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Our Baton Rouge Holiday & Christmas Events Guide is our largest guide to date with over 50 events. This list will be updated daily as we learn of new events being hosted in our area. We’re sharing events within a 60 mile radius of Baton Rouge. Whether you’re looking for a Christmas parade, holiday-themed performance, Santa visit, or lights display, there’s the cornucopia of holiday-themed programs and events throughout the season. Be sure to grab for our FREE Christmas Events List Printable so you don’t miss an event! If you have an event or activity to add, please email us – info@BatonRougeMoms.com
Thanks to Rapid Urgent Care for sponsoring this year’s Holiday Events Guide.
The 67th Annual Cortana Kiwanis Downtown Christmas Parade will roll through Downtown Baton Rouge December 9 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 troups, non-profit organizations, and local businesses in seasonal themes.
This year, 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. Regular admission prices are: $5 for adults/teens; $4 for senior citizens; $3 for children (2-12 years old) and $3 for Friends of the 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. Learn more at www.brzoo.org.
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.
VISITOR AMENITIES: Safari Photo Booth, Seasonal Specials from the Flamingo Cafe’, Safari Post Gift Shop
Sunday, December 2, 2018
12:30pm until 6:00pm
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 present during this event.
Admission: $10.00 per person. Children 10 years and younger are admitted for free.
This event will conclude with a bonfire and a visit from Papa Noel!
The Raising Cane’s River Center will once again magically transform the arena into a “Winter Wonderland” just in time for you to create your holiday memories. Ice Skating on the River sponsored by Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL is an annual holiday tradition, which will kick off the ice skating season on Friday, December 21, 2018. The Coca-Cola Santa Truck will be at the Raising Cane’s River Center, spreading the joy of the season exclusively for the opening session.
What better way to celebrate the holiday season than Ice Skating on the River sponsored by Cirque du Soleil CRYSTAL? Please join us for a skating session soon and create winter memories that will last a lifetime. Tickets are currently available at the Raising Cane’s River Center box office, all Ticketmaster outlets, and charge by phone at-1-800-745-3000 or online at www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, please contact the Raising Cane’s River Center at 225-389-3030.
Two popular events intertwine for a special holiday Far-Out First Friday combined with the annual Festival of Light’s activities – all rolled into one exciting night! Join 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. Bethlehem Village with a real-life village set in Biblical times where children can craft ornaments and decorations, plus a magical train ride on the Mansion Express at the Old Governor’s Mansion. Visit Santa’s Gift Shoppe and listen to holiday music during an evening of visual, culinary, and performing arts.
All aboard The Polar Express! Bring your family to experience this beloved holiday movie in the planetarium theater every Saturday, November 24-December 22. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa before each show beginning at 2:15 PM, and after the show, visitors can pick up their very own sleigh bells to take home.
The Nutcracker – A Tale from the Bayou, created by Molly Buchmann and Sharon Mathews in 1992, has become one of the most highly-anticipated events of the holiday season. Accompanied by the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, the production incorporates local landmarks while maintaining the grandeur and integrity of the classic ballet. This lavish production continues to thrill children and adults alike, and snow is always guaranteed!
“God’s Unconditional Love: A Nativity Scene”
Friday, Dec. 14th at 6:30 and 7:00 PM
Saturday, Dec. 15th at 6:00, 6:30, and 7:00 PM
This year’s holiday BRSO events will includ
BREC Holiday EventsSanta Road Show Saturday, Dec 15, 2018 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Gus Young Park
Gather the entire family to experience the holidays the BREC way as Santa makes his stop at the Santa Road Show at Gus Young Park. Be sure to take memorable photos with Santa and enjoy free holiday-themed games and activities.
Creole Christmas: Sunday, Dec 09, 2018 1:00 PM – 6:00 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.
$5.00 per Car & Passenger Vans or Buses $1 per person This walk or drive through display is open to the public from December 14th – 16th & December 20th – 23rd, from 5:30PM till 9:00PM. Horse & Buggy Rides, Ice Fishing and a Snow Patch will also be available.
