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NewSong Church Pumpkin Patch – Prairieville

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The NewSong Church Pumpkin Patch, at the corner of Old Perkins and Bluff Road in Prairieville, has announced its opening on September 25th,  better than ever, with NEW Activities for the 2023 pumpkin patch. This is one of our favorite family pumpkin patches; it’s close to home, making it convenient, never too busy, and always great for photo ops with the family.

NewSong Church Pumpkin Patch Activities

  • Pumpkins of all shapes and sizes and various types of gourds from the Navajo Tribe in Northern New Mexico will be available for purchase.
  • There will be a photo booth and other photo opportunities around the patch (no paid photography!)
  • Several pieces of vintage playground equipment
  • Giant tractor tire sandbox
  • Swings
  • Horseshoes
  • Giant hopscotch
  • Cornhole
  • Giant Adirondack chair
Morning field trips for area schools include storytime, hayrides, crafts, and pie-sized pumpkins.
NewSong will also host a FREE Fall Festival on Saturday, October 28th, from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Live music, hayrides, food, face painting, inflatables, games, crafts, and more.

PHOTOS

They have a team who has decorated awesome photo ops for you.

Please feel free to bring your kiddos and your phone to take pictures.

Due to liability issues, NO PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE ALLOWED at any time.

WHEN:
September 25th 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

Baton Rouge Corn Maze & Night Maze at Burden 2023

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Fall is quickly approaching, and the LSU Ag Center has just announced that tickets for the highly-anticipated Corn Maze and Night Maze are now on sale! Don’t miss out on the chance to secure your presale tickets for this year’s Baton Rouge Corn Maze at Burden, as they tend to sell out quickly every year. Embrace the Family Fall Fun as the fields open and the tractors rev up, welcoming the Fall season with a safe and exciting outdoor adventure!

Baton Rouge Corn Maze at Burden 2023

Each two-hour Corn Maze experience is full of fun activities for all ages. Traverse the maze. Meander through thesunflower fields. Ride a hayride and pick satsumas with the ones you love. Climb hay mountain. Explore the corncrib. Try your hand at our gargantuan games. Meet the animals at Goula Paradise Farms petting farm. Visit thepumpkin patch where you can take a pic and pick one to take home!

Fun festival treats will be available for purchase from local vendors.

Baton Rouge Corn Maze Saturdays

Corn Maze Session Schedule

9 – 11 AM Morning Session

Available October 7, 8, 14, 21, 28

Noon – 2 PM Afternoon Session

Available October 7, 8, 14, 21, 28

2:30 – 4:30 PM Late Afternoon Session

Available October 7, 8, 14, 21, 28

6 – 9 PM Night Maze

Available October 28 Only

 

ADMISSION:
$15 per person and free for children two and younger.
Purchase Tickets: lsuagcenterbg.ticketspice.com/corn-maze-at-burden-2023 
Pre-sale tickets only. Tickets will not be sold at the gate. Limited quantities are available.

Activities will include:

  • Corn Maze
  • Sunflower Fields
  • Pumpkin Patch
  • Petting Farm
  • Gargantuan Games
  • Corn Crib
  • Spook-tacular Playground
  • Temporary Tattoo Parlor
  • Hayride
  • Satsuma picking
  • Antique Tractors
  • Hay Mountain
  • Picnic Area with local food vendors

Night Maze & Bonfire

October 28, 2023 | 6 – 9 p.m.

Grab your costumes, glow sticks, and flashlights, and head on over to Night Maze. At the family-friendly Night Maze, you can take a stroll through the corn maze, roast marshmallows by the bonfire, climb the hay mountain, go for a “swim” in the corn crib, play awesome games, and dance to live music!

Ticketing and more info: https://bit.ly/CornMazeatBurden

30 Things To Do with Kids in Baton Rouge & Beyond

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

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

Good to Know Before You Go: Please be sure to call before heading out; times change, parks close, so many variables can affect your outing.

