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Kids Bowl Free in Louisiana

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Kids bowl free this summer in participating bowling centers across Louisiana, including Baton Rouge and Gonzales!

Select bowling centers around the country are participating in the first-ever Kids Bowl Free program. This program is designed by bowling centers to give back to the community and provide a safe, secure, and fun way for kids to spend time this summer.

Kids bowl free

Registered Kids Receive 2 FREE GAMES Of Bowling Each Day Of The KBF Program All Summer Long!

Children whose age does not exceed a limit by a participating bowling center are eligible to register for two free games each day of the KBF program, all summer long, courtesy of the participating bowling centers and the schools and organizations.

Kids Bowl Free Baton Rouge

Fun for Parents, too!

Strike up extra summer fun with the purchase of a family pass! You’ll have the option to purchase it upon registration completion for your children. You can buy a 2-person pass for $26.96 or a 4-person pass for $34.16 with the code WELCOME10 at checkout!

The 2022 KBF program registration is officially open!

Kids Bowl Free Baton Rouge

Kids Bowl Free Gonzales

More Kids Bowl Free Bowling Centers in Louisiana

Alexandria

Bossier City

Hammond

Harvey

Lake Charles

Monroe

Shreveport

Fae Fest – FREE Fairy Family Fun

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Calling Pixies, Elves, and all Fae Folk alike, Fae Fest – one of our favorite BREC events, previously at Bluebonnet Swamp, is BACK at one of our favorite BREC parks! Come dressed in your favorite FAE costume and celebrate the earth and how to preserve & make it beautiful while enjoying whimsical & fun activities with a FAE twist.
Fae Best

Fae Fest Baton Rouge

WHEN: Saturday, May 7 –  1 PM – 4 PM
WHERE: BREC’s Perkins Road Community Park
WHAT:
Carnival games
Clowns
Stilt walkers
FAE folk
Face painters
Crafts
And more exciting family entertainment for all to enjoy.
ADMISSION: Admissions is free for fairies, sprites, gnomes, and elves of all ages. Costumes are certainly encouraged!

With each carnival game, you can earn tickets to redeem popcorn, cotton candy, and other great prizes!

Perkins Road Community Park is BREC’s “Extreme Sports Park.” Perkins Road Community Park amenities include the skate park and BMX Raceway, a shaded community playground, tennis court, and walking, skating and biking trails. BREC’s BMX Raceway hosts birthday parties as well as open track riding hours.

Things to do in Baton Rouge with kids this Weekend

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Find Things to do in Baton Rouge and Beyond with Kids this April weekend!

The weekend guide is the round-up of all the hottest events happening this weekend and things to do near you. No shortage of things to do in Baton Rouge & beyond with your family!

Be sure to tag us in your family fun on social @batonrougefamilyfun on IG.

April 23-24, 2022

Things to do in Baton Rouge with kids

Things to do in Baton Rouge & Beyond

It’s the Weekend!
Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Southeast wind 5 to 15 mph.
Saturday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph.
Sunday: A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday Night: A chance of thunderstorms before 7pm. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

*from weather.gov on 4/20/2022

Our Top 5 Picks

April 23-24
Downtown Baton Rouge

Blues Fest is a FREE and family-friendly event! Make sure to stop by the Aetna Kids Zone, open from 12 to 5 each day with activities, like GymFit – Adventure Community Center, Kids’ Orchestra Drum Circles, and snacks!

 

April 23rd 2pm – 5pm
Mall of Louisiana 

Free entertainment and education for the whole family!
You’re invited to an afternoon of fun activities and connection with your Baton Rouge neighbors to learn about Earth Day. Join Mall of Louisiana’s community partners and retailers for a free, family fun event with Earth Day related activities, games, crafts, a magic show (3pm-3:45pm), and more. Rain or Shine!

 

April 22nd – Sunday, April 24th
120 S Irma Blvd, Gonzales, LA

The City of Gonzales will host a weekend of events in celebration of our 100th Birthday. Concerts, Jambalaya Cooking Contests, Arts & Crafts, 5k and 1-mile Fun Run, Fireworks, and more.  

