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Boo at the Zoo – Halloween Fun at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo

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Calling all ghosts, goblins, little ghouls and boys…  on October 17th, 18th, 24th, and 25th, BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo is thrilled to be able to host their most popular family event of the year – Boo at the Zoo! This year’s event will be a little bit different than in the past. For safety purposes, pre-prepared treat bags will be available for children to pick-up upon exiting the Zoo. They are still encouraging creative & fun costumes for all guests to create a merry-not-scary experience!

There will be traditional fall-themed photo opportunities & they’ll be providing fun and festive enrichments to their animal friends during the day. While this year’s event will be a little different, it promises to keep this family tradition special for all ages! 

Boo at the Zoo

This year at Boo at the Zoo

Regular Zoo admission applies and admission is free for Friends of the Zoo Members. Admission gates open 9:30am – 4:00pm. Grounds close at 5 pm.

Due to COVID-19 Safeguards, we will be pre-packaging treat bags for all children ages 12 and under to collect upon exiting their adventure at the Zoo.

We encourage costumes, as always, and protective face masks for guests.

While this year’s event will be a little bit different, we promise to keep this family tradition special.

There will be traditional photo ops throughout the Zoo with Fall and Halloween themed structures.

As well, we will be providing fun and festive enrichments to our animal friends throughout the day.

It’s sure to be a good time for all ages! 

Upcoming Dates:

Saturday, October 17, 2020
Sunday, October 18, 2020
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Sunday, October 25, 2020

Boo at the Zoo

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: How old do you have to be to trick-or-treat?

A: Treats are for children under the age of 12.

Q: Is parking free?

A: Parking is free, but the parking lot often fills up for Boo at the Zoo. Deputies will assist in directing traffic but please “bear” with them. Cars will be permitted to enter as soon as spots become available. It’s best to get there early!

Q: Is your event scary?

A: Boo at the Zoo is a merry, not scary Halloween event. The Hay Maze & other attractions are not scary and are suitable for young children.

Q: Can we bring our own snacks and beverages?

A: Outside snacks and beverages are not allowed inside the Zoo, but feel free to enjoy your Zoo favorites at the Flamingo Cafe, or try out the Food Court with everything from quesadillas and fried pickles to funnel cakes and smoothies! 

You won’t want to miss this day of family fun! 

Boo at the Zoo

Learn more at the BREC Baton Rouge Zoo website and follow the Baton Rouge Zoo Facebook page for updates! 

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRFF via a cash payment, gift, or giveaway. Opinions expressed herein are that of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the sponsor. 

Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch 2020 – What to Expect

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This past Sunday we visited Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch with our 18-month-old daughter and family friends. The weather was perfect and it was a great way to kick off the Fall. Some of you, like me, may have seen tons of families pick strawberries on this farm back in the spring and have been wanting to check it out! We put on some festive outfits and made the quick 50-minute drive to Hammond.

Mrs. Heather's Pumpkin Patch

I do want to preface this by saying during these COVID times, the crowds were much heavier than we expected (but then again, it was 60 degrees and not a cloud in the sky on a Louisiana Saturday). There wasn’t a mask mandate since the farm is acres upon acres but nonetheless, we tried to keep our distance as best as possible.

Entrance is free for adults and children are $8 which includes a pumpkin for each child to bring home. (TIP: Bring cash, $3 fee for using a credit card)

Mrs. Heather's Pumpkin Patch

The farm has almost every activity you can think of, and for an older child, I imagine you could spend hours there. There was a giant jumping pillow, many varieties of swings, hopscotch, a corn maze, tunnel slides, zip-lining, seesaws, face painting, and pumpkin painting. There were also TONS of picture opportunities like sitting on haystacks decorated for fall, cutouts throughout the property.

Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch Activities:

Pick a Pumpkin from the field
Zip line
Jumping Pillow
Tunnel Slide
Face Painting
Duck Racing
Pedal Tractors
Hay Maze
Milk a Cow
Roll Down the Hill
Catch Mrs. Heather telling how pumpkins grow
Merry go round
Play Horse Shoes
Weigh & Measure your pumpkin
Paint a pumpkin (weekend only)

Mrs. Heather's Pumpkin Patch

 

I have seen pictures and talked to some friends who visited Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch on a weekday and it was incomparable in crowd size. It looked like they had the farm to themselves! I think if we went back, I would plan for a weekday.   

