A Weekend of Family Fun in Baton Rouge

It's a city where families can easily enjoy a range of kid-friendly activities and public amenities.

Living in Baton Rouge provides an amazing balance of work and life, leading to more time to relax and do what you love. The city exudes a sense of community and belonging like no other. What's more, it's a city where families can easily enjoy a range of kid-friendly activities and public amenities. Enjoy an unforgettable and unique BTR experience by using my family’s favorite things to do around town as your guide.

Friday Afternoon/Evening – Brews & Petting Zoos

Kickstart your weekend adventure at Tin Roof Brewery. While it's always family-friendly, the first Friday of the month is extra special with Tin Roof’s monthly "Family Friday" event. Parents can unwind with a refreshing selection of local craft brews (try The Back 9!) while the kids enjoy various activities like balloon animals, face painting sessions, bouncy castles, and animal encounters. Even on non-designated family nights, Tin Roof Brewery's sprawling outdoor space, yard games, and board games room ensure a great place to play. Tin Roof’s Outpost food truck includes many kid-friendly options or bring in your own takeout or picnic. We love to grab Red Zeppelin pizza or Torchy’s Tacos on the way and eat picnic-style at one of the many covered, outdoor picnic tables. 

Nestled between Louisiana State University and Downtown, Tin Roof also offers a great starting point for families who want to take a trip Downtown for one of the many evening events or who want to attend a fun Friday night sporting event at LSU, such as an LSU Gymnastics meet, Women’s Basketball game, or LSU Baseball game.

On the other side of town? Istrouma Brewing offers local brews, farm-fresh eats, petting zoos, and other family-friendly activities. Follow their Instagram for activity and event updates.

Saturday Morning – Meet Us at the Market

The Red Stick Farmers Market is open throughout the year, and every first Saturday of the month, in addition to the usual market fare, they host an art market featuring local artists. The market has plenty of activities for kids, including fantastic live music performances, fun interactive market-themed games, and elaborate balloon animal artistry. And, every child who signs up for the BREADA Sprouts program gets two $1 tokens per child to use at the market each time they go. Make sure to stop by the BREADA stand to get yours. 

At the market, we stock up on all sorts of produce, bread, eggs, meats, and other goodies for the week ahead, and it is a great way to get the kids involved. My kids love Dillard’s Old Fashioned Tea Cakes, pickled green beans from Sandy’s, artisanal goat cheese, and the frozen treats from City Gelato. For breakfast, we love to grab granola bars from Our Daily Bread or bagels, cookies, and English muffins from Sugar Mill Confections, whose Vietnamese iced coffee is a crowd favorite. 

Looking for a fun-filled family activity in Baton Rouge that combines education and entertainment? Head to Mid City and pop into French Truck for a coffee and treats. Then, venture to Red Stick Reads bookstore for their interactive story time. Nestled in the heart of Mid City, Red Stick Reads is a beloved local bookstore that offers engaging storytime sessions for children of all ages every Saturday at 11:30 a.m. The owners, Tere and James, create a magical and interactive atmosphere that brings new, classic, and local stories to life. 

Saturday Afternoon – Tacos, Swamps, & Sugar Rushes

Next up, grab lunch at Barracuda Taco, right down the road from Red Stick Reads. Housed next to D’s Garden Center, Barracuda shares an extensive outdoor space where kids can spread out. The vegetarian tacos (mushroom or broccoli) prepared “deluxe style” are delicious, but there are plenty of yummy kid-friendly options and options for carnivores, too. 

After a quick break, or even a nap, head to BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp and Nature Center. Tucked away in the middle of the city, the nature center is a 100+ acre facility with over a mile of gravel paths and boardwalks through a Cypress swamp. Snakes and turtles are commonly seen on the trails; if you are lucky, you might even spot a rabbit, otter, or fox. After your walk, enjoy the live animal experience inside the center, where kids can safely meet alligators, turtles, snakes, and more.

Next, stop in at local favorite Counter Culture for frozen yogurt. They offer traditional plain flavor and toppings like fresh fruits and nuts. If the kids still have energy (or sugar) to burn, stop by BREC’s Perkins Road Community Park. The park features a scooter-friendly skate park, climbing wall, playground, and velodrome track.

On the way home, stop by Martin’s Wine & Spirits to grab some adult beverages to take home and enjoy while you make a delicious dinner from your market haul! 

