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Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center: The Importance of Children in Nature

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In today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s increasingly crucial to introduce children to the wonders of nature. Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center in Baton Rouge offers a perfect playground for this mission. Discover everything your child can learn at Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center! 🐢🌱🦝 They offer a variety of sessions for your child to explore and experience the natural world around them.

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center To

Baton Rouge Tennis Lessons & Developmental Benefits

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

Top 10 Developmental Benefits of BREC Tennis For Kids

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

Baton Rouge Tennis with BREC

BREC’s Tennis Department manages five major tennis centers, each housing its own pro shop that offers tennis resale merchandise, equipment rentals, refreshments and a full staff that manages court reservations and fees. The five major tennis centers provide a number of programs to the community, including tennis instruction, school athletic programs, youth and adult league play and tournaments.

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

There are also 72 neighborhood tennis courts located at recreation centers throughout East Baton Rouge Parish, where patrons can play tennis at no charge.

Learn more about each program and register here!

Youth Legacy Duplessis Park
 – New Family Playground

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New Park Alert! Ascension Parish Recreation announced the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new playground additions. The Youth Legacy Duplessis Park is complete and ready for PLAY!! The new additions to this beautiful new park are innovative and functional for the whole family!

Youth Legacy Duplessis Park
 is a GameTime National Demonstration Site (NDS) for Inclusion & PlayOn!

What does that mean?

This playground was designed to promote the following:

  • Inclusion

Including people with disabilities in play and recreation activities and providing them the same opportunities to participate is the true definition of inclusion.

Youth Legacy Duplessis Park


  • PlayOn! (Youth Fitness and Physical Activity)

PlayCore worked with Shape America, the organization that has established standards for developing physically literate students, to develop a curriculum promoting youth fitness and physical activity.

Youth Legacy Duplessis Park


Youth Legacy Duplessis Park

Here’s what you can expect when you visit:

Nature’s Delight:

Duplessis Park boasts magnificent oak and pecan trees, creating a natural haven that will transport you away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It’s where you can reconnect with nature, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the serene beauty.

Endless Recreation:

Duplessis Park has something for everyone, whether you’re a tennis lover or a disc golf enthusiast. Hit the well-maintained tennis courts for a friendly match, or test your skills on the challenging disc golf course. Sports lovers of all ages will find their perfect match here.

Youth Legacy Duplessis Park


Relax and Savor:

Take a break from the action and head to the BBQ pavilions.  Whether grilling or enjoying a picnic, the pavilions provide a comfortable and inviting space to enjoy good food and great company.

Stay Active:

Duplessis Park also offers walking and jogging trails that invite you to stretch your legs and soak up the natural surroundings.

Whether you’re looking for a place to work out, play, relax, or enjoy the great outdoors, Duplessis Park is the perfect spot.

“These outdoor spaces are important for providing our children with a place to maintain physical health, to engage with others, and also for families to create lasting memories,” said Ascension Parish President Clint Cointment.

Youth Legacy Duplessis Park


Youth Legacy Duplessis Park is a community-focused park that provides a safe and inclusive environment for children and families. The park offers a range of recreational facilities, green spaces,  and educational programs to foster physical activity, social interaction, and community engagement.

Youth Legacy Duplessis Park
38103 La. 621, Gonzales

Photo credit: Ascension Parish Recreation

 

 

 

 

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

Tunica Hills and Tunica Falls/Clark Creek – Outdoor Adventures

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

Tunica Hills

As the mom of a young, very active boy, I wake up most weekends brainstorming what sort of adventures we can get into together. We both love the smell of the great outdoors, so when I brought up the idea of a hike, his attention was instantly piqued.

A little over an hour from Baton Rouge

Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area is a little over an hour’s drive from Baton Rouge through the beautiful historic town of St. Francisville. A bit of a hidden treasure, it’s a perfect day in nature for energetic explorers with miles of hiking trails through an upland hardwood forest that blankets the Tunica Hills.