In any pre-COVID times, we would have taken our daughter to do a lot of the age-appropriate activities, but we distanced ourselves from many of the crowded activities and did things like the corn maze, walking around the property, and, of course, playing with the pumpkins.

 

Mrs. Heather's Pumpkin Patch

Since our daughter is on the younger side and couldn’t do all of the activities, we stayed for about two hours which was plenty for her. If I had older children, I would suggest packing drinks, snacks, and even lunch. We saw some families having picnics on the property and it seems as though you are allowed to bring in ice chests, wagons, chairs, etc for a long afternoon of fun.

 
Mrs. Heather's Pumpkin Patch
 
I hope you enjoy our photos and the above tips from our afternoon at Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch!
 

Christy was born and raised in Mandeville, came to LSU to study PR, and after meeting her husband and finding a job she has stayed in Baton Rouge ever since! She’s a stay-at-home-working-mom to Lucy (1) who she loves watching grow and learn each day. In her free time, Christy, her husband Harold, and Lucy enjoy being outside, trying new restaurants, traveling, and finding any excuse to decorate the house, cook, and have friends over.  

 

2020 Pumpkin Patch

Visit the Baton Rouge Family Fun 2020 Baton Rouge Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze Guide for a full list of fall fun in Baton Rouge and beyond. 

2020 Baton Rouge Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze Guide

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While this year may look different, there is still much to look forward to… we get a taste of cooler days, pumpkins, cute costumes, and a few fun events. We have compiled our list of fun fall pumpkin patch & corn mazes! Don’t miss our favorite spots around the Red Stick to find your perfect pumpkin, create some fall family memories, and take a hayride or two. As with previous years, we have included events and activities taking place in Baton Rouge and beyond. 

While every effort has been made to ensure this information is accurate, we encourage you to contact the patch directly to verify that all details are correct and have not changed. If you have information on a Pumpkin Patch or corn maze that we missed, please let us know!

Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze Guide

AgCenter Botanic Gardens Corn Maze

Corn Maze at Burden

Corn Maze Saturday

The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens Corn Maze is a family-friendly day of fall fun with numerous farm-related activities. Join the crazy mazy fun every Saturday in October with hayrides, zip lining, face painting, Bayou Goula’s Petting Zoo, pumpkin decorating, and more! Enjoy hamburgers, food from local vendors, and corn inspired snacks like corndogs and popcorn.

October 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, 2020 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

Tickets for this year’s Corn Maze must be purchased in advance for scheduled 2- hour time experiences here at BonTemps Tix!

Ticket Times:
Morning: 10 a.m. – noon
Midday: 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Afternoon: 3 – 5 p.m. 

This year’s theme is “Harvest Some Happiness”.

The LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens Corn Maze is a family-friendly day of fall fun with numerous farm-related activities in a safe, socially distanced environment.
Enjoy some crazy, mazy family fun as you find your way through the maze. The fun continues every Saturday in October. Admission is $15 per person and, free for children 3 and younger. Corn Maze is Baton Rouge’s most aMAZEing event! Become a member! Family members receive 4 tickets to Corn Maze for free!

Due to COVID-19 and state mandate, masks must be worn in any area where social distancing is not possible. Children under the age of 8 are exempt. 

Activities will include:

  • Corn Maze
  • Sunflower Fields 
  • Pumpkin Patch 
  • Petting Farm 
  • Hayride
  • Satsuma picking
  • Hay Mountain
  • Rock Rascal Treasure Hunt 
  • Take home crafts
  • Picnic Area with local food vendors

Click here for full details! 

WHEN: October 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, 2020 | 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 
WHERE: Burden Museum & Gardens 4560 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809

baton rouge pumpkin patch

Jefferson United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch

Family fun in a safe environment All proceeds support area Missions.

PATCH OPENS! WED 10/7

WEEKDAYS 11AM TO 6pm | SATURDAYS 9AM TO 6pm | SUNDAYS 12PM TO 6PM

The Pumpkin Patch is the largest mission project at JUMC. All net proceeds are distributed to local missions, plus help fund our youth mission trip. Last year they were able to donate thousands of dollars – all because of the volunteers willing to work the patch. Plus, with the Kick-Off event, new people can experience JUMC.