Things To Do with kids in Baton Rouge

30 Things To Do with Kids in Baton Rouge

  1. LSU Lakes – Bike, Picnic, Splash Pad – Between feeding the ducks, the great little bike path, the kids’ playground, and a little splash pad behind the art gallery, this is such a fun little day to have with the kiddos.
  2. Baton Rouge Splash Pad Parks & Pools Guide – Visit our Baton Rouge Water Fun Guide to find one of many Baton Rouge Splash Pads, water parks, and or pools!
  3. Berry Picking – There is an abundance of places to do this around the area. The Sooner, the better before they are all picked over. We love to make Blueberry Scones with a Lemon Glaze.
  4. Pottery Painting – Brushfire Studios – This is a quaint little studio in downtown Denham Springs.
  5. Water Balloon Fight – This is a summer classic. Want to make it more fun? Add a little food coloring to the balloons and put the kids in white shirts. Just get ready to hose them down.
  6. Young Chefs Academy – This is one of my oldest’s favorite places. They have summer programs and fun little classes.
  7. Go Bowling – Kids Bowl FREE this summer – learn more! 
  8. Blackwater Conservation
  9. Tunica Hills and Tunica Falls/Clark Creek – Outdoor Adventures
  10. $1.50 Family Friendly Movies at Perkins Rowe  -Cinemark Summer Movie Clubhouse is back with 8 weeks of kid-approved movies! Enjoy safe and exciting big-screen entertainment for just $1.50 per ticket for each movie.
  11. Louisiana Peach Festival – Okay, so maybe this isn’t a day trip, but it’s totally worth the drive. Happening on June 5th in Ruston, Louisiana. Peach ice cream and some of the nicest people you’ll ever meet.
  12. Delcambre Shrimp Festival – While we are on the festival beat, this is totally a day trip. You haven’t gone Cajun till you go Acadiana. A bit later in the summer, this happens in August each year. Bring your dancing shoes.
  13. Old State Capitol – While you’re downtown, hit up the Louisiana Art and Science Museum.
  14. Global Wildlife – This is one of the most underrated experiences of my childhood. Letting a giraffe eat out of your hand might be the highlight of your kid’s summer, and who am I kidding, your’s as well.
  15. Myrtles Plantation Tour – My oldest is very into mystery and more. On your way home, do yourself a favor and stop at Chloe’s in Zachary for a snowball.
  16. WWII Museum – I don’t really know that this needs much introduction; it’s a must-do with the older kiddos!
  17. Louisiana Children’s Museum – This is one of my fondest childhood memories.
  18. Audubon Zoo / Cool Zoo – I will spare you the song, but they do all “ax for you.” So don’t let those animals down. When you’re there, it’s totally worth the “pop” bracelet that gets you admission into the Cool Zoo and unlimited rides on the train and carousel.
  19. Audubon Aquarium of America’s & Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium – What kid doesn’t want to touch an urchin and eat crickets.
  20. Write and Illustrate a Children’s Book – Because, after all these big adventures, you will need some time at home.
  21. EBR Library – The East Baton Rouge Parish Library has many little classes and fun projects for all ages. Check out their event calendar and enjoy!
  22. Dinosaur Park Henderson – I have heard amazing things, and this summer, we intend to find out for ourselves.
  23. Livingston Parish Library – Just a little hop next door, and there are so many fun programs for littles to enjoy.
  24. Dig a Garden – There is no greater joy than watching my kiddos play in the dirt. If you need some help, Glad Gardens can build one for you!
  25. Make a Nana recipe from scratch – No box mixes here, just some love, wooden spoons, and old family recipes.
  26. Lemonade Stand – The earliest form of entrepreneurship at its south Louisiana finest.
  27. Barnhill Preserve in Ethel – (sloths…Nuff said) hands-on animal encounters and programs!
  28. Baton Rouge Zoo – One of our favorites to spend a day with the animals and play in the park – you can even feed the pelicans now too!
  29. Cajun Pride Swamp Tour – take a unique and educational journey back to the early days of Louisiana bayou and swamp explorations on this authentic Louisiana swamp eco-tour.
  30. Knock Knock Children’s Museum – this is a full day of fun and good eats at Acorn Cafe!

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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

2022 Family Friendly Christmas Events in Baton Rouge and Beyond

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Christmas in Baton Rouge is our family’s favorite time of year; there are plenty of family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy! Whether you’re looking for a Christmas parade, holiday-themed performance, Santa visit, ice skating, or lights displays, there’s the cornucopia of holiday-themed programs and Christmas events in the Capital City throughout the season.

Thanks to Refinery Counseling Center for sponsoring this year’s Holiday Events Guide.

Refinery Counseling Center was founded in 2022 with a heart to bring mental health counseling to the modern world. Far-removed from the sterile and stigmatized counseling experience, they provide elite boutique counseling services for children, teens, college students, adults, couples and families. Their hope is that your experience at Refinery would be one of excellence.

While every effort has been made to ensure this information is accurate, we encourage you to contact the display directly to verify that all details are correct and have not changed. 

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

CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BATON ROUGE

Santa Rocks the Rowe

DECEMBER 10TH 5-8 PM

Join us on Saturday, December 10 from 5pm-8pm for Perkins Rowe’s annual Santa Rocks the Rowe event! They’ll have paid photos with Santa, live music, face painting, letters to Santa with Baton Rouge Family Fun, games, and more! This event is free and open to the public.