 

South Louisiana Crawfish Festival

April 23rd 9 AM – 9 PM
Lamar-Dixon Expo Center

Admission is $5.00 per person over 12 yrs old. 0-12 FREE
100% of proceeds benefit DREAMS COME TRUE OF LOUISIANA
Competitions:
Crawfish boiling contest
Crawfish eating contest
Jambalaya cook off
Mini Pot cook off
Cornhole Tournament
Activities: Fun for all ages
All things crawfish
Classic Car Show
Petting Zoo
150-300 vendor booths
Live Music
Inflatables
50/50 drawing
Silent Auction
Trains to Geaux rides
Children’s Craft Booth
Dreams Come True of LA is a non-profit organization who grant dreams to Louisiana kids ages 3 – 18 with life threatening illnesses.

 

April 23 & 24 9 AM – 5 PM

Jump houses, face painting, craft table, photo booth by The Candid Camper, concession stand, picnic area, and playground. Pick your own strawberries -1# 8.00 or $13.00 gallon ( souvenir bucket included)

 

More things to do with kids:

Vibing Vegan Fete

April 24 – 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Tin Roof Brewing Co. Lawn

Bring your blankets, reusable water bottles + shopping bags, and an appetite for delicious local vegan flavor 🤤 Enjoy live music and lawn games, moving your body, connecting with the community, and discovering new products and businesses to support.

Knock Knock Children’s Museum Celebrates Earth Day Event

April 23rd

Every day is Earth Day at Knock Knock, but this Saturday, April 23rd, the Learning Innovation team is pulling out all the stops for an Earth Day celebration like no other. From building water bottle forts in Bayou Building to exploring nature in our Big Back Yard your little ones will have a blast while learning about how to be good stewards of our environment.  And to top it off, they have a spectacular scavenger hunt throughout the museum ending with them planting their very own sunflower.
Must Register!

 

Hiking in Baton Rouge with BREC Parks

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Check out one of the many ways BREC Conservation can get you and your family exploring the outdoors and hiking in Baton Rouge! They offer a variety of engaging hikes, perfect for all skill levels and comfortabilities. Find a hike below for the whole family to enjoy!

Hiking in Baton Rouge

Urban Nature Hike Series

Perkins Road Community Park
Tuesday, Apr 26, 2022 5:45 PM – 7:15 PM

Highland Road Community Park
Tuesday, May 10, 2022 5:45 PM – 7:15 PM

Interested in exploring the nature oasis next door or looking to take your neighborhood walks to the next level? Our Urban Hike series is a great start! Geared toward nature novices of all ages, participants will enjoy a leisurely walk through a BREC park while learning some fun facts about the park’s natural areas and the fundamentals of adventuring in the great outdoors. Preregistration is requested for all attendees and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Ages:6+

Conservation Woods Walk Series

Hiking in Baton Rouge

Hooper Road Park
May 7 / 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Satisfy your curiosity about the trees you see at BREC Parks and your wonder about the animals that call BREC Conservation Areas home. Join a BREC Naturalist for the Woods Walk Series and pick their brain about a broad range of topics. Each hike in the series will dive into different topics connected to these unique sites in East Baton Rouge Parish. Come to one or multiple hikes in the series to indulge in the great outdoors. Preregistration is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

To register: webtrac.brec.org (WebTrac #: 520210)

Ages: 8+

Cost $5

Hiking in Baton Rouge

Nature Night Hike and Campfire

Zachary Community Park
Friday, May 13, 2022 7:00 PM – 9:00 

Join BREC on a Friday night for a great way to say hello to summer! The program will include a night hike learning about local ecology and nocturnal animals and will include activities and games. Come enjoy this great way to get the family out after the daytime heat. Preregistration is required and spaces are limited. Children must be registered and accompanied by a registered adult.

May 13 / 7-9 p.m.

Ages:6+

Cost – $5

Revive Your Mind Nature Hike

Frenchtown Road Conservation Area
Saturday, Mar 26, 2022 9:30 AM – 11:30

Forest bathing, Nature Rx, Ecotherapy…it’s been called many things, but the message is the same, NATURE is good for you! If life has you spinning and you feel out of balance this is the hike for you.  BREC will be using time in nature to slow down and take a breakthrough mindful, purposeful observation. You will be hiking off the beaten path at one of BREC’s Conservation Areas using the outdoors as a window to relaxation and a free mind. Join us to get a well-deserved dose of nature at its finest. This program is geared towards adults, but people 13 and older are welcome to attend with their parent.

