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Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse – 2022

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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 from June 15 to August 3. It’s the perfect adventure for kids bored on a hot summer day, as well as for their parents on a budget.

Save even more with $1 OFF deals on kids’ snack packs, large popcorns & large drinks during Summer Movie Clubhouse showtimes.

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse

2022 Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse

June 15 – The Boss Baby: Family Business

June 22 – Angry Birds

June 29 – Scoob!

July 6 – Sing 2

July 13 – Paw Patrol

July 20 – Tom & Jerry

July 27 – Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway

August 3 – Clifford The Big Red Dog

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.

Participating Theatres

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

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).

Family Friendly Weekend {May 6th – May 8th}

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

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

Events are subject to change, be sure to check events are as scheduled before heading out. 

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

Family Friendly Weekend Events

Things to do in Baton Rouge

May 6th – May 8th

Baton Rouge Weekend Planner
Saturday
Sunny, with a high near 89. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 69. North wind around 5 mph becoming south after midnight.
Sunday
Sunny, with a high near 92. East wind 5 to 10 mph becoming south in the afternoon.
Sunday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 70. South wind 5 to 10 mph.

Our Top 5 Picks

 

Saturday, May 07 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Perkins Road Community Park
7122 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Come out and join us for a magical day of fun for everyone! Come dressed in your favorite FAE costume and celebrate the earth and how to preserve and make it beautiful while enjoying whimsical and fun activities with a FAE twist. This event will feature carnival games, clowns, stilt walkers, FAE folk, face painters, crafts, and other exciting family entertainment for all to enjoy. With each carnival game, you can earn tickets to redeem popcorn, cotton candy, and other great prizes! Admissions is free for fairies, sprites, gnomes, and elves of all ages. Costumes are certainly encouraged!

More info: https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/fae-fest-free-fairy-family-fun/

Saturday, May 07 3:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Highland Road Park Observatory
13800 Highland Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70810

The largest and best IAD celebration within a day’s driving distance of Baton Rouge. Music, games, food, demonstrations, rides, exhibitors, viewing.

More info and full schedule: https://batonrougefamilyfun.com/international-astronomy-day/

Friday May 6,  2022 – $5.00
Saturday May 7, 2022 – $10.00
Sunday May 8, 2022 – $5.00
Advance 3-Day Pass – $15.00 (Available the week of the festival at the festival office or the festival grounds and will not sell out of passes)

Live Music, Contests, Arts & Crafts Booths, Carnival

The world famous Crawfish Festival began in 1960 as a spin-off of the Breaux Bridge Centennial Celebration. The Louisiana Legislature had just named Breaux Bridge the Crawfish Capital of the World in 1959. The festival is now known around the country and even the world. Every May, thousands of hungry people flock to Breaux Bridge to be part of the festivities.

May 5th – 8th
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
One Canal Place
365 Canal St. Suite 2250
New Orleans, LA 70130

For Family Friendly fun,  head for less crowded stages like the Kids Tent, Jazz & Heritage and Fais Do-Do stages. Your kids will love the puppet shows, kids jazz bands, youth choirs, and Native American Village.

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. Changing stations are located in the women’s restrooms on the 1st floor of the Grandstand. Visit the Access Center in front of the Grandstand for additional information.

Tunica Hills and Tunica Falls/Clark Creek

Weekend Adventure

Do you know the difference between Tunica Hills and Tunica Falls/Clark Creek? Clark Creek is sometimes called Tunica Falls; hence, Tunica Hills and Tunica Falls are often confused. However, if you’re in the mood for chasing waterfalls, trails, and adventure, both parks are worth a visit.

International Astronomy Day – Highland Road Park Observatory

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Are your kids interested in anything and everything science? Bring them out to Highland Road Park Observatory for the worldwide celebration of all things astronomy, physics, aeronautics, and the American space program at International Astronomy Day on May 7th from 3-11 p.m. Every year since 2007, Highland Road Park Observatory has proudly taken part in International Astronomy Day, a celebration of all things related to astronomy, physics, aeronautics, and the American space program. Old favorites and new surprises will make this International Astronomy Day a day to remember. Our family has enjoyed this annual event for years, there’s always something new to see and learn! Be sure to bring cash for food and merchandise too!

International Astronomy Day

Saturday, May 7th from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Free admission. For all ages.
Binoculars recommended after 7:30 pm

International Astronomy Day Schedule

SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm = ROCKET RANGE: Estes Whirlybird [launch location to be announced]

HRPO personnel will take bids for the launch and ownership of an incredible Whirlybird. Maximum launch height, 198 meters. Launch at 5:05 pm. Bidder must be at least eighteen. Launcher must be at least eight.

