Are you looking for things to do with kids in Baton Rouge this fall? We are taking you straight through the alphabet with over 75 ideas and activities that are perfect for Baton Rouge family fun this Fall. If you need kid-friendly things to do in Baton Rouge, we have you covered. There is everything from indoor Baton Rouge family fun to weekend day trips, all pre-approved by our team here at Red Stick Mom! Whether you live in Baton Rouge or are traveling to Baton Rouge with kids, there is plenty to do in this friendly Louisiana city with the family. Happy Fall!
Looking for pumpkin patches or fall-specific activities – we have you HERE!
Family Fun in Baton Rouge :: 75+ Ideas and Activities for Baton Rouge Family Fun
Special thanks to our sponsors who made this guide possible ::
The Baton Rouge Clinic
It may not be cool yet, but the smell of pumpkin spice and the sounds of football are in the air. Fall is upon us and The Baton Rouge Clinic is here for you and your family.
As the premier multi-specialty clinic in the region, The Baton Rouge Clinic offers a comprehensive range of outstanding medical services for every member of your family. For over 75 years, The Baton Rouge Clinic has been committed to caring for generations of families in our community. With 22 pediatricians, 47 adult primary care physicians, numerous specialties, on-site lab and radiology, and Urgent Care, The Baton Rouge Clinic has everything to keep you and your family happy and healthy this fall. For more information and to view our services, please visit our website HERE.
East Baton Rouge Parish Library
No matter your age, your library has the resources to help you succeed in school. Whether you need help with math homework, an English paper or preparing for a test, your library card is all you need. We have online tutoring, databases, a huge print and digital collection and 14 locations that are open 7 days a week. Learn more about this FREE resource here!
A
Abita Brewery :: Located just over the lake from New Orleans, the Abita Brewery is the ultimate Louisiana craft beer experience. They offer regular and self-guided tours with many family-friendly options.
Andonie Museum :: Located on LSU’s campus, the Andonie Museum tells the story of LSU Athletics. Young and old alike can explore and discover hundreds of pieces of memorabilia and artifacts exhibiting the history, traditions, and nostalgia of LSU.
Angola Prison Rodeo :: Every Sunday in October. The Prison Rodeo incorporates traditional and unique events. Like a traditional rodeo, it hosts bull riding, bronco riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling.
Alex Box Stadium :: Join college baseball’s greatest fans to cheer on LSU’s six-time national champions. There’s a playground inside and kids are invited to run the bases after Sunday games.*
Atchafalaya Basin :: A huge swamp containing almost one million acres, the Atchafalaya Basin is also home to an eighteen mile long bridge. If the view from the bridge isn’t exciting enough for your family, boat tours are available through several companies. You can find a list here.
Adventure Pass :: Check out an Adventure Pass from Ascension Parish Library! The Adventure Pass Collection allows you to visit local and regional museums and nature centers. Passes are available to residents who are age 17 or older with a library card in good standing. They have partnered with The National World War II Museum, Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center, Louisiana Art and Science Museum, USS Kidd Veteran’s Museum, and more!
Airborn Extreme :: The home of the original wall-to-wall aerial action where we NEVER stop searching for great new ways to play! Locations in Denham Springs and Gonzales.
B
Barnhill Preserve :: Enjoy extraordinary personalized and engaging experiences that ignite a lifelong passion for wildlife and conservation.
Bass Pro Shop :: A destination for hunting, fishing, and outdoor gear located in Denham Springs. Check out their museum, animal displays, aquarium, and entertainment center.
Blackwater Conservation Area :: It opened in 2002 and is one of BREC’s renowned conservation areas. The naturalized park offers two large fishing lakes, nature trails, and a pavilion with restrooms. The trees on the 57.48-acre site represent native species such as Bald Cypress, Tupelo Gum, Cottonwood, River Birch, Red Mulberry, Persimmon, Pines, and Oaks. Catch their Woods Walk Series!
