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2020 TRICK-OR-TREAT HOURS | TRUNK-OR-TREAT

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Kids of all ages can’t wait to go trick-or-treating on Halloween and we finally have your 2020 TRICK-OR-TREAT HOURS and guidelines plus Halloween events happening in Baton Rouge and beyond! Because 2020 feels like a long episode of The Twilight Zone, many have been wondering what trick-or-treating will look like this year. Traditional Halloween activities are fun, but some can increase the risk of getting or spreading COVID-19. 

“East Baton Rouge Parish is on the right path to slowing the spread of the coronavirus, and we must work together to ensure we continue on this path,” said Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome in a statement. 

Make trick-or-treating safer

  • Avoid direct contact with trick-or-treaters.
  • Give out treats outdoors, if possible.
  • Set up a station with individually bagged treats for kids to take.
  • Wash hands before handling treats.
  • Wear a mask.

While every effort has been made to ensure this information is accurate, we encourage you to verify that all details are correct and have not changed. If you have information on a Trunk-or-Treat that we missed, please let us know!

2020 TRICK-OR-TREAT HOURS – Baton Rouge and Beyond

2020 TRICK-OR-TREAT HOURS

All businesses and events hosted in EBR Parish for Halloween are required to follow Phase 3 guidelines that are currently in place:

  • General businesses are limited to 75% occupancy, with social distancing required
  • Social gatherings are limited to 50% capacity with a max of 250 people, with social distancing required
  • Outdoor crowd sizes are limited to 50% capacity of the outdoor space with up to 250 people, with social distancing required

Trick-or-treat hours in the city limits of Baton Rouge and unincorporated areas of East Baton Rouge are set for 6 – 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 31. Those who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or who have been exposed to someone who tested positive should not participate in any Halloween activities and should call their doctor.

{2020 TRICK-OR-TREAT HOURS SUBJECT TO CHANGE}

2020 TRICK-OR-TREAT HOURS What time is trick or treating in East Baton Rouge Parish — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
2020 TRICK-OR-TREAT HOURS What time is trick or treating in West Baton Rouge Parish — 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31
2020 TRICK-OR-TREAT HOURS What time is trick or treating in Ascension Parish? — TBA 
2020 TRICK-OR-TREAT HOURS What time is trick or treating in Livingston Parish — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Oct. 31
Halloween events near me What time is trick or treating in Pointe Coupee Parish — 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Unincorporated areas throughout Pointe Coupee Parish will allow trick-or-treating from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31

The City of New Roads and Village of Morganza set trick-or-treat hours from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Oct. 31

Trunk or Treats and Halloween Events

Trunk or Treats and Halloween events will be listed as they become available.

Boo at the Zoo

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

WHERE: Baton Rouge Zoo

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!

Halloween events near me

 

Haunted Hootenannies

Visit Blue Bonnet swamp in-person or online for two exciting weekends of Haunted Hootenannies! Visit on Saturdays for some wicked daytime fun like exploring the Animal Morgue and the wonderful Wall of Weird display or during the extended evening hours for a walk through the trail when all the nocturnal creatures are just coming out to play.

On Fridays, join via Zoom for exciting animal presentations led by nature experts like Dr. Nathan Lord from the Louisiana State Arthropod Museum talking about creepy crawlies and Leslie Lattimore from Wings of Hope Wildlife Rehabilitation with owls and other birds of prey!

They’ll also be giving away treat bags throughout the entire month of October! Although things might look a little differently than our usual Halloween events, we hope to see you all for some spooky but safe fun this Halloween!
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
Oct. 16 + 17 + 23 + 24

Jack-Eaux-Lanterns

Bring the whole family and join BREC for a special pumpkin carving and painting event. Registration Fee includes pumpkin
Zachary Community Park
Oct. 28
5-7 p.m.

Pumpkin Paddle Parade

Get into the Halloween spirit at the Pumpkin Paddle Parade, an exciting competition of “float” decorating! You design and decorate a canoe, kayak or paddleboard in Halloween décor, and then parade in front of our judges for the chance to win fabulous prizes!
Milford Wampold Memorial Park
Oct. 29
5:30-7:30 p.m.

