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2023 Baton Rouge Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze Guide

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Get ready for cooler days, pumpkins, adorable costumes, and the best fall events! We’re excited, and we know you are too. Keep coming back as we update our Baton Rouge Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze Guide with more details as we receive them. Explore our top spots in Baton Rouge and beyond to find your ideal pumpkin, make cherished fall memories, and enjoy 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!

2023 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 7, 8, 14, 21, 28

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.

 

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:
October 5th

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

SESSION TIMES:

WEEKDAYS 11AM TO 6pm

SATURDAYS 9AM TO 6pm

SUNDAYS 12PM TO 6PM

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.

 

Hallow Jack’s Pumpkin Patch – CLOSED for 2023

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:
Closed for 2023

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 25th.
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 28th, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm. Live music, hayrides, delicious food, face painting, inflatables, games, crafts, learn more: https://bit.ly/NewSongPumpkinPatch

WHEN:
Now through Saturday, October 31st.

WHERE:
18465 Old Perkins Rd, Prairieville, LA 70769

SESSION TIMES:
Monday – Friday 9am – 6 pm
Saturdays – 9am – 6pm
Sundays – 12pm – 6pm

ADMISSION:
Free – pay for your pumpkin

 

Livingston Parish

Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin and Strawberry Patch

Mrs. Heather's Pumpkin 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 23– November 5, 2023

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

Directions: From I-55 take exit 32 then left toward Wardline Rd, drive 2 miles then turn right onto Lee Hughes Rd, drive 0.9 mile then turn left onto Lee’s Ln.

SESSION TIMES:
Daily 9:00am – 4:00pm

ADMISSION:

  • Kids (newborn & up): $10 per child CASH ONLY
  • Adults with children/child free
  • Adults without kids: $10

 

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 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

ADMISSION:
$25

 

Tangipahoa Parish

Brushy Branch Pumpkin Picking

Pumpkin picking/patch weekends only start last week-end of Sept goes through October (well sell pumpkins varies sizes) Experience The Farm Life. Our experience offers a moment with nature that many have never experienced. Activities are hayrides, corn maze, train rides, 3 story tower with slide, feeding goats, a huge bounce pad, duck races, and many more fun activities.

WHEN:
Now Open

WHERE:
51211 Narretto Rd,Loranger,LA 70446

SESSION TIMES:
​Saturday 9AM – 5PM
Sunday 9AM – 5PM
***last admission sold 1 hour prior to close***

ADMISSION:
$10 per person

 

St. Helena Parish

Cajun Country Corn 

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

WHEN:
October 14th – November 19th

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:
​Saturday 10AM – 7PM
Sunday 11AM – 6PM
***last admission sold 1 hour prior to close***

ADMISSION:
$15 per person
​(3 years and under free)​

Admission includes:
Unlimited access to the following activities- Corn Maze, Train rides, Jump Pad, Spiderweb crawl, Corn Crib & Slides
Additional activities included with admission- Water bottle cannon- 2 shots; Tennis ball cannon- 2 shots; Friendly fire- 2 visits

Beauregard Parish

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: September 30th – November 29, 2023

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-5 pm
Saturdays in November 10 am-5 pm
Sundays 12-5 pm

ADMISSION: Ages 3+ $18.95 – Online Discount
$22.95 at gate.

 


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!

SUMMER READING PROGRAM 2023 – All Together Now

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The long-awaited summer months are finally here, and while fun in the sun is top of mind for us all, we’re also thinking about how we can help encourage students to keep reading over the summer. The East Baton Rouge Parish Summer Reading Program is the answer! 

Make plans to join in the fun during the 2023 EBRP LIBRARY’S SUMMER READING PROGRAM. The East Baton Rouge Parish Library hosts reading challenges for babies, kids, teens, and adults.

