This weekend brings a fun mix of glowing hot air balloons, nighttime swamp exploring, back-to-school celebrations, hands-on art and science, local food, telescopes, and one more summer splash. Supporting our museums, parks, markets, and community programs helps keep these local family experiences going. ❤️
Things To Do in Baton Rouge This Weekend
Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival
📍 Location: BREC Zachary Community Park, 20055 Old Scenic Highway, Zachary
📅 Date: Friday–Saturday, August 14–15, 2026
🕐 Time: 4–9:30 p.m. both days
Colorful balloons will fill the park during Downtown Live’s fourth annual Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival. Families can enjoy nightly balloon glows, tethered balloon rides, live music, food vendors and trucks, arts and crafts vendors, face painting, and a Kids’ Zone with games and activities.
Admission is free. Balloon activities are weather-dependent, so check the festival’s latest update before making the drive, especially if wind or storms are in the forecast.
Learn More: Zachary Really Hot Air Balloon Festival
Swamp Flashlight Night
📍 Location: BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, 10503 North Oak Hills Parkway, Baton Rouge
📅 Date: Friday, August 14, 2026
🕐 Time: 5–9 p.m.
There’s something special about seeing the swamp after dark. BREC’s evening program invites families to explore the trails by flashlight, with live animal encounters and options for a self-guided walk or a guided hike. It’s a memorable way to trade a scorching afternoon for a cooler, more curious kind of family adventure.
Bring closed-toe shoes, insect repellent, and a flashlight. Trail entry ends at 8:15 p.m., and guided-hike space may be limited.
Learn More: BREC Swamp Flashlight Night
Back to School Bash at Celebration Station
📍 Location: Celebration Station, 10111 Gwenadele Avenue, Baton Rouge
📅 Date: Friday, August 14, 2026
🕐 Time: 4–8 p.m.
i9 Sports is helping families celebrate one last summer hoorah at Celebration Station. Children can enjoy the venue’s attractions while families stop by the i9 Sports table to ask questions or register for the fall season before registration closes August 14.
Athletes who wear an i9 Sports jersey or shirt can be entered for a chance to win a $75 Walmart gift card. Exclusive discounted event tickets are available; check the ticket page for the current package and purchasing details.
Learn More: Celebration Station discounted event tickets
Back to School Bash & Pizza Party
📍 Location: American Family Martial Arts, 8775 Jefferson Highway, Baton Rouge
📅 Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
🕐 Time: 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Kick off the new school year with pizza, games, prizes, and karate fun at American Family Martial Arts Louisiana. Current students and families new to AFMA are welcome, making this a friendly opportunity for children to meet people and start the school year with confidence.
The event is free, but preregistration is required so the organizers can plan enough pizza. Reserve a spot before the event fills.
Learn More: Register for the AFMA Back to School Bash
Studio Saturday: Reflections
📍 Location: Louisiana Art & Science Museum, 100 South River Road, Baton Rouge
📅 Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
🕐 Time: 10 a.m.–noon
LASM’s hands-on Studio Saturday is inspired by Reflections: The Art of George Rodrigue. Families can explore bold color, Louisiana imagery, and artistic techniques, then make their own art inspired by the stories and landscapes around them.
This is a lovely air-conditioned pick for children who like to create alongside a grown-up. Preregistration is requested, so check availability before Saturday morning.
Learn More: LASM calendar
Family-Hour Stargazing
📍 Location: Irene W. Pennington Planetarium at Louisiana Art & Science Museum, 100 South River Road, Baton Rouge
📅 Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
🕐 Time: 10–11 a.m.
Step under the planetarium dome and let the whole family look up. This interactive presentation explores the stars and constellations visible in the local night sky, then continues with a featured show designed for all ages. Admission is included with general museum admission and is free for members.
Learn More: LASM calendar
Science Academy at Highland Road Park Observatory
📍 Location: Highland Road Park Observatory, 13800 Highland Road, Baton Rouge
📅 Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
🕐 Time: 10 a.m.–noon
Young space fans can spend Saturday morning at the observatory’s Science Academy. The series introduces participants to astronomy and space-science topics through hands-on learning, making it a solid choice for children who are happiest when they can ask questions and experiment.
Check the current BREC event page for the session topic, age guidance, price, and registration information before visiting.
Learn More: BREC Science Academy
Red Stick Farmers Market
📍 Location: Main Street Market, Fifth & Main Streets, downtown Baton Rouge
📅 Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
🕐 Time: 8 a.m.–noon
Start Saturday with a stroller-friendly downtown stroll and a little Louisiana-grown goodness. The year-round Red Stick Farmers Market is a simple way to let kids choose a fruit or vegetable, pick up breakfast ingredients, and meet the small businesses and farmers who feed our community.
It’s outdoors and rain or shine, so arrive early for the gentlest temperatures and bring water. Afterward, Main Street Market makes an easy indoor stop for lunch, Wi-Fi, or more local shopping.
Learn More: BREADA’s Red Stick Farmers Market
Plus Night at Highland Road Park Observatory
📍 Location: Highland Road Park Observatory, 13800 Highland Road, Baton Rouge
📅 Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
🕐 Time: 7–10 p.m.
For an after-sunset outing, BREC’s Plus Night adds extra science fun to sky viewing. The program traditionally includes an outdoor sky tour, telescope viewing, physical-science demonstrations, and a marshmallow roast when weather allows.
Learn More: BREC Plus Night
Ongoing Weekend Fun: Liberty Lagoon
📍 Location: Liberty Lagoon, 111 Lobdell Avenue, Baton Rouge
📅 Date: Weekends in August through September 6, 2026
🕐 Time: Check current operating hours before purchasing tickets
Need one more splash before summer ends? Liberty Lagoon has moved to weekend-only operations for August, making it a simple warm-weather option for a Saturday or Sunday family outing.
Tickets start at $12. Check the forecast and operating update before buying, since ticket sales are final and weather closures can affect operations.
Learn More: Liberty Lagoon hours and tickets
Enjoy the local places making family time possible, make some memories and tag Baton Rouge Family Fun when you’re out having fun.