3:00 pm to 5:15 pm = RENAISSANCE SUNDIAL [Back Viewing Pad]

We unveil an astounding object that is both scientific timekeeper and work of art—an amazing helical body that reflects a beam of sunlight onto the correct time notch. Feel free to return to it periodically and compare it with your “modern” timepiece. You’ll be surprised by its accuracy.

3:00 pm to 7:00 pm = CELESTIAL PERIPHERIALS [Canopies]

3:00 pm to 8:00 pm = BOOKMOBILE! [behind Canopies]

The East Baton Rouge Parish Library presents the fantastic books and other resources for amateur astronomers—and a treat or two for the kids.

3:15 pm to 5:15 pm = VIEWING: Sun☉ [Front Viewing Pad]

Our parent star (in the constellation Aries♈ at this time) is put into focus. For the past few months activity—sunspots and flares—has been increasing dramatically. Utilizing a solar telescope we’ll show you an amazing view of the Sun☉ in hydrogen-alpha light. Any sizable flares or prominences occurring at this time will be easily seen! Distance, ~151 million kilometers.

3:15 pm to 6:15 pm = THE MARS TRUCK [Near Canopies]

An Izuzu box van outfitted in the most awesome ways possible. The Louisiana Space Consortium and the Society of Physics Students will set up a rotation of scopes and demos for patrons.

3:15 pm to 7:15 pm = RIDING THE RADIO WAVES [under Radio Dish]

The Baton Rouge Amateur Radio Club will teach patrons to send their names in Morse Code, explain the household benefit of the Amateur Radio Service and invite them to study for the upcoming test and become Baton Rouge’s next “hams!”

3:30 pm to 6:30 pm = NANOTECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATIONS [Canopies]

The Center for Computation and Technology (together with BR Bytes) present an eclectic array of family-aimed experiments and explanations showing the benefits of technology on the tiniest of scales.

3:45 pm to 6:45 pm = NACHREISEN [Next to Pavilion]

HEMA—Historic European Martial Arts—promotes as an exercise the defense mechanisms that were around centuries ago. These demonstrations will show moves from the 1400s and 1500s, the time of Kepler and Brahe. Follow all instructions from personnel. Do not cross safety barrier between public and demonstrators.

4:15 pm to 8:15 pm = TRAIN LIKE AN ASTRONAUT! [behind Pavilion]

Three separate stations allow kids and adults to get just a little taste of what may lie ahead if they are bold enough to apply for the Space Program!

4:30 pm to 8:30 pm = ADVENTURE QUEST [instructions and form at secret location to be revealed during event]

The frantic search game is always an IAD favorite. Gather the points to get the prizes—but should you redeem for small prizes as soon as possible, or get more points for higher level prizes? Will someone get the big prizes before you? There may be limited forms!

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm = ROCKET RANGE: Estes Wacky Wiggler [launch location to be announced]

HRPO personnel will take bids for the launch and ownership of a counterintuitive Wacky Wiggler. Maximum launch height, 244 meters. Launch at 7:05 pm. Bidder must be at least eighteen. Launcher must be at least eight.

*6:00 pm to 10:00 pm = VIEWING: Waxing Crescent Moon [Front Viewing Pad/ Back Viewing Pad]

During this time our closest celestial companion will have its apparent tone change from sky blue to grays and purples. It will be in Gemini♊. Personal binoculars recommended after 8:00 pm. Distance 398,000 kilometers.

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm = PHYSICAL SCIENCE DEMONSTRATIONS [Main Floor]

Over a half-dozen randomly-selected group from HRPO’s amazing collection of demos focusing on optics, chemical changes, sound and magnetism will be spread out like a buffet. (The demos are different every single month, so show up for ARRL Field Day on 25 June!)

7:45 pm to 8:15 pm = SEARCH: Crepuscular Rays [all outside locations]

Broken clouds, positioned correctly during sunset, can create a beautiful phenomenon of alternating rays of light and shadow. Could we be so lucky?

8:00 pm = APPEARANCE: Sirius [East Treeline]

The bright beacon of winter skies is saying goodbye. Which of us can see its fierce glow in the southwest first? Distance 8.6 light-years.

periodically from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm = VIEWING: Lunar Landscape [Large Dome]

Compare what you’ve seen of our only satellite so far (in the scopes on the viewing pads) with the magnificent “in-flight” view of the terrain of the Moon—with all the craters big and small, flooded areas, bright spots and streaking rays.

8:15 pm = APPEARANCE: Arcturus [South of Front Viewing Pad]

The orange K-class giant jewel of Boötes rises in the east. Distance 37 light-years.

*8:15 pm to 8:30 pm = VISIBLE PASS: The X-37B [all outside locations]

It’s the latest in the famous NASA experimental plane series. We can see it? Yes, when it reflects enough sunlight down to our eyes, while simultaneously the sky is dark enough to provide contrast. Distance, an almost-able-to-touch 396 kilometers.

