July is bringing the heat this weekend, but Baton Rouge families still have plenty of ways to get out and enjoy time together. We found free storytime, young makers, adoptable pups, hands-on science, stargazing, local food, and live music. Because summer weather can change quickly, check with organizers before leaving home.
Things to Do with Kids in Baton Rouge This Weekend
Back-to-School Workshops | Refinery Counseling Center
Help your child start the school year with confidence! Refinery Counseling Center is offering Back-ti-School workshops for rising kindergarteners, elementary students, and rising high school freshmen focused on building social skills, managing emotions, navigating friendships, and easing back-to-school anxiety.
Refinery Counseling Center📆 Friday, July 24
Contact info@refinerycounselingcenter.com or call 225-277-6454 for more information.
Once Upon a Castle: Storytime & Puppet Theatre
📍 Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, 100 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge
📅 Friday, July 24
🕐 11 a.m.–noon
Little ones can begin the weekend inside Baton Rouge’s castle with interactive stories and a puppet show created by the museum team. July’s bayou adventure follows Mama Roux as children help her find five missing baby opossums.
This free program is designed for toddlers, young children, and their caregivers. Families can also explore the museum’s galleries after the show, making it an easy indoor outing when the afternoon heats up.
Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/events/1037262222076903
Kids Take Over the Castle! CAAWS & Kids Markets
📍 Louisiana’s Old State Capitol, 100 North Boulevard, Baton Rouge
📅 Saturday, July 25
🕐 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Local kids are taking over the castle grounds with a market filled entirely with items they’ve made themselves. It’s a fun chance for families to encourage young creativity, shop small, and let children see other kids turning their ideas into real projects.
CAAWS will also bring adoptable dogs to meet visitors. Admission is free, and arriving earlier in the day may help families avoid the strongest heat and afternoon storm chances.
Learn More: https://www.facebook.com/events/2233965304006256
Sensory-Friendly Movie: Split Decision – Minions 3
📍 AMC Baton Rouge 16, 16040 Hatteras Avenue, Baton Rouge
📅 Saturday, July 25
🕐 10 a.m.–noon
Families can enjoy *Minions 3* in a supportive theater setting created for children who may find a traditional movie experience overwhelming. The lights will remain dim, the sound will be lowered, captions will be provided, and children will be free to move and enjoy the movie in the way that feels comfortable for them. Volunteers will monitor the theater exits for added safety and elopement prevention.
Each child’s ticket includes popcorn, a drink, and a snack. Children ages 0–12 attend free, while adults and teens are $10. Additional snacks will be available for purchase. This is a thoughtful indoor option where families can come as they are, without pressure or expectations.
Learn More: https://www.facebook.com/events/1532440881618952/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22discovery_custom_tab%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D
Family-Hour Stargazing at LASM
📍 Louisiana Art & Science Museum, 100 South River Road, Baton Rouge
📅 Saturday, July 25
🕐 10–11 a.m.
Head under the planetarium dome for an interactive look at the stars and constellations visible in our local sky. The program finishes with a featured show that the whole family can enjoy.
It’s an especially good pick for curious kids and families looking for a cool indoor activity. The program is included with general museum admission and is free for LASM members.
Learn More: https://www.lasm.org/public-programs/family-hour-stargazing/
BASF’s Kids’ Lab at LASM
📍 Louisiana Art & Science Museum, 100 South River Road, Baton Rouge
📅 Saturday, July 25
🕐 Workshop sessions offered during museum hours; confirm the day’s schedule before visiting
Young scientists ages 6–12 and their accompanying adults can explore chemistry through a 45-minute hands-on experiment. Participants get to work like real lab scientists, and each child receives a BASF tote with a lab apron and safety glasses.
The workshop is included with general museum admission and free for members. Same-day registration is first come, first served as space allows, so LASM recommends arriving at least 15 minutes early.
Learn More: https://www.lasm.org/public-programs/basfs-kids-lab/
Saturday Red Stick Farmers Market
📍 Main Street Market, 501 Main Street, Baton Rouge
📅 Saturday, July 25
🕐 8 a.m.–noon
Make a morning of shopping directly from local farmers and food makers downtown. Families can browse Louisiana-grown vegetables and fruit alongside dairy products, cheese, eggs, bread, meats, seafood, plants, baked goods, prepared meals, goat milk soaps, and more.
Live music, children’s activities, and cooking demonstrations add extra fun while families shop. The year-round Saturday market takes place rain or shine; when the weather turns dreary, look for vendors inside the Galvez Parking Garage. An early visit is still the best bet for cooler temperatures and a wider selection.
Learn More: https://breada.org/events/saturday-red-stick-farmers-market-492/
Highland Road Park Observatory Weekend Programs
📍 Highland Road Park Observatory, 13800 Highland Road, Baton Rouge
📅 Friday, July 24–Saturday, July 25
🕐 Friday: 7:30–10 p.m. • Saturday: 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m., with breaks between programs
Families interested in space have several reasons to visit HRPO this weekend. Friday begins with the 7:30 p.m. lecture “High Proper Motion,” followed by Evening Sky Viewing from 8:30–10 p.m. Saturday includes Solar Viewing from 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m., STEM Expansion: “Planetary Meteorology” from 2:30–6:30 p.m., and Evening Sky Viewing from 7:30–10 p.m.
The STEM Expansion session is designed for ages 12–16 and requires registration. Telescope programs are weather permitting, so call 225-768-9948 before leaving home—especially with afternoon storms in the forecast.
Learn More: https://www.brec.org/HRPO/July