Blue Bayou {Warm Weather Only} :: Grab the floaties, lather up with sunscreen, and take the whole family for an exciting summer getaway in the sun.
Bluebonnet Swamp :: BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center is a 103-acre facility featuring nature programs and environmental education including educational group tours, live animal encounters, holiday and summer day camps, toddler activities, birding walks, field trips, and special events. Don’t miss their Swamp Flashlight Nights!
Blue Zoo :: Our mission is to educate and inspire in a fun, hands-on environment! Touch and feed stingrays, birds, and reptiles! Experience sharks, an octopus, clownfish, seahorses, jellyfish and angelfish! Play on multiple water tables and a pirate ship! Come join the fun!
Brushfire Studios :: Painting pottery is a great idea for special occasions or just to have fun. Brushfire Art Studio has a wonderful selection of over 200 ceramic pieces to choose from ranging from $5-$75 each. Family and friends alike will treasure pottery that has been personalized by you.
Botanical Gardens :: Baton Rouge is lucky to have two botanical gardens: the LSU AgCenter Gardens at Burden Museum and the BREC Botanical Gardens at Independence Park. Both feature walking trails and are open to the public daily. The LSU AgCenter also features a Children’s Garden.
Bowling :: enjoy any of the local bowling alleys: All-Star Lanes, Premier Lanes Entertainment Center, and Red Stick Social.
C
Camp Istrouma :: A retreat center that hosts both summer and winter camps located 10 miles northeast of Baton Rouge. The camp features 162 acres of magnificent south Louisiana natural woodlands including nature trails and a large lake. The camp is owned and operated by the United Methodist Church.
Capitol Park Museum :: The Capitol Park Museum tells a story of passion, adventure and discovery that could have happened only in the Bayou State. Come explore a way of life like no other.
Cabela’s :: A destination for hunting, fishing, and outdoor gear located in Gonzales. Check out the incredible animal displays and aquarium.
Celebration Station :: Fun for the whole family! Celebration Station features arcade games, batting cages, go-karts, miniature golf, small rides, and pizza.
Center Stage Performing Arts Academy :: The only comprehensive studio in the area providing students with training in various styles of dance, acting, voice, musical theatre, and instrumentation.
Chee Chee’s Playroom :: Chee Chee’s Playroom is a safe indoor environment that encourages children to see just how far their imagination can go. Climb around in the indoor playground, build a castle with huge blocks, ride around on the mini track, or create beautiful artwork.
Chuck E. Cheese :: Our family fun center offers diverse menu options, skill-level arcade games, and in-store performances for everyone to enjoy. On the hunt for the perfect birthday party destination? Celebrate at Chuck E. Cheese with pizza, cake, and all the games you can play!
City-Brooks Community Park :: nestled between LSU and Mid-City, City Park is over 150 acres and features a large playground, dog park, tennis center, golf course, art gallery, and splash pad. There’s plenty of room for a picnic under the sprawling oaks.
CM Farms :: Join us in October & November 2024 for weekends packed full of fun! Get lost in our giant corn maze, pick out the perfect pumpkin from our pumpkin barn, say hello to adorable baby animals, explore tons of attractions, indulge in delicious food and dessert, and join us select weekends for special events like our Hometown Heroes & Not-So-Spooky Carnival!
Don’t miss the Corn Maze at Burden as they open the fields and crank up the tractors to usher in the Fall season with some safe crazy mazy outdoor fun during Corn Maze Saturdays in 2024!
D
Defy Air Park :: Enjoy trampolines, parkour, ninja obstacle course, zip-line, dodgeball, basketball dunking, stunt fall, aerial silks, slack-lines, tramp wall, air-track, birthday parties, and more! Extreme Air Sports is what they do best!
Denham Springs Main Street :: captures small-town America with its antique and arts district. Several festivals are held throughout the year as well. Be sure to stop in one of the delicious cafes or coffee shops while you’re out and about.
Downtown Baton Rouge family fun :: the perfect place to walk around, explore, play and eat while you take in the sights of the grand Mississippi River.
