Baton Rouge Family Fun

The premiere digital resource for families in Baton Rouge & Beyond

Baton Rouge Summer Camp
You are here: Home / Archives for Baton Rouge Events

East Baton Rouge Parish Library Happenings – March

by

The East Baton Rouge Parish Library is a hub of activity and resources for kids, teens, and adults alike. Find a full list of East Baton Rouge Parish Library Happenings and programs offered in March; there is always something new to discover and learn. From storytime and arts and crafts for young children to coding classes and book clubs for teens, to technology workshops and author talks for adults; the library provides a welcoming and engaging environment for all ages. In addition to these events, the library also offers an extensive collection of books, DVDs, and online resources, making it a valuable resource for the entire community.

East Baton Rouge Parish Library Happenings

Ready, Set, Read! Press Start Program

East Baton Rouge Parish Library Happenings

This program provides a new monthly booklet for 3 years, packed full of family fun! The tips and activities in these booklets are designed for use with things already found around the house without the need to buy anything. Each booklet includes Community Connections, an insert with a selected list of community events, and the EBRP Library Children’s Storytime schedule for you to post on your refrigerator.

Completing all 12 booklets each year earns your child a FREE book of their choice and an entry into the annual gift card drawing, courtesy of the Patrons of the Public Library.

Pick up your booklet in the children’s room at any of our 14 locations!

Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

Read Across America and celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday by joining in on these fun programs! *Indicates registration required. Call Library location directly.

• Wednesday, March 1 – Sunday, March 5, all day Jones Creek Regional Branch
Pick up a Dr. Seuss activity packet, ages 6-11

• Wednesday, March 1 at 10:30 a.m. – Zachary Branch
I Am the Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss Cat in the Hat craft, ages 2-5

• *Wednesday, March 1 at 4 p.m.
Pride-Chaneyville Branch
Imagine That! How Dr. Seuss Wrote The Cat in the
Hat by Judy Sierra ® “I Love to Read” necklace, ages 5-10

• Thursday, March 2, all day – Delmont Gardens Branch
Live readings of Dr. Seuss books Striped hat craft, ages 3-7

• *Thursday, March 2 at 4 p.m. – River Center Branch
Bartholomew and the Oobleck by Dr. Seuss Oobleck craft, ages 6-11

• *Thursday, March 2 at 4:30 p.m. – Baker Branch
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss Fish bowl craft, ages 3-7

• *Thursday, March 2 at 4:30 p.m. – Fairwood Branch
One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish by Dr. Seuss Decorative fish bowl, ages 4-11

• *Thursday, March 2 at 5 p.m. – Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch
Horton Hatches the Egg by Dr. Seuss
Horton Kindness Bracelet, ages 5-11

Artsy Smartsy Saturday
Saturday, March 11 at 10 AM | Pride-Chaneyville Branch 

Kids ages 6-11 are invited to Artsy Smartsy Saturday at the Pride-Chaneyville Branch on Saturday, March 11 at 10 a.m.! We will read selected chapters from the book Green Gravy by Beverly Lewis and make a St. Patrick’s Day shamrock hanger using tempera paint markers and a craft tube stamp. Registration is required. To register, please call 658-1560.

Hands On Baby Time
Saturday, March 11 at 2:30 PM | Main Library at Goodwood

Join the Main Library at Goodwood on Saturday, March 11 at 2:30 p.m. as we read Hello, Farm! by Maddie Frost and learn about farm animals and the sounds they make. Then,  have some fun with some hands-on sensory items and baby-safe percussion instruments. This program is for babies, birth-12 months. Registration is required. To register, please call 231-3760. Sorry, no groups.

STEM Playtime
Wednesday, March 29 10:30 AM & 4 PM | Zachary Branch

The Zachary Branch will host STEM playtime on Wednesday, March 29 at two different times. Younger children are invited to join them at 10:30 a.m. to play with Mega Bloks and Bee-Bots. Older children can stop by after school at 4 p.m. to create with Snap Circuit kits.

One Book One Community
Sunday, March 19th, 4-6 PM | Main Library at Goodwood
East Baton Rouge Parish Library Happenings

East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s 17th annual One Book One Community initiative will highlight Chris Thomas King’s book, The Blues: The Authentic Narrative of My Music and Culture. as well as many other blues-inspired programs for all ages throughout the Library system. We will explore such topics as blues music; Baton Rouge and Louisiana’s music culture/history; songwriting and poetry; black history; and the lives of music legends.

To kick off six weeks of programs, book discussions, and other opportunities for community connection, EBRPL will have a FREE Kickoff Party at the Main Library at Goodwood on Sunday, March 19, 4-6 p.m.! Attendees will enjoy live music from The Michael Foster Project, a special appearance by author Chris Thomas King, delicious local food, crafts, games, and engagement with community organizations. It will be an outdoor celebration for all ages on the Plaza! In the case of inclement weather, it will be held inside the Library. For more information about One Book One Community, please visit ReadOneBook.org.

Sounds of Science Series – Family Event
Saturday, March 25 at 1 PM | Main Library at Goodwood

Join the East Baton Rouge Parish Library in collaboration with the LSU School of Music, the LSU Department of Astronomy and Physics, and the LSU Manship School of Mass Communication for the Sounds of Science series on Saturday, March 25 at the Main Library at Goodwood. Starting at 1 p.m., there will be activities for children and adults, including the LaSPACE/MARS Truck, Storytimes, and Interactive Music Making. At 7 p.m., a Sounds of Science panel discussion and musical performance will be held in the large meeting room. For more information, visit ebrpl.co/soundsofscience.

Write Time! with Boo Milton
March 7 & April 4th at 6 PM | River Center Branch

Join us on Tuesday, March 7 at 6 p.m. at the River Center Branch for Write Time!, a FREE poetry and general creative writing session for adults ages 18-33. Beginners and seasoned writers will enjoy creating poems and spoken word pieces while connecting with other creatives. This event is hosted by media personality Boo Milton with a live DJ and refreshments. And mark your calendar for next month’s Write Time! session on Tuesday, April 4 at 6 p.m.! Register for any or all of these monthly sessions at ebrpl.com/calendar or by emailing programs@ebrpl.com.

Saturday Science – Teens & Adults
Saturday, March 25 at 3 p.m | Main Library at Goodwood

Teens and adults are invited to the Main Library at Goodwood on Saturday, March 25 at 3 p.m. for Saturday Science, LSU’s free public talk series connecting the community to science and technology. This month, learn about the first exciting discoveries of the James Webb Space Telescope!

Children’s Books and Music Series featuring The Kids’ Orchestra
Saturday, March 11 at 11 AM | Main Library at Goodwood
Saturday, March 25 at 2 PM | Jones Creek Regional Branch

East Baton Rouge Parish Library Happenings

Collect new musical skills! Discover new library books! Experiment with new dance steps!
Kids’ Orchestra invites children, ages 5-11, to an experiential program that combines library books with music education. Each month, children will explore a theme as they learn about an instrument, sing a song, explore a dance, and play a game – all inspired by a book in the East Baton Rouge Parish Library collection.

