park.
Click one of the Categories below for more INFO:

Restrictions
Rules & Regulations

Summer Fun in Baton Rouge

Summer Fun in Baton Rouge and Beyond

Free Swimming Lessons in Baton Rouge this Summer with BREC

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The extremely popular Free Swimming Lessons in Baton Rouge are back this summer at BREC! Kids ages 5 to 12 have the opportunity to learn to swim like a fish and take on a skill that will serve them for a lifetime! Registration for session two is coming up on June 15. Mark your calendars and get your kiddo ready to dive into summer!

BREC, SELA Aquatics, and the American Red Cross are pleased to offer FREE swimming lessons for the 2021 season as part of the Centennial Campaign. SELA Aquatics employees will teach free lessons using the Red Cross Learn-to-Swim Program.

Registration is being done on a first-come, first-served basis. All sessions will be capped to ensure the health and safety of program participants + proper instructor: student ratios.

Free Swim Lessons

Free Swimming Lessons in Baton Rouge

Session One (June 8 – 18 @ Anna T Jordan)

  • Registration opens online on or before June 1 at 5pm.
  • Ages 5-12
    • 5 to 8 Year Olds from 5:45pm – 6:15pm
    • 9 to 12 Year Olds from 6:30pm – 7:00pm
  • Note: All lessons will take place at ATJ Pool

REGISTRATION IS FULL!

Session Two (June 20 – July 2 @ City Books Pool)

  • Registration opens online starting June 15
  • Ages 5-12
    • 5 to 8 Year Olds from 5:45pm – 6:15pm
    • 9 to 12 Year Olds from 6:30pm – 7:00pm
  • Note: All lessons will take place at Brooks (City Park) Pool

Session Three (July 6 – 16 @ Anna T Jordan Pool)

  • Registrations will only be collected in person at ATJ during regular hours starting June 15, and online starting June 22 (if spots are available)
  • Ages 5-12
    • 5 to 8 Year Olds from 5:45pm – 6:15pm
    • 9 to 12 Year Olds from 6:30pm – 7:00pm
  • Note: All lessons will take place at ATJ Pool

Session Four (July 20 – July 30 @ City Brooks Pool)

    • Registrations will only be collected in person at Brooks Pool during regular hours starting June 22, and online starting June 29 (if spots are available)
    • Ages 5-12
      • 5 to 8 Year Olds from 5:45pm – 6:15pm
      • 9 to 12 Year Olds from 6:30pm – 7:00pm
    • Note: All lessons will take place at Brooks (City Park) Pool

To register and for more information on swim lesson sessions and dates visit brec.org/aquatics

Join in – learn to swim. It could save your life!

Here are some startling facts on drowning!

      • Child drowning is a silent death. There’s no splashing to alert anyone that the child is in trouble.
      • 58 percent of parents do not consider drowning a threat to their children. (Resource ISR)
      • Drowning is the leading cause of death for infants and young children between the ages of 1-4 (CDC)
      • Drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in children aged 1-14 years (CDC)
      • The majority of children who survive (92% percent) are discovered within two minutes following submersion. (Branche 1999)
      • Rates of fatal drowning for minorities are notably higher among these populations in certain age groups. The fatal drowning rate of African American children is 20% higher than that of Caucasian children in the same age range. (CDC)
      • 19 percent of drowning deaths involving children occur in public pools with certified lifeguards present.
      • Nearly 80% of people who die from drowning are males.
      • Drowning can happen quickly and quietly anywhere there is water and even in the presence of lifeguards.

      • Many adults and children report that they can’t swim. Research has shown that participation in formal swimming lessons can reduce the risk of drowning among children aged 1 to 4 years.

Source: http://usapoolsla.com

30 Things To Do in Baton Rouge & Beyond

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Summer fun is in full swing, time to relax and enjoy the lazy days of summer…  but tell that to kids who are bouncing off the walls or singing the boredom blues.  As parents, we want each summer to be more memorable than the last, and with that comes the need for a few new ideas, especially if your child is too young to go to a summer camp. Here are 30 Things To Do in Baton Rouge and beyond that are sure to keep you busy all summer long!

Good to Know Before You Go: Please be sure to call before heading out; times change, parks close, so many variables can affect your outing.