E
Electric Depot :: where the vibrant and vintage character of Mid City comes to life, each and every day and night. What’s the vibe? Electric. How will you explore? For families, friends, and colleagues alike, the opportunities are endless.
Etoufee at The Chimes :: Crawfish Etoufee is a classic Louisiana Dish and The Chimes is the perfect place to get it. Whether you visit the original location near LSU or Chimes East on Coursey, you’ll be pleased by the casual vibe–and don’t worry, it’s loud enough that no one will bat an eye at your noisy toddler!
F
Fall Fete :: It won’t be scary or the reason for a fright, but there’s sure to be fun on this Saturday night! Grab your little ghouls and goblins and creep on over to BREC’s Independence Community Park for an evening of family fun entertainment at Full Moon Fete!
Forest Community Park :: Located on South Harrell’s Ferry, this huge park features walking trails as well as a playground, splash pad, dog park, fishing pond, tennis center, and softball fields.
Fountainbleu State Park :: Take a drive to Mandeville and find the perfect escape for a day trip or weekend. While you’re there, be sure to enjoy the trails, playground, and variety of camping options!
G
Global Wildlife Center {Worth the Drive} :: Located about an hour from Baton Rouge, Global Wildlife Center is home to over 3000 animals. Come face to face with the roaming animals on a guided safari tour.
Greenwood Community Park :: This hidden gem in Baker features a lake, cafe, golf course, disc golf, playground, splash pad, tennis center, dog park, and hiking areas and trails.
H
Highland Road Park and Observatory :: Run by LSU, the observatory offers a Science Academy for 8-12 year olds as well as evening sky viewings. Kids may also enjoy the evening sky viewings on Saturdays from 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
Hilltop Arboretum:: Kids aged 4-10 can learn about nature and gardening through youth programs, or the whole family can come to enjoy a leisurely stroll or picnic (even leashed dogs are welcome). The grounds are open to the public daily from dawn to dusk and admission is free.
I
Indian Mounds-LSU :: The LSU Indian Mounds date back more than 5,000 years and are some of the oldest Native American mounds found in Louisiana. This Children’s Activity Book is designed around the newest display of the LSU Museum of Natural Science. This new exhibit, entitled “Ancient Mounds and Artifacts,” tells you the story of the LSU Indian Mounds and teaches you some basic facts about Louisiana’s Native Americans.
Istrouma Eatery + Brewery :: Located in St. Gabriel, this family-friendly farm and brewery offer everything from birthday parties to celebrations and corporate events. Come out and enjoy some live music, food, and drink while kids can play in the large outdoor space.
J
Jellystone Park {Worth the Drive} :: Located about an hour from Baton Rouge, this campground features two swimming pools, two lakes, canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, kayaks, playgrounds, mini-golf, athletic facilities, and a video arcade. Tent and RV campsites are available as well as cabins.
Jump and Jive :: Jump-N-Jive is home of the STRESS FREE birthday party. Mom and Dad, you just invite the guest and we’ll take care of the rest. Our party professionals are ready to give our guests of honor the party they’ll never forget.
K
Kayak the LSU Lakes {Warm Weather Only} :: Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from LSU UREC to get a better view of one of Baton Rouge’s greatest treasures.
Kidz Korner Playland :: The only playground in our area designed specifically for children with special needs, this park is fun for kids of all abilities.
Knock Knock Children’s Museum :: Visit the interactive, hands-on “Learning Zones,” designed to create teachable moments that will connect children’s everyday experiences to learning.
L
LLa Divina Italian Cafe :: There is so much going on in the fall at La Divina. Come out and listen to live music every weekend, check out some young entrepreneurs, and much more. Check out our website for all the details.
LA Threaux :: Looking for weekend plans? Grab your crew and come experience the thrill of axe throwing! Whether you’re a pro or a first-timer, our lanes are open for some serious fun. BYOB, and let’s make this weekend one to remember!