WHEN: Starts 10/7
WHERE: 10328 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70809 

Ascension Parish

Baton Rouge Pumpkin Patch

NewSong Church Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival

The NewSong Church pumpkin patch at the corner of Old Perkins and Bluff Road in Prairieville will be open starting Monday, October 5th through October 31st.  
Hours are 2pm – 6pm Monday – Friday, 10am – 6pm on Saturdays, and 12pm – 6pm on Sundays.

Baton Rouge Pumpkin Patch

 Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, as well as various types of gourds from the Navajo Indians in Northern New Mexico will be available for purchase. 

NewSong will also host a FREE Fall Festival on Saturday, October 17th from 4pm – 6:30pm. 

Fall Fest

WHEN: October – Hours are 2 pm – 6 pm Monday – Friday, 10 am – 6 pm on Saturdays, and 12 pm – 6 pm on Sundays.
WHERE: 18465 Old Perkins Rd, Prairieville, LA 70769 Phone: 225-313-6736

Livingston Parish

Mrs. Heather's Pumpkin Patch

Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin and Strawberry Patch

See our full review of Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch and what to expect in 2020. 

Pick a Pumpkin from the field – Activities include: zipline, Jumping Pillow, Tunnel Slide, Face Painting, Duck Racing, Pedal Tractors, See Cotton, Growing, Hay Maze Milk a Cow Roll Down the Hill Catch Mrs. Heather telling how pumpkins grow Merry go round Play Horse Shoes Nature Trail Lots of places to take pictures Weigh & Measure your pumpkin, Bring a Picnic Lunch, Paint a pumpkin (weekends only) 

WHEN: Sep. 26th through Nov. 8th – Daily 9:00am – 5:00pm
WHERE: 31458 La 43 Hwy, Albany, LA 70711. Phone: 225-567-3493
ADMISSION: Kids (newborn & up): $8 per child Adults: Free

Faith Crossing UMC Pumpkin Patch – Closed this year due to COVID. 

Closed this year due to COVID. 

 

East Feliciana Parish

Barn Hill Preserve Pumpkin Patch 

Barn Hill Preserve pumpkin patch

Barn Hill Preserve’s pumpkin patch will be going on every weekend in October! Guests will participate in fun Fall related activities and get to experience the beauty of the preserve. They will have activities ranging from animal shows, hayrides, and mini animal encounters to picking pumpkins out of the patch. 

WHEN: Starting the first week in October – Saturday’s & Sunday’s 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
WHERE: Barn Hill Preserve 11342 LA-955, Ethel, LA 70730 – 225-286-3003
ADMISSION: $15 per person at the door. 

Tangipahoa Parish

Liuzza Land Pumpkin Patch Corn Maze

Liuzza Land Pumpkin Patch  – Closed this year due to COVID. 

Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch – The maize if full of scarecrows, dead ends, and bridges to excite you as you make your way through! Each scarecrow holds a hole puncher of a different shape which you will use to punch your card to help guide you in the right direction.  Pick pumpkins right off the vine or choose a pre-picked one from our pumpkin patch. One pie pumpkin is included with every admission. Activities include: Pumpkin Tattoos & Painting, Tunnel Slides, Swings, Diggers & A Jumping Pillow, Goat Feeding, Pony Rides, Petting Zoo, Pioneer Playhouse, Horse Drawn Wagon Rides. 

WHEN: Closed this year due to COVID. 
Where: 56188 Holden Cir Amite, Louisiana 70422

St. Helena Parish

Cajun Country Corn

Cajun Country Corn has been farming food and fiber for over 30 years. They started their corn maze in 2000 and have been doing it ever since. In addition to the regular maze, they open up a portion of the maze on Friday and Saturday nights for haunting. Other spooky attractions include the haunted trail, board maze, and zombie paintball. You can also enjoy the pumpkin blaster, corn cannon, and other farm attractions while you are there. Pine Grove, LA – 7 Acres
Haunted Nights in October
TBA

Cajun Country Corn Maze

WHEN: ​Open OCTOBER 10th- NOVEMBER 29th | Friday 5pm – 9pm, Saturday 9am – 9pm, Sunday 11am – 6pm
WHERE: The corn maze is located in Pine Grove, LA on  Hwy 16. The maze is located 1 mile east  of 42360 (Napa Auto) in Pine Grove, and five miles west of 35999 (Bear Creek Western Store) in Montpelier, LA 
ADMISSION: Click here for full details on packages and pricing

Cajun Country Corn

Baton Rouge Family Fun will always bring you the best in Family Friendly events in Baton Rouge and beyond. This post will be updated as new events are listed, check back for more Baton Rouge Family Fun!