Things To Do in Baton Rouge

30 Things To Do in Baton Rouge & Beyond This Summer

  1. LSU Lakes – Bike, Picnic, Splash Pad – Between feeding the ducks, the great little bike path, the kids’ playground, and a little splash pad behind the art gallery, this is such a fun little day to have with the kiddos.
  2. Baton Rouge Splash Pad Parks & Pools Guide – Visit our Baton Rouge Water Fun Guide to find one of many Baton Rouge Splash Pads, water parks, and or pools!
  3. Tiki Tubing – Just a hop skip and jump away down the Amite. While you’re there, grab some grub at Day’s Smokehouse & Specialty Meats.
  4. Blueberry Picking – There is an abundance of places to do this around the area. The Sooner, the better before they are all picked over. We love to make Blueberry Scones with a Lemon Glaze.
  5. Pottery Painting – Brushfire Studios – This is a quaint little studio in downtown Denham Springs.
  6. Water Balloon Fight – This is a summer classic. Want to make it more fun? Add a little food coloring to the balloons and put the kids in white shirts. Just get ready to hose them down.
  7. Young Chefs Academy – This is one of my oldest’s favorite places. They have summer programs and fun little classes.
  8. Overtones Music Class – I am so excited about this. We are enrolling the oldest in a lesson, and the toddler will start a little class in August.
  9. Blackwater Conservation
  10. Tunica Falls 
  11. $1.50 Family Friendly Movies at Perkins Rowe  -Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse is back with 8 weeks of kid-approved movies! Enjoy safe and exciting big-screen entertainment for just $1.50 per ticket for each movie. Save even more with $1 OFF deals on kids’ snack packs, large popcorns & large drinks during Summer Movie Clubhouse showtimes.
  12. Louisiana Peach Festival – Okay, so maybe this isn’t a day trip, but it’s totally worth the drive. Happening on June 5th in Ruston, Louisiana. Peach ice cream and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
  13. Delcambre Shrimp Festival – While we are on the festival beat, this is totally a day trip. You haven’t gone Cajun till you go Acadiana. A bit later in the summer, this happens August 18th – 22nd. Bring your dancing shoes.
  14. Old State Capitol – While you’re downtown, hit up the Louisiana Art and Science Museum.
  15. Global Wildlife – This is one of the most underrated experiences of my childhood. Letting a giraffe eat out of your hand might be the highlight of your kid’s summer, and who am I kidding, your’s as well.
  16. Myrtles Plantation Tour – My oldest is very into mystery and more. On your way home, do yourself a favor and stop at Chloe’s in Zachary for a snowball.
  17. WWII Museum – I don’t really know that this needs much introduction; it’s a must-do with the older kiddos!
  18. Louisiana Children’s Museum – This is one of my fondest childhood memories.
  19. Audubon Zoo / Cool Zoo – I will spare you the song, but they do all “ax for you.” So don’t let those animals down. When you’re there, it’s totally worth the “pop” bracelet that gets you admission into the Cool Zoo and unlimited rides on the train and carousel.
  20. Audubon Aquarium of America’s & Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium – What kid doesn’t want to touch an urchin and eat crickets.
  21. Write and Illustrate a Children’s Book – Because, after all these big adventures, you will need some time at home.
  22. EBR Library – The East Baton Rouge Parish Library has many little classes and fun projects for all ages. Check out their event calendar and enjoy!
  23. Dinosaur Park Henderson – I have heard amazing things, and this summer, we intend to find out for ourselves.
  24. Livingston Parish Library – Just a little hop next door, and there are so many fun programs for littles to enjoy.
  25. Dig a Garden – There is no greater joy than watching my kiddos play in the dirt. If you need some help, Glad Gardens can build one for you!
  26. Make a Nana recipe from scratch – No box mixes here, just some love, wooden spoons, and old family recipes.
  27. Lemonade Stand – The earliest form of entrepreneurship at its south Louisiana finest.
  28. Barnhill Preserve in Ethel – (sloths…Nuff said) hands-on animal encounters and programs!
  29. Baton Rouge Zoo – One of our favorites to spend a day with the animals and play in the park – you can even feed the pelicans now too!
  30. Cajun Pride Swamp Tour – take a unique and educational journey back to the early days of Louisiana bayou and swamp explorations on this authentic Louisiana swamp eco-tour.
  31. Knock Knock Children’s Museum – this is a full day of fun and good eats at Acorn Cafe!

And be sure to check out our Summer Fun in Baton Rouge Guide for more!

Summer Fun in Baton Rouge

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Blueberry picking near Baton Rouge and Beyond

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Blueberry picking can be a fun, delicious, and educational outing with kids. Nothing compares to picking one’s own food and seeing where our food comes from. In Louisiana, the picking season usually starts earlier than other parts of the country, and we’re blessed to have several options for Blueberry picking near Baton Rouge.

We’ve listed Blueberry picking farms below; while some of these farms are not close, they are within an hour or two and would make a fun day trip with a new city to explore. Time to get some dirt on your hands and fresh fruit in your buckets!

Good to Know Before You Go: Please be sure to call the farm before heading out, so many variables can affect your outing. Berry ripening, Weather, Berry availability, etc.