Full Moon Fete: Movie in the Park

Get your costumes ready! Come out and enjoy a day filled with family-friendly entertainment as BREC hosts Full Moon Fete – Movie in the Park. This all-day event will feature 5 popular Halloween themed movies the entire family will enjoy.

This event includes a DRIVE THRU TRICK OR TREAT TRAIL (one hour prior to the start of the movie), CHARACTER VISITS, FOOD VENDORS, MUSIC, GIVE-A-WAYS, a COSTUME CONTEST and MORE!

Drive-in slots (limited) or walk-up.
This event is free and open to all ages.
MOVIES & SHOWTIMES
– Hotel Transylvania (PG) (2012) / 10 a.m.
– The Addams Family (PG) (2019) / 1 p.m.
– Goosebumps (PG) (2015) / 3:15 p.m.
– Ghostbusters (PG) (1984) / 5:30 p.m.
– Dracula (NR) (1931) / 7:45 p.m.
Trick or Treat Trail
9-9:45 a.m.
noon-12:45 p.m.
Please be prepared to observe social distancing regulations for the safety and security of all patrons.
Airline Highway Park
Oct. 31
10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Family-Friendly Halloween Drive-In Movies – Lamar Dixon Expo Center

2020 TRICK-OR-TREAT HOURS

Lamar-Dixon Expo Center has taken the cinematic experience to an entirely new level. From childhood nostalgia and classic films to recent releases, Live stream tailgating events, live music, and much more. 

Movies on the Mississippi will have classic snacks & drinks at concessions: popcorn, soft drinks, bottled water, snack packs, candy plus food trucks. They respectfully ask that you do not bring in any outside food or drinks in order to help support local Food Trucks and vendors that have been greatly affected by events being canceled due to COVID. 

APSO presents “Boo and the Badge” Trunk-or-treat style due to COVID-19 – Donaldsonville 

The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office will have two trunk-or-treat events on Halloween night that will take place at the Gonzales Courthouse parking lot in Gonzales and the Hickley M. Waguespack Center in Donaldsonville. Both events will be a drive-thru style due to covid-19.

This event is free to the public and will begin at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in both locations.

Deputies will hand out candy during the event, alongside other community partner vendors.

In addition to the fun, attendees will be able to view some of the department’s vehicles, and other sheriff’s office equipment from their vehicles.

First United Methodist Church of Gonzales Trunk-or-Treat

WHEN: OCTOBER 25, 2020 AT 4 PM CDT – 6 PM CDT
WHERE: First United Methodist Church of Gonzales 224 W Constitution St, Gonzales, Louisiana 70737

An evening of fellowship and ‘trunk or treating’!  October 25th from 4-6 for annual trunk or treat. We will be spreading things out more and trying to maintain safe social distances. Waivers will be required before families can enter. 

Trunk or Treat

 
Family and Youth Service Center Trunk or Treat
October 29th, come decorate your cars to pass out candy or bring your kids in family-friendly costumes for trick or treating. For admission, we are asking for $1 donations or a canned good to go towards a Thanksgiving fundraiser. Food and drinks will also be provided. Can’t wait to see you there!
WHEN: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2020 AT 6 PM CDT
WHERE: 1120 Government St, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

 

 

Enjoy this Halloween with your family and friends, Baton Rouge! 

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

Spooky Sensation Schedule – Highland Road Park Observatory

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There’s a chill in the air—that can only be explained by science at Spooky Sensation – Highland Road Park Observatory. Come join us for a marshmallow roast with eerie true-life STEM stories, a scavenger hunt game to earn wicked prizes, physical science demos that will make you scream, and more.

Attendees can enjoy views of the Sun and all five outer planets: Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Activities will include the Twilight Deepening, Magnitude Stepdown, Scope-on-a-Rope, and a brief discussion of the mysterious X-37B spaceplane. Other celestial targets include the Pleiades Star Cluster, the double star Albireo, the Job’s Coffin asterism, and the Andromeda Galaxy. 
 