 

Visit our Family Friendly Baton Rouge Fall Events for a full list of fall fun in Baton Rouge and beyond. 

 

Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids in Baton Rouge – First Look

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Baton Rouge families with children have a new option for family-friendly haircuts thanks to the recent opening of Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids in Baton Rouge. This innovative, fun-filled kids salon located off Highland Road specifically caters to kids. 

All regular haircuts include a complimentary wash, fun chairs, lollipops, balloons, and of course, lots of fun. Sharkey’s even makes the first haircut’ a special occasion with a certificate and before/after photograph. Older kids and adults can play video games in the “Tween Lounge” or just relax and watch a movie. Feeling glamorous? Girls can get pampered in Sharkey’s Glamour Room. You can even come with your child for a Mom & Daughter or Dad & Son package, making the experience something for the whole family. 

Sharkey's Cuts for Kids

Want a special Salon Birthday Party for your child??? At Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids, the birthday girl and her friends will have an extra special “Glamour” Day in its special “Glamour Room” where your birthday girl and her friends will be treated like a star. Each girl will be pampered with a pretty hairstyle, make-up application, and mini-cure manicure. When they are all ready to go, they can choose from an array of beautiful dress-up clothes and put on a fashion show, complete with pictures to remember the day. 

Sharkey's Cuts for Kids

Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids $7 Off Coupon 

In celebration of their Grand Opening, they are offering ✂️ $7 OFF EVERY HAIRCUT through October 15th!
Get your voucher and book your appointment by clicking here 👉  http://bit.ly/SharkeysGO7OFF 

Every haircut comes with:

🎮  Xbox playing in gaming chairs
📽  Disney+ viewing in 🚓 character chairs
💅  Minicures
🎈🍭  Balloons and lollipops
🦈💍  Shark tattoos and glamour rings to go
AND so much more! 🎉

Sharkey's Cuts for Kids

Safety measures:

The staff is trained on enhanced disinfecting protocols to ensure absolute pristine cleanliness for your safety and theirs.

✂️  Haircuts will be by appointment only
🚙  Please call upon arrival and wait in your car
↔  We will open every other station
😷  Our stylists and staff will wear masks at all times
😷  We encourage everyone in the salon to wear a mask
💧 Station disinfection after every client
💳  Card is highly preferred but not mandatory

During this time, Sharkey’s has also adjusted for longer appointment slots to allow for these additional procedures to be completed.

WHERE:
18291 Highland Rd., Suite 106 Baton Rouge, LA 70810

HOURS:
Monday -Friday:
10:00 AM – 6:00 PM,
Saturday:
9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:
12:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Visit Sharkey’s online to book your appointment and don’t forget to grab your $7 off coupon here!

Stuff the Bus Baton Rouge School Supply Drive – Salvation Army

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The Salvation Army is joining forces with Walmart to “Stuff the Bus” for children in need. During this year’s Stuff the Bus Baton Rouge School Supply Drive event, shoppers visiting a Walmart on August 7-9 can purchase and drop off requested items at Salvation Army collection bins at the front of each store. The goal is to provide new school supplies to children in need of a fresh start to the school year. 

The start of the school year can be a stressful time for families. For one in five children living in poverty, parents often have to choose between buying school supplies or putting food on the table. Now, there are even more unknowns as children return to learning in the midst of COVID-19. Whether they’re attending class online or in the classroom, school supplies remain critical to helping students feel prepared to succeed.  

The Stuff the Bus Baton Rouge School Supply Drive is the perfect way for our community to come together to help support those that may be struggling to gather supplies for the upcoming school year.  

 

Stuff the Bus Baton Rouge

Walmart and The Salvation Army have collaborated for more than 30 years with a common mission: to meet needs in their local communities. Supporters like Walmart help The Salvation Army serve more than 23 million Americans each year through a range of social services that help them overcome poverty and economic hardships.