Tunica Hills and Tunica Falls/Clark Creek

As you make the turn onto Old Tunica Road and start the ascent, you can feel an instant drop in temperature as the altitude increases. If available, I highly recommend an SUV or truck since access to the trails is a bit bumpy once you enter the park area. Parking is a bit tricky at some of the trailheads and having 4-wheel drive is a plus. On the main road, there are several trails to choose from.

Take Tunica Hills Trail C for the kiddos

I decided on the trail with the least foot traffic, which happened to be Trail C; I later found out it was an excellent trail to start with, especially if you have kiddos in tow. If you don’t have hiking boots, wear a pair of tennis shoes that you don’t mind getting a little muddy. The terrain has some downed trees and a few steep inclines and declines, so having proper footwear is a must!

We hiked for about 2 miles before we turned back as it was pretty muddy from recent rainfall. It was exciting to climb over some smaller trees that had fallen across the path and test our balancing abilities! If you take a quick water break, mid-trail, you will notice several spots where you will see some very big drop-offs.

Things to Know Before You Go from Louisianatravel.com

  • You’ll find a nature trail with designated hiking trails accessible from Old Tunica Road on the South Tract, but don’t expect overdeveloped trails. Check out this Tunica Hills map for boundaries, designated camping area, check station locations, and trail locations. You can only camp at the designated camping area on Parker Road, and only tent-only camping is permitted.
  • All visitors must use self-clearing permits for all activities on Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). Get your free permit at check station kiosks on the WMA. Additionally, all WMA visitors ages 16 to 59 must possess either a valid Louisiana hunting/fishing license, or Wild Louisiana Stamp. Licenses can be purchased from any hunting and fishing license vendor in the state, as well as over the phone (1-888-765-2602) or online.

Clark Creek / Tunica Falls

The majestic Clark Creek Natural Area in southwestern Mississippi is one of the Magnolia State’s most beautiful outdoor treasures. Comprising more than 700 acres, it is highlighted by some 50 waterfalls, from 10 to 30 feet in height.  Clark Creek Natural Area is just over the Louisiana state line in Mississippi, at 366 Ft Adams Pond Rd, Woodville, MS 39669.

Clark Creek Admission

A day use entry fee of $2.00 per person is charged for use of the park – Cash only on the honor system. Five years of age and under are free.

Bathrooms

Amenities available on site include a restroom and water fountain at entrance of the park.

Waterfalls? In Mississippi?

The Clark Creek Natural Area protects more than 700 acres of pine and hardwood forest amid a landscape of steep-sided bluffs, rolling hummocks, and trickling waterfalls. There are about 4.5 miles of primitive and improved trails that visit some of the park’s waterfalls and heritage trees. Visitors discover a variety of colorful migrating and resident birds; invertebrates; poisonous snakes; a rare land snail; the Federally endangered Carolina magnolia vine; and the State endangered fish, the Southern redbelly face.

 

 

What to pack in your backpack:

  • Small first aide kit
  • Bathroom kit (there are no bathrooms on the trails)
  • Snacks
  • Water
  • Sunscreen
  • Bug spray
  • A change of clothes
  • A bag for muddy or wet clothes
  • Binoculars
  • Large bamboo stick to ward off any unwelcome reptilian visitors.

Most of the trail was well shaded, but if you stopped for too long, the horseflies were ready and waiting to take nibbles when they could. All in all, the scenery and the drive up to the trail were a much-needed break from our everyday activities! No cell phone service – so a great way to unplug.

Clark CreekMy name is Evangeline Pugliese but all my favorite people call me Lene (Lee-knee). I am an as-needed nurse with Ochsner’s BR OB/GYN department. I’m also an independent advocate with an organic farm-to-table CBD company out of Wilmington, NC. I am a single mom and am passionate about helping others and their family on their journey to better wellness. https://lenepug.greencompassglobal.com

Baton Rouge Bike Festival – BREC Park

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Are you bananas for bicycles? Join BREC for the second annual Baton Rouge Bike Festival. Come enjoy velodrome demonstrations, free rides on BREC’s BMX track, BMX skate park competition, and guided bicycle rides along the Pennington Trail.