‼️ Due to Phase 3 restrictions, there is a maximum of fifty patrons at one time on-site at HRPO. Because of this, patrons who have been on-site longer than thirty minutes may have their ticket numbers called and be asked to leave. Therefore, please choose your arrival time carefully based on the time spans of all the activities.
 
Spooky Sensation
 

WHAT: Spooky Sensation
WHEN: Saturday, October 3rd, 4:00pm – 10:00pm
WHERE: Highland Road Park Observatory

Spooky Sensation Activity Schedule:

Spooky Sensation 4:15-6:15 p.m. – “Superflare” The author of the most timely Louisiana novel in recent memory, Lisa Calhoun, will be on site to discuss the possibility of CMEs, EMPs and how families can survive and protect themselves in times of civil emergency or duress. [Cost $30.00 per copy]
 
Spooky Sensation 4:15-6:45 p.m. – Train Like an Astronaut = Seven challenging physical demands await those courageous and savvy enough to think they have what it takes to go into Earth orbit and beyond.
 
🐍 4:30-6:30 p.m. – Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center = The focus is on bugs! Dare you approach?
 
🚀 4:45 p.m. – Rocket Range Bid and Launch #1 = The first Quest Viper will be launched by and then given to the lucky top bidder.
 
🐅 4:45-6:45 p.m. – Baton Rouge Zoo = Well, our counterparts from BRZ are keeping secret which animals they are bringing.
 
⭐ 5-7 p.m. – Payload Bay (daytime cargo) = The new donation reward function at HRPO will yield a plethora of nice prizes and “orbital debris” for those who finish their task sheets first!
 
🚀 5:30 p.m. – Rocket Range Bid and Launch #2 = The second Quest Viper will be launched by and then given to the lucky top bidder.
 
👽 6:00 p.m. – Alienology Arrivals = The legendary 2010 spoof hardcover has “Professor Alan Grey” describe all the aliens known, explain how to spot them on Earth, etc.
 
🚀 6:15 p.m. – Rocket Range Bid and Launch #3 = The third Quest Viper will be launched by and then given to the lucky top bidder.
 
🌟 6:45 p.m. – Glow Stick Acquisitions = There are a limited supply, so grab your red glow stick while they’re here! [Cost $3.25 each]
 
🧪 7:00pm to 9:00pm – Physical Science Demonstrations = This weekend’s selections include the Asteroid Spinning Wheel, the Mirage, the Distance Doodler and a spectrum source!
 
⭐ 7:30- 9:30 p.m. – Payload Bay (nighttime cargo) = The new donation reward function at HRPO will yield a plethora of nice prizes and “orbital debris” for those who finish their task sheets first!
 
🎫 9:00 p.m. – Annual Raffle Drawing = Get your ticket anytime (or any day) before the drawing for your chance to win a telescope, a tabletop scope or a binocular! [Cost $5 per ticket; must be eighteen or older.

Spooky Sensation Event Viewing Schedule:

⭐ 7-10 p.m. – OBJECT: Jupiter
The largest planet has an extremely intense magnetic field and is currently being investigated by the Juno spacecraft. (4.9 astronomical units / magnitude -2.3)
 
⭐ 7:30-10 p.m. – OBJECT: Saturn
The ringed beauty will be seen. Try to spy the Cassini Division, the largest gap in the planet’s ring system. (9.7 astronomical units / magnitude 0.5)
 
⭐ 7:57-8 p.m. – EVENT: Visible Pass of an H-IIA Rocket Body
Part of a Japanese launch system, this piece of space junk should be visible under the correct conditions. Here’s to hoping we have them. (distance 534 kilometers / magnitude 1.7)
 
⭐ 8-8:15 p.m. – ACTIVITY: The Magnitude Scale
HRPO personnel will explain what the magnitude scale is, and then will ultilize the stars Vega, Fomalhaut, Polaris and Albireo to illustrate how dim stars get as one progresses down the ladder of the scale. (distances 25, 25, 431 and 385 light-years respectively / magnitudes 0.0, 1.1, 2.0 and 3.2 respectively)
 