Stuff the Bus Baton Rouge

Stuff the Bus Baton Rouge School Supply Drive

When: August 7-9, 2020

Where: Walmart

Baker – Plank Road
College Drive
O’ Neal Lane
North Mall
Central- Sullivan Road
Highland- Neighborhood Market
Coursey Blvd- Neighborhood Market
Hooper Road- Neighborhood Market
Bew Roads- Hospital Road

This year, the campaign in Baton Rouge is one of more than 4,500 similar events taking place at Walmart stores across the country.

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

 

Virtual Fourth of July Concerts, Fireworks, and Events

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This Independence Day is different from any we’ve ever seen. Most cities have canceled the traditional fireworks and celebrations but all is not lost!  Many events have moved online to offer free virtual events for all to enjoy. We have put together a list of virtual Fourth of July concerts, fireworks, and events taking place across the country to be enjoyed from the comfort of your home. 

Virtual Fourth of July Concerts, Fireworks, and Events

FIREWORKS ON THE MISSISSIPPI EXTRAVAGANZA (VIRTUAL)

Virtual Fourth of July

Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge & WBRZ Channel 2‘s
FIREWORKS ON THE MISSISSIPPI EXTRAVAGANZA (VIRTUAL)
Performances & Fireworks 9:00 PM -11:00 PM
You can view on Channel 2 WBRZ, wbrz.com and Facebook!
Ebb & Flow is partnering with local artists Esco, Parish County Line, and Michael Foster Band and news outlet, WBRZ Channel 2, to bring you fireworks and music! We wish we could enjoy our usual celebration at the USS KIDD altogether, but we are bringing you the next best thing from the comfort of your own home!

PBS‘s A Capitol Fourth 2020

Live on Saturday, July 4, 8:00 p.m. ET/PT.
In celebration of America’s 244th birthday, join John Stamos, Vanessa Williams, and a star-studded lineup for the 40th-anniversary presentation of A Capitol Fourth! #July4thPBS

Washington National Cathedral July 4 Online Concert: We The People

Saturday, July 4, 11:00 am
https://cathedral.org/july4/
Washington National Cathedral for an online Independence Day concert to celebrate the enduring values that make America strong, resilient and compassionate.

This year’s online concert features the United States Marine Orchestra, gospel artist Michael W. Smith, opera sensation Denyce Graves, former Senator Elizabeth Dole and so much more.

July 4th: A Tribute to the American Spirit Concert (LiveStream)

The United States Air Force Band, Washington Performing Arts, and National Harbor have partnered together with special guest artists Joshua Bell, Soloman Howard, and Larisa Martínez- Soprano to present a special online event, streamed live at 4:00 p.m. on July 4th. Hosted by DC’s own Aaron Gilchrist, morning anchor at NBC Washington, “A Tribute to the American Spirit” will highlight the resilience of all Americans, honor our veterans, and celebrate Independence Day with some patriotic favorites. The live stream can be viewed at: nationalharbor.com/july4

July 4th with the National Archives

Virtual Fourth of July

Saturday, July 4th, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
https://www.archivesjuly4.org/
Join the National Archives for its first-ever virtual July 4th celebration! The Archives knows how to celebrate the founding of the United States with a reading ceremony of the Declaration of Independence. This year, tune in online for educational activities and the annual program broadcast!

Live from Music Hall: A Virtual July 4th Concert

Virtual Fourth of July

Gather the family for a free virtual July 4 concert—live from Music Hall. JMR and the Pops will perform on stage at Music Hall while you and your family enjoy from home. Hear your favorite patriotic and Americana tunes as special guests join the Pops for a tribute to our nation’s history. “Stars and Stripes Forever” becomes a virtual visual extravaganza to cap off the program.
View on website: https://www.cincinnatisymphony.org/…/virtual-july-4-celebr…/

A Boston Pops Salute to Our Heroes

Virtual Fourth of July

The 2020 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular broadcast, under the direction of Keith Lockhart, presents A Boston Pops Salute to Our Heroes. The broadcast on July 4 at 8pm will feature both new content and highlights from beloved performers from the past three years including:

*Broadway legend Brian Stokes Mitchell
*Amanda Mena, America’s Got Talent semi-finalist from Lynn, MA
*American folk-rock singer-songwriter Melissa Etheridge
*Amanda Gorman, first-ever Youth Poet Laureate of the United States
*Broadway star Leslie Odom Jr.
*Grammy Award-winning artist Rhiannon Giddens, lead singer, violinist, banjo player, and a founding member of the acclaimed country, blues, and old-time music band the Carolina Chocolate Drops
*Rita Moreno, iconic singer/actor/dancer
*Great American folk singer-songwriter, Arlo Guthrie and The Texas Tenors
*The incomparable Queen Latifah, American rapper, singer, songwriter, actress, and producer
*Pop sensation Andy Grammer
*The The United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus
*Middlesex County Volunteers Fifes & Drums
Visit https://bostonpopsjuly4th.org for the latest details.