This event will feature many bike-related organizations throughout East Baton Rouge Parish, and aims to support two-wheeled locomotion and a love for all things bicycling. It’ll be wheely fun! 😉

Event: BR Bike Fest
Date: April 22
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Location: Perkins Road Community Park
7122 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

Here are a few highlights from last year’s Bike Festival; you won’t want to miss it!

 

30 Things To Do with Kids in Baton Rouge & Beyond

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Spring Break is in full swing, and parents are looking for things to do with kids in Baton Rouge. If you’ve decided to forgo the beach and stay home, we have the perfect list to combat the boredom blues.

Here are 30 Things To Do with kids in Baton Rouge and beyond that will keep you busy this Spring Break and all 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.

Things To Do with kids in Baton Rouge

30 Things To Do with Kids in Baton Rouge

  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. Berry 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.
  4. Pottery Painting – Brushfire Studios – This is a quaint little studio in downtown Denham Springs.
  5. 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.
  6. Young Chefs Academy – This is one of my oldest’s favorite places. They have summer programs and fun little classes.
  7. Go Bowling – Kids Bowl FREE this summer – learn more! 
  8. Blackwater Conservation
  9. Tunica Hills and Tunica Falls/Clark Creek – Outdoor Adventures
  10. $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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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 in August each year. Bring your dancing shoes.
  13. Old State Capitol – While you’re downtown, hit up the Louisiana Art and Science Museum.
  14. 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.
  15. 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.
  16. WWII Museum – I don’t really know that this needs much introduction; it’s a must-do with the older kiddos!
  17. Louisiana Children’s Museum – This is one of my fondest childhood memories.
  18. 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.
  19. Audubon Aquarium of America’s & Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium – What kid doesn’t want to touch an urchin and eat crickets.
  20. Write and Illustrate a Children’s Book – Because, after all these big adventures, you will need some time at home.
  21. 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!
  22. Dinosaur Park Henderson – I have heard amazing things, and this summer, we intend to find out for ourselves.
  23. Livingston Parish Library – Just a little hop next door, and there are so many fun programs for littles to enjoy.
  24. 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!
  25. Make a Nana recipe from scratch – No box mixes here, just some love, wooden spoons, and old family recipes.
  26. Lemonade Stand – The earliest form of entrepreneurship at its south Louisiana finest.
  27. Barnhill Preserve in Ethel – (sloths…Nuff said) hands-on animal encounters and programs!
  28. 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!
  29. 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.
  30. Knock Knock Children’s Museum – this is a full day of fun and good eats at Acorn Cafe!

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Hearts & Hooves Therapeutic Riding Program

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Farr Park Equestrian Center’s Hearts & Hooves Therapeutic Riding Program 💜🐴 offers a horseback riding experience to children and adults with disabilities. BREC seeks to enrich the lives of participants by providing a unique social and physical opportunity. Their capable instructors direct riders in correct horsemanship, communication, safety, handling, and accomplishing goals.

Who does the Hearts & Hooves Therapeutic Riding Program serve?

Hearts Riders aged 6 and up with physical, mental, and social disabilities participate in a six-week session of riding lessons tailored to their needs. Riders enjoy a one-hour class on horseback learning stretching exercises, basic equitation and games. Horseback riding is known to improve core strength and coordination and provide a unique social opportunity with peers. Maximum class sizes of 8 riders, with 2 instructors and up to 3 volunteer assistants per rider.

Horseback riding is naturally therapeutic. Whether they have physical, cognitive, sensory or emotional disabilities, participants benefit from riding or working with horses.

Farr Park Equestrian Center

Session 1: Monday / Sept. 12-Oct. 17

Session 2: Monday / Nov. 7-Dec. 12

Available class times: 4:30 p.m. + 6 p.m.