⭐ 8-10 p.m. – EVENT: Ganymede Transits in Front of Jupiter
The largest moon in the Solar System must have known about this night’s celebration. It will give a memorable show by orbiting in front of its parent planet. (Ganymede magnitude 4.9)
 
⭐ 8:15-8:30 p.m – STORY: Great Square of Pegasus
As Pegasus the Winged Horse rises in the east, you’ll hear a story recounted about this majestic mythological creature. (distance of four corners 97 to 335 light-years / magnitudes of four corners 2.0 to 2.8)
 
⭐ 8:15-9 p.m. – OBJECT: The Andromeda Galaxy (Messier 31)
The closest spiral to our own Milky Way is rising high while twilight is ending. Sadly, the local light pollution only allows a view of the galaxy’s core. (distance 2 million light-years / magnitude 4.5)
 
⭐ 8:21-8:25 p.m. – EVENT: Visible Pass of the Lacrosse 4 Rocket
This Titan 4B sent up an American military satellite in August 2000.
(distance 571 kilometers / magnitude 1.3)
 
⭐ 8:30-9 p.m. – OBJECT: The Owl Cluster (Caldwell 13)
A perfect eerie addition to the night’s proceedings. Can you spot the two bright “eyes” of the cluster? (distance 7900? light-years / magnitude 6.4)
 
⭐ 8:40-8:46 p.m. – EVENT: Visible Pass of the Cosmos 2082 Rocket
The Cosmos series of satellites followed the USSR’s Sputniks. This rocket body has been orbiting for over three decades. (distance 844 kilometers / magnitude 2.0)
 
⭐ 8:45-9 p.m. – STORY: Job’s Coffin
The constellation Delphinus the Dolphin harbors the traditional tales of Greek wonder about the mammals of the sea—though the origin of the asterism’s creepy name is lost to the ages. (distances of four corners 98 to 241 light-years / magnitudes of four corners 3.6 to 4.4)
 
⭐ 8:45-9:15 p.m. – OBJECT: The Moth Cluster (Melotte 232)
If at this point you’ve had enough of creepy crawlies, try a flying creepy. This object will require a little patience to allow your eyes to adjust to the dim glow of the cluster. (distance ~2500 light-years / magnitude 6.3)
 
⭐ 8:45-10 p.m. – OBJECT: Mars
Mars is currently the closest it will be to the Earth for the next thirteen years. If the sky is steady and crisp, and your eyes sharp, you may see a polar cap and contrasting surface colors. (distance 62 million kilometers / magnitude -2.5)
 
⭐ 9-9:30 p.m. – OBJECT: Neptune
Although huge, Neptune is also very far away. It’s deep rich blue tone, however, is striking.
(distance 29 astronomical units / magnitude 7.8)
 
⭐ 9:15-10 p.m. – OBJECT: Waning Gibbous Moon
A variety of features await the viewer: rays of ejecta, the Bay of Rainbows and the Marsh of Sleep to name a few. (distance 404,000 kilometers / magnitude -12.5)
 
⭐ 9:45-10 p.m. – OBJECT: The Demon Star
 
The Spooky Sensation closes with the rising of evil. At least that’s what the Ancients thought. Algol was the first eclipsing binary discovered; a companion star periodically blocks some of its light. (magnitude ?? ; It can range from 2.1 to 3.4 ; What do you think it is?)
 
➞All viewing is weather permitting. Visible pass predictions are almost certain to have slight alterations come 3 October.
➞Remember: the lower the magnitude number, the brighter the object.
➞Binocular checkout from HRPO front desk will be available, but there are a limited number. We strongly encourage visitors to bring binoculars.
 
 
 

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*

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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The Joint Chiropractic – Free Visit – adjustment, exam, consultation.

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The Joint Chiropractic is opening up a new location and they currently have a fabulous special and giveaway that you won’t want to miss!

