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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fourth of July Celebrations in Baton Rouge

 

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

USS KIDD 4th of July

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

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

WBRZ’s Fireworks on the Mississippi

Sunday, July 4th at 9 pm

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

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

Baton Rouge Fireworks near me

 

4th Fest
Canceled

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

Gonzalez

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

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

 

Walker – CANCELED 

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

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

Orleans Parish

New Orleans City Park’s 3rd of July Celebration

Saturday, July 3rd – 7:00 pm to 9 pm

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

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

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

9PM: Fireworks by AFXPro

Jefferson Parish

Uncle Sam Jam

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

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

Iberville Parish

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

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

4th of July Fireworks Near Me

Pointe Coupee Parish

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

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

 

St. Mary Parish

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

Sunday, July 4 – 1:00 pm to 8:30 pm

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

 

St. Tammany Parish:

Mandeville

Light Up The Lake

Sunday, July 4 – 10:00 am to 8:45 pm

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

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

Sunday, July 4, – 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM

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

Homecoming: Abita Springs 4th of July Celebration

Sunday, July 4, – 6:00 PM to 9:30 PM

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

Sparks in the Park

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

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

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

 

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

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

Summer Fun in Baton Rouge

30 Things To Do in Baton Rouge & Beyond

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

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

Things To Do in Baton Rouge

30 Things To Do in Baton Rouge & Beyond This Summer

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

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

Summer Fun in Baton Rouge

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Louisiana Children’s Museum to Reopen this Summer

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It’s been over a year since our children have enjoyed some of our most beloved play areas, but they are opening back up little by little. We’re so excited to share that the Louisiana Children’s Museum will be reopening just in time for the summer on Saturday, May 29.

“We are counting down the days until we can gather together and focus on creating joy for children and families within our Museum once again.” said Julia Bland, LCM CEO. “We’ve been busy planning and preparing for expanded play opportunities both indoors and outdoors and programs that will support the unique needs of children and families as our city and state continue to open up.”

Louisiana Children’s Museum

Louisiana Children’s Museum COVID Precautions 

There will be frequent cleaning of high-touch surfaces and exhibit pieces, hand sanitizing stations. The museum will also encourage social distancing and repeated hand washing. Masks will be required for all staff, volunteers, and guests, including children ages eight and older. Masks are strongly encouraged for children ages four and older, according to the news release.

“The LCM is uniquely designed to offer state-of-the-art air and water quality,” Bland said. “For example, the Mississippi River water exhibit was specifically designed to ensure that the water that flows is purified and consumable. Even the cistern-runnel water features outdoors have purified water. These are safeguards that we planned and put in place when designing our state-of-the-art exhibits,” added Bland.

Louisiana Children’s Museum Summer Admission & Memberships 

Advance timed-entry tickets will be required to effectively manage the number of guests. Advance timed-entry tickets will be available beginning Monday, May 17 at 9 a.m. at www.lcm.org/tickets.

Admission to the LCM is $14 per person for adults and children 12 months and older. LCM Family Memberships are also available for purchase and include general admission for a full year of play and exploration.

LCM memberships that were active when the museum closed will automatically be extended. All members will receive their full 12-month value of membership. New membership cards with updated expiration dates will be mailed to members in early May.

Louisiana Children’s Museum Hours

The Museum will open Tuesday – Saturday, 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. throughout the summer.

Christmas Lights in Baton Rouge & Beyond – 2020

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One of our favorite family traditions is taking an evening car ride in search of the best Christmas Lights in Baton Rouge & Beyond. Now more than ever, we are in need of safe Christmas fun, and perusing lights is at the top of our list!  From the houses with thousands of synchronized dancing lights to the simple and elegant, we appreciate the time it takes to share the beauty of their Christmas lights with the community. 

Many of you have asked us where to go to see the best Christmas lights in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas and we are working to create a list for you. If you know of a light display not on this list, we want to know! I’m sure they would love to share their Christmas cheer with more of the community.
 
Thanks to Associates in Pediatric Dentistry for sponsoring this year’s Holiday Lights Guide.PARENTS AND SIBLINGS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME IN OUR CLINIC AREA.

 

Christmas Lights in Baton Rouge & Beyond 

ZooLights 2020

Christmas Lights in Baton Rouge

November 27 – December 30

Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day
Admission gates open 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Zoo grounds close at 9 p.m.