Baton Rouge Zoo’s ZooLights

NOV. 25 – DEC 30 5:30 PM TO 8PM

Zoolights is a mile-long trail through the Zoo with more than 50 illuminated display sculptures of animals and traditional holiday displays. Once again, the Zoo is partnering with The Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank to bring more impact & excitement to Zoolights. Every guest presenting non-perishable food items (minimum of one per person) during the hours of Zoolights, will receive a 50% discount from the regular admission price. All food donations will go directly to the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.
DATES: November 25 – December 30 Closed Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Admission gates open 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Zoo grounds close at 9 p.m.

Creole Christmas + Holiday Fair

NOVEMBER 27TH 12-5 PM

Magnolia Mound Plantation – Creole Christmas is an annual event featuring seasonal decorations in the historic house, traditional songs in French and Spanish sung by local school children, period demonstrations, folk crafts and the annual bonfire to welcome Papa Noel. DATE: Sunday, Nov 27, 2022 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concerts

DECEMBER 1ST, 3RD, 4TH, 9TH

CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BATON ROUGE

Chamber Series – Holiday Brass -December 1st
Holiday Brass – Whimsical Alley – December 3rd
Holiday Brass – Houmas House – December 4th
Holiday Brass – Hemingbough – December 9th

2022 Downtown Baton Rouge Festival of Lights

DECEMBER 2ND 4 – 8 PM

Enjoy an evening under downtown’s historic oaks to commemorate Baton Rouge’s oldest holiday tradition. Transforming the winter sky into a wonderland, the Mayor will light North Boulevard with half a million sparkling lights. Experience the magic beneath the 35-foot Christmas tree in Town Square. DATE: FRI 2nd DEC | 4:00PM – 8:00PM

Sensory Santa

DECEMBER 2ND 6-8 PM

North Sherwood Forest Community Park – Drive thru the holidays at BREC’s Selfies with Santa. Each car will receive prepackaged holiday activities, snacks and reindeer food! Santa will also be available to take selfies with you and your family from the safety of your own car. This event is free and open to all ages and abilities. DATE: Friday, Dec 2, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Broadmoor’s Annual Christmas Parade

DECEMBER 3rd 11 AM

Hosted by the Broadmoor Residents’ Association.
Parade rolls promptly at 11:00 am.
• This is an outdoor event and the parade will roll as long as weather conditions permit.
• The parade route begins at Broadmoor High School parking lot (on Goodwood Blvd), east onto Goodwood Blvd, through the S curve, then north on Woodhaven St, then west on S. River Oaks Dr., then south on Cora Dr., then east on Goodwood Blvd back to the Broadmoor High School parking lot. The parade route is about 1.9 miles in length.
In addition we are asking both participants and attendees to bring a non-perishable food item(s) for donation. All the food items collected will be given to the food pantry immediately after the parade and then distributed to those in need by S.E. Ministries.
For information on the Broadmoor Christmas Parade (including the parade route map), check the ‘Parade’ section of the website at http://www.broadmoor-br.org

A Rural Life Christmas

DECEMBER 4TH 10- 5 PM

CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BATON ROUGE

Ring in the Holiday season with a 19th century Louisiana celebration at the LSU Rural Life Museum.  Decorations with natural trimmings representative of special times of long ago will be displayed throughout the museum’s grounds.  Seasonal activities such a musical groups, demonstrating artisans, open-hearth cooking, storytellers, and costumed re-enactors will be present during this event. A complete list of activities and musical performances will be available soon. Children ages 0-3 will be admitted at no charge.  For everyone else, the cost is $10.00 per person. Admission: $10.00 per person. This event will conclude with a bonfire and a visit from Papa Noel! DATE: Sunday,  December 5,  10:00am until 5:30pm

Let it Sneaux Movie in the Park: Perkins Road Community Park

DECEMBER 10TH 1-5 PM

Come and celebrate the holiday season with us! Join us as we celebrate at Let it Sneaux. There will be live entertainment, free photos with Santa, smores, hot chocolate, and so much more! So come out and enjoy a day filled with family fun entertainment. DATE: Friday, Dec 10, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM

2022 Cortana Kiwanis Christmas Parade

DECEMBER 10TH 5:30PM

CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BATON ROUGE

The Annual Cortana Kiwanis Downtown Christmas Parade will roll through Downtown Baton Rouge on December 10th at 5:30 pm. Every year, more than 70,000 people watch the parade live and thousands more enjoy it on television through the holiday season. The Parade is a celebration and a great way to connect with the community. The parade is open to everyone. Typically the parade includes about 80 entries. These entries are a mix of marching bands, celebrities, dance troupes, non-profit organizations, and local businesses in seasonal themes. DATE: December 10th at 5:30 pm

Ice Skating on the River

DATES: December 16th – January 3rd

One of our family’s favorite Christmas events in Baton Rouge… The Raising Cane’s River Center will once again magically transform into a “Winter Wonderland” just in time for you to create your holiday memories. Ice Skating on the River is an annual holiday tradition that will kick off December 16th. A fun-filled holiday event for all ages, Ice Skating on the River will have 75 minute sessions nearly every day.
DATES: December 16th – January 3rd