8:15 pm to 8:45 pm = TWILIGHT SKY TOUR [Back Viewing Pad]

The denizens of the mid-spring sky appeal to young and old, and you may learn more about them than you thought you could! (There also may be one or two extra visible passes!)

8:45 pm = APPEARANCE: Corvus the Crow [Front Viewing Pad]

The irregular box just west-southwest of Spica makes itself known. Patrons should just look in the direction of St. Gabriel!

*9:00 pm = APPEARANCE: The Big Dipper [Front and Back Viewing Pads]

The most famous asterism of the night sky—actually a section of Ursa Major—holds sway in the north-northeast. Can you separate Mizar and Alcor, or do you need to use a binocular?

9:15 pm = APPEARANCE: Leo♌ the Lion [all outside locations]

In a relaxing pose, eternally staring at Cancer♋, the King of the Zodiac observes us as we observe him.

*9:30 pm to 11:00 pm = VIEWING: The Beehive Cluster [Back Viewing Pad]

Telescope operators will show patrons a glittery jewel that reveals itself to be an open cluster of about 1000 stars of varied brightnesses and colors. Distance 577 light-years.

9:45 pm to 11:00 pm = METEOR HUNTING [south of Viewing Pads]

Laying on a tarp or lawn chair or sleeping bag brought from home, patrons will be encouraged to focus intently on the northeastern sky to spy any streaks zipping through the constellations. One major and one minor meteor shower are in progress right now, and a couple of fireballs have been seen locally in the past few weeks. You never know what you’ll catch happening if you keep looking up!

*9:55 pm to 10:05 pm = VISIBLE PASS: The Hubble Space Telescope [all outside locations]

Its days are numbered, but it still has a couple of years left for data gathering. We can see it? Yes, when it reflects enough sunlight down to our eyes, while simultaneously the sky is dark enough to provide contrast. Distance 908 kilometers.

10:00 pm to 10:30 pm = EVENING SKY TOUR [Back Viewing Pad]

Leo♌, Ursa Major, Coma Berenices and Virgo♍ are the cast of characters in an informative and fun recitation of stellar stories.

*sometime between 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm = VIEWING: Omega Centauri [location to be revealed]

The legendary globular cluster is notoriously elusive from this latitude. It is IAD tradition to attempt a spotting from a savvy vantage point on the grounds, looking through the gaps in the trees. Believe us, it’s worth it! Distance—hold on to your seat—a whopping 18,000 light years.

10:30 pm to 11:00 pm = LUNAR TOUR [Back Viewing Pad]

With magnifications of 10x to 50x, patrons will spy Craters Posidonius, Plinius, Theophilius, Cyrillus and Catharina.

All viewing is weather permitting.
Personal binoculars strongly recommended for (*) viewing events.

Free binocular checkout from HRPO front desk will be available at 7:30 pm, but there are a limited number. We strongly encourage visitors to bring binoculars.

Bluebonnet Swamp 25th Birthday Party

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Everyone is invited to join Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center for their birthday bash – 25 years of connecting people to nature! To celebrate this milestone, they are inviting bakers of all skill levels to participate in a birthday bake-off.

Sweet treats of all shapes and styles with a nature-inspired theme will be judged on appearance and taste.

Bluebonnet Swamp

Bluebonnet Swamp Birthday Party

Admission fees will be dropped for the day! Guests will get to participate in live animal encounters, crafts, games, and birthday cake – while it lasts!

Event: Swamp Birthday
Date: May 21
Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Location: Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Theme: Celebrating Louisiana Nature

In commemoration of Bluebonnet Swamp’s 25th Birthday, BREC is hosting a BAKE OFF. Cookies, cakes, brownies, and pies – all sweet treats and elaborately decorated creations are welcome.

The theme for this competition will be Celebrating Louisiana Nature to show off how you interpret the natural beauty around us.

Learn more and register to enter the bake off: https://www.brec.org/index.cfm/form/home/194

 

Family Friendly Weekend Events {April 29 – May 1st}

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

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

Events are subject to change, be sure to check events are as scheduled before heading out. 

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

Family Friendly Weekend Events

Family Friendly Weekend Events
April 29-May 1

Baton Rouge Weekend Planner
Friday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Light east wind becoming southeast 5 to 10 mph in the morning.
Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 64. South wind around 5 mph.
Saturday
A 20 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1pm. Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming southwest in the afternoon.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. South wind 5 to 10 mph.
Sunday
A 40 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south around 5 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph.