Drive through the grounds of the West Baton Rouge Conference Center and view the spectacular lights. Take advantage of the FREE shuttle service as there is no parking available on the grounds of the WBR Conference Center during this event; Parking will be at Louis Mouch Multipurpose arena located at 152 Turner Road. You must obtain a wristband at the entrance gate to participate in all the activities. Come inside the conference center to visit the talking reindeer. Walk through the holiday decorated rooms. Enjoy carnival rides for the children or buy those last minute gifts from our crafters. Santa will be here on Friday and Saturday nights only. Take your holiday pictures with Santa and his elves.
Dec.15th will be ice fishing for $5.00 per person.
On Dec. 22nd is snow night for $5.00 per person.
HORSE & BUGGY RIDES. Cuddle up in a blanket next to your friends and loved ones and take a ride through the lights in a horse-drawn wagon for $5.00 per person. Bring your family and friends and make West Baton Rouge and “Reflections of the Season” part of your Christmas tradition.
Lamar Dixon Expo Center – A 1.5 mile drive-through LED Christmas show that is a combination of synchronized elements that move with music being transmitted through your car stereo & large animated displays. There are thousands of channels simultaneously directing this orchestra of lights. Using the most technologically advanced equipment in the industry, Christmas Wonderland magically expresses what Christmas means to us. Our hope is for this show to spark a smile on your face.
M-F: 6 – 10PM
Sat-Sunday: 6-10PM or Later
Including Holidays, even in the rain!
For more information, visit shadrackchristmas.com
It’s time for Nottoway’s annual Christmas Bonfire Festival! For just $5 per car, you’ll experience a night filled with music, food, vendors, bonfires, fireworks, Santa and more!
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.
November 18th – Kids get the royal holiday treatment at their own Celebration in the Oaks Preview Party and – bonus! – mom and dad can enjoy this family experience without lifting a finger. Your little ones will feel like the kings and queens of the ball at this fun-filled party.
And special this year at the Celebration in the Oaks Family Party – we’ll have the characters from FROZEN! That’s right, Princess Anna, Queen Elsa, Kristoff and the lovable Olaf. They’ll be walking around and will be ready to take photos with the kids (and those who are kids at heart, too). Don’t forget your camera.
New Orleans’ official holiday parade, the “Krewe of Jingle,” will once again delight locals and visitors alike with authentic parade floats, marching bands, stilt walkers, Christmas characters and many more magical surprises!
12/7/2018 • Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville – A Colonial Christmas School Day, 9 – 11:30 a.m. Preregistered students will learn about Christmas traditions in early America. Wassailing, hunting for Christmas dinner, and origins of Christmas traditions are just some of the things students will experience. For more information call 888.677.2838 toll free or 225.635.3739 locally.
12/8/2018 • Audubon State Historic Site, St. Francisville – A Dickens of a Christmas, 6 – 8 p.m. The plantation comes to life during the holidays, as it shows off its seasonal decorations. Costumed guides accompany the visitor on a trip into the past through the candlelit Oakley House. Take a taste of what´s cooking in the kitchen, or just enjoy the yearly Christmas dance or listen to live period music. For more information call 888.677.2838 toll free or 225.635.3739 locally.
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.
Come out to the annual Christmas In The Village in the Zachary Historical District! Kickoff the holiday season and join Zachary Mayor David Amrhein as he welcomes everyone to the annual Zachary Christmas In the Village Celebration from 5:45 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dec. 7. The event will take place in the Zachary Historical District, on Virginia Street behind City Hall and this year, expands to the fire station and along Main Street to Lee Street. Bring a camera to take photos while you meet the Whoville characters. Santa will be at the Whoville House at the corner of Virginia and Florida streets.
HALF A MILLION LIGHTS ~ NEW ANIMATED DISPLAYS ~ CARNIVAL RIDES PHOTOS WITH SANTA ~ LIVE NIGHTLY ENTERTAINMENT LOCAL CUISINE ~ HOLIDAY SHOPPING – VIP Parking Available
For more information, click on the drop-down menu on the Noel Acadien au Village tab.
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.
Noel Acadien au Village features half-a-million lights, including the fully lit Chapel, new displays for our Acadian home porches, lighted holiday displays, live entertainment, carnival rides, local cuisine, photos with Santa, holiday shopping in the Christmas Store and much more!
25th Festival of the Bonfires – St. James ParishCHRISTMAS 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!!