The Nutcracker: A Tale from the Bayou

DECEMBER 17TH & 18TH 2 PM & 6 PM

CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BATON ROUGE

Baton Rouge Ballet Theatre’s annual holiday production, The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou is finally returning to the stage in its traditional home, the River Center Theatre of the Performing Arts. It has been three years since the Company has been able to perform on the stage where it feels most comfortable, so our return to live performances on our “home stage” will truly be a celebration! We will again be joined by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, so don’t miss this magical celebration of the holiday season, where you’ll be enchanted by the beautiful choreography, fun magic, and lush scenery and sets by Nels Anderson.
DATES: December 17-18, 2022 at 2:00 and 6:00 p.m. each day.

36th Annual Christmas in Central Parade

Celebrate Christmas in the City of Central at the 34th Annual Christmas Parade!
From Joor & Hooper to Joor & Lovett
Dates: TBA

Chanukah at the Capitol

DECEMBER 18TH4:30pm

Celebrate Hanukkah with a hot latke bar, menorahs, dreidels, and more hosted by Chabad of Baton Rouge. Children can get their faces painted and play festive games and enjoy strolling performers. The event is free to the public at the steps of the State Capitol.
DATE: December 18th 

Holiday Events Beyond Baton Rouge

Celebration In The Oaks- New Orleans

NOVEMBER 24 – JANUARY 1ST

CHRISTMAS EVENTS IN BATON ROUGE

Celebration in the Oaks in City Park is one of the most spectacular holiday lights festivals in the country. This beloved annual celebration is fun for all ages and has become an enduring holiday tradition for families, who come to Celebration in the Oaks to ride the train or carousel every year. Visitors are treated to a wide range of attractions, from light displays to the walkways lined with dozens of Christmas trees decorated by local school groups. Perennial favorites include the two-mile train ride through glittering light exhibits, the animated Cajun night before Christmas display, and of course, New Orleans’ iconic snowman Mr. Bingle. DATES: November 24  – January 1, 2022
(closed December 24th and 31st)

Christmas in the Park (Lafrienere Park)

DECEMBER 2ND – 30TH

Lafreniere Park sparkles for the holidays with millions of twinkling lights and displays! Constructed with over 10 million LED lights, this year’s new exhibit is an interactive Christmas tree. Elaborate decorations, artificial snow, and festive lighted displays illuminate Lafreniere Park and include themes such as Star Wars, Marvel & D.C Comics, Minions, Disney Princesses, a pirate ship and so much more.

The 36th Annual Christmas in the Park will be held nightly at Lafreniere Park beginning on Friday, Dec. 2, -Dec. 30th

NOLA Christmasfest

DECEMBER 21ST – 30TH

NOLA ChristmasFest, a dazzling, family-friendly seasonal event, offers your group the perfect opportunity to get into the holiday spirit, make a little joy, and spread a little cheer. Experience a real indoor ice skating rink, ice slides, carnival rides, Santa and friends, Gingerbread houses, decorated trees and more! Convenient parking nearby. In 2021, this event is open for 12 days (closed on Dec. 23 and 24) with two sessions per day – a morning timed entry and an evening one. Space will be limited for each timeframe so be sure to make your plans early! Tickets go on sale late summer 2021. DATES: December 21ST –  30TH

Kenner’s Heritage Park Christmas Village –

December 2 – December 18

Each year in November and December, the streets and buildings in Rivertown from the railroad tracks to the river are adorned with dazzling lights and displays. The festivities culminate in Kenner’s Heritage Park located at the center of the district and open every day and evening. There, visitors can wander through and view the festival displays, shop local food and craft vendors, find a unique gift, take a photo with Santa or catch a song or dance performance by community churches and school groups.  Children revel in the sudsy “snow” that blankets the park throughout the evening and a special holiday-themed musical laser light show plays in the Planetarium theater right across the street.  You’re sure to catch some holiday cheer in Rivertown.​

Traditionally, the lights and decorations in Rivertown can be enjoyed nightly beginning in late November and running through the month of December.

Vendors, activities, and performances in the Christmas Village are planned every Friday, Saturday and sunday evening from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm in Kenner’s Heritage Park at 2015 Fourth Street. Admission and parking are free.

Address: 2015 Fourth Street, Kenner, LA

A Dickens of a Christmas– St. Francisville

December 3rd  6:00 PM- 8:00PM

The plantation comes to life during the holidays, as it shows off its seasonal decorations as if it were 1821. Costumed guides accompany the visitor on a trip into the past through the candlelit Oakley House. Take a taste of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, have a cup of wassail or just enjoy the yearly Christmas dance or listen to live period music.