In March, learn about Trombone Shorty, a musician who grew up in Louisiana, and the instrument he played (a trombone, of course!). Hear the trombone and find out how it works. Learn some “second line” dance moves. Play an instrument naming and imitation game. Sing “When the Saints go Marching in” as we celebrate Louisiana music and culture. There are two opportunities to attend this fun program! See dates and times below. All children under the age of 9 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.

  • Saturday, March 11 at 11 a.m. – Main Library at Goodwood To register, please call 231-3760.
  • Saturday, March 25 at 2 p.m. – Jones Creek Regional Branch To register, please call 756-1160.

 

Practice ACT Test
Saturday, March 4 at Noon | Main Library at Goodwood
Saturday, March 11 at 9 a.m. | Bluebonnet Regional Branch

Teens, brush up on your ACT test taking skills! These practice tests are organized to run like the real ACT test to give teens experience in the type of questions to expect as well as the testing environment. Please bring sharpened number 2 pencils, a permitted calculator, and a snack for the break. Space is limited. Registration is required. See date, time, locations, and registration details below.

  • Saturday, March 4 at Noon – Main Library at Goodwood To register, call 231-3770.
  • Saturday, March 11 at 9 a.m. – Bluebonnet Regional Branch To register, call 763-2270.-more-

Baton Rouge Concert Band Spring Concert
Sunday, March 26 at 5 PM | Main Library at Goodwood

Grab your passport and join the Baton Rouge Concert Band on Sunday, March 26 at 5 p.m. at the Main Library at Goodwood for their spring concert, “A Musical Passport through Europe and the British Isles.” There will be marches, jigs, folk songs, and more. From Norway and Belgium through the Balkans and Germany into France and on to the British Isles, your feet will be tapping and your heart will be singing!

2nd Annual Edible Book Festival
Saturday, April 1 at 2 PM | Main Library at Goodwood

The Edible Book Festival is an international celebration of books, food, and bad puns, held on or around April Fools’ Day each year. Participants are invited to choose a book and create an edible representation of its title or a wordplay on its title. Join us as we gather at the Main Library at Goodwood on Saturday, April 1 at 2 p.m. to view the bookish fare concocted to amuse, amaze, or, yes, even disgust onlookers and fellow participants. Vote for your favorites in categories such as Best in Show, Wittiest Wordplay, Least Appetizing and more! Winners will be announced at 4 p.m. and prizes will be awarded! To submit an entry, just bring your punny, edible creation to the Library at 1 p.m. to be displayed! Here are a few of last year’s winners. Can you top them?

Virtual Author Talk Series

The Library continues its Author Talk Series with three new authors in March! Each live, virtual event features a different bestselling author, along with an interactive Q&A session where participants can ask questions directly to the author. See March selections and dates/times below. Visit libraryc.org/ebrpl to register for these virtual events, learn about other upcoming conversations with bestselling authors, and view previous author talk recordings. For more information about these and other virtual events, visit ebrpl.com/virtual.

Free Saturday Tutoring

The Baton Rouge Magnet High School Beta Club will offer FREE tutoring services each Saturday in March, 9:30-10:30 a.m., at the Main Library at Goodwood! Beta members will tutor elementary, middle, and high school students. See subjects offered below. Only 60 spots are available each Saturday. Registration is required. Register online at ebrpl.co/tutor or call 231-3770.

  • Elementary students: English, Math, Science, and Reading
  • Middle schoolers
    (6th grade – 8th grade): English, Math, and Science
  • High schoolers: English, Math (9th – Calculus), and Science
  • Upon advanced request, they will provide tutoring in French, Spanish, and Latin.

The Cookbook Club

Do you love to cook and try new recipes? Join us for a new club centered around cookbooks and cuisine! Adults are invited to the Bluebonnet Regional Branch at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 8 for our first meeting. We will discuss the club’s cookbook of choice and what recipes we will try and share with the group.

Spanish Reading Club

Do you speak or read Spanish? Perhaps you’re looking for a fun way to speak Spanish with others? If you also love reading and discussing books with others, then we have just the group for you! Join us for a new club centered around reading books in Spanish! Adults can come to the Bluebonnet Regional Branch at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 15 for an organizational meeting where you can meet other Spanish speakers and decide on future books to discuss.

St. Patrick’s Day Tote Bags

20-Somethings are invited to learn how to use the Cricut and Heat Press equipment in the River Center Branch makerspace! Join us on Tuesday, March 14 at 3:30 p.m. to make your own St Patrick’s Day leprechaun tote bags! Registration is required. To register, visit ebrpl.com/calendar or call 389-4960.

March 2023 Library Event Calendars

 

Rockin’ at the Swamp – BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

by

Rocks, crystals, and gemstones, oh my! Rockin’ at the Swamp has been a family favorite for years. Our boys enjoyed going year after year. In previous years we enjoyed the different learning stations, playing games, rock climbing, digging for shark teeth, and playing with the giant stones!

Rockin' at the Swamp

Photos from previous Rockin’ at the Swamp events.

Rockin’ at the Swamp

If you like nature’s earthly treasures, this event will rock your world!;) Join BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center to explore the world of rocks, minerals, gemstones, and fossils.  Add to your rock collection or find some unique gift items at the Rockhound Market. Try your skill scaling the rock climbing wall. Learn to identify different rocks and minerals and make your own take-home identification card on the Treasure Trail. Experience the excitement of the gold rush while hunting for iron pyrite in our Gold Mine. Try out some rockin’ crafts or paint your own Rock Animal in the craft corner. Explore ancient life forms in the Fossil Quarry. This is one rockin’ day of fun highlighting geology and earth science.

Rockin' at the Swamp

Food and beverage purchases are available from on-site vendors.

Rockin at the Swamp

Date: March 11
Time: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Cost: Adult 17+/$5
Child 3- 17/$4

For More Information
225-757-8905
sguidry@brec.org

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS – Christmas in Baton Rouge

by

Grab your cameras and your Christmas cheer, and get ready to enjoy the magic of the season. The Festival of Lights, Baton Rouge’s oldest holiday tradition, transforms the winter sky into a wonderland on December 2nd from 4-8 pm.

Welcome the holidays with half a million sparkling lights on North Boulevard, a 35-foot Christmas tree, a snow village complete with ice skating, and a visit from Santa Claus himself! Watch as the magic lights up before your eyes with a fireworks show and the annual tree lighting ceremony in North Boulevard Town Square.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS - Christmas in Baton Rouge

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Skating begins at 4 PM – Ages 5-10 Only
Snow Village begins at 5 PM – Ages 5-15 Only

Snow in Baton Rouge??? Yep, 10 tons of real snow will be ready and waiting for the kids at Repentance Park! Repentance Park is located between the Old State Capitol and River Center. Enjoy Baton Rouge’s very own Rockefeller Center-style ice skating rink located on the first floor of the River Center Plaza, where festival-goers can stand on the balcony and watch the children skate around the plaza!

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS - Christmas in Baton Rouge

HOLIDAY FILM SCREENINGS – 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

From 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m., you can enjoy screenings of your favorite holiday classics, such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and Frosty the Snowman, at Harley/Vey Theatres.