What to Bring: Prepare for a trip to the farm like you would a day at the park. With very little shade in the berry patches, you’ll want to bring hats and sunscreen. Wear full feet covering shoes, no flip-flops or the sort; those pesky Louisiana ants will get you every time! Bring baby wipes and a change of clothes for the littles; you never know what blueberry shenanigans the kids will get into.

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Louisiana Blueberry picking

Blueberry picking near Baton Rouge and Beyond

 Berry picking in Baton RougePhoto Credit:  Patty Mcgrath @ Blueberry Ridge Orchard

Blueberry Ridge Orchard: The Season Opens Memorial Day, May 31st. Hours of operation are M-Sat- sunrise to sunset. Closed on Sundays. Please bring your own containers to take your berries home. The price for a u-pick is $1.50/lb.
WHERE: 2199 Holly Ridge Road, Jackson, Louisiana 70748.
More Info: Online | Facebook |225-603-2935 or leave a message at 225-629-5311.

Blue Harvest Farms: Blue Harvest Farms is the largest U-Pick Blueberry Farm in St. Tammany parish, located on the Covington/Bush border (Waldheim). Blue Harvest Farms will no longer be a public U-pick blueberry farm. They now operate a membership program. They are still U-pick, and they still only grow blueberries, but because the fields have been downsized, they can no longer handle historical BHF crowds.
WHERE: 78495 HWY 21, Bush, LA 70431
More Info: Online | Facebook | blueharvestfarms@gmail.com

EquiTerra Farm: EquiTerra Farm is a certified organic horse-powered farm.  They provide organic blueberries, figs, blackberries, muscadines, and vegetables. They also have wonderful big brown free-range eggs and free-range broilers. Pick, weigh, and pay!
WHERE: 12798 Muse Lane, Clinton, LA 70722
More Info:  225-683-8406 | pldavidson@aol.com

Blueberry picking near Baton Rouge

Loblolly Ridge Farm: The season opens Friday, June 4th, 2021.  Open Friday and Saturday Only 07:00am- 3:00pm. Berries are $10.00 per gallon cash only. Located in the northern section of Tangipahoa Parish, Amite, Louisiana. Loblolly Ridge Farm is a U-Pick Blueberry farm. The farm consists of 2 acres of blueberries (approximately 1200 bushes consisting of 6 varieties of hybrid blueberries).
WHERE: 1000 Andrew Bankston Road, Amite, LA 70422
More Info: Online | (985) 748-6843

Shuqualak Farms: The Blueberry picking season will begin on June 1, 2021, at 7 am. It will be open from 7 am to 7 pm 7 days a week.

Upick Blueberries 3$ a pound
Quart kids take home bucket 6$
Pure Blueberry Juice 10$ a quart
Blueberry Concentrate 12$ a quart
Blueberry Popsicles 1$ each 10$ a dozen
Local Honey squeeze bear 5$ pint 9$
T-shirts 15$
Cash,Check,Paypal +50 cent no credit card

Shuqualak Farms is small and inviting, with six acres of blueberries and four acres of blackberries. Open from early June to mid-July, visitors are provided with a 5-quart bucket and strap for collecting their harvest. Berries are packaged in freezer-safe bags, and children are given 1-quart take-home buckets.
WHERE: 232 Shuqualak Farms Rd, Frierson, LA
More Info: Online | Facebook | (318) 797-8273

Sunhillow Berry Farm: The Season Opens June 1st, 2021. Locally owned and operated. This farm has been in operation since 1993. We operate on the “honor” system. Come on out and pick your own! Pick, weigh, and pay!
WHERE: 33510 Magee-Mahner Rd Pearl River, LA
More Info: Online | Facebook | (985) 867-9737

 Strawberry & Blueberry picking

After Berry picking – Caring for Berries

Store unwashed berries in containers or gallon-sized zip-top bags layered with paper towels. Refrigerated berries will last about two days. Frozen blueberries can last from season to season or beyond, do not wash berries for the freezer. THEY MUST BE DRY BEFORE FREEZING; you can wash before use. Serve at room temperature after washing with a spray of cool water. Whole berries can be frozen in zip-top freezer bags for jams, smoothies, and homemade ice cream.

Get ready to jam.

Jams, jellies, cobblers, muffins – blueberries make any recipe more nutritious and delicious. Blueberries are fat-free, low in calories, and have fiber, vitamin C, and disease-fighting antioxidants.

Did you know?

Blueberries were originally planted as a replacement crop for tobacco. Today, they’re the No. 1 fruit produced in Georgia. Yep, they beat the peach with 18,328 acres producing 39 million pounds of blueberries valued at over $120 million.

Baton Rouge Summer Camps