 

Baton Rouge Splash Pad Parks & Pools – Now Open

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Baton Rouge Splash Pad Parks & Pools have reopened, and along with that come special guidelines to help protect visitors and prevent the spread of COVID-19. BREC announced that splash pads will open at noon and hours of operation will be split into sessions to allow for sanitizing. Capacity is a max of 40 for all splash pads & CDC guidelines are in place. Session info: Session 1 – 12-2:30 p.m. Session 2 – 4-6:30 p.m.

Image Credit: BREC Parks

Is it safe?

With the reopening of playgrounds and splash pads, and the warm weather of summer here, parents and caregivers may wonder if it’s safe for them and their children to visit playgrounds or splash pads.

The New York Times noted that outdoor spaces are safer than being indoors when around other people. However, visiting a playground filled with children and their families isn’t ideal. The newspaper cites Massachusetts state guidelines, which say playground operators should limit capacity, or if unstaffed, families should seek out a less crowded facility. Sunlight could help to lower the amount of virus on a surface, but whether or not that’s true for playgrounds is unknown, the Times article said.

Baton Rouge Splash Pads & Water Fun

BREC splash pads are opening in sessions to allow for sanitizing:
Session 1 – 12-2:30 p.m.
Session 2 – 4-6:30 p.m.

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 splashpad.  City-Brooks Community Park splash pad can be activated with a green push button on the three foot brown pole next to the spray feature area at the edge of the brick near the landscaping.

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

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

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

Zachary Community Park
20055 Old Scenic Hwy
Zachary, LA 70791

BREC Pools

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

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

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

Beyond Baton Rouge 

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

Jambalaya Park – Gonzales

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

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

  • MAX Capacity: 230 people
  • Tables & chairs will remain 6 feet apart.
  • Private Pavilion: CLOSED
  • HOURS: Monday-Friday: 10AM-5PM , Saturday: 10AM-6PM , Sunday: 12PM-5PM

ADMISSION:
In District: $6.00/person
Out of District: $9.00/person
*District is based off of Recreation Tax*

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

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In Louisiana, the picking season usually starts earlier than other parts of the country, we’re blessed to have a number of options for blueberry picking near Baton Rouge. Berry picking is a great way to get outdoors while supporting our local farms!

We’ve listed a number of fruit picking farms below, while some of these Berry 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 effect 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.

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

Blueberry picking near Baton Rouge & Beyond

Blueberry Ridge Orchard: Hours of operation are M-Sat- sunrise to sunset. Closed on Sundays. Please bring your own containers to take your berries home.Price for u-pick is $1.50/lb. Address is 2199 Holly Ridge Road, Jackson, Louisiana 70748. For more information call: 225-603-2935 or leave a message at 225-629-5311. We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Connect: Online | Facebook |(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) Starting in 2020, 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.
78495 HWY 21, Bush, LA 70431
Connect: Online | Facebook | blueharvestfarms@gmail.com

EquiTerra Farm: EquiTerra Farm is a certified organic horse-powered farm. We have a goal here on the farm to provide the highest quality food possible to our customers. We believe that a healthy body starts with healthy food. We are currently going through the new LA organic application process; but, we have been organic since we began farming. We provide organic blueberries, figs, blackberries, muscadines, and vegetables. We also have wonderful big brown free-range eggs and free-range broilers. Pick, weigh, and pay!  
12798 Muse Lane, Clinton, LA 70722
Connect:  225-683-8406 | pldavidson@aol.com

Blueberry picking near Baton Rouge

Loblolly Ridge Farm: 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). They will be open June 12th and 13. They will be open Friday & Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Berries are $10/gallon CASH 
1000 Andrew Bankston Road, Amite, LA 70422
Connect: Online | (985) 748-6843

