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Memorial Day Weekend in Baton Rouge – Things To Do

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As Memorial Day weekend approaches, we have the opportunity to honor the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country while embracing the joyous summer spirit and the cherished tradition of family gatherings. It’s a time to pay homage to our heroes and celebrate the season of sunshine and fun.

Here are our Top 5 Memorial Day weekend picks!

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

Memorial Day Weekend in Baton Rouge

Blue Star Mothers Flag Ceremony
Saturday, May 27, Starting at 9 am
State Capitol Gardens

Blue Star Mothers Flag Ceremony

Saturday, May 27th, BSM and volunteers will be planting 11,000 American flags and reading the names of the fallen from 9/11 to the present day.
The flags will be carried in by the For Our Fallen organization which consists of active and former military members. Please line the street in front of the State Capitol @ 7:30am to Welcome the Heroes Hump carrying the flags.
The opening Ceremony will begin @ approximately 8:30 am followed by the planting of the flags. The public is encouraged to attend. Seating for the ceremony is very limited. Please bring your lawn chairs. It’s a great experience for your children and grandchildren!!
Flag pick up will be on June 3rd at 8:00 a.m.

 

Memorial Day Festival
May 27th + 28th
PARDS North Park

Memorial Day Weekend in Baton Rouge Memorial Day Weekend in Baton Rouge

TWO days. TWENTY artists.
Travis Tritt, Scotty McCreery, Mitchell Tenpenny, Tyler Braden, Shenandoah and MORE at CCJ Memorial Day Festival on May 27th + 28th! Get tickets: www.thecajuncountryjam.com
Use promo code TEXASCLUB for $20 off tix!
Adult & Kid friendly festival – children over 5 must purchase and have a wristband. Children 5 and under are admitted free without a wristband but must be accompanied by an adult.

 

Gonzales Jambalaya Festival
May 26-28
219 South Irma Boulevard

The Jambalaya Festival Association, chartered in 1967, invites you to mark your calendar for the 56th Annual Jambalaya Festival to be held in Gonzales from May 26-28, 2023.
A weekend of delicious food, great music, and fun experiences the whole family will enjoy.
 The festival features World Champion Jambalaya, live music and entertainment, carnival rides, and so much fun it takes three days to get it all in.
Location: 219 South Irma Boulevard

 

Movie in the Garden: Fae Fest Edition
Saturday, May 27th, 12 pm – 4 pm
BREC’s Independence Community Park

Come one, come all for a magical day full of whimsy and lore. Come dressed in your favorite FAE costume and celebrate the earth and the preservation of everything that makes it the beautiful place we know, while enjoying whimsical and fun activities with a FAE twist. This event will feature movies, games, strolling entertainment, FAE folk, face painters, crafts, and other exciting family entertainment for all to enjoy. Admissions is free for fairies, sprites, gnomes, and elves of all ages. Costumes are certainly encouraged!
12:15 p.m. – Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019)
2:30 p.m. – Strange Magic (2015)
  • Price: Free
  • Age Limit: All ages

 

Baton Rouge Concert Band Memorial Day Concert
Monday, May 29th, at 7:00 pm
Goodwood Library, 7711 Goodwood Blvd

Baton Rouge Concert Band Memorial Day Concert

 

The Baton Rouge Concert Band will present their Memorial Day concert to honor those who lost their lives while defending our country. They will play marches and patriotic music but will also include music appropriate for somber remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Join them on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29th, at 7:00 pm at the main branch of the East Baton Rouge Library, 7711 Goodwood Blvd. The concert is free!

 

May this Memorial Day weekend be a time for reflection and celebration, where we honor our heroes and embrace the bonds of family and the joys of summer they fought so valiantly to preserve.

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Free Swimming Lessons in Baton Rouge – 2023

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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!

2023 FREE Swimming Lessons

BREC, SELA Aquatics, and the American Red Cross are pleased to offer FREE swimming lessons for the 2023 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 to student ratios.