March 26 / 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Ages:13+

Cost

$5

For More Information:
Website
225-218-4979
conservation@brec.org

Lowes Build and Grow Workshops – Baton Rouge

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Lowes Build and Grow Workshops

Everyone’s favorite kid’s Lowes Build and Grow Workshops are BACK and better than ever!

Bring your mini-DIYer into Lowe’s at one of the select time slots. Workshops hosted by one of their experts are held from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm. Not able to sign up for one of the expert hosted workshops? Choose the 12:00pm• – 8:00 pm time slot to stop by to pick up a kit from Customer Service and enjoy building your kit at home.

Lowes Build and Grow Workshops

March 19, 2022

Blast Off! Tabletop Game Workshop

Lowes Build and Grow Workshops

Get ready to build with your mini DIYer for this month’s Shoot the Moon Kit! Challenge your friends and other mini DYers to see who can score the highest points with this fun, interactive game!

REGISTER HERE

April 16, 2022

The Little Gardener’s Workshop

Lowes Build and Grow Workshops

Get ready to build with your mini DIYer for this month’s See it Grow Planter Kit! Kick off Spring the right way, by planting some beautiful flower seeds in this perfect little grower.

Registration for this event will open Fri, April 1, 2022 at 12:01:00 a.m. EST.

REGISTER HERE

May 7, 2022

Feed Your Feathered Friends Workshop

Lowes Build and Grow Workshops

Get ready to build with your mini DIYer for this month’s Bird Feeder Kit! Whether it lands hanging outside of your window or packaged up for mom for Mother’s Day, this Bird Feeder will make all the little birdies feel loved.

Registration for this event will open Sun, May 1, 2022 at 12:01:00 a.m. EST.

REGISTER HERE

 

Pelican Pays Fest – Baton Rouge Spring Family Festival

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Pelican State Credit Union is excited to host the Pelican Pays Fest on Saturday, March 26, from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. at their new branch location on 2675 O’Neal Lane. This family-fun festival is completely FREE and open to the public. The festival will commemorate the opening of Pelican’s second location in Baton Rouge by kicking off the spring season with the community.

Pelican Pays Fest

Pelican Pays Fest – Baton Rouge Spring Family Festival

Bring the whole family to enjoy an assortment of fun activities, including hot air balloon rides, a Ferris wheel, a petting zoo, carnival food, a pet adoption, face painting, and balloon twisting.
The Pelican Pays Fest will also feature live performances from local bands and school groups. Families will get to meet Petey the Pelican and the Easter Bunny, who will each make a special appearance.
It pays to be a member of Pelican! All current and new Pelican State Credit Union members will have a chance to grab cash from our money machine at the branch from 10 am -1 pm.

Pelican Pays Fest

“We moved into this new location during 2020, but we have not been able to celebrate due to the pandemic. We are so thankful for our members and staff who make our growth possible each day, and we want to take this time to give back and show appreciation for them and the community,” shared Pelican CEO Jeffrey K. Conrad.
The branch will have staff available to assist any attendees with opening accounts for kids and adults until 1 p.m.

In addition to the festival, Pelican celebrates the community throughout the year by hosting surprise Pelican Pays events, where they “pay it forward” by covering community members’ purchases at locally-owned restaurants throughout the state.

For over 60 years, Pelican has been dedicated to helping Louisiana residents find financial freedom and has since grown into the largest state-chartered credit union in Louisiana, now serving over 65,000 members nationwide.