Christmas Past Festival DEc. 8th 10 AM-3 PM in Old Mandeville.The Christmas Past street festival is packed with over 40 vendors lining Girod Street. The festival will extend from near the Mandeville Trailhead complex and continue down to the lakefront. Keeping with an international season theme, each block will highlight a different region: Germany, England, France, Louisiana, and America. For maps and the program of events, please visit their Christmas Past Festival Facebook Page.
The City of Slidell celebrates the holiday season with Christmas Under the Stars, an annual celebration of twinkling lights, festive decorations, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Parade of Trees, the life-size Christmas Cottages, Slidell’s Nativity, Christmas songs, and much more.
This would be another option for a day trip and 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.
See a full list of featured events—> https://www.holidaytrailoflights.com
This is a comprehensive round-up of Family Friendly Baton Rouge Holiday & Christmas Events to make it easy for Baton Rouge families to find things to do this Christmas season, we hope you enjoy it! Be sure to click “GOING” on the Event Page to receive updates on Baton Rouge area holiday events and activities! We will update the list daily and welcome the community to list events as well!
There will be many fun events that you won’t want to miss taking place, we’ve created a fun Christmas Events List printable for you to print and fill out so you don’t miss a thing!
Baton Rouge Moms Printable
FIND US ON FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM for more community info, activities and events!
Thanks to Rapid Urgent Care for sponsoring the Holiday Events Guide.
Grab your ghosts and goblins and get ready for some Baton Rouge Halloween family fun, we have all of the details for Trick or Treat times and Trunk or Treat events below.
East Baton Rouge Parish — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
West Baton Rouge Parish — 5:50 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Ascension Parish — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Livingston Parish — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Pointe Coupee Parish — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in rural areas
7 p.m. to 8 p.m. City of New Roads costume contest
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Morganza
6 p.m. 7:30 p.m. in Livonia
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Fordoche
East Feliciana Parish — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
West Feliciana Parish — 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 31
Wednesday at 6 PM – 7:30 PM
FREE Family Fun! Decorated trunks, plenty of candy, games & inflatables, cake walk, food for the whole family, karaoke & more! Hosted by Bethel Church.
Wednesday at 6 PM – 8 PM
Enjoy a family friendly atmosphere with games, activities, decorated trunks, food, candy and much more!!!
Hosted by Councilwoman Erika L. Green- Metro Council District 5 and The Charles R. Kelly Community Center
October 30th and 31st from 6pm – 8pm
To provide a safe and fun environment for kids and families to enjoy Halloween festivities, Supreme Chevrolet will be hosting “Trunk-or-Treat” costume parties on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 30th and 31st from 6pm – 8pm. Kids and adults alike are encouraged to dress up and get into the spirit of things as they visit decorated car trunks where “Supreme Creatures” will be passing out treats. Party goers will vote on best kid and grown-up costumes while enjoying music, snacks and refreshments. The public is invited and admission is one can per person that will be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Hosted by Chevrolet of Gonzales
Wednesday at 6 PM – 8 PM
Trunk or Treat is a Free Family event at Lighthouse Church on Oct 31st 6pm to 8pm. Candy, Free Food, Inflatables, and Much More. 3844 Noble St Zachary LA 225-301-1677 Hosted by Lighthouse Church-Zachary
Wednesday at 6 PM – 8 PM
This is a FREE and SAFE alternative to Halloween for the community in our church parking lot. We will have decorated trunks, games, candy, prizes and chili. This event is for the entire family so don’t miss out on the fun! Hosted by Ascension Baptist Church
Wednesday at 6 PM – 8 PM
Join the fun at Zoar Baptist Church for our Annual Fall Festival! It is a fun Halloween alternative! GAMES, INFLATABLES, TRUNK OR TREAT, & FOOD! Hosted by Zoar Baptist Church in Central.
You know when a new no-brainer product hits the market and you say to yourself, “Of course! What a genius idea?”
That was the exact thought that popped in my head as I sat there at Java Mama. I was in a meeting with the sweetest fellow Momma discussing the great benefits of my small business becoming an ambassador for a brilliant local company. The problem, I didn’t have the type of money needed. She threw out some other options and then she said the sentence that set off the light bulb, “Of course, (in these groups) there won’t be child care available!”
How many other entrepreneurial moms out there hear that same thing?
