Fall, is that you? Or is it summer hiding behind that large pumpkin?
It may not feel like fall just yet, but the season is upon us. My favorite season of them all; I see pumpkin spice lattes, multiple viewings of Hocus Pocus, scary / silly decorations and trick or treating in my future. I LOVE FALL!!
Now if I could only get the leaves to change and a slight breeze below 93 degrees and Louisiana would be on a roll.
So this fall loving, slightly obsessed mama is making a bucket list for the season, with things to do around South Louisiana.
First things First: Brew at the Zoo or St. John & St. Theresa School Fair
The first weekend of October brings some fun and very different options for the family. For an adult night out, I suggest “Brew at the Zoo” at BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo. Try local craft beers from around the state and enjoy some adult time. Brew at the Zoo is October 4th 7pm-10pm.
For a family event, every October my family typically attends the local school fair. This fair starts Friday Night October 4th and ends Sunday afternoon October 6th. This is a family friendly non adult beverage fair. The fair is worked by the parents of the school’s students, you will see a ton of families and it is very safe without a huge crowd. There are games and rides galore perfect for the littles. The fair is located in Gonzales, LA at St. Theresa Church and School.
Next up to the plate: Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
In October, I try to do some fun outdoor family things with the kids. We typically do a pumpkin patch and corn maze (Full Disclosure: We sweat and it is usually still hot, but the kids enjoy it and the pictures are cute).
LSU Ag Center has a corn maze that starts October 5th and is every Saturday in October. It is 10am-5pm and $10 a person, they have games and hayrides for the kids as well.
As for pumpkins, there are several pumpkin patches across south Louisiana but we are an Ascension parish family so we typically go to New Song Church in Prairieville. It opens October 7th and is open until Halloween night. They have a ton of pumpkins to choose from and they typically have a hayride.
Back to the Zoo we go: BOO at the ZOO
Boo at the Baton Rouge Zoo this year is October 19th, October 20th, October 26th and October 27th. If you feel like driving to the New Orleans Zoo, their Boo at the Zoo is October 25th – 27th. The kids really enjoy dressing up, getting candy and seeing all of the animals. I suggest going with all your mom friends and make a fun Saturday out of it.
Happy Anniversary – Red Stick Farmers Market: November 2nd
November 2nd marks the 23 year anniversary of the Red Stick Farmers market in downtown Baton Rouge. The market is every Saturday on the corner of 5th and Main Street. The anniversary market is always fun for the kids and parents. There is a band, cake, mimosas, chef demos, crafts and the Baton Rouge Arts Market is also down there to celebrate along side the local farmers. The market is from 8am -12pm, so while you enjoy the party you can also shop for fresh, local vegetables and fruits.
Last but certainly not least and my FAVORITE: Louisiana Renaissance Festival
The Louisiana Renaissance Festival starts back up on November 2nd and is every Saturday and Sunday until December 8th. This is an every year thing for my family. My kids absolutely love the costumes, crafts and actors. My husbands favorite part is the jousting and sword fights. This is the farthest drive on my bucket list but a mere 53 minute drive to Hammond is nothing when the kids and parents have so much fun. The festival has food and other amenities, so once you arrive, you can plan to spend a day taking in all the sights.
Those are all of the items that have specific dates associated with them, but I also have several things on my Fall Bucket List that I can do anytime:
1.) Carve a Pumpkin
2.) Bake an apple pie
3.) Watch: Hocus Pocus, The Nightmare before Christmas, Practical Magic and The Craft
4.) Decorate the house
5.) Bake Cookies
6.) Eat a Candy Apple
7.) Cook a pot of Chili
8.) Throw a Halloween party
9.) Dress up in themed costumes with the whole family
10) Drive around and look at decorations
11.) Make Mummy decorated Rice Krispie treats
12.) Remember all the things I am thankful for
And most importantly, to spend as many moments with my babies as possible, laughing, playing and enjoying the beginning of a happy season full of magic and wonder.