TREE LIGHTING & FIREWORKS – 6:20pm 

Mayor Broome will countdown the City’s Christmas Tree lighting along with half a million sparkling lights on North Boulevard. Experience the magic beneath the 25-foot Christmas tree on North Boulevard and marvel over the elaborate fireworks show on the Mississippi River! While you await the countdown, you can support Louisiana Youth Orchestra by shopping their bake sale, where baked goods, hot chocolate, and popcorn will be available for purchase, or let the kids decorate a personalized ornament to cherish for years to come.

The preferred area for viewing the fireworks will be North Boulevard at Town Square, facing the Christmas Tree and Mississippi River.

BATON ROUGE  SANTA – 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

Santa will assist Mayor Broome to countdown the lighting of Baton Rouge’s Christmas Tree! Afterwards you are invited to the Louisiana Old State Capitol for a special photo-op and other holiday festivities. Louisiana’s Old State Capitol will host their annual “Santa in The Senate” on Friday, Dec. 2nd from 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

Guests of the Old State Capitol will have the opportunity to take their photo with Mr. & Mrs. Claus in the old Senate Chamber and then enjoy a Christmas film in the old House Chamber.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own cameras or cell phone to take pictures. There will be arts and crafts for children to partake in and a special treat upon existing the building.

DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Downtown Baton Rouge will be in the holiday spirit with tons of activities going on. Most of the downtown churches and museums participate in the evening by having live nativity scenes, giving away hot chocolate, singing Christmas carols, and much more!

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS - Christmas in Baton Rouge

ARTIST VILLAGE

Produced by the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, this year’s Artists Village at the Festival of Lights will be located in the Rhorer Plaza Lawn. Over ten local artists will be selling handmade crafts to complete your Christmas shopping list. Along with the artists, the festival will include a bake sale, hot chocolate for sale, and multiple food vendors.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS - Christmas in Baton Rouge

Full Festival of Lights Schedule

Mayor’s Stage at Galvez Plaza

Justin Garner
4:15p.m. – 6:00p.m.

Lighting Ceremony and Fireworks
6:00p.m. – 6:25p.m.

“Swing into Christmas” with Ned Fasullo
6:25p.m. – 8:00p.m.

Holiday Fun at North Boulevard Town Square

Experience North Boulevard Oak Alley

See 250,000 Christmas lights!

Bayou Cirque Performers

Experience the magic of the holidays with Live Actors, Krampus, Jack
Frost, Winter Witch, Winter Fairies, Santa’s Elves and more!

Kid’s Orchestra

Join Kid’s Orchestra at Festival of Lights for a live instrument petting zoo.
Touch a real violin, or a trumpet, and learn about all of the opportunities
kid’s orchestra has for your student.

Winter Wonderland

Community Stage

4:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.
McKinley Middle Choir, BRCVPA, Woodlawn
Middle Choir, Cangelosi Dance Project, Liberty
High Dance, Creme de la Rouge, EBRPSS
Talented Arts Program, McKinley Middle Magnet
Dancers, Baton Rouge Cheer Academy, Capital
High School Dance, Forest Heights Music
Theatre

Free Ice Skating

4:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.
First Floor Outdoor Plaza
Provided by the River Center.
Ages 5-10 only.

Free Snow Village

5:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.
Repentance Park
Take a turn playing in ten (10) tons of real snow!
Ages 5-15 only.

Free Holiday Shorts

5:30p.m. – 8:00p.m.
EBRP River Center Branch Library
Watch screenings of your favorite holiday shorts

Santa’s Gift Shop

4:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.
Rhorer Plaza
Artists from the Baton Rouge Arts Market and
around the region sell unique handmade items

Other Downtown Holiday Fun

Holiday Shopping Event

4:00p.m. – 8:00p.m.
LSU Museum of Art Store (1st Floor), 100 Lafayette Street
Visit the LSU Museum Store for their 18th annual Holiday Shopping
Event! Get 20% off one item (excluding sale merchandise). Free gift
wrap! Shop and enter to win raffle prizes!

Live Nativity

5:00p.m. – 6:00p.m.
First Presbyterian Church Terraced Garden, 763 North Boulevard
Visit the beautiful Terraced Garden for a re-enactment of the birth of
Jesus Christ as told in the Gospels. Featuring a mini petting zoo for the
young ones. Performances are approximately 30 minutes.
Linger after the last performance and experience a Christmas concert
with Michael O’Brien and the Foto Sisters; “The Incarnation of Christ.”
Concert will be in the Sanctuary at 7p.m.

Santa in the Senate

Old State Capitol, 100 North Blvd
Join us at the Old State Capitol from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday,
December 2, 2022, for our annual Santa in the Senate event – part of the
Downtown Festival of Lights. Use your own camera or phone to capture
a photo with Santa in the Senate chamber. Enjoy free showings of the
Ghost of the Castle, kid-friendly crafts and holiday movies.
This event is free and open to the public. The castle will be decorated and
the OSC elves will be hard at work to give you and your family a
memorable evening!

Looking for more festive family fun? Find more a plethora of holiday events to enjoy this season in our 2022 CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BATON ROUGE: {GUIDE TO THE HOLIDAYS}.

Baton Rouge Holiday Events Guide

Brec’s Baton Rouge Zoolights – Making Spirits Bright

by

Join BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo for Zoolights from November 25th through December 30th! This nightly event is presented by Children’s Hospital of New Orleans and features more than 50 illuminated sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays for the whole family to enjoy.

Baton Rouge Zoolights

Again this year, the Zoo will be partnering with The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank to bring more impact & excitement to Zoolights. Every guest presenting a non-perishable food item 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 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. Last year, 6,933 pounds of food were collected during this drive. The goal is to reach 7,500 pounds this year!

Baton Rouge Zoolights

During each evening, the Safari Post Gift Shop and Flamingo Café will remain open & feature special holiday treats and gift options.

WHEN: November 25 – December 30 – 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

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.

During each evening, the Safari Post Gift Shop and Flamingo Café will remain open & feature special holiday treats and gift options. On Friday and Saturday nights, representatives from the Children’s Hospital of New Orleans will be on hand with fun activities and gifts for the kids.

Additional ZooLights Information: https://www.brzoo.org/events/special/zoolights/

 

Looking for more festive family fun? Find more a plethora of holiday events to enjoy this season in our 2022 CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BATON ROUGE: {GUIDE TO THE HOLIDAYS}.

Baton Rouge Holiday Events Guide

Corn Maze at Burden – What to Know Before You Go

by

As a family, we have learned so much culturally from our move to America. One of the things I have loved embracing is the holidays here and the traditions surrounding them. Fall is when all the pumpkins come out, and sweater weather and gumbo making is in full swing.

There are specific experiences that each season here offers, and having our children be a part of these new traditions is very exciting. There is something magical in having so many wonderful memory-making traditions and times with your children; so much joy is shared in these moments!

Corn Maze at Burden

Annually we carve pumpkins (well… mostly, my hubby does all the work,) organize Halloween outfits, and go to a pumpkin patch as our ‘must-do’ traditions. We found our favorite pumpkin patch fall fun day at the LSU Botanical gardens, and this year was our third year. Some activities have remained, and new ones have been added, but each time we have come away after a fun day out, soaking up the incredible feeling of fall being in the air and fun being the only thing on the agenda.

