Are you looking for family fun on a lazy Sunday in Baton Rouge? Good news: The first Sunday of every month is free admission day at many of Baton Rouge’s most popular attractions! Here are a few places you can visit on your first free Sunday. Check out the exhibitions, collections, hands-on galleries, interactive performances, summer group programs, educators, tours, and inspiring shows.
*Museum participation is subject to change. Please call the attractions to confirm or with any questions.
Free First Sunday Participating Museums
Louisiana Art & Science Museum
The Louisiana Art & Science Museum is a great place to spend a Sunday afternoon. You can explore the museum’s art galleries, planetarium, and interactive science exhibits. Plus, there’s a cafe where you can grab a bite to eat.
The Louisiana Old State Capitol
12 – 4 PM – Bring your little ones to the castle for an adventurous day of mapmaking!
If you could make a map of any place, where would it be?
Come to Louisiana’s Old State Capitol Sunday, August 2 to learn all about the history of cartography and view some of the earliest maps of Baton Rouge. After, families can try their hands at making their own maps, an activity where the only limit is your own imagination!
This free, family-friendly event has something for all ages and complements our current exhibition, “Excursions, Expeditions, and ‘Discoveries:’ A Young Nation Expands.” Admission is come-and-go and our building is stroller and wheelchair accessible.
The LSU Museum of Art at the Shaw Center for the Arts
Join LASM from 1–5 PM for FREE admission and explore our one-of-a-kind galleries packed with discovery, creativity, and hands-on fun for all ages. Whether you’re bringing the kids or coming solo, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
✨ Want to take your visit to the next level? For just $5, experience unlimited surround-sound fulldome shows in the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium!
LSU Museum of Art
Back to School Bash Sunday, August 2 from 1—4 PM • Free and open to the public to attend
Kick off the school year with a creative celebration! Explore the galleries and make a cute keychain for your backpack. At 2 PM join author Julie Gerdes Becnel for story time featuring a Louisiana-themed sing-along by musician Ashley Orlando. Illustrator Cullen Bernard will also be here to chat with visitors and share the creative process behind bring Roux’s story to life. Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.
LSU Center for River Studies at the Water Campus
Visitors are invited to explore the award-winning coastal-themed exhibit space and river model at the LSU Center for River Studies for FREE on the first Sunday of each month from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. The Center’s interactive exhibit space offers opportunities for guests of all ages to learn more about the history of the Mississippi River, Louisiana’s disappearing wetlands, and ongoing coastal restoration projects across the coast. CPRA staff will be on-hand throughout the day to lead discussions and answer questions. You’ll also have the chance to attend a unique educational presentation using world-class projector equipment on the river model.
Magnolia Mound
Magnolia Mound, a nationally accredited museum and historic site, sits on sixteen acres shaded with ancient live oaks and magnolias. Built circa 1790 by John Joyce, who purchased the property from James Hillin, it is the oldest documented structure in Baton Rouge. One of its noted residents in the 1800s was Armand Allard Duplantier, a former captain of the Continental Army under Marquis de Lafayette. Magnolia Mound believes that in retelling its history, it is important to also tell the hard stories of our past, remembering the lives of the enslaved whose skills helped to build our historic buildings, our state, and our country. Children can learn about daily life on a Louisiana plantation from the 1790s to the 1820s, Louisiana history, and more.
Louisiana’s Old Governor’s Mansion
Meet and take a tour with robots. 
Explore the Mansion in VR. 
Take home a 3D printed souvenir. 
Get hands-on with mini construction equipment. And so much more!Manship Theatre at Shaw Center for the Arts
These are just a few of the many attractions you can visit on your first free Sunday in Baton Rouge. Be sure to check each venue’s website for hours and other details. Enjoy your day out and take advantage of this great opportunity to explore Baton Rouge without spending a dime!