Christmas in the Country St. Francisville

DECEMBER 2, 3, 4

Nothing says Christmas to an excited child more than a parade, especially a safe small-town one like St. Francisville’s popular Christmas in the Country parade the first Saturday each December, complete with marching bands and decorated floats, Santa resplendent in his sleigh. Millions of tiny white lights trace soaring Victorian trimwork and grace gallery posts to transform the entire town into a veritable winter wonderland for Christmas in the Country, as special activities throughout the extensive National Register-listed downtown Historic District provide fun for the whole family at this celebration of the season, a joyful alternative to mall madness. View the full schedule of events here. DATES: DECEMBER 2, 3, 4TH

Noel Acadien au Village – Lafayette

DECEMBER 2 – 23

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

LARC’s Acadian Village hosts its 23 night Christmas festival fundraiser annually in December to benefit LARC, a local 501c(3) non-profit organization benefiting persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Admission is $9.00 for ages 3 and above online,$8 at Acadiana Shop Rite locations & $10.00 at the gate.

Noel Acadien au Village features half-a-million lights, including the fully lit Chapel, NEW ANIMATIONS, lighted holiday displays, live entertainment, carnival rides, local cuisine, photos with Santa, holiday shopping in the Christmas Store and much more! All proceeds directly benefit LARC’s Acadian Village and the residential, vocational, and community supports and services at LARC. DATES:

Christmas in the Park. Moncus Park

DECEMBER 16, DECEMBER 17, DECEMBER 18

Christmas in the Park. Moncus Park. 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Celebrate the season with a CHRISTMAS event that will have live music, as well as separate activities for kids. Visit the link for a full live music lineup. MoncusPark.org/Christmas.

Christmas in the Park

Friday, December 16 | Saturday, December 17 | Sunday, December 18

Teddy Bear Tea
Saturday, December 17

Mistletoe & Mystery Brunch
Sunday, December 18

Christmas Movies & Caroling
Wednesday, December 21

DATES: December 16, 17, 18, 21

26th Festival of the Bonfires – St. James Parish

DECEMBER 9, 10, 11

CHRISTMAS ON THE RIVER…CAJUN STYLE! Enjoy great food, live entertainment, crafts, Santa’s Very Merry Forest and carnival rides throughout the weekend. Each night will be highlighted with a single bonfire lighting! Come out and experience a prelude to the famous Christmas Eve Bonfires: A tradition unique to St. James Parish and all the world!! LOCATION: Lutcher Recreational Park Lutcher Avenue- La HWY 3193 Lutcher, LA 70071 DATES: December 9, 10, and 11

Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights

CHRISTMAS EVENTS Near me

A weekend trip or long day trip with lots of driving along with lots of memories made.

The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights has existed for nearly 30 years to enhance the holiday experiences for locals, visitors, and group tours. The trail spans I-20 and I-49 in north Louisiana and incorporates Shreveport-Bossier, Minden, Monroe-West Monroe, Natchitoches, and Alexandria/Pineville.

Festivities generally start in mid-November and run through the New Year. Some of the popular and recurring events include shopping/dining/entertainment at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets in Shreveport-Bossier, Fasching Festival in Minden, shopping and dining in Antique Alley in Monroe-West Monroe, Festival of Lights in Natchitoches and the Christmas parades in Alexandria/Pineville.

The Louisiana Holiday Trail of Lights can be experienced in one day or a week with each day totally unique and special. The cities are all within driving distance of one another, making the tour a convenient hour-long trip from any one city to its neighboring city. Visitors are encouraged to see the brilliant lights, dine at the local restaurants, dance at the festivals, shop, and play in all of the eight festive cities. DATES: Begins November 10th

95th Annual Natchitoches Christmas Festival

NOVEMBER 19 -JANUARY 6TH

Named after a Native American tribe, Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tish ) is the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase Territory. Since 1927, they are home to one of the oldest community-based holiday celebrations in the country. Starting as a one-day festival, the Natchitoches Christmas Festival has evolved into a six-week long Christmas Season. The Christmas Season begins on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and concludes on January the 6th, the Epiphany. Over 300,000 lights and 100 plus set pieces are on display every night at dusk. Celebrate the Christmas season in Louisiana’s oldest city. Enjoy our daylong festival filled with music, entertainment, arts and crafts, food vendors, and our famous firework show choreographed to holiday music over Cane River Lake. DATES: November 20th to January 6th

Christmas in the Park – Dark Woods Adventure Park

Christmas Events

Dark Woods Adventure Park is pleased to announce the Holiday dates and times for our Dark Woods’ Christmas In The Park special event.
From strolling the woods twinkling with light displays to sitting next to a fire-pit and making s’mores discover what makes Christmas in the Park an environment that is filled with love, family, and a true Christmas spirit that is truly in the heart of Natchitoches Parish. DATES: Open Select Nights November 26th – December 25th

 

Our Christmas events in Baton Rouge guide will be updated as new events are listed; check back for more Baton Rouge Family Fun! If we’ve missed an event, please email us and we will get it added asap! 