Laser Tag :: Using the industry’s latest technology, you can truly become a part of the laser tag experience in our 7,500 square foot arena, which is only part of the largest stand-alone laser tag in Baton Rouge and the entire Gulf South. Come by anytime – we run a new public game every 20 minutes – or become a member to enjoy special missions like Space Marines, Capture the Flag and so much more. It’s laser tag like Baton Rouge has never seen.
Library Grab and Geaux Crafts :: East Baton Rouge has an amazing library system and children’s grab and geaux crafts are located at most branches every week. Check the calendar for fun, fall-themed craft dates and details, as well as other events! Do you prefer to visit the Ascension Parish Library? Check out all of their fall family fun HERE!
Louisiana Arts and Science Museum :: Educational entertainment for visitors of all ages! On the first Sunday of every month, LASM offers free admission to the children’s gallery.
LSU Sports :: Football isn’t the only sport that’s fun to watch live! Check out other sports like volleyball, basketball, and more!
Lil’ Bambinos :: Looking for a fun environment that promotes interaction between parents and children with open play hours that fit your schedule? Then look no further! Lil Bambinos Playtorium is designed to meet the creative and educational needs at every stage of a child’s development. The center offers a wide variety of imaginative play items as well as opportunities for children to interact with peers in a fun, clean, and safe environment. Open play is available Monday through Saturday.
M
MMain Event :: Join us for over 49,000 square feet of FUN, games, food, and excitement – it’s all here at Main Event! Our commitment to safety doesn’t stop at cleaning and sanitizing, it also includes a promise to communicate.
Magnolia Mound Plantation :: Tour the main house, which dates to 1791, and surrounding buildings and grounds. Summer and holiday day camps are available.
Manship Theatre :: Baton Rouge’s premier non-profit theatre venue for theatre, film, music, dance and performing arts.
Mike the Tiger :: Visit LSU’s live Bengal tiger mascot in his 15,000 square foot habitat. Leave Fido at home–Mike’s a little feisty.
Movie Night :: Visit one of Baton Rouge’s many movie theatres including Cinemark Perkins Rowe, Malco Theater-Gonzales, Celebrity, AMC 15 at Mall of Louisiana and AMC 16, Movie Tavern (Citiplace), and Movie Tavern (Juban Crossing).
Mrs. Heather’s Pumpkin Patch :: Fall is here and the pumpkins are growing bountifully! Mrs. Heather is inviting everybody to come! Join in the fun and come out to the patch from September 23– November 5, 2023, $10 per child CASH ONLY. Located at 31458 Hwy 43, Albany, LA 70711, Mrs. Heather’s has been a great attraction and place for kids as well as adults for more than decades in the Hammond & Albany area.
Mudpies and Masterpieces :: Look no further for one of a kind art birthday party for your littles. They can do anything from a snoball to Ninja Turtle to Queen Elsa. Painting parties and fun!
Myrtles Plantation :: Located a short drive from Baton Rouge in St. Francisville, The Myrtles is a fun and unique experience for all. We are so excited to welcome you to our unique and historic property. Built in 1796, we have worked to create a property that welcomes and intrigues all guests and visitors. Across the property, you’ll find our nineteen guest rooms, a chef-driven restaurant, guided tours of the historic home, and a retail space, with a coffee shop and lounge that invites you to relax for hours. Above all, we hope to impress you with our hospitality and leave you with a unique experience!
N
Natchez Boat Cruise {Worth the Drive} :: Just an hour southeast of Baton Rouge, enjoy a ride on the Mighty Mississippi while listening to jazz music and viewing the New Orleans skyline.
New State Capitol :: Tour the tallest building in Baton Rouge and the tallest capital in the US. See where Huey P. Long was shot. Run the steps. Explore the gardens. It’s a real treat for any age.
O
Old Governor’s Mansion :: After visiting the Old State Capital, walk on down to learn more about the governors who lived here and ruled Louisiana. Kids love learning about Huey’s secret passageway!