The thing is, I started my business with the main goal of being able to spend more time with my babies. I wanted the best of both worlds: mommy life and business. I jumped on the entrepreneur train because I wanted to use my talents in a career, but I also didn’t want to miss out on fields trips and parent lunches.
As she continued to talk, one thought led to another and then another until I literally heard the lightbulb ding. A local Mompreneur group! We could support and learn so much from each other. We could support each other.
I am a huge Lisa Bevere fan. ‘Lioness Arising’ was the first book of hers that I read. She talks about how the female lions hunt together with their fellow lionesses. They kill together. They bring the food back to feed their young. They do it together.
Get this? They do it in a noncompetitive fashion. They slay together, y’all!
(Incidentally, they also share mates but I personally think we can pump the breaks and rap up the analogy there. Boundaries.)
How much stronger would we be for our families, our businesses, and our communities if we came together in support of each other? We’re raising babies, businesses, and maintaining happy homes. It’s no joke. I’m actually writing this during nap time with a pile of laundry in view. Raise your hand if you’re with me! 🤚
About me.
I’m Megan Howard Kelly, proud wife and Mommy of two of the sweetest little girls you’ll ever meet. I am a former reporter/producer at WAFB channel 9, and most recently, alumni of Baton Rouge leadership class (2017-18 – the best class).
Over the last decade, I’ve run a business and served as Creative Director at Encounter Church. Currently, I am the owner of MHK Consulting. We’re a branding and marketing company that aims to help you win! Most importantly, I’m founder of BR Mompreneurs.
I’m on the hunt for fellow Mompreneurs in the greater Baton Rouge area to be a part of our new group. This group’s goal is to connect, equip, and empower. You can expect weekly posts focusing on personal growth, business education, digital marketing, and networking. I’ll have tips on easy ways you can grow your brand and online reach. You can also look forward to LIVE chats on everything ‘Mom’ and ‘Entrepreneur’.
Plus, keep your eyes out for Mompreneur meet-ups. I hope you’ll join with me and watch us grow together
10/31 Consortium is a Baton Rouge-based non-profit organization established in July 2010. The organization is a club for Halloween enthusiasts which hosts several Halloween-themed events throughout the year. These events all lead up to the organization’s largest events, the Fifolet Halloween Festival, Baton Rouge Halloween Parade and Pumpkin Pi 3.14 Mile Race and Tough Pumpkin Challenge! The organization remains dedicated to children and the preservation of this Autumn tradition by raising money for Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Hospital, collecting food for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank, collecting costumes for children in the Baton Rouge Big Buddy Program and by working with area neighborhoods to promote safe Trick or Treat practices. Baton Rouge Moms is honored to partner with 10/31 Consortium as their media sponsor and we have an amazing giveaway to share with you, see below!
Join us for Halloween Town for family-friendly fun for the whole family, vendor booths, food and beverages, live entertainment, contests, character encounters and much more!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
7am – Pumpkin Pi Race Late Packet Pickup / Late Registration in the Parties by J. Griffin tent
7:30am – Pumpkin Pick Up for the Tough Pumpkin Challenge in the Painting and Pinot tent; DJ begins on stage in Halloween Town
7:50am – The DJ will announce in Halloween Town that the race is about to begin and for all runners to go to the Start Line on the Levee. Runners MUST go up the stairs by the River Center and walk across the pedestrian overpass of River Road to get to the start line on the levee due to construction.
8am – Race begins – First is the Lil’ Pumpkins 1 Mile Fun Run, the Standard Pi and Tough Pumpkin Challenge will go together with Pumpkin Runners lined up in the back.
9:30am – Race Winners Announced on Stage in Halloween Town
10am – DJ ends; Snow Sisters in the Petite Princess Company tent
10:30am – Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest sponsored by Island Girl Bake Shop on stage
11am – Petite Princess Company presents the Snow Sisters on stage
12pm – School of Rock on stage; Sleeping Beauty and her Evil Queen in the Petite Princess Company tent
12:30pm – BRMHS Magnet High School Choir on stage
1pm – Gary Bello Band on stage until 4pm
2pm – Island Princess in the Petite Princess Company tent
4pm – Halloween Parade rolls by; Halloween Town ends
This is no ordinary 5k. This 3.14 mile long race on the Mississippi River Levee (by the USS Kidd) is exactly 200 feet longer than a 5k. And, it is Baton Rouge’s only Halloween costume race! Take the Tough Pumpkin Challenge and run “the pi” while holding a pumpkin! All participants will receive a finisher’s medal. A special medal will be awarded to those completing the Tough Pumpkin Challenge. Additional prizes will be awarded by age group. REGISTER HERE
No Krewe? No problem! Individual Walkers must dress according to categories as they will be grouped together with other Individual Walkers to form the semblance of a Walking Unit. This is a great way to make new friends and start your own krewe next year! Members can register as an Individual Walker for $15. Non-members are subject to a 20% fee increase.