The Joint Chiropractic #TextInToWin FREE ADJUSTMENT! Hey, Baton Rouge Moms! You work hard and we totally feel your pain! Take a break, we’ve got your back!! The Joint Chiropractic will be OPENING a second location in Arlington Market Place next to Rouses soon!! If you are or know someone who is a NEW patient, they can ENJOY a FREE VISIT by texting “ARLINGTON” to 89000. This also enters you into a $1000 VISA GIFT CARD drawing. Includes adjustment, exam, and consultation. $39 Value. No appointments or insurance needed!! Just WALK-IN!!

 

Posh Petites Warehouse Sale – March 15th and 16th

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Posh Petites has announced its Baton Rouge Liquidation sale on March 15th and 16th! Shop THOUSANDS of NAME BRAND BOUTIQUE style boy and girls clothing at wholesale prices! The Posh Petites Warehouse Sale will only be open to the public for TWO DAYS so you won’t want to miss this sale.  Be the first to shop Posh Petites massive collection of new Children’s Smocked and Applique Clothing at WHOLESALE PRICES, it’s the perfect time to stock up for Easter, spring and summer clothing! Plus, ALL THINGS EASTER will be 40% off at the Spring Sale! You’ll want to get there early because they will go fast!

Posh Petites Warehouse Sale

Posh Petites Warehouse Sale

WHERE: Posh Petites 11811 Industriplex Suite B, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70809
 
WHEN: March 15th 2-5pm VIP Shoppers only (Purchase VIP tickets here!)
March 16th 9-2:30 Open  to the public and FREE to enter.
 
 
Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM 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.  

Swamp Haunted Hikes – BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

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The Baton Rouge Holloween events haves started and Swamp Haunted Hikes at BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is one of our favorites! Our kids had a great time last year, it’s an evening chock-full of activities and not-so-scary Halloween fun! Check out our short video from last year below! 

 Swamp Haunted Hikes – BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Baton Rouge Haunted HikesBluebonnet Swamp’s Haunted Hikes are designed especially for children, but all ages enjoy the spooktacular excitement of these Halloween-themed evenings. Event admission is through the education building where crafts and storytelling are just around the corner. Venture outside to find a way through the Haunted Maze to get to the carnival games for more fun and prizes. Be on the lookout for our silly-swampy costumed characters as they have some great treasures to share! Inside the nature center, the kooky-spooky adventures continue with the Animal Morgue, Wings of Hope Wildlife Sanctuary in the Bat Cave, the Creepy Cavern, and face-painting. 
Swamp Haunted Hikes
Costumed characters lurk throughout the site ready to share “kooky treasures” with all the attending little witches, fairies, hobgoblins, and heroes. Don’t be afraid of the dark! At night, head into the woods to get some treats and learn about snakes, insects, rats, and other “creepy critters” at educational stations along the Haunted Hike Trail. No scare tactics are used during this program as we strive to create cheerful-not-fearful experiences for our younger participants. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Costumes are welcome and flashlights are recommended. Food vendors will be on-site during the event. Join us for a howling good time!

WHERE: BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
WHEN: Oct. 11 + 18 + 25 – Doors open at 6 p.m., trail opens at dark.
COST: $6 per person 

We hope to see you there!

 
Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM 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. 

 

Extreme Baton Rouge Summer – Extreme Sports with BREC

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As a boy mom, I know first hand how awesome it is that BREC offers a plethora of extreme sports options for families in the Baton Rouge area. Of course, it’s not just for boys… girls, boys, and parents alike can enjoy an Extreme Baton Rouge Summer with BREC’s Extreme Sports! Whether it’s the Velodrome, rock climbing wall, three skate parks, BMX track, air gun range, disc golf courses or mountain bike trails, there is truly something for everyone to stay active while having fun all summer long!

Extreme Baton Rouge Summer

Perkins Road Community Park amenities include a 30,000 square foot concrete skate park, BMX track, a rock climbing wall, a community playground, tennis court, and walking paths. BREC’s BMX track facility hosts birthday parties and weekly races. The Jean Lafitte Air Gun Range houses two field courses and a covered site-in range. BREC’s disc golf courses at Highland Road Community Park, Greenwood Community Park, Flanacher Park, and Scotlandville Park are 18-hole courses.