Free Swim Lessons

Free Swimming Lessons in Baton Rouge

Session One (June 7-9 & June 14-16 @ City Brooks)

  • Registration opens online on May 31.
  • 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 CB Pool

Session Two (June 21-23 & June 28-30 @ Anna T Jordan)

  • Registration opens online on June 7.
  • 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 Anna T Jordan Pool

Session Three (July 5-7 & July 12-14 @ City Brooks Pool)

  • Registration opens online on June 21.
  • 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 CB Pool

Session Four (July 19-31 & July 26-28 @ Anna T Jordan Pool)

  • Registration opens online on July 5.
  • 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

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.

It is important to note that while learning to swim is highly beneficial, children should always be supervised by a responsible adult when in or around water, regardless of their swimming abilities.

Source: http://usapoolsla.com

Baton Rouge Splash Pad Parks & Pools

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As the sweltering summer heat approaches, Baton Rouge families are on the lookout for ways to beat the heat and keep their children entertained. Look no further! Baton Rouge Splash Pad Parks & Pools provide the perfect respite from the scorching sun. Whether you’re seeking a refreshing splash pad for little ones or a fun-filled pool adventure for the whole family, this guide will help you discover the best places to stay cool and have a blast this summer.

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.

Baton Rouge Splash Pad Parks & Pools

Image Credit: BREC Parks

Baton Rouge Splash Pads & Water Parks

Cool off from the heat at one of BREC’s splash pads. BREC splash pads are interactive water play areas with no standing water. Anyone can activate the water spray features by simply pushing the activator button located within the splash pad. This will engage the water system and which will run for approximately 12 minutes and turn off. Pushing the button will activate the system again.

Liberty Lagoon

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.

Zachary Community Park
20055 Old Scenic Hwy
Zachary, LA 70791

BREC Pools

City-Brooks and Anna T. Jordan Community Pools open Tuesday-Sunday
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.

Blue Bayou Water Park

Blue Bayou Water Park will be begin opening for the 2023 Season on Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. They will be open daily from 11:00 until 6:00 p.m. through August 8, 2023. They will then open on Saturdays and Sundays only, through and including Labor Day. Please note: Some attractions may be modified, limited in capacity, and subject to availability.

Water Fun Beyond Baton Rouge

New Orleans
Make a trip to NOLA for the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans! Their Cool Zoo is a splash park with jumping water spouts, an alligator water slide and even water-spitting snakes. Parents don’t have to worry about little ones getting in the way of the older kids, as there is a separate area designated for toddlers.

State parks also offer opportunities for water fun. The water playgrounds at Tickfaw State Parkin Livingston and Fontainebleau State Park in Mandeville are close enough for a day trip or a great weekend trip and worth the drive. 19 of Louisiana’s 22 state parks offer opportunities for water recreation, from pools and beaches to water parks and splash pads.

 Swim in sandy-banked shallow clear rivers at Land-O-Pines Campground. You can also enjoy their pools and water slides along with many other activities.

Splash Kingdom Family Waterpark

You might want to head up to Shreveport for a weekend of fun and visit Splash Kingdom Family Waterpark (formerly Water Town USA) reopened in 2010 with new owners and renovated attractions. This 20-acre waterpark has wave pool, lazy river, kiddie pool and more than a dozen water slides. The park also has a large picnic area and catering for groups.

White Sands Lake Day Beach in Enon, LA {1 hour 30 minutes from Baton Rouge}

White Sands Lake Day Beach is a family-oriented, recreational facility offering a full day of FUN in the SUN in the cool, clear, spring-fed lake that contains a water park complete with inflatable water slides, trampolines, the blob bag, teeter-totters, floating mats, and more! White Sands Lake is located in Enon, LA, which is just north of Folsom in Washington Parish.  (See directions page for location map). Enjoy the sandy, white beach playing volleyball or just relax under one of our shaded cabanas.  All cabanas include a BBQ grill, or you are welcome to bring your own shade and grill. White Sands Lake is also a great place to have a birthday party, family reunion, church or youth group gathering, etc.  (See party package page).

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.

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.

Audubon Cool Zoo New Orleans 
Open Weekends

The wet and wild, kid-friendly fun starts with a 750-foot lazy river and continues with a huge alligator water slide, spider monkey soakers, water-spitting snakes, and more splash-worthy activities. Best of all, it’s right beside the animals inside Audubon Zoo.