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. 

You may also want to check out our Christmas Lights Guide!

 

 

Fall Events in Baton Rouge & Beyond: Things To Do

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Fall is officially upon us, the weather is getting cooler and fall events in Baton Rouge are kicking off! The Family Friendly Baton Rouge weekend guide is a round-up of all the best events happening this weekend and things to do near you. No shortage of things to do in Baton Rouge with your family!

Events are subject to change, be sure to check events are as scheduled before heading out. 

Things to do in Baton Rouge This Weekend

Our Top 5 Picks

Corn Maze at Burden

Fall Events in Baton Rouge & Beyond

🌽CORN MAZE ANNOUNCEMENT!🌽
This weekend only, they are selling Corn Maze tickets at the door! Admission is $15 per person and free for children 3 & under on October 1 and 2.
Activities will include:
— Corn Maze
— Sunflower Fields
— Pumpkin Patch
— Petting Farm
— Gargantuan Games
— Corn Crib
— Spook-tacular Playground
— Temporary Tattoo Parlor
— Hayride
— Satsuma picking
— Antique Tractors
— Hay Mountain

WHERE:
LSU AgCenter’s Botanic Gardens at Burden

WHEN:
Every Saturday in October
October 1, 2, 8, 15, 22, 29
Session Times:
Morning | 9 – 11 a.m.
Midday | Noon – 2 p.m.
Afternoon | 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

ADMISSION:
$15 – 2 and under FREE

City of Walker 2nd Annual Fall Festival

Fall Events in Baton Rouge

Carnival Rides, Live Music, Food Trucks, Car Show, Farmer’s Market & Pumpkin Patch!!
Saturday, Oct 1, 12pm to 10pm
$25 Armbands: 12pm to 5pm/ 5pm to 10pm
Car Show: 9:00am to 1pm
The Paul & Pete Band: 1pm to 3:30pm
The MoJoes: 4:30pm to 7pm
Stormy the Band: 8pm to 10pm
Sunday, Oct 2, 12pm to 8pm
$25 Armbands
Farmer’s Market: 12pm to 8pm
Nick Perkins: Elvis Tribute Artist 1pm to 3pm
NaNaSha Band: 4pm to 9pm
Free Admission
Reserved Parking Pass: $10.00
Walker Festival

WHERE:
Sidney Hutchison Park
13750 Ball Park Rd, Walker, LA 70785

WHEN:
9/29 – 10/2

ADMISSION:
Rides: $25 Armband

NewSong Church Pumpkin Patch – Prairieville

The NewSong Church Pumpkin Patch, at the corner of Old Perkins and Bluff Road in Prairieville, will be open on September 26th,  better than ever, with NEW Activities for the 2022 pumpkin patch. This is one of our favorite family pumpkin patches; it’s close to home, making it convenient, never too busy, and always great for photo ops with the family.

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

 

Denham Springs Antique Village Fallfest

Get ready for food, fun, free kids zone, pet show and 166 booths of local businesses with so much to choose from.

WHERE:
N Range Ave Denham Springs, LA 70726

WHEN:
October 1st 9am –  4:30pm

ADMISSION:
FREE

St. Tammany Parish Fair 

Fall Events in Baton Rouge & Beyond

Visit the mini farm, watch the livestock shows, cheer on the cheer/dance contest or attend the exciting rodeo. Dance the night away with Hwy 190 Friday night or The Dominoes on Saturday. Enjoy carnival rides, funnel cakes, cotton candy or any other fair food!

WHERE:
1304 N Columbia St, Covington, LA, United States, Louisiana

WHEN:
September 28 at 5 pm – October 2 at 6 pm

ADMISSION:
Rides: $25 Armband

More Events:

Prairieville Market Collective

 

Harlem Globetrotters Ticket Giveaway 2021

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The World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their newly reimagined Spread Game tour to Raising Cane’s River Center in Baton Rouge, LA, on Friday, August 6th at 7pm. The Spread Game Tour is a basketball event like no other. Ankle-breaking moves, jaw-dropping swag, and rim-rattling dunks are only some of the thrill you can expect from this fully modernized show. Part streetball from the players who defined it, part interactive family entertainment, the new tour will show off the best of the Globetrotters in a dazzling exhibition of talent and game.

Tickets are on sale now and are available through Ticketmaster.com and the Ticketmaster App.

We’ve teamed up with The World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters to host a giveaway for TWO Lucky Families! The Prize packs include a FAMILY FOUR PACK plus MAGIC PASS PRE-SHOW EVENT TICKETS! Enter for a chance to win on our Giveaway widget below.