All Together Now! Summer Reading Extravaganza

kick off Summer Reading at the Bluebonnet Regional Branch on Monday, June 5 at 2:30 p.m. for music, dancing, calligraphy, Korean lettering, and more as members of the Baton Rouge community share their special talents. Fun for the whole family! Registration is required. To register, call 763-2260.

2023 SUMMER READING PROGRAM

EAST BATON ROUGE LIBRARY SUMMER READING PROGRAM

Beginning Thursday, June 1, and running through Tuesday, August 15, enjoy an entire summer of FREE programs, workshops, storytimes, concerts and performances for all ages, scheduled throughout the Library system.  Read books, record them on your summer reading log, attend free programs, and win prizes. This summer’s program offerings for youth include art, crafts, STEAM, storytimes, and a great lineup of guest presenters.

First, sign up at your local Library location or online at ebrpl.beanstack.org starting June 1. Then, read books and log them into your Beanstack account to earn virtual badges, completion rewards, and entries for weekly prize drawings! There are reading challenges and incentives for kids, teens, and even adults! Don’t forget about eBooks, audiobooks, and other digital resources available free with your library card too.

Kids Program – Ages 0 – 11

SUMMER READING PROGRAM The Kids Program is for ages 0 to 11. Choose your preferred way to log reading:

  • Earn 1 point for every book logged
  • Earn 2 points for every 30 minutes of reading logged
  • For every 5 points earned, you will receive a drawing entry. Earn up to 6 drawing entries total!
  • Collect a FREE book bag once you’ve earned 10 points!
  • Completion packets contain a certificate, coupons from area vendors, a FREE book of your choice, and a little something extra too!
  • Participate in fun, kid-friendly activities to earn lots of fun virtual badges!

For more information, call 231-3760.

 

Teens – Grades 6 to 12

SUMMER READING PROGRAM The teen challenge is for grades 6 to 12. Earn 1 badge for every 3 books completed, up to 25 badges. Each badge earns an entry into prize drawings. Additionally, you can earn 5 virtual activity badges, for a maximum of 30 drawing entries.

Check out the teen calendars to see what’s happening at your branch this summer.

For more information, call 231-3770.

 

Adults – 18 and Up

The Adult Challenge is open to ages 18 and up. Adults must read at least 3 books to complete the challenge, but you can also keep reading and earn up to 27 virtual activity badges and 3 entries into our end-of-summer grand prize drawings!

For more information, call 231-3740.

Sign up for all reading challenges on BeanStack!

 

Summer Reading Program Entertainment

Harvey Rabbit and Friends

Join Harvey Rabbit, Cecil the Orangutan, Miss Laura, and Mr. Tim as they bring fun and mayhem to the Library with ventriloquism, puppetry, music, magic and comedy! It just wouldn’t be summer without this gang’s fun and entertainment! Group registration is required. Harvey Rabbit and Friends will visit more Library locations in July!

Thursday, June 1 at 10 a.m. – Scotlandville Branch
Thursday, June 1 at 2:30 p.m. – Baker Branch
Monday, June 12 at 10 a.m. – Central Branch
Monday, June 12 at 2:30 p.m. – Zachary Branch
Thursday, June 22 at 10 a.m. – Jones Creek Regional Branch
Thursday, June 22 at 2:30 p.m. – Bluebonnet Regional Branch
Friday, June 23 at 10 a.m. – Pride-Chaneyville Branch

 

Baton Rouge Youth Ballet Presents Coppélia

SUMMER READING PROGRAM

Set to the timeless music of Leo Delibes, Coppélia is a comic story ballet set hundreds of years ago in a festive Hungarian village. Follow the antics of Swanilda and Franz, two young lovebirds, who quarrel over the beautiful maiden in the window of the local toymaker’s shop. In Dr. Coppélius’ toyshop, discover life-size, dancing toys, and the truth about the girl in the window. This program lasts approximately 45 minutes. Group registration is required.