WHERE:
2675 O’Neal Lane Baton Rouge, LA 70816

WHEN:
Branch Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: 9:30 am
Outdoor Festival: 10 am – 3 pm

ADMISSION:
FREE

Don’t miss out on this fun and free event! Learn more here: www.pelicanstatecu.com/events

Baton Rouge Tennis Lessons & Developmental Benefits

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While tennis might not be as popular as sports like baseball or football, it remains a great option for young athletes. As a parent trying to decide which sports will benefit your children the most, be sure to consider tennis as an option. Enrolling your child in Baton Rouge tennis lessons with BREC will not only expose them to a great sport now but could also lead to a lifelong passion for this popular game. BREC Tennis lessons are the perfect way to introduce your child to the sport that many call the sport of a lifetime! Following are ten benefits of choosing tennis as one of your child’s sports.

Top 10 Developmental Benefits of BREC Tennis For Kids

  • Bone Strength. Playing tennis regularly strengthens the bones of young players and has been proven to help prevent osteoporosis later on in life. Thus the reason why Tennis is often called the sport of a lifetime.
  • Hand-Eye Coordination.
  • Aerobic and Cardiovascular Exercise.
  • Speed.
  • Flexibility.
  • Gross Motor Coordination.
  • Fine Motor Coordination.
  • Agility.

There are numerous options to get your kids involved in Tennis at BREC, including Spring Break Camp and Summer Camp! 

Baton Rouge Tennis Lessons with BREC

BREC Tennis offers a variety of youth programs for all ages and skill levels throughout the parish! Programs are designed to help your child develop motor skills, hand-eye coordination, overall athleticism, and fundamental tennis strokes. Fun is guaranteed, so don’t drop the ball! Get registered with BREC Tennis today!

Junior Tennis Academy: Highland

This is a continuous year-round program. Skill levels include beginner, advanced beginner, and intermediate. Same day walk-ins will not be accepted.  Must register 24 hours prior to attending class.  Academy Director:  Natalie Johnson. A 20% surcharge will be applied on out-of-parish registrations.

Spring semester is through May 19 / Monday-Thursday

Semester rates:
$270 for one day per week; $490 for two days per week; $580 for three or more days per week
Jan.-April monthly rates:
$58 for one day per week; $105 for two days per week; $140 for three or more days per week
May monthly rate:
$44 for one day per week; $79 for two days per week; $105 for three or more days per week

Ages:5-17

Junior Beginner Instruction: Highland

This four-week program introduces and reinforces fundamental tennis techniques. Walk-ins accepted. A 20% surcharge will be applied on out-of-parish registrations.

Tuesdays / 5-6 p.m.
March 8-29
April 5-26
May 3-24
$40 per person per month
Instructor:  Eugene St. Martin

Ages:8-17

Cost: $40 per person

Learn more about each program and register here!

BREC Art – Saturday Morning Studio

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Saturday mornings are full of artsy fun. This spring Saturday Morning Studio is meeting new cultures, seeing America, visiting Europe, and writing poetry! Each month BREC Art will treat students to a new art experience with history and an emphasis on culture and fun!

BREC Art

BREC Art  – Saturday Morning Studio

WHERE: Milton J. Womack Park
WHEN: 10:30 a.m.-noon

Feb. 19 – Hometown America
Following the wonderful work of Mattie Lou O’Kelley (1908-1997) students will draw and paint a primitive art landscape.

March 19 – Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein urged his readers to catch the moon or invite a dinosaur to dinner—to have FUN! In this class students will hear and discuss Mr. Silverstein’s work and then write a few, fun, imaginative poems of their own!

April 9 – Gnome Home
Inspired by German garden statues, students will love using their imaginations to create a toadstool home that is perfect for a little gnome. Flap door and gnome included!

May 14 – Fish and Chips (rescheduled from original date in January)
Join us chaps for a morning of Fish and Chips! Students will use mixed media to create a fun take on the British favorite. Cheerio!

Ages:8-12

Cost

$10/class per EBR resident; $12/non-EBR resident

For More Information

225-281-9509
Robin.mcandrew@brec.org

Register Here

BREC Trail Time for Toddlers & Swamp School

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Have a little one with a love for learning? BREC offers a variety of nature-based education programs that are sure to engage and inspire your child, whether they’re a tiny tot or a growing explorer. BREC’s Trail Time and Swamp School programs provide your child with the opportunity to learn while exploring nature through themed indoor and outdoor activities.