Harlem Globetrotters Baton Rouge

About Harlem Globetrotters:

This tour introduces new premium fan experiences with unprecedented access and interaction, including celebrity court, passes, meet and greets with players, and in select markets, the #SQUADZONE, where fans have the opportunity to feel like part of the show.

For over 95 years, the Harlem Globetrotters organization has been committed to spreading joy through its unparalleled basketball skill. The Globetrotters have always been global ambassadors of goodwill. Above all, the reimagined team is even more committed to bringing their voice to social justice conversations. They invite communities all over the U.S. to come together and recognize the power of our commonalities and celebrate our differences. The Globetrotters’ mission, to spread the game and bring family entertainment to the world, continues to drive them today.

Harlem Globetrotters- MAGIC PASS PRE-SHOW EVENT

THIS IS A PRE-EVENT PASS and A TICKET TO THE MAIN EVENT IS ALSO REQUIRED.

Before the game, take part in a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your family where you have an opportunity to spend time on the court with the Globetrotters. Enjoy shooting, trying out ball tricks, and getting autographs and photos with the World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters!  The unique 30-minute pre-show, “Magic Pass,” will create memories of a lifetime.  All customers must have a game ticket AND Magic Pass for entry.

Everyone attending Magic Pass must have a Magic Pass ticket as well as a game ticket.

Harlem Globetrotters Baton Rouge

Harlem Globetrotters GIVEAWAY:

TWO Lucky Families will win a FAMILY FOUR PACK OF TICKETS to the game plus FOUR MAGIC PASS PRE-SHOW EVENT TICKETS

Three ways to enter via the Rafflecopter widget below. Each entry increases your chances! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

More Details:

Harlem Globetrotters
Fri • Aug 06 • 7:00 PM
Raising Canes River Center Arena, Baton Rouge, LA

Please read our Contest Rules!

Disclaimer: This event is subject to last-minute cancellations and changes that might not be reflected in this BatonRougeFamilyFun.com post. Please always confirm with this family-friendly business by calling or clicking.

Live After Five 2021 Returns in Fall – Downtown Baton Rouge

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After a year of being silenced due to the pandemic, Live After Five will be back in 2021. We know musicians and Baton Rougeans alike are ready for live music and some normalcy.

Live After Five 2021

Live After Five 2021

Known as the capital city’s premier seasonal live music event series,  Baton Rouge’s Live After Five, produced by the Downtown Business Association, will return for Twelve Fridays in a row from August 20 – November 5! Fall visitors and locals will once again be able to take in the sights and sounds as musicians come together to perform a free concert in downtown Baton Rouge’s North Boulevard Town Square at Galvez Plaza every Friday from 5 pm – 8 pm. 

Stay tuned for more info and the full music lineup; we will be sure to share it here when it’s announced! 

Introducing Baton Rouge Virtual Playdates – Join us for some virtual fun!

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As you already know, events are being canceled, businesses are temporarily closing and kids are out of school for the next month. We know that school closings will cause lot of disruption and worry for some families. Baton Rouge Moms (soon to be Baton Rouge Family Fun) hopes to make the transition a little easier and a little more fun! Beginning this week, we will be partnering with local businesses and organizations to help you over the upcoming weeks – in the form of Baton Rouge Virtual Playdates!!

Baton Rouge Moms Virtual Playdates

Many thanks to our community partners for making this project possible.

Do you have a business or organization that would like to get involved? Email Tiany at Tiany@batonrougemoms.com to let us know you are interested.

 

Baton Rouge Moms Virtual Playdates

We’re lining up some of your favorite small businesses, organizations and groups to lead us through daily 15-30 minute activities via video.

The Virtual Playdate videos will be available each day on our Facebook and Instagram pages. We hope that this will be a great way to keep our families engaged in the community even while practicing social distancing.

Look Forward to:

  • Follow-Along Dance Lessons
  • Special Character Appearances
  • Study Tips for doing Schoolwork at Home
  • Fun Science Experiments (Video demos you can follow along to)
  • Outdoor Activities
  • Fun Treats Kids Can Make at Home
  • Easy Art & Craft Ideas (How to videos with these too)
  • Family Challenges
  • Ideas for Helping Families in need
    and more!

How to Follow Along 

>> Virtual Playdate videos will be posted to our Facebook and Instagram pages starting this week! 

Follow Baton Rouge Moms on Facebook

Follow Baton Rouge Moms on Instagram

Stay tuned for all this and more in upcoming emails! Sign up to receive the emails to be notified about each days video and any prep you might need to participate.

Subscribe To Baton Rouge Family Fun Newsletter

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See below for links to each day’s posts; we will add them as they are published.

 

More posts relating to COVID – 19

Kids are home from school for a month, now what?

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So your kids are home from school for the next month. What are you going to do? How will you keep them entertained? Will they fall behind in school? Take it from this homeschool mama of two, all of these things can be avoided with a little prep and a good measure of organization. I’m not talking crazy and elaborate projects that tie you to a table helping for hours. I’m talking about some good planning leading to you not losing yourself in kid chaos.