Admission: Adults/Teens: $5, Seniors: $4, Ages 2-12: $3, Friends of the Zoo Members: $3 per person​

The Zoo is partnering with The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank again this year! Every guest presenting a non-perishable food item during the hours of Zoolights, will receive a 50% discount from the regular admission price. All food donations will go directly to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. In 2019, nearly 4,000 pounds of food were collected during this drive.

Holiday Lights at Baton Rouge General

The lights are lit! This year we’ve implemented new guidelines to keep families safe while still spreading joy including masks requirements, limited capacity (you may have to wait a few minutes in line), no food or drinks and hand sanitizer stations throughout.

While they won’t be hosting weekly family nights with Santa, snow and food trucks this year because they draw such large crowds, you can still enjoy the lights nightly from 5:30 – 10:00 p.m. until December 31. #BRGLights 

 

Baton Rouge Christmas lights stretch across five neighboring homes!

Szewc light display is located at 13514 Rendale Ave in Brookhollow Glen subdivision – off Perkins Road. 

 

Chuck’s Christmas Lights
Cottingham Ct
Baton Rouge, LA 70817

 

 

Messenger’s Christmas Land
9481 Prince Charles, Denham Springs

The story of the Messenger’s Christmas Land starts over 50 years ago with Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Messenger Jr. and their 9 kids. With just a few lights and home made animated scenes, word quickly spread about the unusual display for the public. The original location was at the Messenger’s home in Red Oaks, Baton Rouge and then relocated in 1992 to Plantation Estates, Denham Springs where Mr. and Mrs. Clyde Messenger III took over for the next 21 years. Now, going on 53 years, this family tradition can still be visited at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jeremy Messenger off Prince Charles Street, Denham Springs. With lights everywhere, home made animated scenes, a timeline, and even the north pole, the display continues to open every Christmas season to all of the public with no charge. Come stop by and be apart of this 53 year Christmas tradition. 

Messenger's Christmas Land

 

The Willows Winter Wonderland
The Willows subdivision
1457 Weeping Willow Drive in
Denham Springs

No annual Christmas display walkthrough due to COVID. They will however continue to decorate the front yard and do welcome everyone to drive by.

 

Wilson Christmas Lights
9615 Sagefield Dr Central City, LA 70818

This is a stay in your vehicle to watch the show, just tune your radio to 96.7 FM to listen to the music. If you enjoy the show please tell all of your family and friends. We enjoy spreading Christmas joy doing this for you.

Below you will find the show hours:
Sunday 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Monday 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Tuesday 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Wednesday 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Thursday 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Friday 5:30pm – 10:00pm
Saturday 5:30pm – 10:00 pm
 

Brannon Daisey Denham Springs 

Families can catch this fun Christmas light show every day starting at 5:30 p.m.
You can also listen to the light show music live from your car by tuning in to 105.9FM. 
26225 Cottonwood Court in Denham Springs

 

Lighting up Zachary

Celebrate Christmas with a colorful light show and music!
This year, our donations are for a local non-profit:
http://www.nomadsandnobles.com/donate-1/
1136 Eagle Dr Zachary, LA 70791

The Griswold’s of Oak Place
34819 Oak Place Drive, Denham Springs, LA 70706

Christmas Lights in Baton Rouge & Beyond – 2020

 

 

The Davis’ Magical Christmas Land
26658 John L Ln Denham Springs, LA 70726

The Christmas Display is open nightly (weather permitting) for walk through visitors. Weekends will feature a Hot Cocoa Bar and visits from Santa on December 11th, 18th and 20th!!
 
 

Christmas lights at The Stroud’s
Plantation Ave, Denham Springs

Old Dutchtown Christmas Light Show
13124 Mill Grove Dr. Gonzales LA 70737

Christmas Lights in Baton Rouge
 
 
Set to music with dazzling lights. Runs nightly from 6 to 9 starting December 1st through New Years Day (weather permitting). 