INDIVIDUAL WALKER REGISTRATION FORM
They’re back! The world-famous Weeki Wachee mermaids will splash into Audubon Aquarium of the Americas November 1-4 and 8-11. From 10:00am to 5:00pm on each of the eight days, the mermaids and pirates will dive beneath the surface of the Great Maya Reef, which is home to stingrays and tropical fish. Guests can also meet a mermaid up-close and have photos taken near the second-floor Stingray touch pool.
Sea Grass Salon
November 4 and 11 / 10:00am – 4:30pm
Pisces Room
2nd Floor, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Transform into a mermaid at the Aquarium! Professional “Sea Grass Stylists” from Salon J’elle will turn you into a magical mermaid complete with makeup, hair, and a mermaid inspired outfit. If your child prefers something a little different they can join in the fun as our “Sea Grass” apprentices transform them into pirates! Your Seagrass Salon ticket also includes admission to the Aquarium for the day and the Mermaid & Pirate party in the Pisces Room on the second floor of the Aquarium.
Breakfast with the Mermaids
Gulf of Mexico Exhibit
Audubon Aquarium of Americas
Enjoy your breakfast in front of the Gulf of Mexico exhibit at Audubon Aquarium of Americas! Guests will receive exclusive access to meet a Weeki Wachee mermaid up close during breakfast and each participant will receive an autographed photo of their mermaid. After breakfast (9:45am) guests will have early entry for a free photo with a mermaid. Your breakfast ticket also includes admission to the Aquarium for the day and the Mermaid & Pirate party in the Pisces Room on the second floor of the Aquarium.
Mermaid and Pirate Party
Pisces Room
Second Floor, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Enjoy our Pisces Room that overlooks the Mississippi River to create mermaid and pirate-themed crafts. Enjoy pirate and mermaid games, an exclusive “Shell-fie Station”, a Sing-a-long with pirate and mermaid songs with a DJ.
Learn more at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas website!
Calling all ghosts, goblins, little ghouls and boys… the Zoo invites participants to Boo at the Zoo, a merry-not-scary trick-or-treating extravaganza. Participants are encouraged to wear their best costumes and visit over 21 treat stations throughout the Zoo. We also know you’ll love to wander through the merry-not-scary Hay Maze and Enchanted Swamp. This is a Baton Rouge family tradition that is not to be missed. Family-friendly activities and experiences during the Halloween season can be hard to find, but we can assure you that a day at Boo at the Zoo will feature fun, education, and plenty of treats!
Regular Zoo admission applies and admission is free for Friends of the Zoo Members. Admission gates open 9:30am – 4:00pm. Grounds close at 5 pm.
Enchanted Swamp – Located throughout the Otter Cabin and adjacent boardwalks, guests can let their imaginations run wild as they take in the magically decorated scenery that is merry, not scary! Presented by Alfortish Granite and Marble.
Hay Maze – Wander through fun and festive hay maze that’s perfect for all ages! $1 per person and proceeds benefit your Zoo! Presented by McDonald’s.
EdZooCation Station – The Wildlife Safari Amphitheatre is transformed for this event into a hands-on animal extravaganza! Don’t miss the shows at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Between shows they’ll have volunteers and Zoo Educators available for games and more.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: When is Boo at the Zoo?
A: Oct. 20, 21, 27, 28
Q: How old do you have to be to trick-or-treat?
A: Treats are for children under the age of 12.
Q: Is parking free?
A: Parking is free, but the parking lot often fills up for Boo at the Zoo. Deputies will assist in directing traffic but please “bear” with them. Cars will be permitted to enter as soon as spots become available. It’s best to get there early!
Q: Is your event scary?