Kids are home from school for a month, now what?

Stick to a schedule

You will never convince me otherwise. Kids like expectations to their day. My kids know breakfast, school work, art, etc. and when each thing is coming. When you set the expectation for your kiddos it will help keep them from coming back over and over with “I’m bored” and “There’s nothing to do”. It also allows for you to plan when you need to get your own things accomplished.

Get outside!

This past week we flew a kite. It was simple, cheap, and fun. Get some bubbles or chalk. Play hopscotch. Throw the ball. Go for a walk or jog. For us, it is one of the best times of the year for getting to spend time outside. Going outside lets the kids get out pent up energy and the fresh air is great for you. The heat isn’t stifling yet, and we’ve even had a breeze as of late.

Online time

Our kids get online time that isn’t, as we call it, “brain dead”. There are so many free educational sites and games that are available for kids to get their screen time and still have to think. For example, for science we use mysteryscience.com. There are several free lessons available. A video plays and they usually have an easy project or follow up that they give directions on how to complete. If you want a subscription, there are even more options. We personally use ABC Mouse for my younger and Adventure Academy for my older. The kids have to complete educational tasks to get to do other fun things on their “journey”. 

Pinterest!

I know I said no spending hours glued in project assistance mode, but Pinterest really has some easy projects that kids love. They also have great science projects, game ideas, cooking projects, and so much more. We may do one Pinterest idea a week. Sometimes they are great and sometimes they are a most definite #pinterestfail, but we always have fun and make memories while we do it. That’s what it’s really all about y’all!

Kids are home from school for a month, now what?

Free Time

I know that we are trying to fill this, but kids really do need some free time. Our free time consists of me being able to get things done without interruption. The kids should not have to ask “Can I?” They have the option of playing with toys, playing board games, pretend play, etc. All things that are at their disposal and they are able to do themselves. They great thing about this is that you get to set the parameters. They could have access to one specific toy bin or shelf. They could get to spend time in a playroom or however you are set up. It’s about what works for you.

School work

There are so many FREE resources for worksheets, coloring sheets, etc. The local library is a wealth of books and dvds. Where we live, they also have educational tablets. I have made youtube lists of educational videos that we watch. Disney + has Nat Geo with so many interesting shows. One of the great things about the digital age is that if you want your kids to learn, you have only need to hop online. You can also find many Facebook groups of homeschoolers to join that have pre-built lists of all kinds of resources for parents. They don’t care if your kids are only home for a month or if they homeschool full time. They welcome you to the information.

Kids are home from school for a month, now what?

Quiet time

This one is important Mommas because we cannot spend all day running kids from project to project to be a non-stop source of entertainment. We have things to do too! We have a quiet time every single day. When my kids were smaller, they napped. They now have additional options. They can read, they can draw or color, they can listen to music. Anything that allows for some quiet to enter your home and you to get that break that you may really need to re-center and gain focus, where there may be chaos.

Finally, use the TV

We don’t sit in front of the TV for hours on end, but there is certainly nothing wrong with sitting the kids at the TV for a movie or a couple of shows. Go ahead and sit down with them! I find that when my kids are not sitting in front of the TV constantly, they grow to be much more appreciative of the time they are given. They are selective on the shows or movies they choose to watch. They pay attention to what is on. It is a treat instead of a constant background noise. 

As a homeschooling mom, you come to realize that there has to be balance. A balance of entertainment, of getting things accomplished, of managing your house and the kids. We constantly have things that need to be done and sometimes the biggest thing you can do for yourself is just realize that the day doesn’t always go as planned. Don’t be afraid to phone a friend. It doesn’t matter if it is for ideas for rainy days or just to have some good conversation with another adult.

Don’t be afraid to just kick up your feet with the kids for a movie. If a project fails, laugh and take pictures. We have some pretty great fail memories. Let go of expectations, whether they are from others or yourself, and find what works for you!

At bedtime, I always ask my kids what their favorite part of the day was. Sometimes they do say it is something big that we did as a treat. Most of the time, my kids list simple things that you wouldn’t think about: Popsicles outside, flying a kite, messing up our baking project, or playing a board game. Through the eyes of a kid, the simple things sometimes mean the most. That is what it’s all about!

Baton Rouge Moms Ambassador -Erica Mautner

Kids are home from school for a month, now what?Erica is an LSU alum, with a Master’s in Business Administration. She recently left her career in banking to be at home with her 2 boys, Fisher & Sawyer, full time. They have started an adventure in homeschooling. Erica likes to travel, take photos, and attempt crafting projects with her boys. She also likes to attend LSU football games with her boys and husband of 11 years, Cody, who proposed while tailgating fall of 2008.