Sevario Family Light Show
13378 Lonnie Wascom Drive
Walker, LA 70785

🚨Light show will begin December 5th running from 5:30-10PM 🚨
Listen to the lights – 90.1 FM
 

Reflections of the Season – West Baton Rouge

THE WESTSIDE CHRISTMAS FEST HAS BEEN CANCELLED FOR 2020.  HOWEVER THERE WILL BE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ON DISPLAY ON WESTPORT AND OFFICE PARK DRIVE. UP NIGHTLY FROM DECEMBER 4-31.

PLANS TO RESUME REFLECTIONS OF THE SEASON IN DECEMBER 2021.

More Christmas Light Display Recommendations:

  • Hundred Oaks and Arlington
  • 5735 Antioch Blvd
  • Woodridge Subdivision off Pecou Lane – Many Lit Houses
  • The Garden District
  • Elliot Rd. – Home lights synced to music
  • Southwind & Wyndy in Parkview off of Stumberg

West Baton Rouge 

  • Molaison St in Addis
  • Emily Drive in Brusly

Central

  • 9615 Sagefield Dr.
  • 14003 Triple B Rd.
  • 15901 Chanove Ave.
  • Zoar Baptist Church 
  •  

Ascension

  • Oak Alley Subdivision, Giesmer
  • Fields Ct. Off 44 near the Dollar General, Prairieville
  • 13255 Old Dutchtown Ave, Gonzales, LA Multipls homes with lights and music. 
  • Most of the subdivisions along Bluff Rd

🎄 Download your own Christmas Lights Scavenger Hunt HERE for some extra Family fun! 

Thanks to Associates in Pediatric Dentistry for sponsoring this year’s Holiday Lights Guide.PARENTS AND SIBLINGS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME IN OUR CLINIC AREA.

 

 

 

RACK – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

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Tis’ the season to get into the holiday spirit! We are RACKing up Random Acts of Christmas Kindness this season and we would love for you to join us! We are spreading the joy of the holidays by performing a Random Act of Christmas Kindness each day throughout the month of December. This is the perfect way to enjoy the true reason for the season… family, togetherness, community, and giving!

The best part of taking part in even the smallest act of kindness and or giving is that generosity and kindness are contagious!

Goodness spurs goodness: A single act can influence dozens more.

Please join us for our 6th Annual RACK! We are showering the Baton Rouge community with Christmas Kindness all month long!

RACK – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness

What is RACK and how does it work?

 It’s a way to infuse holiday spirit in others by performing a Random Act of Christmas Kindness throughout the month of December! Many do a RACK a day for 25 days leading up to Christmas, an advent of sorts. However, we are asking you to join us in doing what you can, when you can, however big, however small. Be creative and lead with your heart! Most importantly, get the whole family involved!

We have created printable RACK cards in different sizes, simply print and attach them to your RACK.  There are many ways to offer a RACK, we have put together an extensive list of ideas as well as a calendar if you want to follow a list of acts.

RACK – Random Acts of Christmas Kindness Ideas:

  1. Rake the yard of a neighbor who isn’t able to rake it themselves.  
  2. Make Christmas special for girls and boys…DONATE to Sylvia’s Toys!
  3. Bless your garbage collectors with a treat or small gift card for lunch.
  4. Have your children make the mailman or lady a Thank You card or poster with treats taped to it.
  5. Tape coins on vending machines for snacks, or sodas. The hospital would be a great place for this!
  6. Tape single dollars to items at the dollar store. (plus a dime for tax)
  7. RACK a Red Box by leaving a dollar or two and some popcorn or a candy cane.
  8. Donate items to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank
  9. Pack toiletry or snack bags for Volunteers of America Greater Baton Rouge homeless shelters.
  10. Donate a coat to Pat’s Coats for Kids.
  11. Bake treats and take them to the police station and or fire station with thank you cards for their service. 
  12. Take a break from texting and e-mail. Mail an actual handwritten letter or card to someone you love. Just because.
  13. Send letters or gifts to an assisted living home. Coordinate with your local nursing or retirement home first.
  14. Take get well balloons or flowers to the hospital and leave them with a nurse for someone who is alone.
  15. Fill a Good Samaritans Christmas Box
  16. Tape quarters to laundromat machines.
  17. Leave a basket of Christmas gifts on the doorstep of a family in need.
  18. Leave a $5 bill on the pump at a gas station.
  19. Bring treats to your local urgent care office on Christmas Eve.
  20. Cook a meal and deliver it to someone who could use a meal. Someone who is sick, a new family in the neighborhood or at church, a new mom.
  21. Take a person who’s working on Christmas Eve something special.
  22. Drop off books to give to patients at the OLOL Children’s Hospital.
  23. Drop off a coffee and a treat to a busy mom.
  24. Bring a gift to Santa.
  25. ‘Ding dong ditch’ your neighbors with fresh-baked goods.
  26. Before paying at the grocery store, buy a gift card, and then turn around and hand it to the person behind you or to the cashier.
  27. Leave an extra big tip at a restaurant.
  28. Donate to the local animal shelter. Contact a local animal shelter to find out what they need. (food, blankets, towels, and food bowls, etc.)
  29. Put something you no longer need on Craigslist’s FREE section.
  30. Fill purses you no longer use with toiletries and fun items for men and donate to your local womans shelter. 