Old Hickory Railroad :: Get back to a time when railroads connected our country by taking a 6.2 mile ride commemorating the Clinton and Port Hudson Railroad in Jackson, LA.
Old State Capitol :: A medieval fortress on the outside with spiraled staircase and an amazing stained glass dome on the inside houses the storied history of Louisiana’s flamboyant political history.
Outlet Shopping :: Hit up Tanger Outlet Mall in Gonzales.
P
Painting and Pinot :: Don’t miss their themed Mommy & Me classes where parents can help their children paint a masterpiece!
Pennington Planetarium :: Revel in the wonders of the universe inside this 60 ft. domed theater located at LASM Art and Science Museum.
Pentagon Barracks :: The Pentagon Barracks is a complex of buildings located at the corner of State Capitol Drive and River Road on the grounds of the state capitol. The site was used by the Spanish, French, British, Confederate States Army, and United States Army and was part of the short-lived Republic of West Florida. When in use as a military post, the Pentagon Barracks was visited by such notable figures as Zachary Taylor, George Custer, Jefferson Davis, and Abraham Lincoln.
Perkins Road Park :: This action-packed BREC facility features a skate park, BMX track, rock-climbing tower, and (recently shaded) playground for younger children.
Perkins Rowe :: One stop for shopping, dining, movies, and seasonal music concerts. Come out to Rock N Rowe every Thursday night starting on September 14.
Playmakers :: Introduce your child to the arts by attending these kid-friendly plays. You will not be disappointed.
Q
Quack quack! See the ducks at the LSU Lakes :: Start your morning by feeding the ducks! Here are some great things to feed ducks and geese.
R
RRaising Cane’s River Center :: The Raising Cane’s River Center is home to the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra, Baton Rouge Ballet, and Broadway in Baton Rouge. Check out their upcoming events!
Red Stick Farmers Market :: Shop local farmers while teaching your kids where their food comes from and the importance of buying locally every Saturday morning til 1:00 p.m. Step inside the adjacent Main Street Market to grab breakfast or lunch!
Rural Life Museum :: The LSU Rural Life Museum is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of materials from the cultures of 18th and 19th-century rural Louisianans. Don’t miss their fun fall events like Harvest Days, Haints, Haunts & Halloween and more!
S
Satisfy your sweet tooth with goodies from Bonjour, Sweet Society, Crumbl, Mr. Milkshake, Caroline’s Cookies, or The Yard!
Sherwood Forest Indoor Playground :: Featuring a walking track, fitness center, and, most importantly, a fenced play area, this BREC facility is gloriously air-conditioned, making it a perfect retreat for summer months and rainy days.
Snowballs {Warm Weather Only} :: A sticky Louisiana summer isn’t complete without an equally sticky snowball! Our favorites are Way Cool and Snoman*
Southern Football :: Catch a game and see the world-renowned Human Jukebox! Get the 2022 schedule, ticket information, and all the latest news on the Jaguars!
Splash around at one of Baton Rouge’s many splash pads and places to have fun in the water!*
St. Francisville {Worth the Drive} :: This small town sits just north of Baton Rouge but feels like a step back in time. Whether you go for the local shopping, to commune with nature, or to eat at the mouthwatering Magnolia Cafe, you’re sure to enjoy a day in St. Francisville.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral :: A landmark in Catholicism in South Louisiana. This beautiful church dates to 1853 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Surge Entertainment :: Indoor entertainment center, featuring a restaurant, bowling, arcade, laser tag, climbing features, party rooms and much more!
T
Tabasco Brand Factory :: Just a short drive from Baton Rouge, tour the Tabasco factory at Avery Island and experience how the world-famous hot sauce is produced. Learn about the history, eat at the restaurant, and explore the 170-acre garden.
Tickfaw State Park {Worth the Drive} :: Only 45 minutes from Baton Rouge, this beautiful state park offers easy trails, playgrounds, a nature center, and several camping options.