Ages: 6+

$120 for East Baton Rouge Parish residents

$144 for out of parish residents

Pre-registration required / Scholarships are available

Register online at webtrac.brec.org / To volunteer visit, volunteer.brec.org

For more information, call 225-769-7805 or email Camille.Chapman@brec.org

Baton Rouge Zoo Family Zoo Run Run

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Whether you are a turtle or a hare there is fun for all to be had at the Baton Rouge Zoo’s 16th annual Family Zoo Run Run on Saturday, November 13th, 2021. Run like a cheetah to the 16th annual Zoo Run Run 2-Mile Race and ½ Mile Kids’ Fun Run presented by Ochsner! At the run, enjoy the scenery as you scamper, trot or gallop your way through BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo. All proceeds from the race support your Baton Rouge Zoo and international cheetah conservation efforts. Again this year, all participants earn a medal! After the race, participants are invited to join the Zoo for food, refreshments, and an award ceremony.

REGISTER HERE! 

Baton Rouge Zoo Family Zoo Run Run 

Where else do you get to run alongside cheetahs, elephants, monkeys, and more? 

Race Day

Race day registration will be located at the front entrance of the Zoo. Located just 15 minutes from downtown Baton Rouge, take Exit 8A off of I-110 North and turn right onto Highway 19. Continue to the second stop light and turn right onto Thomas Road. The Zoo entrance is one mile on the left.

On-Site Registration Begins 6:30am

Kids 1/2 Mile Fun Run Begins 7:30am

2 Mile Race Begins 8:15am

Chip Timing

Only 2-Mile runners will be timed. Your RFID timing chip will be attached to your race bib.

Race T-Shirts

Only participants who are pre-registered by October 22nd are guaranteed a Zoo Run Run t-shirt in thier size on Race Day.

Entry Fees*

Adult/Teen Registration
  • Pre-registration (by Nov 13): $30
  • Race Day Registration: $35
Child Registration (ages 12 and under)
  • Pre-registration: $17
  • Race Day Registration: $22

REGISTER HERE! 

For more Family Zoo Run Run information check out:  BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo Website

For questions or to volunteer, please call (225) 775-3877 or email info@brzoo.org.

Flock on down and join the herd for a great event for competitive and casual runners, walkers, and families alike, all for a great cause. We hope to see you there!

 

Baton Rouge Youth Basketball – BREC’s House League

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Be a part of a Baton Rouge Youth Basketball league focused on building dreams and shaping futures. BREC’s House League youth basketball at the Lester Robert’s Sports Academy registration is now open! Not sure if you want to register or want to get in some practice before leagues begin? Take part in fundamental days August 21 and 28, before the last day to register, September 4. Open to boys and girls ages 6 to 14! Learn more and register: https://bit.ly/BRECBasketball

Baton Rouge Youth Basketball

Baton Rouge Youth Basketball @ BREC

LESTER ROBERTS SPORTS ACADEMY – COED HOUSE LEAGUE BASKETBALL

Youth Basketball at BREC cannot be beaten for good times and a competitive atmosphere.
SPORTS ACADEMY + TEAM AUTOMOTIVE GROUP SPORTSPLEX
Fundamental Day #1: Aug. 21 / 9 a.m.-noon
Fundamental Day #2: Aug. 28 / 9 a.m.-noon
Fundamental Day #3: Sept. 4 / 9 a.m.-noon
League Play: Sept. 11
Ages: 6-14
$75 per participant
Registration: Aug. 14-Sept. 4

Register Online

10 Health Benefits of Baton Rouge Youth Basketball

  1. Strengthens muscular endurance
  2. Builds healthy bones
  3. Improves balance and coordination
  4. Develops fundamental movement skills
  5. Improves body composition
  6. Boosts heart health
  7. Develops self-confidence
  8. Can help Lowers stress
  9. Encourages team spirit
  10. Develops communication skills

Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world and one of the most widely viewed.  It’s an excellent way to help kids get in shape and stay active by helping them gain strength, flexibility, and endurance. They’ll learn to move their body in different ways as they jump, pivot, and twist. Plus, they’ll have the opportunity to connect with fitness-minded individuals and work on being a good teammate.