Shuqualak Farms: 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.
232 Shuqualak Farms Rd, Frierson, LA
Connect: Online | Facebook | (318) 797-8273

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

 U-pick farms baton rouge

Caring for Berries

Store unwashed berries in containers or gallon-sized zip-top bags layered with paper towels. Refrigerated berries will last about two days. Frozen blueberries can last from season to season or beyond, do not wash berries for the freezer THEY MUST BE DRY BEFORE FREEZING, you can wash before use. Serve at room temperature after washing with a spray of cool water. Whole berries can be frozen in zip-top freezer bags for jams, smoothies, and homemade ice cream. Add berries to cereal, smoothies, or snacks straight from the refrigerator or freezer. Berries are fat-free, low in calories, and have fiber, vitamin C, and disease-fighting antioxidants. We know you’ll enjoy blueberry picking near Baton Rouge & Beyond!

Rainy Day Activities For Kids – Parent Sanity Savers!

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With the never-ending rain and kids being home, we have put together 20 rainy day activities for kids that will help you pass the time with the kids, indoors…

20 Rainy Day Activities For Kids:

  1. Get out the crafts – Let the kids use their imaginations and create some Mother’s Day masterpieces.
  2. Make a fort in the living room out of blankets.
  3. Play Restaurant – Let the kids help in the kitchen for a day – bake cookies, make lunch and dinner together, and have them “critique” meals.
  4. Write letters to friends and family or fill out a year’s worth of birthday cards.
  5. Have a fashion show or photoshoot or better yet, make a photo booth and take lots of funny pictures. Making photo props can be fun and allow the creative juices to flow!
  6. Read books, Make a book or flipbook – You can rent books online or via the Library & Amazon! 
  7. Put on a puppet show – During Hurricane Katrina, we had our boys put on a play with puppets, or paper dolls. They drew the characters, cut them out, glued them to cardboard and glued a stick on the backside,  fixed a stage out of a large shipping box, wrote a script and put on a play. This entertained them for hours!
  8. Make paper airplanes and have a flying contest.
  9. Cleaning party – Crank up the radio and have a dance party while cleaning the house.
  10. Zoom Playdate –  Catch up with friends and family you haven’t seen in a while. 20 Rainy Day Activities For Kids
  11. Donate – Go through your home with the kids and find items {clothes, toys, appliances} to donate.
  12. Camp out– Create an indoor camp with tents and use the microwave to make s’mores.
  13. Bowling – Create your own bowling game with items around the house. 
  14. Try to make Origami – this site has tons of great ideas.
  15. Go to the movies at home –  pop some popcorn and catch up on movies you have yet to see or revisit an old favorite.
  16. Puzzles, board games, Freeze Dance and Charades are always a must on a snow day…try to change things up or make up your own games. Use this Charades generator to get ideas.
  17. Have a beach party – indoors! Get creative with crafts, treats, and a beach-themed movie!
  18. Paint Rocks of Kindness and leave around Baton Rouge once the rain stops. 😉
  19. Go through old photos – this always offers plenty of entertainment.
  20. Blow up some balloons –  toss ’em in the air, and don’t let them touch the ground, or grab some paddles or kitchen spoons for balloon tennis.

We would love to hear your ideas for indoor activities, please share them with us on Facebook!

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‘Front Porch Project’ – Making Memories & Supporting Local Businesses

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Before the COVID-19 pandemic suddenly turned life as we know it upside down, I was just starting my “busy season” for spring portraits. In the first two weeks of March, I photographed over 600 elementary school students, preschoolers, toddlers, and babies. My calendar was jammed packed with senior sessions, more school photographs, special events, a birthday celebration in New Orleans, a mini-vacation to Austin, and my children’s field trips. I can remember looking at my calendar thinking “WOW! How did this many things find their way on my calendar?” 

Then, just like that, everything came to a screeching halt. 

All my plans for a busy, full, productive spring were canceled and I found myself safe at home every day, all day, with my two kids and my husband. 

We make the most of our time together. We’ve enjoyed having picnic lunches outside, going on walks around the subdivision, taking coffee breaks, and my youngest has even learned to ride his bike without training wheels! It wasn’t what I  planned, but we enjoy the sudden slow pace and have tried focusing on the good parts of our lives and not the bad. 