Tiger Stadium :: Baton Rouge is known for its love of football! Cheer on LSU’s Fighting Tigers with 100,320 of your closest friends.
Tin Roof Brewing Co. :: Baton Rouge’s largest craft brewery produces a variety of delicious beers and serves them in a comfortable setting. We look forward to sharing one of our beers with you soon.
Tony’s Seafood Market :: A Baton Rouge institution, this place has been family-owned for more than fifty years and has the best live and boiled seafood in town.
Top Golf :: A sports entertainment complex that features an inclusive, high-tech golf game that everyone can enjoy. Paired with an outstanding food and beverage menu, climate-controlled hitting bays, and music.
Trader Joe’s:: Kids are important customers at Trader Joe’s! There are pint-size shopping carts, free samples, stickers, suckers, and a stuffed Mike The Tiger hiding somewhere among the shelves.
Tumbles :: Get your kids moving and having fun at this awesome indoor earning playground. Kids ages 6 months to 12 years will love the many classes, camps, and activities as they explore their independence in this supportive and clean environment.
Tunica Hills {Worth the Drive} :: Located in Clark Creek Natural Area just an hour north of Baton Rouge, you will find incredible trails, waterfalls, and hikes perfect for any nature lover.
U
Unleash Fido at Raising Cane’s Dog Park :: This is a great no-leash area right next to the playground at City-Brooks Community Park.
Uptown Climbing :: Louisiana’s largest indoor rock climbing gym with 10,000+ square feet of climbing for all skills. Plus Fitness, Yoga, Parties, and more.
Urban Air Adventure Park :: Located in Denham Springs, you can take your kids’ birthday party to the next level or spend a day of fun with the family. See why they’re more than just a trampoline park!
USS Kidd :: This retired Navy destroyer served through two eras of conflict and is now a floating museum. Kids can even camp aboard overnight!
V
Volunteer as a family through one of the many programs set up by Volunteers of America.
W
Walk the Mall of Louisiana :: enjoy the shops, food court, indoor playground, carousel, and more!
Whole Foods :: Here you can establish healthy eating habits from an early age by grocery shopping as a family. Whole Foods provides kid-friendly recipes, budget, and meal planning tips, and ways to get kids excited about healthy snacks.
WWII Museum :: Worth the Drive! The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. This is great for older kids!
X
“Xtreme” sports at BREC’s Perkins Road Community Park :: amenities include the skate park and BMX Raceway, a rock climbing wall, a community playground, a tennis court, and walking, skating, and biking trails. BREC’s BMX Raceway hosts birthday parties as well as sanctioned USABMX races.
Y
Young Chef’s Academy :: This is a wonderful way to introduce the art of cooking to any young chef. They offer birthday parties, camps, and special events. They even offer gift certificates, which is a perfect gift for that kid who has everything.
YMCA :: There’s bound to be one close to you no matter where you live. The YMCA offers monthly memberships as well as seasonal sporting activities and summer camps for non-members. Many local companies even offer discounted memberships. Check them out for all your family fitness needs.
Z
Zoo
:: No need to drive all the way to New Orleans to enjoy zoo animals. The Baton Rouge Zoo, located just a few minutes north in Baker, is the perfect size to see a variety of animals in just one visit.
Zachary :: It’s the best of both worlds: a small town only minutes from the big city. Read more about why we love Zachary here.
*These activities may be seasonal. Please check their sites for dates.
Looking for even more fun fall ideas? Check out some of our most loved posts!
8 Cool Things About LSU Game Day Off Campus
How to Style a Fall Tiered Tray
You included Playmakers and Center Stage, but left off Theatre Baton Rouge, which has kid-friendly “The Music Man” running almost all June.
Lil Bambino’s is a fantastic place for toddlers as well. It’s in Gonzales.
[…] ABCs of Baton Rouge {just an hour away} […]
Hi, I’m wondering about activites and churches that have adult special needs groups
Don’t forget the Capitol Park Museum, it’s affordable and fun for the whole family.
Throw me something is also a great place to go!