*from weather.gov on 4/28/2022

Our Top 5 Picks

Saturday, April 30 – 11:00 a.m. – fireworks at dusk
Sunday, May 1 – 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
West Baton Rouge Soccer Complex in Port Allen
3383 Rosedale Road Port Allen, LA 70767

Great family fun is always on tap at the annual Kite Fest Louisiane’, where the skies are filled with kites of all sizes and shapes. A kite-making workshop and kite designing are just some of the activities for children. Bring the entire family, some lawn chairs and enjoy a day of kite flying, Louisiana food booths, and indoor flying performed by indoor flying champions.

Look for the kites in the sky, located just off I-10 west of Baton Rouge, Exit #151 at 3383 Rosedale Road for the 18th Annual Kite Fest Lousiane’. 

Saturday, April 30th, 9 AM – 4:30 PM
Denham Springs Antique Village
N Range Ave Denham Springs, LA 70726

Ready for over 160 vendor booths, special store sales, fun, great food, free children’s activities, live music, and excitement? Join Denham Springs Antique Village at their annual Springfest Saturday, April 30 from 9:00-4:30 pm.

 

Sunday, May 1st
Participating Museums*

On the first Sunday of every month, Baton Rouge families can enjoy free admission to local museums, offering the perfect opportunity to learn more about the state’s art, history, and culture. Make a plan to check all of these museums off your bucket list and see the unique exhibitions and installations each has to offer.

Participating Museums*:

Nature Night Hike and Campfire: Forest

Friday, April 29th, 7-9 p.m.
Forest Community Park
13900 South Harrell’s Ferry Road Baton Rouge, LA 70816

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. 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. Ages:6+ and Cost: $5

Friday, April 29th, 5pm
238 North Blvd. #200 Baton Rouge

Your favorite community concert series will be running 6 Fridays this spring! Join them in Rhorer Plaza, the stage between the library and Louisiana’s Old State Capitol on North Boulevard. They recommend you park at the River Center parking garages or Third Street parking garage.

Grammy Award Winner Wayne Toups AKA “Le Boss” is a high-energy showman who has long been dubbed “The Cajun Springsteen.” A native of Crowley, LA, Toups is one of the most successful American Cajun singers and songwriters. GymFit Mobile Adventures will be on hand to keep the kiddos active and entertained!

 

TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE – Highland Road Park Observatory

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There will be overnight excitement at Highland Road Park Observatory as they open to witness one of nature’s most spectacular events – a Total Lunar Eclipse! While in the constellation Libra♎, the Moon will enter the Earth♁’s shadow, turning darker and darker—and then??? The actual color can range from dark brown to red to bright orange to yellow, depending on the current state of the Earth♁’s atmosphere.

Viewings and activities will be happening throughout the evening. Bring a blanket, binoculars, or your own scope to gaze up to watch this amazing sky event.

TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE - Highland Road Park Observatory

TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE – Highland Road Park Observatory

TIMELINE

  • Sunset = 7:15 pm
  • HRPO opens to the public. = 7:30 pm
  • Moonrise = 7:38 pm
  • Moon enters penumbra of Earth♁’s shadow. = 8:32 pm
  • Moon Reaches 10° Altitude: 8:37 pm
  • End of Twilight = 9:23 pm
  • Moon enters umbra of Earth♁’s shadow. = 9:27 pm
  • Moon Reaches 20° Altitude: 9:36 pm
  • Total Eclipse begins. = 10:29 pm
  • Moon Reaches 30° Altitude: 10:46 pm
  • Total Eclipse ends. = 11:53 pm
  • Moon exits umbra of Earth♁’s shadow. = 12:55 am
  • Moon Culminates at 39°= 1:01 am
  • HRPO closes to the public. = 1:30 am
  • Moon exits penumbra of Earth♁’s shadow. = 1:50 am

TOTAL LUNAR ECLIPSE - Highland Road Park Observatory

WHAT: Total Luner Eclipse Event
WHEN:Sunday 15 May from 7:30 pm to 1:30 am
WHERE: Highland Road Park Observatory

Don’t miss it. This event begins on Sunday evening and ends on Monday morning.

It is the partial and total eclipse which will be easily visible to the unaided eye. HRPO may close early if there is an elevated chance of rain according to NOAA. HRPO property is the only part of Highland Road Park on which the public will be allowed.

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!

 

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.

Where to pick Blueberries

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.

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:  Season opening TBA – 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).
Open Friday and Saturday Only 7:00am- 3:00pm. Berries are $10.00 per gallon cash only.

WHERE: 1000 Andrew Bankston Road, Amite, LA 70422
More Info: Online | (985) 748-6843

Shuqualak Farms: The Blueberry pickingseason  TBA

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: Planning to open Memorial weekend. Locally owned and operated. This farm has been in operation since 1993. They 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, however, frozen blueberries can last from season to season or beyond. No need to 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