Image Credit: Audubon Zoo

Northshore Splash Pads

Abita Springs Park Splash Pad
22161 Level St.
Abita Town Hall
Abita Springs, LA 70420
Tel: (985) 892-0711
Located inside Abita Park at the Abita Trailhead, just west of the historic pavilion and museum, this popular splash pad is a short walk from Abita Brew Pub and the Abita River. Dozens of water jets spray at varying heights and intervals for children (and grown-ups too!) to play under. Shade areas and benches surround the popular play spot.

Bogue Chitto State Park
17049 State Park Blvd,
Franklinton, LA,
(985) 839-5707

Enjoy the splash pad, tubing, hiking, and picnicking. Day use is open from 8 AM until sunset.
Admission to the park is $3 per person.
3 and under get in free.
62 and older get in free.

Fontainebleau State Park
62883 Highway 1089, Mandeville
Louisiana State Parks’ water playgrounds operate Tuesdays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; the facilities will be closed on Mondays for cleaning and maintenance. Please contact the park directly, to confirm that the playground is open or for additional information. Admission is $3/person

White Sands Lake
52129 Sandstone Blvd, Franklinton
White Sands Lake Day Beach is a family-oriented, recreational facility offering a full day of FUN in the SUN in the cool, clear, spring-fed lake that contains an aqua park complete with inflatable water slides, trampolines, the blob bag, floating mats, and more!     We are located outside of Franklinton, LA in Enon, LA – which is just north of Folsom in Washington Parish.

AQUA PARK – The aqua park is located just off the shore of the beach and includes water toys for all ages, including water slides, trampolines, teeter-totters, aqua mats, and more!

Admission:
Children 3-11 – $12
12 and Up – $18

Baton Rouge is teeming with opportunities for families to beat the heat and have a memorable summer. From the exhilarating water slides of Liberty Lagoon and Blue Bayou Water Park to the serene Cohn Arboretum Splash Pad and the family-friendly pools at BREC Parks, there’s a water-filled adventure for everyone.

So grab your swimsuits, slather on the sunscreen, and dive into the joy and excitement these splash pads and pools offer. Make this summer a cool and unforgettable one for your Baton Rouge family!

Movie Tavern $3 Summer Kids Movies

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Grab the family and head to your nearest participating Movie Tavern® location for their SUMMER KIDS DREAM Family Film Series. It’s the perfect way to stay entertained while beating the summer heat! Movies are only $3, and for an additional $3, you can get a kid-sized popcorn and a drink. Usually, a ticket is over $13 making this an incredible deal!

SUMMER KIDS DREAM Family Film Series

Movie Tavern Summer Kids $3 Movies:

ADMISSION:
$3 per person.

New to the Summer Kids Dream Film Series is the option to purchase a Kids Dream Passport, which entitles the passport holder to see each film at any theatre hosting the series for just $15!

WHEN:
June 13th thru August 5th

WHERE:
CITIPLACE CINEMA
2610 Citiplace Court
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

JUBAN CROSSING CINEMA
9998 Crossing Way
Denham Springs, LA 70726

COVINGTON CINEMA
201 N. Highway 190
Covington, LA 70433

THE FILM SERIES LINEUP:

  • Shrek 2 – June 13-June 17: Tickets
  • The Bad Guys – June 20-June 24: Tickets
  • Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile  – June 27-July 1: Tickets
  • The Amazing Maurice – July 4-8: Tickets
  • Minions: Rise of Gru – July 11-July 15: Tickets
  • Mummies – July 18-July 22: Tickets
  • DC League of Super Pets – July 25-July 29: Tickets
  • Puss in Boots: The Last Wish – August 1-August 5: Tickets

Titles and dates are subject to change. All titles will be shown in standard 2D only, some are rated PG. In accordance with MPAA, PG titles should be investigated by parents before they let their younger children attend.

Check for participating locations: https://www.marcustheatres.com/marcus-specials/family-friendly-films

More summer articles you might like:

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse – 2023

 

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
Sadly, the freeze in March left most, if not all, farms unable to open in 2023.

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

Blueberry Ridge Orchard: Closed for 2023.
“Because of the freeze in March, we will be unable to open at all in 2023. We have no berries. The blooms were all damaged in the freeze in March. We look forward to seeing everyone in 2024. Thank you!”

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: TBA

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: Closed for 2023
” We will be closed in 2023.  The 2 day hard freeze in March froze the crop and we lost it for the first time since 1986.”