Extreme Baton Rouge Summer

Skate Parks

Locations

Perkins Road Community Park
7122 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70808
The skatepark at Perkins Road Community Park is a 30,000 square foot, concrete skatepark built by California Skateparks and accommodates both skateboards and bicycles as well as scooters, inline skates, and rollerskates.

BREC also offers smaller community modular skateparks. These parks are open free to the public from sunrise to sunset.

Old Hammond Highway Park
8900 Old Hammond Highway
Baton Rouge, LA 70806

Zachary Community Park
20055 Old Scenic Hwy 
Zachary, LA 70791

BMX and Biking

Perkins Road BMX Track

7122 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

BREC’s BMX Raceway offers USABMX sanctioned races every Sunday evening (weather permitting). The Raceway is also available for Birthday Parties Rentals.

Mountain Biking

Locations

Comite River/Kerry Stamey Trails
8900 Hooper Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70818
Click here for a map of this trail.

Hooper Road Bike Trails
6261 Guynell Dr., Baton Rouge, LA 70811
Click here for a map of this trail.

Velodrome

7122 Perkins Road
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

The Velodrome is a 333-meter smooth concrete cycling track and one of only 15 in the United States. Cyclists can reach up to 35 mph during competition. Helmets are required.

Disc Golf

Locations

Flanacher Disc Golf Course (21 holes)
864 Flanacher Road, Zachary, LA 70791

Greenwood Disc Golf Course (18 holes)
13350 Hwy. 19, Baker, LA 70714

Highland Road Disc Golf Course (18 holes)
14024 Highland Road, Baton Rouge, LA 70810

Louisiana Healthcare Connections at Scotlandville (18 holes)
I-110 Scotlandville Parkway, Baton Rouge, LA 70813

Rock Wall

Perkins Road Community Park
7122 Perkins Road Baton Rouge, LA 70808

National Foster Care Awareness Month – Capital Area CASA

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May is National Foster Care Awareness Month, a time to recognize the role each of us can play in the lives of children and youth living in foster care.  You may be surprised to learn that each year, a startling number of children enter the foster care system in East Baton Rouge Parish due to abuse and neglect. For 26 years, Baton Rouge children have been appointed Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA volunteers, who provide a voice for these children to help them reach safe permanent homes. CASA volunteers are highly trained volunteers from the local community who speak up for the best interests children in foster care. Our volunteers are carefully screened and assigned to a professional Advocate Supervisor who provides supervision and guidance. Each of our professional staff members who supervise volunteers has at least 10 years of experience in working with children in foster care. We have asked our staff to share a few tips for people interested in becoming a foster parent or a CASA volunteer. Their responses are below.

Car Seat Safety

Be prepared in order to avoid frustration for the child and yourself.

 “It has been my experience that often foster parents have unrealistic expectations from the children they are receiving into their home,” said Susan Murrell, CASA advocate supervisor for 15 years.  “I think it is essential that they are prepared and understand that the children they are receiving in their home are coming in with multiple issues. The children aren’t going to react like a child that grew up in a stable home. These children are going to have different behaviors and will need to be treated differently when confronting the behavior. I encourage foster parents to engage in the Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRi) training. It will help them appropriately relate to the child.”

CASA volunteers go through a 32-hour training course that prepares volunteers to be the best advocates before being assigned their first case.

Always keep in mind the goal.

Foster parents must always remember that the goal is reunification. It is okay to get attached but remember the goal is reunification with the family. “Children who enter your home are entering because they are abused and neglected, and they still love their parents,” said Sharon Norwood, CASA advocate supervisor for ten years.

As foster parents, you may have certain expectations, but understand there are going to be more bad days than good, said Norwood. “But know that with hard work and dedication, and patience, there will be awesome moments and good rewards.”

National Foster Care Awareness Month

Be Objective

“Being a foster parent taught me that I have to be open. There is always more to the story. What I may see as something bad, in their world they may see it as a good thing. Be objective,” said Norwood.