Thursday, June 1 at 9:30 a.m. – Baker Branch
Thursday, June 1 at 11:30 a.m. – Zachary Branch
Thursday, June 1 at 1:30 p.m. – Central Branch
Thursday, June 1 at 3:30 p.m. – Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch
Monday, June 5 at 11:30 a.m. – River Center Branch Monday
June 5 at 1:30 p.m. – Scotlandville Branch Monday
June 5 at 3:30 p.m. – Delmont Gardens Branch
Tuesday, June 6 at 11:30 a.m. – Bluebonnet Regional Branch
Tuesday, June 6 at 1:30 p.m. – Fairwood Branch
Tuesday, June 6 at 3:30 p.m. – Jones Creek Regional Branch
Wednesday, June 7 at 3:30 p.m. – Main Library at Goodwood
Monday, June 9 at 9:30 a.m. – Carver Branch

 

Baton Rouge Mounted Patrol

SUMMER READING PROGRAMThe Baton Rouge Mounted Patrol will trot out their finest equine officers to share with us a demonstration of their day-to-day activities and show how the Mounted Patrol train to serve and protect our community. Families are welcome to come meet the officers and their equestrian partners. These visits will take place outside of the library. Registration is required. The Baton Rouge Mounted Patrol will visit more Library locations in July!

Thursday, June 1 at 10 a.m. – Pride-Chaneyville Branch
Tuesday June 13 at 10 a.m. – Bluebonnet Regional Branch
Thursday June 15 at 10 a.m. – Scotlandville Branch
Tuesday June 20 at 10 a.m. – Zachary Branch
Thursday, June 22 at 10 a.m. – Fairwood Branch
Tuesday, June 27 at 10 a.m. – Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch
Thursday, June 29 at 10 a.m. – Main Library at Goodwood

 

Rick Kelley Presents “Don’t Just Sit There…Read Something!”

SUMMER READING PROGRAMSinger-songwriter-keyboardist-one-man band AND Children’s author, Rick Kelley presents “Don’t Just Sit There…Read Something,” a fun-filled, extremely interactive music program designed to excite kids and families about reading and developing a passion for learning and books. This event includes sing-a-longs, dance-a-longs, comedy, and movement! Group registration is required.

Monday, June 5 at 10 a.m. Pride-Chaneyville Branch
Monday, June 5 at 2:30 p.m. Zachary Branch
Tuesday, June 6 at 10 a.m. Fairwood Branch
Tuesday, June 6 at 2:30 p.m. – Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch
Wednesday, June 7 at 10 a.m. – Main Library at Goodwood
Wednesday, June 7 at 2:30 p.m. – Central Branch
Thursday, June 8 at 10 a.m. – Carver Branch
Thursday, June 8 at 2:30 p.m. – River Center Branch
Friday, June 9 at 10 a.m. – Jones Creek Regional Branch
Saturday, June 10 at 10 a.m. – Bluebonnet Regional Branch
Monday, June 12 at 10 a.m. – Scotlandville Branch Monday, June 12 at 2:30 p.m. – Baker Branch
Tuesday, June 13 at 10 a.m. – Eden Park Branch
Tuesday, June 13 at 2:30 p.m. – Delmont Gardens Branch

 

Cangelosi Dance Project

Cangelosi Dance Project presents their annual summer dance performance with choreography by Kris Cangelosi performed by her company in variety of jazz, modern, and ballets styles. Group registration is required.

Tuesday, June 13 at 10 a.m. – River Center Branch
Tuesday, June 20 at 10 a.m. – Bluebonnet Regional Branch

 

Lady Chops

Universally, people are always brought together through music. Elizabeth Vidos, also known as Lady Chops, brings her one woman drumming show to our libraries this summer. She will amaze, delight, and bring us all together through music! Lady Chops is a talented percussionist who previously performed in the hit off-Broadway show “STOMP!” Lady Chops’ performances are energetic, interactive, and fun for all ages! Group registration is required.