Rack Tag printables…

RACK CardsDownload Medium RACK Cards HERE.

RACK Christmas TagDownload Small RACK Cards HERE.

Small RACK CircleDownload XSmall Circle TACK Tags HERE

 

 A RACK Advent calendar can be found here.

 More cards and tags can be found here.

It’s our responsibility to discuss gratefulness, generosity, unselfishness and service not just during the holidays but year-round. We are our children’s greatest role models — we should start early to mold our children’s perspectives on the holiday season. May we create such treasured memories of family time and togetherness, and the joy of giving, that our children will hold on to these memories for a lifetime and pass them on to their own children.

If we missed a great RACK idea, please leave it in the comments below!

Wishing each of you a blessed Christmas Season full of RACK!

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Giving Tuesday Baton Rouge and Beyond – 225 Gives

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Baton Rouge Family Fun was created to support families in the Greater Baton Rouge area. Our hope has always been that as we with the hope that we could find ways to collectively give back to the place we call home. Last year we started a series “Baton Rouge Gives Back” when many of you asked for ways to help and volunteer right here in our community.

Today is Giving Tuesday #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that brings people together around the values of service and giving back to others, the perfect time to bring back our Baton Rouge Gives Back series where we highlight local nonprofits. 225 Gives.

Our local Giving Tuesday effort, 225 Gives highlights local nonprofit organizations who uplift and strengthen our community. As part of our series, we will be hosting a “225 Gives” takeover across our website and our social media platforms. Throughout the day, we will highlight some of the organizations taking part in this year’s “225 Give”. You can also go to 225gives.org to learn more about the participating organizations!

225 GIVES, presented by Baton Rouge Area Foundation (BRAF) and Capital Area United Way (CAUW), is a 24-hour online giving day taking place December 1, 2020 with a one week early giving period set to open on Tuesday, November 24th. 225 GIVES has set a goal of helping generate over $4,225,000 for area nonprofits. This powerful online fundraising initiative will unite the Capital Region in support of the nonprofit community.
 
225 Gives

This holiday season and throughout the year we can make a difference right here at home by giving and or volunteering.  There are over 100 nonprofit organizations to support in the Baton Rouge area. Make it a family effort, go through the list of organizations, and ask the kids who they would like to support and why. There is no better way to teach our children that we value our community and our neighbors than by giving back as a family.

Collectively, we can strive to make a difference in the lives of those in need; our efforts will in turn help create a stronger, healthier Baton Rouge for all! Join your neighbors today and become part of a growing tradition of helping and giving. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to learn more about this year’s 225 Gives Baton Rouge participants!

Brec’s Baton Rouge Zoolights – Making Spirits Bright

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Join BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo for Zoolights (Friday, November 27 – Wednesday, December 30)! Baton Rouge Zoolights festive mile-long trail through the Zoo in the evening boasts more than 50 illuminated sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays for the whole family to enjoy. 

Baton Rouge Zoolights

This year, the Zoo is partnering with The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank to bring more impact & excitement to Zoolights. Every guest presenting non-perishable food items (minimum of one per person) during the hours of Zoolights will receive a 50% discount from the regular admission price. Regular admission prices are $5 for adults/teens, $4 for senior citizens, $3 for children (2-12 years old), and $3 for Friends of the Zoo members. These amounts will be cut in half when a non-perishable food item is presented at the time of entry & all food donations will go directly to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. Learn more at www.brzoo.org. 