Where Is It?

The Corn Maze at Burden is held at the LSU AgCenter Botanic Gardens in Baton Rouge. The setting is scenic, with the flowers and plants as a backdrop. The farm fall feeling is there in abundance. So if you are looking for a day of fall fun, this is the perfect spot for it in the city.

What Is There To Do At The Corn Maze at Burden

  • Cornmaze
  • Parents will appreciate that this Cornmaze is not the longest or most difficult and the patchy spots are perfect for both big and little kids. The characters that are spotted along the way add to the fun.
  • Spook-tactular Playground
  • The spider web is back and just as much fun for kids of all ages. Being low to the ground makes it so easy for the little ones to climb on. You may spot a green dragon made of painted tires to climb on and there are two closed slides near the entrance.
  • Petting Zoo
  • Animal lovers unite! Bring a couple of dollar notes to buy some food as you enter the area and let your kids feed and pet the goats, cows, and Llamas. A hand washing station is there for your convenience once the kids have had their fill of fun.
  • Hay Mountain
  • Climb to the top of a hay mountain and take a photo with the American flag at the top!
  • Hay Ride
  • This is my favorite! The hay ride stops for you to hop off and pick satsumas. You can ride or walk a short distance back. Watching the kids pick and eat the juicy satsumas fresh off the trees is priceless. Sunflowers are weather dependent.
  • Corn Crib – This could be an activity to keep my kids busy for the entire two hours! It’s huge and such sensory fun… lots of digging, jumping, and crawling to be done. Do yourself a favor and dig your feet in too!
  • Temporary Tattoo Parlor
  • Let the kids put a tattoo on by themselves!
  • Picnic area with local food vendors
  • Freshly popped corn, gelato, or snowballs with drinks and water for sale to quench thirst and curb hunger.
  • Pumpkin Patch
  • Choose your perfect pumpkin to take home and decorate and take a photo at the adorable photo op station.

What To Know Before You Go

  • Offered every Saturday of the month of October in 2-hour time slots
  • Morning 9-11am, Midday Noon-2pm, Afternoon 2.30- 4.30pm, Night maze on 29 October only at 6-9pm
  • Buy a $15 ticket per person and free for children 2 and under here: https://lsuagcenterbg.ticketspice.com/corn-maze
  • Make a toilet stop at the Burden Museum and Gardens Visitor Information office before entering to park.
  • No pets allowed.
  • Bring a few dollars in cash for a snack, or some feed for the petting zoo.
  • Wear comfortable shoes which you don’t mind getting dirty.
  • Pack water, sunscreen, and hats.

 

Roz is a wife and mother of two, who loves traveling and experiencing life to the fullest. Raised in Southern Africa, she has lived in the UK, Thailand, and now the USA. She enjoys camping with her family, exploring new places, and sitting by a campfire. When she is not working, you will find her shouting for her kids on the soccer field, jogging with loud music in her ears, or creating art with her kids.

 

2022 Swamp Haunted Hikes – BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

by

Are you looking for a fun, family-friendly alternative to the commercial haunted houses? Come to Bluebonnet Swamp’s 2022 Swamp Haunted Hikes on October 14, 21, and 28 to learn about snakes, insects, rats, and other “creepy critters” along the trail. Track down costumed characters to receive “treasures” then trek through the Swamp Graveyard to our Education Building for Carnival Games and Spooky Storytime. Skip the line this year by pre-purchasing your tickets today!

 2022 Swamp Haunted Hikes

2022 Swamp Haunted Hikes
Bluebonnet 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.
2022 Swamp Haunted Hikes
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. We enjoyed a howling good time!
2022 Swamp Haunted Hikes

WHERE: BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
WHEN: Oct. 14 + 21 + 28 – Doors open at 6 p.m.
COST: $6 per person / Ages 2 + under free

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.

2022 Baton Rouge Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze Guide

by

Who’s ready for a taste of cooler days, pumpkins, cute costumes, and a few fun fall events??? We all are!! Check back often as we continue to update our Baton Rouge Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze Guide with more deets as new information comes our way. Don’t miss our favorite spots in Baton Rouge and beyond to find your perfect pumpkin, create some fall family memories, and take a hayride or two.

This post will be updated as new events are listed; check back for more Baton Rouge Family Fun!

Baton rouge Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

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

2022 Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze Guide

AgCenter Botanic Gardens Corn Maze

Corn Maze at Burden

Corn Maze Saturday

A 2-HOUR Corn Maze experience will allow you to traverse the maze, meander through the sunflower fields, ride a hayride and pick satsumas with the ones you love. Other activities include climbing the hay mountain, petting farm with Goula Paradise Farm, make your way through the mini hay maze, take a pic’ and pick-a-pumpkin in the pumpkin patch, and more!

WHEN:
October  8, 15, 22, 29 

WHERE:
Burden Museum & Gardens 4560 Essen Lane

SESSION TIMES:
Morning | 9 – 11 a.m.
Midday | Noon – 2 p.m.
Afternoon | 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

ADMISSION:
$15 per person and free for children two and younger. This year’s tickets are pre-sale only and will not be offered at the gate. All ages must have a ticket to enter. Tickets are limited.

Visit the Botanic Gardens website for ticketing and more info: https://bit.ly/CornMazeatBurden

 

 

Jefferson United Methodist Church Pumpkin Patch

Family fun in a safe environment. The Pumpkin Patch is the largest mission project at JUMC – there will also be photos ops for the family. All net proceeds are distributed to local missions, plus help fund the youth mission trip. Last year they were able to donate thousands of dollars – all because of the volunteers willing to work the patch. Plus, with the Kick-Off event, new people can experience JUMC.

WHEN:
First week in October

WHERE:
10328 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70809  Back of Lot.

SESSION TIMES:
TBA

ADMISSION:
Free – pay for your pumpkin

 

 

Pop-up Pink Pumpkin Patch at Baton Rouge General

The pop-up pink pumpkin patch is coming! Visit Baton Rouge General Medical Center to get your free pumpkin – one per person – while pumpkins last! Two locations this year… and be sure to get your #Protectyourpumpkins T-shirt!!

WHEN:
Always a surprise pop up in October

WHERE:
Mid City Campus 3600 Florida Blvd. and Bluebonnet Campus 8585 Picardy Ave.

ADMISSION:
Entry and pumpkins are free. “Protect your pumpkins” T-shirts will be available for purchase. Proceeds go toward Pennington Cancer Center.

Louisiana Pumpkin Patch

Walker Pumpkin Patch 

The City of Walker is proud to announce the opening of their Pumpkin Patch on Monday, September 26th at 3:00pm in conjunction with the City of Walker Fall Festival. Over 1800 pumpkins in unique shapes, sizes, and colors will be available for purchase with proceeds dedicated to the Walker Challenger’s Program.