Thursday, June 15 at 10 a.m. – Pride-Chaneyville Branch
Thursday, June 15 at 2:30 p.m. – Zachary Branch
Friday, June 16 at 10 a.m. – Jones Creek Regional Branch
Saturday June 17 at 10 a.m. – Bluebonnet Regional Branch
Saturday June 17 at 2:30 p.m. – Fairwood Branch
Tuesday, June 20 at 10 a.m. – Carver Branch
Tuesday, June 20 at 2:30 p.m. – Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch
Wednesday, June 21 at 10 a.m. – River Center Branch
Wednesday, June 21 at 2:30 p.m. – Main Library at Goodwood
Thursday, June 22 at 10 a.m. – Central Branch
Thursday June 22 at 2:30 p.m. – Eden Park Branch
Friday June 23 at 10 a.m. – Baker Branch
Saturday, June 24 at 10 a.m. – Delmont Gardens Branch
Saturday June 24 at 2:30 p.m. – Scotlandville Branch

 

Carver Cubs Book Club

Join the Carver Cubs Book Club where every tiger is a reader! Kids entering grades 1-6 can participate in FREE guided reading and writing enrichment with an LSU graduate student reading buddy! The club will take place at the Carver Branch from May 30
– June 9, 3-4 p.m., and will focus on reading fiction. Each Carver Cub will receive a reading certificate and enjoy a pizza party upon completion of the program. Space is limited. Registration
is required. To register, call 389-7460.

 

Artsy Smartsy Saturday

Join us for Artsy Smartsy Saturday at the Pride-Chaneyville Branch on Saturday, June 17 at 10:30 a.m. and explore world instruments! Hear selections from the book Before Music: Where Instruments Come From by Annette Bay Pimentel. Then, you can try out and play different instruments from around the world. You will also get to make your own tambourine and set of castanets. Limited to 8 children. Registration is required. To register, call 658-1560. Sorry, no groups.

 

Game Thursdays

Children are invited to the Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch each Thursday in June at 1:30 p.m. to play video games on the Nintendo Switch. Registration is required. To register, call 274-4460.

Thursdays in June:
8th Mario Kart (ages 6-11)
15th Rocket League (ages 7-11)
22th Overcooked (ages 6-11)
29th Clubhouse Games (ages 6-11)

 

Story Walks

Literacy and exercise go together! Visit one of our Story Walks today! There are numbered stations near each of the locations below. Each station has 1-2 pages of a children’s book, plus a suggestion for physical activity as you travel to the next station. At the last station, there will be a story-related worksheet for the children to take home. See below for branches and June’s story titles:

• Main Library at Goodwood: The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson • Baker Branch: Where Are You From? by Yamile Saied
• Carver Branch: Summer Song by Kevin Henkes

SUMMER FLICKS

Movie Mondays

Kids ages 5-11 are welcomed to bring their own brown bag lunch or snacks and join us for a movie at the Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch on three Mondays in June at 11 a.m. Registration is required. To register, call 274-4460.

Mondays in June at 11 a.m.
5: The Great Muppet Caper
12: Lilo and Stitch
26: Pete’s Dragon

 

Brown Bag Movies

Bring a lunch and a drink, and join the Bluebonnet Regional Branch for storytime and short, book-based movies on Wednesdays in June at 11:15 a.m. Sorry, no groups.

Wednesday’s in June:
 7: Stories from Near and Far and Subway Mouse
14: The William Steig Library
21: The True Story of the Three Little Pigs; Voyage to the Bunny Planet: Mabela the Clever; and I Could Do That
28: Simms Taback Stories; The Squirrel Sisters; and Miss Smith’s Incredible Storybook

Pajama Party Movie Night

Just keep swimming! Join us at the Jones Creek Regional Branch on Wednesday, June 7 at 6:15 p.m. for a showing of Disney-Pixar’s Finding Nemo. When a young fish is kidnapped, his father, with the help of some new friends, will
stop at nothing to rescue his son. Children are invited to wear their
pajamas and bring a blanket or stuffie to snuggle with during the film.