A: Boo at the Zoo is a merry, not scary Halloween event. The Hay Maze & other attractions are not scary and are suitable for young children.
Q: Can we bring our own snacks and beverages?
A: Outside snacks and beverages are not allowed inside the Zoo, but feel free to enjoy your Zoo favorites at the Flamingo Cafe, or try out the Food Court with everything from quesadillas and fried pickles to funnel cakes and smoothies!
You won’t want to miss this day of family fun!
Learn more at the BREC Baton Rouge Zoo website and follow the Baton Rouge Zoo Facebook page for updates!
Entertainment this year includes live music from Carbon Copy Band and a special performance by Bayou Cirque entitled “Dark Circus!” You don’t want to miss Baton Rouge’s most artistic, creative and wicked charity fundraiser of the year!
WHEN: Friday, October 19
WHERE: Crown Plaza Executive Center – Main Ballroom 4728 Constitution Avenue
Raffles and Games: Raffle and game tickets must be purchased in order to participate. These can be purchased in advance or at the door. Raffle item preview coming soon! Bring non-perishable food or a child-sized costume donation to receive door prize tickets. The dress is costume or creative formal. This is a 21+ event. See pictures from past Ghostly Galas HERE!
Many of you know 10/31 Consortium as the organization that plans the Baton Rouge Halloween Parade and many other fun events on the Fifolet Halloween Festival schedule. However, few realize these Halloween enthusiasts are also a creative community-minded 501c3 nonprofit. The mission of the organization is to give every child in our area a safe and happy Halloween. This sounds simple enough but the reality is a complex network of giving built on a foundation of love for the City of Baton Rouge, its children, and of course, Halloween. (Read more on their Goals and Objectives HERE.)
Earlier this year, 10/31 Consortium announced a new program for children: The Kids’ Court Youth Leadership and Volunteer Program. This program, for children age 6 to senior in high school, teaches valuable lessons in organization, compassion and public speaking. Participating children are also the selection pool to receive the honors of Baton Rouge Halloween Parade Royalty.
Children in the Service Work phase of the program manage 10/31 Consortium’s Costume and Candy Drive by decorating and delivering donation bins to drop off locations, collecting donations, and then sorting and matching donations to children in need. They also manage and staff the Costume Giveaway Day which puts costumes directly into the hands of children who need them. The Service Work phase runs from mid-August to mid-October. Applications for Service Work may be submitted at any time. Only children who have fully completed Service Work in the year prior will be eligible for Royal Titles, like Prince or Princess of the Halloween Parade. Note that it is stated on the website, “Considering the newness of the program, there may be some overlap in Service Work and Royal Titles during the first few years until the application pool increases.”
2018 Kids’ Court: Prince Wesley Stein, Princess Madeline McCoy, and Pages Caroline Chick, Clara Collins, Iris Collins, Lola Didier, Alex Gabel, Jack Gabel, Ella King and Ciarra Whyte
There are many program benefits listed on the website:
Lessons in Organization – Managing the Costume and Candy Drive teaches children time management and responsibility. They must decorate and deliver donation bins within a certain time-frame, follow up with the donation location, and sort through the hundreds of donated costumes to match them to beneficiaries. Natural leaders will flourish in this process and those needing to hone these skills gain valuable experience.
Lessons in Compassion – Staffing the Costume Giveaway Day is an experience they will never forget. Families from all over the Baton Rouge area (and even as far away as New Orleans) line up to “shop” the free costume selection. Your children will assist, serve and help children in need find the costume they have always wanted. The feeling of giving those smiles and the simple joy of a Halloween costume to a child who might not otherwise have it is a beautiful experience.
Lessons in Public Speaking – Children awarded with Royal Titles will have opportunities to represent the Kids’ Court Program at various community events. They will speak in front of a crowd and possibly in front of a camera. While these opportunities are generally reserved for the Prince and Princess, Pages may attend and assist as well. This is a lesson that will serve them well in adulthood.
Notoriety – Children awarded with Royal Titles will have may have their names and photographs appear in local publications. They will also have their names and photographs listed on the 10/31 Consortium website and on the 10/31 Consortium and Fifolet Halloween Festival social media profiles. The Prince and Princess will also have their picture on the Party Time Kids’ Court Float in the Baton Rouge Halloween Parade.
