Looking for things to do with kids in Baton Rouge this weekend? We’ve got another fun-filled September weekend ahead with festivals, outdoor adventures, live entertainment, a family movie night, stargazing, splash pads and plenty of FREE family fun!
Whether you’re looking for something outdoors, an inexpensive family outing or a special event worth splurging on, here are some of our favorite family-friendly things to do in Baton Rouge & Beyond September 18–20!
As always, event details can change, so we recommend checking with the venue before heading out.
Explore with BREC Conservation
Get outside and discover something new with BREC Conservation! From guided hikes and nature programs to hands-on outdoor adventures, there are plenty of ways to explore, learn, and connect with nature all year long.Learn more: Brec.org/fall-nature-regimen
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
Live After Five
5:00 – 8:00 PM
Rhorer Plaza • Downtown Baton Rouge
FREE + family-friendly
Kick off the weekend with live music in downtown Baton Rouge!
Live After Five returns Friday with the Chris LeBlanc Band, giving families a chance to enjoy live music, food trucks and that fun Friday-evening downtown atmosphere.
Bring the family, grab something to eat and enjoy an evening outside as we head toward fall.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
St. Jude Walk Baton Rouge
📅 Saturday, September 19
⏰ Opening Ceremony: 8 AM | Kids Dash: 8:30 AM | Walk & 5K: 8:40 AM
📍 A.Z. Young Park | 755 N. 3rd Street, Baton Rouge
Start Saturday morning doing something meaningful as a family.
The St. Jude Walk brings the Baton Rouge community together during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month to raise money and support the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
There’s even a Kids Dash at 8:30 AM, followed by the Walk and 5K at 8:40 AM. St. Jude describes the event as family-friendly, and registration is currently open.
Register for the Baton Rouge St. Jude Walk
Dog Day at the Swamp
📅 Saturday, September 19
⏰ 9 AM–5 PM
📍 Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center | Baton Rouge
💲 General admission fees apply | FREE for pass holders
Grab the leash because this isn’t an ordinary day at Bluebonnet Swamp! 🐶🌿
During Dog Day at the Swamp, Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center temporarily suspends its usual “No Pets” policy and welcomes four-legged family members onto the trails.
Pets must remain on a leash and have current vaccinations.
Families can explore the trails together, meet local rescue and pet-friendly organizations and even make a toy or craft for their furry family member.
Dog Days are offered only a handful of times each year, making this a fun opportunity for families who hate leaving the pup behind. BREC confirms that pets are ordinarily allowed at Bluebonnet Swamp only on designated Dog Days.
Family-Hour Stargazing at LASM
📅 Saturday, September 19
⏰ 10–11 AM
📍 Louisiana Art & Science Museum | 100 South River Road, Baton Rouge
💲 Included with general admission | FREE for LASM members
You don’t have to wait until nighttime to explore the stars! 🌙✨
Head beneath the dome of LASM’s Irene W. Pennington Planetarium for an interactive look at the stars and constellations currently visible in Louisiana’s night sky.
After learning your way around the sky, sit back for a featured planetarium show designed for all ages.
LASM currently confirms Family-Hour Stargazing for Saturday, September 19 from 10–11 AM.
Family-Hour Stargazing details
Cirque Us Stories
📅 Saturday, September 19
⏰ 1–2:30 PM
📍 Refuge Aerial | 6031 Fieldstone Drive, Baton Rouge
💲 Tickets: $20–$50
Looking for something completely different to do with the kids?
Cirque Us Stories is bringing a high-energy contemporary circus production to Baton Rouge featuring aerialists, jugglers, acrobats, contortionists and clowns! 🎪🤹
The family-friendly production combines circus artistry with theatrical storytelling and has been recognized as both “Best Circus” at the International Philadelphia Fringe Festival and “Best Kids Show” by What the Fringe Podcast.
Cirque Us Stories information & tickets
A Taste of the Deep South Festival
📅 Saturday, September 19 + Sunday, September 20
⏰ Noon–8 PM both days
📍 East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library | 7711 Goodwood Boulevard
💲 FREE
Two days of music, food and community fun — without an admission fee!
The 10th Annual A Taste of the Deep South Festival brings live music in a variety of genres to the grounds of the Main Library on Goodwood.
Families can explore a Vendor Village filled with arts, crafts, clothing and jewelry, grab Southern festival favorites from the food court and enjoy fun contests throughout the weekend.
The festival is officially described as family-friendly and FREE to the public, although optional VIP packages are available.
A Taste of the Deep South Festival details
FREE Movie in the Park: Spirit Untamed
📅 Saturday, September 19
⏰ Arena opens at 5:30 PM | Movie begins at 6 PM
📍 Farr Park Equestrian Center & RV Campground
💲 FREE
A horse movie… inside an equestrian arena?! 🐴🍿 We love this one!
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs and settle in for a FREE showing of Spirit Untamed at Farr Park Equestrian Center.
Families can enjoy a relaxed evening of movies, snacks and community fun, and because the movie takes place inside the arena, the event is scheduled rain or shine.
It’s an especially fun pick for little horse lovers!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Gonzales Hispanic Heritage Festival
📅 Sunday, September 20
⏰ Noon–7 PM
📍 Jambalaya Park | 1015 E. Cornerview Street, Gonzales
💲 FREE
Gonzales, get ready to celebrate! 🎉
The Gonzales Hispanic Heritage Festival returns to Jambalaya Park for an afternoon celebrating the rich Hispanic and Latino cultures that are such an important part of our South Louisiana community.
Families can enjoy live music, authentic Hispanic cuisine, art and craft vendors, cultural entertainment and plenty of community fun.
Best of all, admission is FREE!
Current Ascension Parish event listings confirm the festival for Sunday, September 20 at Jambalaya Park, and Explore Louisiana highlights it as a free, family-friendly celebration.
BONUS: There’s Still Time for BREC Splash Pads!
We may be dreaming about pumpkin patches and fall festivals, but Louisiana apparently didn’t get the memo that fall is almost here. 😂☀️
So why not squeeze in another splash pad day while you still can?
BREC’s splash pads are scheduled to remain open daily through October 13, from sunrise to sunset, so there are only a few weekends left in the season.
BREC splash pad locations include:
- City-Brooks Community Park
- Forest Community Park
- Greenwood Community Park
- Highland Road Community Park
- Jackson Community Park
- North Sherwood Forest Community Park
- Zachary Community Park
Pack the swimsuits, towels, sunscreen and water bottles and enjoy one more easy — and FREE — warm-weather family outing before splash-pad season comes to an end.
FOR THE GROWN-UPS | The Wild Pour
📅 Sunday, September 20
⏰ 2:30–5:30 PM
📍 Baton Rouge Zoo
🔞 AGES 21+ ONLY
💲 General Admission $55 | VIP $110 | VIP Plus $150 | Designated Driver $30
Okay, parents — this one is just for you!
The Wild Pour is the next chapter of Brew at the Zoo and Roar + Pour, bringing beer, wine and spirits together for an afternoon of sipping and strolling throughout the Baton Rouge Zoo.
Guests can explore themed tasting areas, enjoy live entertainment and discover new favorites along the way.
Even better, proceeds support the Zoo’s work in wildlife care, conservation and education.
Pre-purchased tickets are required for entry. thewildpourbr.org
From exploring the swamp with your four-legged family member and watching acrobats soar through the air to celebrating Hispanic heritage, supporting St. Jude, catching a FREE family movie and dancing to live music, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Baton Rouge & Beyond with the kids this weekend!
Happy weekend, Baton Rouge! 💜💛