Movie Time!

Children ages 5-11 are invited to the Carver Branch on Thursday, June 29 at 2:30 p.m. to watch Disney-Pixar’s Monster’s, Inc.

Find all EBRP Library program listings in the Event Calendar.

 

West Baton Rouge Library Summer Reading Program

SUMMER READING PROGRAM

WBR Library invites you to read books, record them on your summer reading log, attend free programs, and win prizes this summer. They have library activities for all ages. This summer’s program offerings for youth include art, crafts, STEAM, storytimes, and a great lineup of guest presenters. Don’t forget about the weekly Grab & Go craft bags while supplies last. For more information, be sure to swing by the library, check out their website, or follow them on social media.

This summer they have partnered with Raising Canes and Entergy. Raising Canes is providing kids meal coupon prizes while supplies last, and Entergy is sponsoring some great presenters.

Youth Program Calendar All Activities Summer 2023

2023 Guest Entertainers & Presenters for birth to 11 years old. 

2023 Teen Programs and Presenters for 6-12th grade

Ascension Parish Library Summer Reading Program

Summer is here, and while you may be in vacation mode, Ascension Parish Library wants to keep everyone’s minds active with our 2023 Summer Reading Program, Have Book, Will Travel.

There’s something for all ages! Plus, check out the library’s lineup of summer events and entertaining presenters. Discover a new activity, dive into a new book, and support lifelong learning with APL! Get your printable calendar now. Also available en español.

Registration begins on Wednesday, May 24. You can register online at myAPL.beanstack.org or by using the Beanstack app. All participation must be logged online by Monday, July 31, to be redeemed for prizes. Prizes provided by a generous donation from Friends of the Ascension Public Library.

More Summer Reading Program Resources

Kids Who Read Beat Summer Slide. Studies show that access to books during the summer prevents a drastic loss in reading skill – especially for kids in need. (PRNewsFoto/First Book)

Chuck E. Cheese – Kids can earn 10 free Chuck E. Cheese tokens for reading each day for 2 weeks.

Scholastic Summer Challenge – Scholastic has a summer reading challenge where kids read and then go online to record the minutes they’ve read this summer. They’ll also be able to take weekly challenges to earn rewards and take part in a World Record challenge!

 Barnes & Noble Summer Reading for Kids– Earn a free book through the Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program for kids in Grades 1- 6.

SIMPLY FOLLOW THESE THREE EASY STEPS:

  1. Read any eight books this summer and record them in this Summer Reading Journal. Tell us which part of the book is your favorite, and why.
  2. Bring your completed journal to a Barnes & Noble store between July 1 and August 31, 2023.
  3. Choose your free reading adventure from the books listed below.

 

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

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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

Brec’s Baton Rouge Zoolights – Making Spirits Bright

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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

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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.

 

Barn Hill Preserve Pumpkin Patch: Know Before You Go

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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.

 

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Barn Hill Preserve Dinosaurs – Prehistoric Pumpkin Patch

Summer Travel Safety Tips – Ask the Expert

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“Ask the Experts” is a series on Baton Rouge Family Fun where local experts share their thoughts, opinions and answer questions relating to health, wellness, parenting and living in Baton Rouge. This week on Ask the Experts, Smith Shanklin Sosa, fellow Baton Rouge parents, are sharing a few Summer Travel Safety Tips.

Car Seat Safety

Summer and road trips go together like peas and carrots.  Traveling during these high traffic times can be dangerous and it is important to be extra cautious when sharing the road with large trucks and buses.  Even though truck drivers are well aware of the dangers their vehicles present to other passenger vehicles, I can guarantee that this mama is not going to trust my family’s safety to another driver.  As a personal injury attorney, I have seen beautiful vacations turn tragic on highways and interstates.  Follow my top 3 Summer Travel Safety Tips and put your family and yourself in a better position to avoid tragic accidents.