Coronation – Children awarded Royal Titles will receive a crown or pin and a sash at their official Royal Coronation as part of the Black and Orange Bash in late April.
You can read more about the program fees, which are unusually affordable for a parade royalty program, and rules HERE.
According to Coupon Cabin, the average cost of a Halloween costume is $45. While certainly worth the expense, especially to Halloween fanatics like those in Friends of 10/31 Consortium, it is an impossible expense for many families, particularly those with multiple children. At 10/31 Consortium’s last Costume Giveaway Day, families came from as far away as New Orleans and stood in line for hours to “shop” the free costume selection.
This year’s Costume Giveaway Day is scheduled for Sunday, October 14 from 12 p.m. to 4:00pm at the North Sherwood Forest Community Park in Baton Rouge. Anyone interested in volunteering for the day or having their children participate in the Kids’ Court Youth Leadership and Volunteer Program should email info@1031Consortium.com.
Follow 10/31 Consortium on Facebook HERE.
Follow 10/31 Consortium on Instagram HERE.
Follow the Fifolet Halloween Festival on Facebook HERE.
Follow the Fifolet Halloween Festival on Instagram HERE.
We love fall on Baton Rouge Moms! We get a taste of cooler days, pumpkins, cute costumes and plenty of fun events. There is plenty to do in and around Baton Rouge during the fall season and we have compiled our list of fun fall corn mazes and pumpkin patches! Don’t miss our favorite spots around the Red Stick to find your perfect pumpkin, create some fall family memories and take a hayride or two.
As with previous years, we have included events and activities taking place in Baton Rouge and beyond. Be sure to check out our comprehensive list of Free & Affordable Fall activities on Facebook as well. We put together a similar event page for summer activities and events and it was incredibly useful and turned into a great resource to find ideas for Things To Do throughout the year. Feel free to join the event, share with your friends, and watch for new fall activities listed daily!
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. If you have information on a Pumpkin Patch that we missed, please let us know!
Join Luckett Farms for “Fall” family-friendly fun! Activities will include: farm tours, corn maze, pumpkin patch, hay rides, family games, and ag educational events!
School/Church Groups are welcome!
Pumpkin Patch: Enjoy the lush pumpkin patch, at Rosedown Plantation. Bring the family and pick the perfect pumpkin. Big and Small, they grow them all!
Corn Maze: Crazy for corn mazes? Or just looking for some family fun? The 10-acre maze is filled with twist and turns. Everyone will have loads of Fun playing the AG games thru out the maze! There will also be a mini maze for the little ones.
WHEN: Everyday, 9-5pm September 22nd – November
WHERE: Rosedown Plantation 12501 La Highway 10, Saint Francisville, Louisiana 70775
ADMISSION: $12 per person (kids 2 and under free) – includes the pumpkin patch (pumpkin to bring home), corn maze, all games/ activities, and hayride.
Pumpkin Patch Family Day: Saturday, 10/27 9am-4pm $10/Kid – $40 MAX per family; Parents FREE – Carnival games, panning for gold, obstacle course, barrel train ride, hay rides, and more!
$3/person Touch a Truck – Come and check out the big trucks first hand!
$5/person: The Haunted Mansion! This is not gory but it is scary! Jumps and screams galore! Parents, please be advised that this is not for small children. Great for teens and adults and all funds go to support the student ministry of our church!
Food for Sale: Baked goods, cotton candy, hot dogs, burgers, jambalaya, drinks, and funnel cakes!
Steele’s Fall Festival Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze – Make it a day trip or a weekend getaway and visit Steele’s Farm. We have over 30 attraction for Kids of all ages. Included in admission is our Pumpkin Patch, Petting Zoo and the Hog Holler Race Track.
WHEN: OPEN: Saturday, October 6th, Sunday, October 7th OPEN: Saturday, October 13th, Sunday, October 14th. CLOSED: Saturday, October 20th, Sunday, October 21nd. OPEN: Saturday, October 27th, Sunday, October, 28th.
WHERE: 56459 Dollar Rd., Angie, LA 70426 (985) 966-1041
Baton Rouge Moms will always bring you the best in Family Friendly events in and around the Baton Rouge area, check back for more Family Friendly Fall events, thanks to our sponsor, Lucket Farms – be sure to stop by their NEW corn maze and pumpkin patch for a day of family fun!