Zoo Lights


 

Baton Rouge Zoolights

Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day

Admissions gates open 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Zoo grounds close at 9 p.m.

Admission:

Adults/Teens: $5
Seniors: $4
Ages 2-12: $3
Friends of the Zoo Members: $3 per person​

Prices will be reduced by 50% when guests present non-perishable food items to be donated to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank. 

ZOOLIGHTS IS:

  • A mile-long trail through the Zoo
  • More than 50 illuminated display sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays
  • A festive family activity, adding to the quality of life for residents throughout the region.

Baton Rouge Zoolights displays will include the following:

BREC Baton Rouge Zoolights

LIGHTED DISPLAYS WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:

ILLUMINATED SCULPTURES: Visitors will find illuminated sculptures representing animals and traditional symbols of the holidays.

GIANT SPECTACULARS: Larger-than-life displays capture the imagination of children of all ages. These displays may include: Flamingos, Giraffes, Lions, Tigers, Gorillas, Rhinos, Elephants, Alligators, Giant Santa, Giant Snowmen, Holiday Trains, Santa in Sleigh pulled by Giant Reindeer and Toy Soldiers. Displays can be up to 30 ft. tall!

ANIMATED SPECTACULARS: Animated displays add additional entertainment value to our event. The use of high-wattage, computer-controlled displays will provide exciting animation to displays.

VISITOR AMENITIES: Safari Photo Booth Seasonal Specials from the Flamingo Cafe Safari Post Gift Shop

Hurricane Laura Relief: How to Help Louisiana Victims

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Hurricane Laura was the strongest of any hurricane making landfall in Louisiana since the Last Island Storm in 1856, according to NBC meteorologist Bill Karins said. The storm has seen over 580,000 coastal residents placed under evacuation orders, while nearly 470,000 homes and businesses were left without power, as the hurricane made landfall in Louisiana early Thursday. We’ve put together a list of Hurricane Laura Relief organizations directly helping those impacted by the storm. 

Hurricane Laura Relief

Hurricane Laura Relief – How You Can Help:

Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana: The Community Foundation of Southwest Louisiana is raising money to issue grants to local non-profits that will help people recover from Hurricane Laura.

The Salvation Army: Your donation helps keep The Salvation Army on the front-lines, buying meals, drinks, snacks, and other critical commodities desperately needed by survivors and rescue workers.  For more information, visit  www.disaster.salvationarmyusa.org.  Or if you or someone you know needs to talk, please call our emotional & spiritual care hotline at 1-844-458-HOPE (4673).

Catholic Charities USA: Your support helps people through the immediate aftermath and continues helping them as they work through the long process of recovery. 100% of donations go to relief efforts through this link. 

Save The Children: Save the Children invests in childhood – every day, in times of crisis and for our future. In the United States and around the world, we give children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm. By transforming children’s lives now, we change the course of their future and ours.

Second Harvest Food Bank – Feeding South Louisiana: The team stands ready to respond to Hurricane Laura. They are in need of volunteers to help prepare meals for this devastating storm. Please consider signing up or donating at no-hunger.org/volunteer

Delgado Athletics: the Delgado Athletic Department is relaunching its Delgado Cares Project, which will be collecting gift cards of any denomination that can be shared directly with those impacted by the storm.

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief – Meets the urgent needs of communities in crisis, from serving food to volunteers in rebuilding communities.

Direct Relief USA: Direct Relief offers prescription drugs and other medical supplies to those who need it in emergency situations, and works with clinics and primary care doctors to ensure that people are able to get what they need when they need it. 

Animal Aid for Vermilion Area (AAVA)
 

Bethany Church: Bethany is focusing our finances and manpower on feeding thousands of displaced people and helping to muck out flooded homes and churches. They are partnering with organizations to make efforts more efficient.

Fine and Dandy in Gonzales: My husband and I will be collecting items Friday from 10-5, Saturday 10-2, and Sunday 12-4 pm at the storefront location 38011 HWY 621, next to Ace Hardware. We will be delivering these items to needed communities Monday. If you feel it in your heart to help, here is an Amazon wish list you can order from, or a list of needed items that can be purchased and dropped at the store during those set times.
 