Berries are $10.00 per gallon cash on – 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 – TBA

Upick Blueberries $3.50 per pound or $20 a gallon
Wepick Blueberries $30 a gallon if able lol
Blueberry Popsicles $1.00 ea.
Local Honey squeeze bear $5
Local Honey pint $10
Blueberry Concentrate $12 a quart
Pure Blueberry Juice $10 a quart
Cash,Check,Cashapp,PayPal+charge

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: TBA

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.

More berry picking goodness:

Strawberry picking near Baton Rouge & Beyond: U-Pick Guide

Baton Rouge Summer Camps

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse – 2023

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Summer is the perfect time for families to come together, create lasting memories, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. As a mom, I’m always on the lookout for activities that cater to my children’s interests while providing a fun experience for the entire family. That’s why I’m thrilled to share that Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse is back for 2023.

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse

Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse is back with 8 weeks of kid-approved movies at Perkins Rowe! Enjoy exciting big-screen entertainment for just $1.50* per ticket for each movie. Save even more on your visit with $1 OFF deals on kids’ snack packs and any size popcorn & drink combos during showtimes.

Participating theatres will host Summer Movie Clubhouse on Wednesdays at 9:30 am, June 21 through August 16. Select theatres will offer additional showtimes throughout the week, so be sure to check your local theatre for more Summer Movie Clubhouse fun!

Whether your kids are fans of animated adventures, captivating stories, or heartwarming tales, there’s something for everyone. From old favorites to recent releases, this program is designed to keep the whole family entertained week after week.

2023 Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse

Participating Theatres

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

You can visit the Baton Rouge Cinemark Movie Theatre at Perkins Rowe. (TIP – you’ll need to select the Wednesday date to see the available movie tickets).

SUMMER MOVIE CLUB FAQs

Q: Do I need a coupon for the $1 OFF concessions deals?
A: No coupon is necessary. Discounts will be taken at the register during Summer Movie Clubhouse showtimes.

Q: Do children need to be accompanied by an adult?
A: Children ages 11 and under should be accompanied by an adult.

Q: Are tickets the same price for adults and children?
A: Summer Movie Clubhouse showtimes are $1.50 per ticket, per movie for children and adults.

The Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse for 2023 is an extraordinary program that brings families together for a summer of unforgettable fun at an affordable price! So, grab your popcorn, sit back, and let the magic of the movies transport you to a world of joy and togetherness this summer.

Free First Sunday – Free Family Fun

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Are you looking for family fun on a lazy Sunday in Baton Rouge? Good news: The first Sunday of every month is free admission day at many of Baton Rouge’s most popular attractions! Here are a few places you can visit on your first free Sunday.  Check out the exhibitions, collections, hands-on galleries, interactive performances, summer group programs, educators, tours, and inspiring shows.

*Museum participation is subject to change. Please call the attractions to confirm or with any questions.

Free First Sunday Participating Museums

  1. Louisiana Art & Science Museum: The Louisiana Art & Science Museum is a great place to spend a Sunday afternoon. You can explore the museum’s art galleries, planetarium, and interactive science exhibits. Plus, there’s a cafe where you can grab a bite to eat.
  2. The Louisiana Old State Capitol: The Old State Capitol is open to the public for free, year-round, not just on First Free Sunday. Recently renovated, the Old State Capitol features a museum and preserved chambers for guests to inspect. A detailed Huey P. Long exhibit is one of the highlights of a visit.

  3. Capitol Park Museum: Explore Louisiana’s diverse and colorful history at Baton Rouge’s Capitol Park Museum for free on the first Sunday of each month, with special hours from 1 pm–4:30 pm. From Louis Armstrong to Huey P. Long, from Mardi Gras to fais-do-do, and from the nation-building commerce of the Mississippi River to the life-sustaining bounty of the Gulf of Mexico, the Capitol Park Museum provides a panoramic exploration of the most vibrant state in America.