Summer Travel Safety Tips

Summer Travel Safety Tips

  1. Be Aware of the “No Go Zones”

Large trucks and buses have huge blind spots as shown in the below photo.  It is best to spend as little time as possible in these “No Go Zones”.  If you have a feeling that the driver of a large truck or bus does not see you, make some noise and honk that horn.  I know that horns can make you feel like your yelling at the other drivers on the road, but I personally have avoided my fair share of accidents by letting my horn rip.

Summer Baton Rouge

  1. Safe Passing

Make sure you can see the driver in the vehicle mirror. If you do not see the driver, it is best to assume he/she cannot see you.  When passing a truck or bus, make sure the truck or bus is visible in your rearview mirror before you pull in front giving extra space.  If possible, it is a good idea to avoid passing trucks and buses when you are traveling downhill.  These big trucks and buses take longer to stop and you do not want to be on the receiving end of their failure to slow down.

Summer Travel Safety Tips

 

  1. Avoid Wide Turns

Buses and trucks make wide turns.  Be aware that these trucks usually have around a 55-foot turning radius.  A lot of times truck/bus drivers will swing wide to accommodate this turning radius and you want to avoid them swinging into your vehicle.

Summer Baton Rouge

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share BRM’s experiences with food,  fitness, health, and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.  When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

 

Dry Drowning 101: Know the Signs with Dr. Mindy Calandro – Ask the Experts

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As if the idea of drowning didn’t strike enough fear into the heart of every parent, recent news headlines and social media posts have brought a new term to the forefront… dry drowning.  You might be thinking, “Well of course my kiddo has had a cough a time or two after their face inadvertently went into the water. Is this something to worry about?”  Here is what parents need to know about so-called “dry drowning.”

Dry drowning

What is dry drowning?

To get scientific, there are actually two entities here:

Dry drowning– This occurs when a small amount of water gets into the nose or mouth, and this water causes a sudden spasm of the airway where it shuts close.  It is almost like the airway is “overprotecting” itself from the water that isn’t supposed to be there.  With dry drowning, there is no water in the lungs.  In these cases, you will see symptoms almost immediately after the water gets into the airway (the airway will not spasm if the water isn’t there).

Delayed or Secondary drowning– In delayed drowning, a child inhales a bit of water through their nose or mouth, and the water actually does make it down into their lungs.  Once in the lungs, the water begins to cause significant irritation and inflammation (after all, water is not supposed to be in our lungs) which leads to something called pulmonary edema.  This can occur anywhere from 1-24 hours after the initial inhaling of the water.

You can see that while these two terms mean something different from a medical standpoint, the term “dry drowning” is often used in the news headlines and on social media to refer to secondary drowning.

How common do these types of submersion injuries occur?

Good news…these are both UNcommon!  It is estimated that either dry or secondary drowning probably accounts for only 1-2% of all drowning-related injuries in children.  Think about all the times your child has inhaled a bit of water while in the bathtub or the pool, and the vast majority of the time, they are a-ok.

What are the symptoms?

Good news again…dry and secondary drowning do not occur without warning signs.  When it comes to dry drowning, the symptoms will often be sudden in onset, and remember, they will occur at the time of the incident (like while they are still standing in the pool water).  Children will have immediate coughing that doesn’t resolve and sudden difficulty breathing.

Now, with secondary drowning, the symptoms usually do not start immediately after they inhaled the water.  It takes time for the inflammation to begin in the lungs.  Rather kiddos will start with coughing, trouble breathing, faster breathing, fever, vomiting, extreme sleepiness or a drastic change in behavior anywhere from 1-24 hours later.

dry drowning

What should parents do if they suspect dry or secondary drowning?