Louisiana Hospitality Foundation The Louisiana Hospitality Foundation is planning to deploy resources shortly after Hurricane Laura’s landfall to provide hot meals for first responders and community members impacted across southwest Louisiana. Please consider donating to help offset the costs of this effort: https://louisianahospitalityfoundation.org/laura/

Samaritan’s Purse : Samaritan’s Purse is deploying staff members and one of our Samaritan’s Purse U.S. Disaster Relief units to Lake Charles, Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Laura.

We will continue updating this list daily as we receive news of more ways to help and assist the victims of Hurricane Laura. 

Face Masks in Baton Rouge and Beyond – Where to Buy

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Gov. John Bel Edwards has announced new restrictions that include a statewide mask mandate beginning Monday, July 13th for ages 8 and up. The exception being those with medical conditions that prevent the use of a mask. The mandatory statewide mask mandate will stay in place through July 24th. The mandate will mirror those already in place in East Baton Rouge and requires that all commercial and nonprofit entities providing goods or services directly to the public require patrons to wear masks or face coverings.

If you’re in need of Face Masks in Baton Rouge, we’ve got you covered! 😉

Should children wear cloth face coverings?

Children under the age of 2 years should not wear cloth face coverings.

Should I be wearing a face mask outside?

It is strongly encouraged that non-healthcare workers wear fabric face coverings when they go out in public. These coverings may include cloth masks or scarves. The virus travels in small respiratory liquid droplets that we exhale when we are talking, sneezing, and coughing. Many people who have the virus and are asymptomatic can spread COVID-19 unconsciously.

Where to Buy Face Masks in Baton Rouge and Beyond

If you’re not in the mood for crafts, there are many in Baton Rouge and beyond making and selling masks. We asked the Baton Rouge Family Fun community where they were buying masks and we have compiled a comprehensive list from those recommendations. A new study has shown that some of the most effective materials for face masks ― when factoring in filtration and breathability ― are cotton, denim, and canvas. The study also shows that multiple layers of material are more effective at blocking coronavirus particles than just one single layer.

Face Masks in Baton Rouge and Beyond

Giggles

Wanderlust by Abby

KraftyKravingz

Red Stick Sports

Rainbows by Paulette

Merci Beaucoup

Vinh Phat Market | Baton Rouge

Sanctuary Home & Gifts | Baton Rouge

Young Fashions Uniforms | Baton Rouge

My Holistic Journey to Wellness | Baton Rouge

Stitch | Baton Rouge 

AIM Print & Ship | Baton Rouge

Belle Cher

Mae Lah Maternity Boutique or First Glimpse 3D/4D/HD Ultrasound Group & Baby Boutique Group are selling masks $4-5/each at

Tiger Wear & Dancer’s Lair | Gonzales
To place an order visit www.eurotard.com – Don’t forget to enter discount code for 10% Off (code is 82433-TWDLMASK) – Please email TWDLOrders@eatel.net or Text at 225-363-8389 for additional information or bulk orders!

Monogramming Unlimited | Gonzales
Please call 225-644-0464 to place your prepaid order. Orders filled daily. Available in both Adult and Youth. Double layer of 100% Cotton with lining. Washer and dryer safe. Please call 644-0464 or email team@monogrammingunlimited.com with any questions.

@alfrieda_judson on Instagram – Zachary, La.

Face Masks in Baton Rouge

D & D Creations, Inc. | Kenner
Order here: www.dndcreations.net/store/c7/Masks
Masks with elastic are $4. Masks with cloth ties are $6. Female and male versions of the “shapes mask” are available.Where to Buy Face Masks in Baton Rouge

NOLA MASKS | New Orleans
Handmade masks with NOLA spirit!
https://www.nolamasks.com/

Dead Oak Crafts | Houma 

Loveyourmelon.com

Etsy 

How to Make a No-Sew Face Mask

Making a no-sew face mask is easier than you might think, and is a great alternative if you can’t sew or don’t have the proper materials. You can find a great tutorial here and see the video below for a simple t-shirt sleeve option. 


How to Properly Wear a Facemask for COVID-19 Protection

Putting on a cloth facemask is simple. Make sure you know these important points to get the mask on right so it will protect you and taking it off so you don’t contaminate your hands. Watch as Patty George, MD, demonstrates the correct way to put on and take off a cloth mask. 