BREC Trail Time for Toddlers

Trail Time for Toddlers

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Trail Time for Toddlers is a unique opportunity for children, ages 2-5, and their parents/guardians to make new friends while learning about nature through trail walks and themed indoor and outdoor activities. Come enjoy the sights and sounds of the swamp, arts and crafts, storytelling, animal encounters, and healthy snacks. Themes change from week to week, and none are repeated within a calendar year. Participants sign up for a session at a time (3-5 weekly classes) and can choose to attend the Wednesday or Thursday session. Special weekend sessions may be scheduled to accommodate working parents; contact staff for more information. Registration for each month begins on the 1st of the month prior.

Wednesday or Thursday / 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Session 1: March 2-31
$50 (5 classes) per child for EBR Parish residents
$60 (5 classes) per child for out-of-parish residents
Session 2: April 27-May 12
$30 (3 classes) per child for EBR Parish residents
$36 (3 classes) per child for out-of-parish residents
To register: webtrac.brec.org

Ages:2-5 (with accompanying adult)

For More Information

225-757-8905
sguidry@brec.org

Swamp School

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Picking up where Trail Time for Toddlers leaves off, Swamp School continues nature-based education for kids ages 6-10. With more of a focus on science content, we will explore the outdoors, do arts and crafts, meet interesting animals and have healthy snacks. This is a perfect opportunity for homeschool parents to supplement their science education curricula in a natural setting. The program is held in two sessions this semester and themes change each class. Registration for each session begins on the 1st of the month prior.

Tuesday / 2-4 p.m.

Session 1: March 1-29
$50 (5 classes) per child for EBR Parish residents
$60 (5 classes) per child for out-of-parish residents
Session 2: April 26-May 10
$30 (3 classes) per child for EBR Parish residents
$36 (3 classes) per child for out-of-parish residents
To register: webtrac.brec.org

Ages:6-10 (with accompanying adult)

For More Information

225757-8905
sguidry@brec.org

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL Lineup 2022

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After being canceled two years in a row due to the coronavirus pandemic, one of New Orleans’ most favorite music festivals, NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL, is coming back in 2022! See the incredible 2022 lineup below.

Mamas, did you know Jazz Fest has a Nursing Station?? Yep, they do! A dedicated area for mothers to pump or nurse is located on the west side of the Grandstand on the third floor. Patrons can follow directional signage to the location. In addition, changing stations are located in the women’s restrooms on the 1st floor of the Grandstand.

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival 2022 Lineup and Announcement Video

General admission tickets include access to all performances on the day of use, as well as the wide variety of food and beverages available for purchase, art exhibits, crafts booths, and much more.


NEW ORLEANS JAZZ & HERITAGE FESTIVAL

In April of 1970, Mahalia Jackson, often called the greatest gospel singer, returned to her hometown to appear at the first New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.

While attending the Louisiana Heritage Fair in Congo Square (then known as Beauregard Square), she and Duke Ellington, who also appeared at the event, came upon the Eureka Brass Band leading a crowd of second-line revelers through the Festival grounds.

George Wein, the producer of the Festival, handed Ms. Jackson a microphone; she sang along with the band and joined the parade… and the spirit of Jazz Fest was born.

This spontaneous, momentous scene—this meeting of jazz and heritage—has stood for decades as a stirring symbol of the authenticity of the celebration that was destined to become a cultural force.

From the very beginning, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was envisioned as an important event with great cultural significance and popular appeal. The Festival was the culmination of years of discussions and efforts by city leaders who wanted to create an event worthy of the city’s legacy as the birthplace of jazz.

WHEN: April 29, 2022, April 30, 2022, May 1, 2022, May 6, 2022, May 7, 2022, May 8, 2022

LOCATION: Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots, A Churchill Downs Co.
1751 Gentilly Blvd., New Orleans, LA 70119

EVENT HOST: New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival & Foundation, Inc.

ADMISSION PRICE: Starting at $70

MORE INFO: (504) 410-4100 • Visit Event Website

Inspired by the spirit of Mahalia Jackson and the Eureka Brass Band back in 1970, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival continues to celebrate the culture of Louisiana with the combined fervor of a gospel hymn and the joy of a jazz parade.