If your child has been swimming and in the hours following a swim they show any of the above signs, they need to be brought to medical attention immediately.  These symptoms certainly might end up being just the start of a circulating summer virus, but it is important to make sure that it is not secondary drowning.  Often a good physical exam by your child’s doctor as well as checking of vital signs including their oxygen levels and sometimes even a chest x-ray can help to ensure that their lungs do not have fluid that shouldn’t be there.

And a quick reminder here as well…anytime a child has required a pool rescue of any kind, at a minimum, there needs to be a call to your child’s pediatrician.  Depending on how long the child was under water, many of these kiddos also need to be evaluated by a medical professional.

How can you prevent dry or secondary drowning?

Both of these entities really fall on the spectrum of drowning-related injuries, and the best way to prevent any kind of drowning is constant adult supervision while swimming.  I have written before about drowning prevention (you can click here to check out that blog post),  but close attention to a child while they are in the water and vigilance for new onset of symptoms after a swim are key.  And again remember, these dry or secondary drownings are NOT common.

So hopefully now that you understand these frightening terms of dry or secondary drowning, you will breathe a sigh of relief knowing that this does not happen commonly.  Kiddos will be kiddos playing in the water which often means an inadvertent inward sniff while in the water.  Let them continue to play, of course under an adult’s watchful eye, and if something doesn’t seem right after pool time is done, then you know the next step.  Happy summer!

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

Ask the experts Baton Rouge Moms

Disclaimer: The purpose of this site is to share BRM moms’ experiences with food,  fitness, health and life as well as opinions from some of our local experts. This content is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice.  When it comes to your health or the health of your child, please be sure to contact your physician.

Geaux Fish Catfish Rodeo

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Grab your fishing pole and head out with the family to GEAUX Fish! BREC’s Geaux Fish Catfish Rodeo is an excellent opportunity to introduce new anglers to the sport of fishing or for the old veteran to test their skills.

Geaux Fish Catfish Rodeo

They will be stocking the pond with adult channel catfish to ensure you have plenty to catch and prizes galore. Don’t miss this chance to bring home channel catfish for dinner and spend the day outside with the family. This event is weather-dependent. Early registration is encouraged to guarantee a spot.

Geaux Fish Catfish Rodeo

Date: March 5
Time: 7:30 a.m. – noon
Location: Howell Community Park

Prizes will be awarded based on age group, number of fish caught, and size of fish. Open to all ages and skill levels.

Fishing equipment is not provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their rod and reel, bait, and an ice chest to easily store and transport their fish.

Participants 16 and older are required by state law to have a Basic Fishing License to fish recreationally in Louisiana waters., which can be purchased at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

For More Information: 225-218-4979
conservation@brec.org

Family Friendly Mardi Gras

BREC Art – Saturday Morning Studio

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Saturday mornings are full of artsy fun. This spring Saturday Morning Studio is meeting new cultures, seeing America, visiting Europe, and writing poetry! Each month BREC Art will treat students to a new art experience with history and an emphasis on culture and fun!

BREC Art

BREC Art  – Saturday Morning Studio

WHERE: Milton J. Womack Park
WHEN: 10:30 a.m.-noon

Feb. 19 – Hometown America
Following the wonderful work of Mattie Lou O’Kelley (1908-1997) students will draw and paint a primitive art landscape.

March 19 – Shel Silverstein
Shel Silverstein urged his readers to catch the moon or invite a dinosaur to dinner—to have FUN! In this class students will hear and discuss Mr. Silverstein’s work and then write a few, fun, imaginative poems of their own!

April 9 – Gnome Home
Inspired by German garden statues, students will love using their imaginations to create a toadstool home that is perfect for a little gnome. Flap door and gnome included!

May 14 – Fish and Chips (rescheduled from original date in January)
Join us chaps for a morning of Fish and Chips! Students will use mixed media to create a fun take on the British favorite. Cheerio!

Ages:8-12

Cost

$10/class per EBR resident; $12/non-EBR resident

For More Information

225-281-9509
Robin.mcandrew@brec.org

Register Here