  4. The LSU Museum of Art at the Shaw Center for the Arts: Tour the LSU Museum of Art to see more than 6,500 pieces of art from around the world. The most extensive collections of art in the South, with a plethora of sculptures, photographs, and paintings.
  5. LSU Center for River Studies at the Water Campus: Visitors are invited to explore the award-winning coastal-themed exhibit space and river model at the LSU Center for River Studies for FREE on the first Sunday of each month from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m.The Center’s interactive exhibit space offers opportunities for guests of all ages to learn more about the history of the Mississippi River, Louisiana’s disappearing wetlands, and ongoing coastal restoration projects across the coast. CPRA staff will be on-hand throughout the day to lead discussions and answer questions. You’ll also have the chance to attend a unique educational presentation using world-class projector equipment on the river model.
  6. Magnolia Mound: Magnolia Mound, a nationally accredited museum and historic site, sits on sixteen acres shaded with ancient live oaks and magnolias. Built circa 1790 by John Joyce, who purchased the property from James Hillin, it is the oldest documented structure in Baton Rouge. One of its noted residents in the 1800s was Armand Allard Duplantier, a former captain of the Continental Army under Marquis de Lafayette. Magnolia Mound believes that in retelling its history it is important to also tell the hard stories of our past, remembering the lives of the enslaved whose skills help to build not only our historic buildings but our state and our country.

Children can learn about daily life on a Louisiana plantation from the 1790s to the 1820s, Louisiana history, and more.

*Museum participation is subject to change. Please call the attractions to confirm or with any questions.

These are just a few of the many attractions you can visit on your first free Sunday in Baton Rouge. Be sure to check each venue’s website for hours and other details. Enjoy your day out and take advantage of this great opportunity to explore Baton Rouge without spending a dime!

Water Lantern Festival – New Orleans

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Are you ready to experience an enchanting evening full of wonder, peace, and beauty? Then mark your calendars for November 12th, when the Water Lantern Festival is coming to New Orleans! This amazing event is a celebration of hope, love, and the human spirit!

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Water Lantern Festival

The Water Lantern Festival is an ancient tradition that dates back thousands of years and has been celebrated in many cultures worldwide. The festival typically involves lighting and releasing lanterns onto the water, creating a stunning display of light and reflection. The lanterns are often decorated with messages, wishes, or symbols that hold special meaning for the person who releases them.

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In recent years, the Lantern Festival has become a popular event in many cities around the world, and now it’s coming to New Orleans! The festival will take place in LOUIS ARMSTRONG PARK. And the best part? Visitors can create their own lanterns and release them onto the water, creating a breathtaking display of light and reflection.

The festival will feature live music, food vendors, and other activities that bring people together and create a sense of joy and belonging. It’s a chance to connect with others, make new friends, and experience the magic of the lanterns together.

All lanterns will be cleaned up after the event by our awesome staff. In addition, we pick up any trash that may have previously been in or around the water. The lanterns are made from rice paper and wood, so they are as eco-friendly as possible, and we reuse and recycle the LED candles.

Water Lantern Festival Details

WHEN: November 12th

WHERE:
LOUIS ARMSTRONG PARK
835 N. Rampart St., New Orleans, LA 70116

ADMISSION:
Adult Ticket $26.98 + fees
Youth Ticket (ages 8-14) + fees
Kids 0-7 FREE – No Lantern
Find all ticket options here. 

WHAT’S INCLUDED?  Entry into the festival area with access to food trucks, one floating lantern kit, marker, drawstring bag, playing cards, conversation cards, and scavenger hunt giveaway entry. Non-refundable ticket.

East Baton Rouge Parish Library Events – May

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The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is a hub of activity and resources for kids, teens, and adults alike. Find a full list of East Baton Rouge Parish Library Events and programs offered in May; there is always something new to discover and learn. From storytime and arts and crafts for young children to coding classes and book clubs for teens, to technology workshops and author talks for adults; the library provides a welcoming and engaging environment for all ages. In addition to these events, the library also offers an extensive collection of books, DVDs, and online resources, making it a valuable resource for the entire community.

East Baton Rouge Parish Library May/June Events

Get Ready for Summer Reading!

Summer Reading Program

C’mon, everybody! Join in the fun with East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s 2023 Summer Reading Program, All Together Now! Beginning Thursday, June 1, and running through Tuesday, August 15, enjoy an entire summer of FREE programs, workshops, storytimes, concerts, and performances for all ages, scheduled throughout the Library system. Learn more about our summer events
at www.ebrpl.com/calendar.