Sunday Morning – Explore Near Campus

Start your Sunday with a leisurely bike trip around the LSU Lakes. This scenic route offers picturesque water views and lush greenery, perfect for a family outing. Pack some snacks and water for the ride to keep everyone energized.

Then, enjoy a classic LSU institution: Louie's Cafe. Located near campus, Louie's Cafe offers a diner atmosphere and a large breakfast menu. Whether you're craving fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, or a hearty omelet (The Western + hashbrowns is amazing), Louie's has something to satisfy every appetite. Kids can even get pancakes in the shape of their favorite animal, and hot cocoa is on the menu year-round.

With its hands-on exhibits and engaging activities, the [Knock Knock Children's Museum] provides a stimulating environment where kids can learn through play.

After breakfast, head over to BREC’s City-Brooks Park. This expansive park has lots of amenities. Stop by the playground, which offers endless opportunities for fun and exploration for kids of all ages. Let the little ones climb, swing, and slide to their heart's content while you relax and enjoy the beautiful live oak trees. If you have young kids, make your way to the nearby Knock Knock Children's Museum for an extra dose of interactive learning and creativity. With its hands-on exhibits and engaging activities, the museum provides a stimulating environment where kids can learn through play. From building structures to exploring art and science, there's something for every curious mind. 

Baton Rouge Gallery is also a fun stop located conveniently nearby. Take some time to appreciate the local art on display, and make sure your little one tries out the Art-O-Matic art dispenser. After all the excitement, the whole family can cool off at the splash pad behind the gallery, open in warmer months only. Let the kids splash and play in the refreshing water while you soak up the sun and unwind.

Sunday Afternoon – Wind Down with Chalk Art and Music

If you aren’t still full from Louie’s, head to Zippy's for a delicious lunch. This local favorite offers a diverse Tex-Mex menu with options to please both kids and adults. There's something for everyone to enjoy, and the patio is great for kids to play and draw with chalk. 

Next, grab a cone at Gail's Fine Ice Cream. Treat yourselves to this creamy, handcrafted ice cream in various mouthwatering flavors. I adore the “Lemon Icebox,” and my kids love the “Little Monsters” flavor. 

From its vibrant community spirit to the abundance of family-friendly activities, Baton Rouge truly stands out as the ideal home base for families seeking a blend of adventure, culture, education, and relaxation. 

After dessert, immerse yourself in the vibrant local music scene with a concert at Beauvoir Park. Tucked under the Perkins Road overpass, Beauvoir Park is a true hidden gem known for its eclectic lineup of live performances and a laid-back atmosphere. Grab a blanket or lawn chairs, kick back, and enjoy the tunes at a Soulful Sunday's event as the sun sets on another memorable weekend in Baton Rouge. As the music fills the air and you soak in the ambiance, cherish the time spent together as a family, creating lasting memories in the lively and welcoming city of Baton Rouge. From its vibrant community spirit to the abundance of family-friendly activities, Baton Rouge truly stands out as the ideal home base for families seeking a blend of adventure, culture, education, and relaxation. 

Rainy Day Options

If rainy weather dampens your outdoor plans, fear not: Baton Rouge offers many indoor activities to entertain the family. Start your day by exploring the East Baton Rouge Main Library or River Center branch, which both host a wealth of family-friendly programming suitable for all ages. From storytime sessions to craft workshops, there's always something exciting happening at these community hubs. 

Afterward, venture to the Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM) for an immersive experience. Delve into the mysteries of the universe at the planetarium, where captivating live shows await, let your little ones unleash their creativity at the SEED interactive kids' space, and marvel at ancient artifacts like a real mummy and fossils. Finally, cap off your rainy day adventure with a visit to The Manship Theatre, which hosts a variety of family-friendly live shows, including theatrical performances, musical concerts, and more. Don't miss the 2 p.m. kids’ show on most Sundays, where young audiences can immerse themselves in the magic of live entertainment. Check the schedule in advance, as programming changes weekly.

Take a Drive Out of the City

For a quick family getaway, consider a trip to Tunica Hills. The Clark Creek Recreation Area offers great hiking along scenic trails—complete with elevation and waterfalls. It is the perfect opportunity for a family-friendly hiking adventure. With trails suitable for all skill levels, Tunica Hills provides an immersive outdoor experience for the whole family.