More posts you might find helpful:

 

Family Night at the Museum – 12 Famous Museums With Virtual Tours

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We know the Governor’s announcement that all public schools will be closing through April 13th has left us all with lots of questions. Unexpectedly staying home can have some complications beyond having enough food and supplies. Many are wondering what they are going to do with the kids for the next month. There is a plethora of resources for our families to learn and enjoy the extra time we will have together. How about Family Night at the Museum??? According to Fast Company, Google Arts & Culture teamed up with over 500 museums and galleries around the world to bring anyone and everyone virtual tours and online exhibits of some of the most famous museums around the world. 

Now, families can “go to the museum” and never have to leave the couch.

Google Arts & Culture’s collection includes the British Museum in London, the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, the Guggenheim in New York City, and literally hundreds of more places where you can gain knowledge about art, history, and science. This collection is especially good for students who are looking for ways to stay on top of their studies while schools are closed.

Family Night at the Museum - 12 Famous Museums With Virtual Tours Family Night at the Museum – 12 Famous Museums With Virtual Tours

British Museum, London

This iconic museum located in the heart of London allows virtual visitors to tour the Great Court and discover the ancient Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies. You can also find hundreds of artifacts on the museum’s virtual tour.

Guggenheim Museum, New York

Google’s Street View feature lets visitors tour the Guggenheim’s famous spiral staircase without ever leaving home. From there, you can discover incredible works of art from the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, Modern and Contemporary eras.

National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

This famous American art museum features two online exhibits through Google. The first is an exhibit of American fashion from 1740 to 1895, including many renderings of clothes from the colonial and Revolutionary eras. The second is a collection of works from Dutch Baroque painter Johannes Vermeer.

Musée d’Orsay, Paris

You can virtually walk through this popular gallery that houses dozens of famous works from French artists who worked and lived between 1848 and 1914. Get a peek at artworks from Monet, Cézanne, and Gauguin, among others.

National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul

One of Korea’s popular museums can be accessed from anywhere around the world. Google’s virtual tour takes you through six floors of Contemporary art from Korea and all over the globe.

Family Night at the Museum - 12 Famous Museums With Virtual Tours

Pergamon Museum, Berlin

As one of Germany’s largest museums, Pergamon has a lot to offer – even if you can’t physically be there. This historical museum is home to plenty of ancient artifacts including the Ishtar Gate of Babylon and, of course, the Pergamon Altar.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Explore the masterworks from the Dutch Golden Age, including works from Vermeer and Rembrandt. Google offers a Street View tour of this iconic museum, so you can feel as if you’re actually wandering its halls.

Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam

Anyone who is a fan of this tragic, ingenious painter can see his works up close (or, almost up close) by virtually visiting this museum – the largest collection of artworks by Vincent van Gogh, including over 200 paintings, 500 drawings, and over 750 personal letters.

The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles

European artworks from as far back as the 8th Century can be found in this California art museum. Take a Street View tour to discover a huge collection of paintings, drawings, sculptures, manuscripts, and photographs.

Uffizi Gallery, Florence

This less well-known gallery houses the art collection of one of Florence, Italy’s most famous families, the de’Medicis. The building was designed by Giorgio Vasari in 1560 specifically for Cosimo I de’Medici, but anyone can wander its halls from anywhere in the world.

MASP, São Paulo

The Museu de Arte de São Paulo is a non-profit and Brazil’s first modern museum. Artworks placed on clear perspex frames make it seem like the artwork is hovering in midair. Take a virtual tour to experience the wondrous display for yourself.

National Museum of Anthropology, Mexico City

Built in 1964, this museum is dedicated to the archaeology and history of Mexico’s pre-Hispanic heritage. There are 23 exhibit rooms filled with ancient artifacts, including some from the Mayan civilization.

Sadly, not all popular art museums and galleries could be included on Google Arts & Culture’s collection, but some museums are taking it upon themselves to offer online visits. According to Fast Company, the Louvre also offers virtual tours on its website.

To see more of Google Arts & Culture’s collection of museums, visit the collection’s website. There are thousands of museum Street Views on Google as well. Google Arts & Culture also has an online experience for exploring famous historic and cultural heritage sites.

This article originally appeared on TravelandLeisure.com.