Don’t get me wrong I have my freak out moments. I’ve battled anxiety and feared my business will never recover. I worry that I am ruining my children because I am suddenly now a homeschool mom, and I am not very good at it.

Despite all the fear, this is a special time, and I decided that every day I was going to take out the camera…. the good camera not the one on my phone…and no matter what is going on, I will snap three pictures each day of my family.

Front Porch Project

My little three pictures a day personal project is an unexpected joy for me. I’ve tried new things with my camera and rediscovered my love for using natural light. I’ve enjoyed the creative process and knowing my children will have photographs to look back and reminisce on the good that happened in the midst of a global pandemic.

I share the three photographs on my personal Facebook page daily. One day my friend Kelly commented, “Can you come shoot my kids’ pictures…. from the safe distance of 6,12 or 20 feet away!”  

I started off photographing my own kids but Kelly’s comments got me thinking…another friend had sent me a viral post from Tausha Ann Photography in Tennessee. This photographer had simply walked through her neighborhood and gotten some pretty amazing photographs of her neighbors just sitting on their front porches. 

Going to sleep that night it hit me…why can’t I do what that photographer did? 

I have these photographs that I LOVE of my kids! I can give Kelly a way to remember this time too. I can just drive by, hop out the car and take a few shots of her kiddos. While I am at it, I don’t need to do this just for Kelly, I can see if any other families want some photographs too! Front Porch Project

Drive By Shooting

And well, me being me I decided right then and there that I WAS going to do it and that the perfect name for it would be “Drive-By Shooting.” 

My husband made a cute little “Drive-by Shooting” graphic for me and I couldn’t wait to post it to Instagram and Facebook and invite the community to sign up. Before I posted the invitation on social media a long time client of mine texted me and told me about the Front Porch Project in Baton Rouge. The project is doing free front porch sessions and in exchange, requests participants to purchase a gift card from a local small business. 

Front Porch Project

Front Porch Project

The idea of asking the participants to support a small business just fueled an even greater desire within me to get my own project started.

My “Drive By Shooting” project was definitely a team effort of these different friends and clients sharing their ideas and desires with me. I wish I could say it was a creative genius call on my part, but as most things in my life, it wasn’t. It was a team effort and I was finally ready to invite the community to participate. 

I posted the invitation to sign up on social media expecting a handful of faithful clients to sign up. I was completely OVERWHELMED with the response!! There were so many signing up that I  had to stop booking dates within a few hours of posting my invitation. 

Complete strangers signed up! If you have never pulled up to someone’s house who you have never met and they are pointing nerf guns at you and holding a sign saying “stay 6 feet away or we will shoot,” I would strongly recommend it! It has been so much FUN!!! I am pretty sure I have spent most of my time laughing. 

Once, I pulled up to someone’s home and started laughing so hard I didn’t think I could stand up much less properly operate my camera. 

Front Porch Project

Everyone who I’ve photographed has been excited and also very thankful. I’ve lost count of how many have told me “thank you for giving us something fun to do today.” Some families have gone to outrageous lengths to capture a funny moment, and some have put on their Sunday best and posed for a great, classic family portrait.

This project is supporting local businesses, but the heart of it is giving families in our area memories to look back on. I feel very blessed to have met so many people and have given them a reason to smile. I’ve even had people tell me how much they enjoy just scrolling through the photographs online and are looking forward to seeing more. 

Front Porch Project

The arts have a way of soothing us in times of trouble. This is a very scary time we are living in, but bringing a little light when things seem so dark has been deeply rewarding for me. 

My Sister and I Photography, LLCKatie has been involved in the photography industry for almost 20 years, beginning as a teenager working as an assistant at a local studio. She holds a B.A. in business management from Southeastern. She started My Sister and I Photography, LLC. nine years ago and has grown her studio to specialize in family, highschool senior and school/daycare photography. She is bubbly, energetic and LOVES to laugh. She is married to her high school sweetheart and together they have two children and reside in Walker. Her husband is an assistant pastor at a church in Central and is also a talented graphic designer. Together they have a weekly podcast called “Just Be Creative” that explores what life and work looks like in the creative field. Katie loves traveling, checking out live music, spending quality time with her family and friends, thinking she can dance, and ordering food in restaurants. Find me online via Facebook and Instagram!

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