WHEN:
Monday – Friday: 3pm to 8pm
Saturday: 10am to 6pm
Sunday: 12pm to 6pm

WHERE:
Sidney Hutchinson Park in the Challenger’s Field area.
13750 Ball Park Rd, Walker, LA 70785

ADMISSION:
Free – pay for your pumpkin

For more information please call 225-665-3755 or email: parksandrecinfo@walker-la.gov.

 

Hallow Jack’s Pumpkin Patch

Opening Date TBA!!! It is located off of Magnolia Beach in Denham and is the perfect spot for a fall photo backdrop. It’s not a pumpkin patch per se, but it’s everything you want in a “pumpkin patch.” Adorable photo ops, excellent quality in fancy pumpkins, carving tools, seasonal flowers, festive T-shirts, and fall decor. 

WHEN:
October

WHERE:
6834 Magnolia Bridge Road Denham Springs, LA 70726

ADMISSION:
Free – pay for your pumpkin

 

Ascension Parish

NewSong Church Pumpkin Patch

Baton Rouge Pumpkin Patch

The NewSong On Old Perkins Road Community Church pumpkin patch, at the corner of Old Perkins and Bluff Road in Prairieville, will be open September 26th.
🎃 Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, as well as various types of gourds from the Navajo Tribe in Northern New Mexico, will be available for purchase.
🎃 Jellies and salsas from the United Methodist Children’s Home will be for sale.
🎃 There will be a photo booth and other photo opportunities around the patch (no paid photography!).
🎃 Free hayrides are available on the weekends.
🎃 Morning field trips for area schools include storytime, hayrides, crafts, and pie-sized pumpkins. All proceeds go to church missions.
🎃 NewSong will also host a FREE Fall Festival on Saturday, October 30th, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Live music, hayrides, delicious food, face painting, inflatables, games, crafts, learn more: https://bit.ly/NewSongPumpkinPatch

WHEN:
September 26th through Saturday, October 31st.

WHERE:
18465 Old Perkins Rd, Prairieville, LA 70769

SESSION TIMES:
Monday – Friday 9am – 6 pm
Saturdays – 9am – 6pm
Sundays – 2pm – 6pm

ADMISSION:
Free – pay for your pumpkin

 

 

Livingston Parish

Mrs. Heather's Pumpkin Patch

Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin and Strawberry Patch

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

WHEN:

September 24 – November 6

WHERE:

31458 La 43 Hwy, Albany, LA 70711. Phone: 225-567-3493

SESSION TIMES:
Daily 9:00am – 5:00pm

ADMISSION:
Kids (newborn & up): $9 per child  Adults: Free – Cash Only

 

 

Faith Crossing UMC Pumpkin Patch

Join Faith Crossing for a budget-friendly Fall Family Fall Fest on Saturday, October 5th,  designed to help you and your loved ones disconnect from devices and reconnect with one another – Free KidZone with lots to entertain, food/snacks, Craft Show with 20+ vendors showcasing crafts, baked goods, home decor, fun gifts and more! Pumpkin Patch is for a limited time only starting 10/5 and runs until they are out of pumpkins.  Budget-friendly pricing and great photo ops!

WHEN:
October 5th until pumpkins run out.

WHERE:
34260 Walker Rd. N.
​Walker, LA  70785

SESSION TIMES:
TBA

ADMISSION:
Free – pay for your pumpkin

 

 

East Feliciana Parish

Barn Hill Preserve Pumpkin Patch 

Barn Hill Preserve pumpkin patch

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

🦦  Tour zoological park
🐐  Petting Zoo
🦘  Kangaroo Walkabout
🍂  Fall Games
🎃  Free small pumpkin from the patch
🚜  Tractor Rides
🐯  Face Painting
🦎  DINOSAUR Shows

WHEN:
Every Saturday/Sunday from September 24th- October 30th

WHERE:
Barn Hill Preserve 11342 LA-955, Ethel, LA 70730 – 225-286-3003

SESSION TIMES:
Saturday’s & Sunday’s 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

ADMISSION:
TBA

 

 

St. Helena Parish

Cajun Country Corn – CLOSED FOR THE 2022 SEASON

Cajun Country Corn Maze

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

WHEN: CLOSED FOR THE 2022 SEASON

WHERE: The maze is located 1 mile east  of 42360 (Napa Auto) in Pine Grove and five miles west of 35999 (Bear Creek Western Store) in Montpelier, LA

SESSION TIMES:

ADMISSION: Closed for the 2022 season

 

 

Beauregard Parish

CM Farms

CM Farms

Pumpkins, 40+ attractions, a 12-acre maze, farm animals and so much more are awaiting your visit!  Includes a corn maze, jumping pillow, photo ops, animal barrel train, wagon rides, dirt mountain slide, animal barn, tasty eats, and rubber duck races. CM Farms has something special planned for each weekend.

WHEN: October 1 – November 20, 2022

WHERE: 252 CM Farms Road, Dry Creek, LA 70637 (337) 328-8916 – About 2.5 hours from Baton Rouge

SESSION TIMES:
Saturdays in October 10 am-7 pm
Saturdays in November 10 am-5 pm
Sundays 12-5 pm

ADMISSION: Ages 3+ $18.95

 


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

Barn Hill Preserve Pumpkin Patch: Know Before You Go

by

Fall is in the air, and if your family is ready for some Pumpkin Patch fun, the Barn Hill Preserve Pumpkin Patch / Prehistoric Pumpkin Patch is one you won’t want to miss. Barn Hill Preserve’s annual Pumpkin Patch has quickly become a fall family tradition. The addition of the “Prehistoric Dinasour Pumpkin Patch” makes it a must-do for our tiniest Palaeontologists. 

Barn Hill Preserve Pumpkin Patch

Barn Hill Preserve Pumpkin Patch

Here’s an overview of a previous trip and what to know before you go:

 Entry is $17 per person, and there is so much to do that I felt the price was justified. The ticket price includes one small pumpkin picked from the pumpkin patch. In addition, there were animal encounters, a corn pit, pumpkin painting, trick-or-treating, hayrides, corn maze, archery, games, a kangaroo walkabout, and many other activities. 

Add-on encounters with a two-toed sloth, spectacled owl, and anteater are not included in the door price.

Barn Hill Preserve

We arrived around 10:30 am, and it only took us about 15 minutes to park and pay. There was a bit of a line, but it moved pretty efficiently. Upon getting to the front, I was pleasantly surprised to find they take both cash and card options, as I could not get a firm answer to this question on their website or social media before arriving. 

Barn Hill Preserve Pumpkin Patch

We started the day by practicing our archery, then enjoyed zoo-like enclosures featuring a lynx and a pair of very friendly otters. After that, we found our way to the Kangaroo Walkabout, which we unanimously agreed was the highlight of our trip. Kids and adults alike delighted in getting up close with baby goats, kangaroos, and even a giraffe!

We even fed the baby goats, which was such a sweet experience.

Barn Hill Preserve Pumpkin Patch

Barn Hill Preserve Pumpkin Patch

We then walked down a rocky path to the actual pumpkin patch, which had its ups and downs. From afar, it was beautiful. Between the stunningly perfect weather providing a cloudless blue sky, to the lovely bright greens and oranges of the pumpkins, it made for gorgeous photos. However, it’s Louisiana, so we were sidestepping large ant piles. That said, everyone found their perfect pumpkin. There were picnic tables set up where we could have painted them; the thought of even semi-wet paint entering my vehicle was enough for me to veto that activity.