Track your reading and earn rewards! It’s easy! First, sign up at your local Library location or online at ebrpl.beanstack.org, starting June 1. Then, read books and log them into your Beanstack account to earn virtual badges and completion rewards, as well as entries for weekly prize drawings! There are reading challenges and incentives for kids, teens, and even adults. We’ve got this! Let’s unite for fun events and reading rewards this summer! 1…2…3…All Together Now!

Stem Summer Kickoff
June 1st at 10am – 1pm | Main Library at Goodwood

Kick off Summer Reading on Thursday, June 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at the Main Library at Goodwood! Kids, teens, and their families are invited to join us for demonstrations, presentations, and activities from organizations that use science and technology to make a difference! Learn what’s in the back of an ambulance, build a cardboard robot, take apart technology to make art, experience new worlds in virtual reality, see strange and exciting specimens with the LSU Natural Science Museum and much more!

Write Time! with Boo Milton
May 2 at 6 PM | River Center Branch

Join the Library on Tuesday, May 2 at 6 p.m. at the River Center Branch for Write Time!, a FREE poetry and general creative writing session for adults ages 18-33. Beginners and seasoned writers will enjoy creating poems and spoken word pieces while connecting with other creatives. This event is hosted by media personality Boo Milton with a live DJ and refreshments. Register at ebrpl.com/calendar or by emailing programs@ebrpl.com.

Coding and Tech Careers Workshop for Kids
May 6 at 10 a.m

Kids ages 5-11 are invited to do fun coding projects and explore amazing tech careers with Dr. Ajayi Anwansedo and CodeNok Sisters, Eliora and Sharon, at the Main Library at Goodwood on Saturday, May 6 at 10 a.m. All children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required. Call 231-3760 to register.

Children’s Books and Music Series featuring The Kids’ Orchestra
Saturday, May 13 at 11 a.m. | Main Library at Goodwood
Saturday, May 20 at 11 a.m. | Jones Creek Regional Branch Library

Collect new musical skills! Discover new library books! Experiment with new dance steps!
Kids’ Orchestra invites children, ages 5-11, to an experiential program that combines library books with music education. Each month, children will explore a theme as they learn about an instrument, sing a song, explore a dance, and play a game – all inspired by a book in the East Baton Rouge Parish Library collection.

Song lyrics are poems. Poems are literature. Literature comes in a book. What’s the natural conclusion? Songs are books! Come see some examples: Imagine (John Lennon) and What a Wonderful World (Louis Armstrong). Also, learn about rhythm by dancing and melody by using solfege syllables.

In May, there are two opportunities to attend this fun program! See dates and times below. All children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.

  • Saturday, May 13 at 11 a.m. – Main Library at Goodwood To register, please call 231-3760.
  • Saturday, May 20 at 11 a.m. – Jones Creek Regional Branch Library To register, please call 756-1160.

Baton Rouge Concert Band Memorial Day Concert
May 29 at 7 p.m. | Main Library at Goodwood

The Baton Rouge Concert Band will present a FREE Memorial Day concert at the Main Library at Goodwood on Monday, May 29 at 7 p.m. to honor those who lost their lives while defending our country. They will play marches and patriotic music but will also include music appropriate for somber remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Teen Trivia
May 17 at 3 p.m. | Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library

Join the Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library on Wednesday, May 17 at 3 p.m. for Teen Trivia! Put your knowledge to the test on everything from music, movies, video games and more. Compete with other teens for the grand prize!

Carver Branch Library, 720 Terrace St., (225) 389-7440
Life-sized UNO

Teens can play life-sized UNO with their friends at the Carver Branch Library on Tuesday, May 23, 4-5 p.m. Strategize with your teammates to win!

Scotlandville Branch Library, 7373 Scenic Hwy., (225) 354-7540
Farm Animal Puppets

Kids can stop by the Scotlandville Branch Library on Saturday, May 20 to make their very own farm animal puppet friend to take home (while supplies last)! They can also listen to a story, Duddle Puck the Puddle Duck by Karma Wilson.

May 2023 Monthly Branch Calendars

 

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!

Kindly note that the photos below were taken in previous years and do not depict the activities that will take place during this year’s event.

International Astronomy Day

International Astronomy Day

Saturday, April 29th, from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Free admission. For all ages.
Binoculars recommended after 7:30 pm

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

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.