Consider caring for a teenager or working with one as a CASA volunteer.

Teenagers in the foster care system need love too. “If you are considering being a foster parent, please consider taking a teenager. Our teens need positive role models in their lives who care,” said Sheila Gross, CASA advocate supervisor for 12 years.

Norwood, who is also a foster parent to two teenagers, said, “The older the child, the more experiences they have. They have been exposed to more, but they deserve to have someone willing to take a chance. And most of the time it is just about being heard.

“With teenagers, don’t be afraid to get attached because that is what they are looking for, but allow them space. It is okay if they want to separate themselves and go up to their rooms. Allow them that. It isn’t always a bad thing. Sometimes they need to process things,” said Norwood.

Keep the normalcy as much as you can.

“It is so important that when children enter the foster care system to try and make it as normal as possible. For example, if at home, they were involved in extra curriculum activities at school such as sports, keep them involved or get them involved. Allow them to explore. Especially with teenagers, allow them the opportunity to work, have friends, and go out,” said Norwood.

Foster parents have help, such as CASA volunteers.

“Most foster parents don’t realize that CASA volunteers can assist them with IEPs (Individualized education plan). As CASAs, we can help advocate for the children’s educational needs; we can go to the schools and talk to the teachers. We can be a resource to them in that aspect as long as they are open with us and let us know what is going on,” said Ricketta Monroe, CASA advocate supervisor for 17 years. CASA volunteers are right there, working alongside the foster parents to make sure the child’s best interests are being met.

CASA is currently looking for community volunteers to step up and make a difference in a child’s life. Being a foster parent may not be for everyone, but by being a CASA volunteer, you are still able to help children in foster care as well as help the foster parents during this journey.

To learn more about CASA and how you can help the youth living in foster care right here in Baton Rouge, attend a 45-minute orientation. Visit www.casabr.org/volunteer for upcoming dates.

“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Moms where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting and living in Baton Rouge.

 

BREC Arty Parties – Put the art in PARTY

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Tired of the same old birthday party ideas? If you have a little Picasso who really loves to get their hands working on some kind of art project, a craft party may be the perfect way to celebrate your budding artist’s birthday. We’re sharing a unique and affordable kids party idea at BREC that will be sure to keep your tactile learners entertained and having fun! Put the art in PARTY with BREC Arty Parties as your child and their friends create real works of art on canvas while celebrating birthdays or other special occasions.

BREC Arty Parties

Take the fuss and stress out of planning and hosting a party and let BREC do the work for you! You will have your very own party assistant to help direct the activities and keep the party flowing!

BREC Arty Party Themes

Paint Like Picasso 
Partygoers will complete a painting on canvas using acrylic paints similar to Picasso’s work Hands Holding Flowers while learning about the color wheel and color theory.
Dancing with Degas
Young artists will complete a creamy pastel on paper similar to Degas’ Dancer Tilting and learn about drawing the human figure.
Observing O’Keeffe
Young artists will recreate Georgia O’Keeffe’s White Flower on Red Earth in acrylics on canvas focusing on perspective and observation.
Royal Hues
Hear ye, Hear ye, the royal artists will paint a prince/princess crown using acrylic paint and top them off with jewels.
Wild Western
Partygoers will have a rootin’ tootin’ good time creating a horse portrait using chalk pastels.
Making Waves
Sand, surf and fun: partygoers will set sail with creativity as they paint a sunset landscape silhouetted by a palm tree.

Price:
$150
Deposit:
$50 (please note: the deposit is applied to total fees)
Deposit is non-refundable if canceled within 2 weeks of party date. Deposit is in addition to the party and not deducted from total party fees. Families may arrive 15 minutes prior to start time for set up.
To reserve your arty party, call 225-383-1470.

Click here to download the Arty Party flier

Your BREC Arty Parties packages includes:

  • 12 party invitations
  • Art project for 12 children ($10 each additional child, maximum 15 children)
  • Party assistant
  • Your choice of party theme

Click here to learn more and book your own Arty Party with BREC!

Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated BRM 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.