Eating at Barn Hill Preserve

On-site food options are limited, but the preserve does permit outside food and drink. We weren’t sure what to expect, so we brought a picnic lunch. It was perfect, and there were multiple options for seating. If picnics aren’t your jam, they offer hamburgers and cheeseburgers for $5 each. There was also a mobile bar on site serving coffee, tea, soft drinks, mocktails, and a selection of sweet treats.

Barn Hill Preserve

Navigating Barn Hill Preserve

There were a few things I didn’t love, like the only bathrooms being two portapotties at the entrance. I don’t know about your kids, but mine are horrified by the things which caused us to make an early departure. Also, there wasn’t any direction as to where to find things, like the animal show we got lucky and stumbled upon or the corn maze we never did locate. A map or signage would have been hugely helpful. More and more people arrived as the day went by, so I suggest arriving first thing on a Sunday morning to avoid the bigger crowd.

Barn Hill Preserve

My family had a great time at Barn Hill Preserve’s pumpkin patch! Our highlights were the Kangaroo Walkabout, the otters, and all the great photo ops. I’m looking forward to going again next year and having an even better time now that we have this experience under our belts! If you’ve been before, what advice would you give families planning to go for the first time? Join the conversation on our Facebook page. 

Baton Rouge Family Fun

Christy is a Northshore native who, in 2018, was dragged kicking and screaming to Denham Springs. After a short adjustment period, she’s learned to love her new home and enjoys exploring all the Baton Rouge area has to offer. A working mother of two, she balances her free time between hanging out with her family, writing, and baking for her home business, The Little Things Cakes.

 

You might also like the following post:
Barn Hill Preserve Dinosaurs – Prehistoric Pumpkin Patch

Fourth of July Celebrations in Baton Rouge & Beyond

by

Louisiana  knows how to put on a party with food, live music and fireworks! If you’re looking for 4th of July parades, festivals, and fireworks – Baton Rouge Family fun has got you covered! Get out your red, white, and blue and celebrate America’s Independence as Southeast Louisiana hosts a variety of events celebrating the Fourth of July — from parades and fireworks to festivals and lake parties starting as early as June 30th!

Where to watch 4th of July Fireworks in Baton Rouge and beyond – plus 4th of July parades, festivals, boat parades, food, and family fun!

Kenilworth Independence Day Parade
Sunday, July 3rd, 2022
6:30 PM

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Kenilworth Independence Day Parade, the theme is GOLDEN JUBILEE!

USS KIDD’s – PATRIOTS & PIRATES: A REVOLUTIONARY CELEBRATION
Monday, July 4, 2022 – 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM

USS KIDD 4th of July

Join the USS KIDD Veterans Museum on Independence Day! 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.Tickets available online at https://www.usskidd.com/product/4th-of-july-patriots-and-pirates-a-revolutionary-celebration/

WBRZ’s Fireworks on the Mississippi
Monday, July 4th
4 pm – 9 pm

The 4th of July Spectacular is back! The Marine Forces Reserve Band at the Riverfront Plaza stage kicks off at 5:00. Food vendors organized by the Downtown Business Association will be along River Road, and fireworks by WBRZ start at 9:00.

Rockin’ on the Rooftop BBQ Bash Fourth of July Celebration
Monday, July 4th
7 PM – 10 PM

Watch Fireworks and Support Art! View WBRZ’s annual Fireworks on the Mississippi from atop the Shaw Center for the Arts’ Pennington Rooftop Terrace. Enjoy food and live music. A cash bar will be available throughout the evening with complimentary soft drinks and water provided by Coca-Cola / LSU Auxiliary Services.
Music by Sweet Southern Heat, Food by City Pork, and a specialty drink by Three Roll Estate!
BUY TICKETS*: https://www.eventbrite.com/…/rockin-on-the-rooftop-bbq…
$60 for non-museum members
$50 for museum members
$40 for children 6–12
free for children 5 and under
Order on Eventbrite or call the LSU Museum Store at 225-389-7210 to purchase tickets
This is a rain or shine event. Tickets are non-refundable and all sales are final.

 

4th Of July Concert
Monday, July 4th
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM – FREE to the Public
The Main Library at Goodwood

Join the East Baton Rouge Parish Library and the Baton Rouge Concert Band for a FREE 4th of July concert in the Plaza! Bring the whole family to the Main Library at Goodwood on Monday, July 4 at 7:30 p.m. to hear patriot tunes, marches, and Americana as we celebrate the founding of our great nation – don’t forget your lawn chairs!

L’Auberge Baton Rouge and Eagle 98.1 presents Fireworks Extravaganza!
Monday, July 4th
7:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Fireworks show begins at 9pm

The Rooftop Pool Viewing Party
7pm – 10pm
$20 cover
Featuring Geaux DJ
Must be 21 to enter.

The Promenade
8pm – 12am
Free to the public
Featuring Will Wesley Band
All ages welcome.

The Lawn Viewing Party
7pm – 10pm
Free to the public
All ages welcome.

Gonzalez

Stars & Stripes: A Celebration at Conway
Thursday, June 30th
6 PM – 9 PM
430 Conway Village Blvd., Gonzales

Baton Rouge Fourth of July

Celebrate independence at Conway Development’s annual Stars & Stripes event in Gonzales, LA on Thursday, June 30th. This family-friendly, FREE event will include kids activities, live music, and a magical fireworks show. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

 

Walker

City of Walker 4th of July Celebration in the Park
Saturday, July 2nd
4:00 pm

Baton Rouge Fourth of July

Farmers Market, Live bands, face painting, and concessions starting at 3:00. Fireworks at dusk!

 

Orleans Parish

New Orleans City Park’s 3rd of July Celebration
Sunday, July 3rd
6:00 pm to 9:15 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, 2022.

The festivities begin at 7:15pm with the national anthem sung by local artist Robin Barnes, followed by a patriotic program featuring the Marine Forces Reserve Band. The evening culminates with fabulous fireworks atop the Peristyle at 9pm.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early with chairs, blankets and picnics, while donning their red, white and blue!

Jefferson Parish

Uncle Sam Jam
Sunday, July 3rd
3:00 pm to 10:45 pm

Baton Rouge Fourth of July

Celebrate Independence Day at beautiful Lafreniere Park in Metairie at Uncle Sam Jam! Each year, festival-goers look forward to live music, delicious food and great company! This FREE festival features top local and national acts. Then, stick around for the spectacular fireworks show.

Come out and enjoy the beauty and amenities of Lafreniere Park with friends and family! The concert meadow and its sprawling 155-acre green space is an ideal setting to celebrate our nation’s independence!

Iberville Parish

July 4th Hometown Celebration
Monday, July 4th
5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Mark A. “Tony” Gulotta Bayou Plaquemine Waterfront Park
57845 Foundry Street Plaquemine, LA 70764

Baton Rouge Fourth of July

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

Pointe Coupee Parish

New Roads Annual Independence Day Celebration
Sunday, July 3rd
12:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Baton Rouge Fourth of July

New Roads Annual Independence Day Celebration is scheduled for Sunday, July 3rd. This year’s theme: ‘Land of the Free.’ There will be boats of all shapes and sizes. Prizes will be awarded in several categories.

Independence Day Celebration
Schedule of events
12 p.m. – 6 p.m. Music provided by DJ Robbo
2 p.m. Boat Parade
6 p.m.-8 p.m. Phat Hat
9 p.m. Fireworks
Get ready for a family day full of fun. There will be delicious food vendors, face painting, snowballs, AND hot air balloon rides!

All events FREE and open to the public.

St. Mary Parish

4th of July Celebration in Lawrence Park
Saturday, July 2nd
1 PM – 9 PM

Baton Rouge Fourth of July

 

St. Tammany Parish

Mandeville

Light Up The Lake
Sunday, July 3rd
10:00 am to 8:30 pm
Mandeville Lakefront – Stage at Coffee and Carroll Sts.
Lakeshore Drive between Coffee and Carroll Streets, Mandeville, LA 70448

Baton Rouge Fourth of July

Celebrate Independence by Lighting Up the Mandeville Lakefront on Sunday, July 3, 2022. A patriotic tribute, picnics beginning at 10:00am, games, kids tent, food trucks, Groovy 7, The Brasshearts, and a fireworks show over the lake at 8:30 p.m.

 

25th Annual Slidell Heritage Festival
Saturday, July 2nd
4:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Heritage Park
1701 Bayou Lane, Slidell, LA 70458

Baton Rouge Fourth of July

The 25th annual Slidell Heritage Festival returns this summer to Heritage Park on Saturday, July 2, 2022. This celebration of America’s birthday features an evening of live music, great food and fireworks. Gates open at 4 p.m. and fireworks start at 9 p.m. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and up, free for age 12 and under.

This year’s featured performers are Soul Revival, 4:30-7 p.m., Amanda Shaw, 7:30-9 p.m., and The Phunky Monkeys, 9:30-11 p.m. Food trucks will be on site, and beverages will be available for purchase. This year the festival will consist of music, food, crafts, children’s area, and a fireworks show!

Admission is free, and sponsors of the event can enjoy a VIP seating area. Though the event is free, guests are encouraged to donate money, as the non-profit event benefits local charities.

Abita Springs 4th of July Celebration
Monday, July 4th
2:00 PM to 9:30 PM
Abita Springs Trailhead Park
22044 Main St., Abita Springs, LA 70420

Bring your chairs, blankets, family and friends to the Abita Springs Trailhead Park on Monday, July 4th for their 4th of July Celebration! They will be hosting a classic car display from Gulf Coast Classic Cruisers, and have live music from Christian Serpas & Ghost Town and Four Unplugged, and fireworks! Face painting for the kids (4-9 p.m.), food from your favorite market vendors, Abita Beer Truck, and additional drinks will be available for purchase all day.

Admission is free. No outside food or drinks. Fireworks will begin approximately at 9 p.m.

Carpooling or utilizing the St. Tammany Trace from the Recreation District #11 (22517 LA-36, Abita Springs, LA 70420) is highly recommended.

 

Sparks in the Park
Saturday, July 2nd
4:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Bogue Falaya Park 213 Park Drive, Covington, LA 70433

Baton Rouge Fourth of July

Bring your lawn chairs, picnic baskets, beverages and blankets to Covington’s Bogue Falaya Park on Saturday, July 2nd  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.

Vermilion Parish

Erath 4th of July Celebration
June 30, 2022 – July 4, 2022
Erath – Fair address Corner of Edwards and Broadway Erath LA 70533

Parade, water fights, carnival rides, live music, pageants, food and a large fireworks display on July 4th beginning at 9 pm. Since 1936, Erath, Louisiana has hosted a unique Cajun celebration of the birth of The United States of America. We invite you to join us downtown Erath for a great time! Admission to the fairgrounds is free.

 

Lafayette and St. Martin Parishes

Broussard Independence Day Festival 2022
Monday, July 4
4:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Broussard Sports Complex – St. Julien Park701 St. NazaireBroussard LA 70518

Join the City of Broussard and the Broussard Chamber of Commerce on Monday, July 4th, for the Broussard Independence Day Festival at St. Julien Park.
Gates open at 4:00 pm, and we will have activities in the Kids’ Zone (the Blue Pod) that include water fun with the Broussard Fire Department, face painting, fun jumps, the splash pad, and a DJ!
We will have our first ever HOT DOG EATING CONTEST at 5 pm in the Red Pod, Three Thirty Seven takes the stage at 6 pm, and an amazing fireworks show will begin at 9 pm!
Don’t forget your blankets and lawn chairs, but please leave your ice chests at home. There will be plenty of food and drinks available for purchase.

Uncle Sam’s Jam 4th of July Fireworks
Monday, July 4
5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Parc International 200 Garfield St.Lafayette LA 70501

Uncle Sam’s Jam, a Fourth of July Celebration event, takes place at Parc International in Downtown Lafayette. The event is free for all ages. Face painting and other kid-friendly activities will be on hand as well. Food will be available for purchase, and of course, plenty of both non-alcoholic and adult beverages will also be available for purchase. The night ends with a massive firework display that is sure to be unforgettable!

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 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 Family Fun 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!) 

Things to do in Baton Rouge

International Astronomy Day – Highland Road Park Observatory

by

Are your kids interested in anything and everything science? Bring them out to Highland Road Park Observatory for the worldwide celebration of all things astronomy, physics, aeronautics, and the American space program at International Astronomy Day on May 7th from 3-11 p.m. Every year since 2007, Highland Road Park Observatory has proudly taken part in International Astronomy Day, a celebration of all things related to astronomy, physics, aeronautics, and the American space program. Old favorites and new surprises will make this International Astronomy Day a day to remember. Our family has enjoyed this annual event for years, there’s always something new to see and learn! Be sure to bring cash for food and merchandise too!

International Astronomy Day

Saturday, May 7th from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Free admission. For all ages.
Binoculars recommended after 7:30 pm

International Astronomy Day Schedule

SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

3:00 pm to 5:00 pm = ROCKET RANGE: Estes Whirlybird [launch location to be announced]

HRPO personnel will take bids for the launch and ownership of an incredible Whirlybird. Maximum launch height, 198 meters. Launch at 5:05 pm. Bidder must be at least eighteen. Launcher must be at least eight.

3:00 pm to 5:15 pm = RENAISSANCE SUNDIAL [Back Viewing Pad]

We unveil an astounding object that is both scientific timekeeper and work of art—an amazing helical body that reflects a beam of sunlight onto the correct time notch. Feel free to return to it periodically and compare it with your “modern” timepiece. You’ll be surprised by its accuracy.

3:00 pm to 7:00 pm = CELESTIAL PERIPHERIALS [Canopies]

3:00 pm to 8:00 pm = BOOKMOBILE! [behind Canopies]

The East Baton Rouge Parish Library presents the fantastic books and other resources for amateur astronomers—and a treat or two for the kids.

3:15 pm to 5:15 pm = VIEWING: Sun☉ [Front Viewing Pad]

Our parent star (in the constellation Aries♈ at this time) is put into focus. For the past few months activity—sunspots and flares—has been increasing dramatically. Utilizing a solar telescope we’ll show you an amazing view of the Sun☉ in hydrogen-alpha light. Any sizable flares or prominences occurring at this time will be easily seen! Distance, ~151 million kilometers.

3:15 pm to 6:15 pm = THE MARS TRUCK [Near Canopies]

An Izuzu box van outfitted in the most awesome ways possible. The Louisiana Space Consortium and the Society of Physics Students will set up a rotation of scopes and demos for patrons.

3:15 pm to 7:15 pm = RIDING THE RADIO WAVES [under Radio Dish]

The Baton Rouge Amateur Radio Club will teach patrons to send their names in Morse Code, explain the household benefit of the Amateur Radio Service and invite them to study for the upcoming test and become Baton Rouge’s next “hams!”

3:30 pm to 6:30 pm = NANOTECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATIONS [Canopies]

The Center for Computation and Technology (together with BR Bytes) present an eclectic array of family-aimed experiments and explanations showing the benefits of technology on the tiniest of scales.

3:45 pm to 6:45 pm = NACHREISEN [Next to Pavilion]

HEMA—Historic European Martial Arts—promotes as an exercise the defense mechanisms that were around centuries ago. These demonstrations will show moves from the 1400s and 1500s, the time of Kepler and Brahe. Follow all instructions from personnel. Do not cross safety barrier between public and demonstrators.

4:15 pm to 8:15 pm = TRAIN LIKE AN ASTRONAUT! [behind Pavilion]

Three separate stations allow kids and adults to get just a little taste of what may lie ahead if they are bold enough to apply for the Space Program!

4:30 pm to 8:30 pm = ADVENTURE QUEST [instructions and form at secret location to be revealed during event]

The frantic search game is always an IAD favorite. Gather the points to get the prizes—but should you redeem for small prizes as soon as possible, or get more points for higher level prizes? Will someone get the big prizes before you? There may be limited forms!

5:00 pm to 7:00 pm = ROCKET RANGE: Estes Wacky Wiggler [launch location to be announced]

HRPO personnel will take bids for the launch and ownership of a counterintuitive Wacky Wiggler. Maximum launch height, 244 meters. Launch at 7:05 pm. Bidder must be at least eighteen. Launcher must be at least eight.

*6:00 pm to 10:00 pm = VIEWING: Waxing Crescent Moon [Front Viewing Pad/ Back Viewing Pad]

During this time our closest celestial companion will have its apparent tone change from sky blue to grays and purples. It will be in Gemini♊. Personal binoculars recommended after 8:00 pm. Distance 398,000 kilometers.

7:00 pm to 9:00 pm = PHYSICAL SCIENCE DEMONSTRATIONS [Main Floor]

Over a half-dozen randomly-selected group from HRPO’s amazing collection of demos focusing on optics, chemical changes, sound and magnetism will be spread out like a buffet. (The demos are different every single month, so show up for ARRL Field Day on 25 June!)

7:45 pm to 8:15 pm = SEARCH: Crepuscular Rays [all outside locations]

Broken clouds, positioned correctly during sunset, can create a beautiful phenomenon of alternating rays of light and shadow. Could we be so lucky?

8:00 pm = APPEARANCE: Sirius [East Treeline]

The bright beacon of winter skies is saying goodbye. Which of us can see its fierce glow in the southwest first? Distance 8.6 light-years.

periodically from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm = VIEWING: Lunar Landscape [Large Dome]

Compare what you’ve seen of our only satellite so far (in the scopes on the viewing pads) with the magnificent “in-flight” view of the terrain of the Moon—with all the craters big and small, flooded areas, bright spots and streaking rays.

8:15 pm = APPEARANCE: Arcturus [South of Front Viewing Pad]

The orange K-class giant jewel of Boötes rises in the east. Distance 37 light-years.

*8:15 pm to 8:30 pm = VISIBLE PASS: The X-37B [all outside locations]

It’s the latest in the famous NASA experimental plane series. We can see it? Yes, when it reflects enough sunlight down to our eyes, while simultaneously the sky is dark enough to provide contrast. Distance, an almost-able-to-touch 396 kilometers.

8:15 pm to 8:45 pm = TWILIGHT SKY TOUR [Back Viewing Pad]

The denizens of the mid-spring sky appeal to young and old, and you may learn more about them than you thought you could! (There also may be one or two extra visible passes!)

8:45 pm = APPEARANCE: Corvus the Crow [Front Viewing Pad]

The irregular box just west-southwest of Spica makes itself known. Patrons should just look in the direction of St. Gabriel!

*9:00 pm = APPEARANCE: The Big Dipper [Front and Back Viewing Pads]

The most famous asterism of the night sky—actually a section of Ursa Major—holds sway in the north-northeast. Can you separate Mizar and Alcor, or do you need to use a binocular?

9:15 pm = APPEARANCE: Leo♌ the Lion [all outside locations]

In a relaxing pose, eternally staring at Cancer♋, the King of the Zodiac observes us as we observe him.

*9:30 pm to 11:00 pm = VIEWING: The Beehive Cluster [Back Viewing Pad]

Telescope operators will show patrons a glittery jewel that reveals itself to be an open cluster of about 1000 stars of varied brightnesses and colors. Distance 577 light-years.

9:45 pm to 11:00 pm = METEOR HUNTING [south of Viewing Pads]

Laying on a tarp or lawn chair or sleeping bag brought from home, patrons will be encouraged to focus intently on the northeastern sky to spy any streaks zipping through the constellations. One major and one minor meteor shower are in progress right now, and a couple of fireballs have been seen locally in the past few weeks. You never know what you’ll catch happening if you keep looking up!

*9:55 pm to 10:05 pm = VISIBLE PASS: The Hubble Space Telescope [all outside locations]

Its days are numbered, but it still has a couple of years left for data gathering. We can see it? Yes, when it reflects enough sunlight down to our eyes, while simultaneously the sky is dark enough to provide contrast. Distance 908 kilometers.

10:00 pm to 10:30 pm = EVENING SKY TOUR [Back Viewing Pad]

Leo♌, Ursa Major, Coma Berenices and Virgo♍ are the cast of characters in an informative and fun recitation of stellar stories.

*sometime between 10:00 pm to 11:00 pm = VIEWING: Omega Centauri [location to be revealed]

The legendary globular cluster is notoriously elusive from this latitude. It is IAD tradition to attempt a spotting from a savvy vantage point on the grounds, looking through the gaps in the trees. Believe us, it’s worth it! Distance—hold on to your seat—a whopping 18,000 light years.

10:30 pm to 11:00 pm = LUNAR TOUR [Back Viewing Pad]

With magnifications of 10x to 50x, patrons will spy Craters Posidonius, Plinius, Theophilius, Cyrillus and Catharina.

All viewing is weather permitting.
Personal binoculars strongly recommended for (*) viewing events.

Free binocular checkout from HRPO front desk will be available at 7:30 pm, but there are a limited number. We strongly encourage visitors to bring binoculars.