This is a VERY long listing, by day, of all free or relatively affordable local family activities I could find for the summer targeted to small children or teenagers in the Denham Springs area. Last updated: 7/18/13.
~~ Ongoing ~~
LIVINGSTON PARISH
- Livingston Parish Library 2013 Summer Reading Program – up to age 11, read and attend programs to earn prizes like a book bag and Sonic ice cream, and be entered into a drawing to win a bicycle or a gift card. Ages 12-18, read and attend programs to receive a backpack, Raising Cane’s meal, and a chance to win more prizes such as an eReader or a gift card. Program runs through July 27.
- Denham Springs Old City Hall, 115 Mattie St. in Denham Springs: Museum and Resource Center is free and open to the public, see the old city jail, vintage photos and documents, travel information, free water, free parking for downtown events and Antique District shopping. Bead Town exhibit here through June 16. Through June 16, downtown scavenger hunt in businesses in Antique District to find beaded art, completed signed cards are entered into a drawing for a free print.
- Aqua Pards at North Park: M-F 10-5, Sat Noon-6, Sun 1-5. $5 for District #3 residents, $8 out of district, under 30″ get in free. Call 664-8099 to confirm district status. No checks accepted. Lockers or life jackets available for rental ($5 – $3 will be refunded upon return of key or jacket).
- Tickfaw State Park, 27225 Patterson Rd. in Springfield: $1 per person, free for 62+ or 3 and under. Water playground, picnicking, boardwalk nature trails, 800-gallon aquarium, facilities for biking and skating. Canoe rentals, cabin rentals, and overnight camping available for additional fees. Hours and more info: http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/itickfaw.aspx
- Sonic Drive-ins: Half-priced shakes after 8pm each night.
- Piccadilly: $.99 meals for kids 12 and under daily after 4pm (select entrees, two sides, dessert, and a drink). Dine-in only, limit two per adult meal purchase. Details: http://www.piccadilly.com/kids/
- Wendy’s: $1.99 kids meals after 4pm every day
- Mr. Gatti’s: Kids eat free from 4pm to 9pm on Mondays and Tuesdays with a paying adult
- Papi’s Fajita Factory: Kids eat free on Tuesday nights after 5pm with purchase of adult entree
- La Carreta: $2.50 Kids Meal & Drink on Tuesday nights after 6pm with purchase of adult entree
- Ryan’s: Kids 11 and under eat for $.99 on Thursday nights from 5pm to 8pm. Limit two kids per adult dinner purchase, dine-in only
EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH
- Liberty Lagoon (111 Lobdell Ave. in Baton Rouge): Free parking, $8 for under 48″, $10 for 48″ and over, kids 2 and under free, free parking. $1 Lazy River tube rental, $2 public lockers, no outside food or drink. Through 8/4: M-F 11-7, Sat 10-7, Sun Noon-7. Swim lessons, Aqua Zumba, Kayak classes available before park opens each day for a fee. More info: http://www.libertylagoon.com
- Dixie Landin’ (Interstate @ Highland) After 5pm Pricing: $9.99 for seniors or kids under 48″, 48″ and taller $12.99. Not valid during concerts or special events. Parking is $5. Blue Bayou will still be open from 5pm to 6pm; Dixie Landin’ closes at 8pm Sun-Thu and at 10pm Fri/Sat. Calendar: http://www.bluebayou.com/calendar
- Enchanted Mansion Doll Museum (190 Lee Dr): $2 children (free under age 2), $3.50 seniors, $4.50 adults. Open Thurs-Sat. 10-5, complimentary “tea” 1-4 on Thurs. All proceeds go to the TDS Memorial Foundation to provide financial assistance to accredited organizations that assist the handicapped.
- BREC Extreme Sports Park (7122 Perkins Rd; interstate to Essen, right on Perkins, left at light): Free extreme sports park for skateboards, bikes, and scooters, “extreme” playground, fishing pond. Rock wall: $5/day or $20/mo. More info: http:://www.brec.org/index.cfj/park/detail/139/n/125
- Kids Bowl Free Program at Circle Bowl (8878 Florida Blvd) or Metro Bowl (4388 Airline Hwy in North BR) – Kids 15 and under bowl two free games daily (now through 8/23 at CB or June 1 thru Aug 1 at MB). Shoe rental is extra. Registration is required; hours vary by location. Sign up, and purchase passes for other family members if you’d like, at http://www.kidsbowlfree.com
- Circle Bowl Daily Specials: Bowl one hour, get the second one free on Mondays 6pm-9pm, $10/Lane/Hour on Tuesdays, and more. Details: http://circlebowl.net/Specials.asp?Page=Specials
- Barnes and Noble Summer Reading Program: Kids in grades 1 through 6 may choose a free (select) book after completing eight books, recording them in their reading journal, and returning it to one of their locations (Citiplace or Perkins Rowe). Details: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/u/summer-reading/379003570
- Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center: $3 for adults, $2.50 for seniors or college students with ID, $2 for ages 3-17, free for 2 and under. 9,500 sq ft building filled with live animal exhibits, nature displays, and artwork. Over a mile of gravel and boardwalk walkways through swamp and forest area. More info: http://www.brec.org/index.cfm/park/detail/19
- LSU Museum of Natural Science (Foster Hall, off Dalrymple Drive, across from the Greek Theater): Free, open M-F, 8 to 4. Tours are self-guided, click on Tours tab at the bottom of the website for printable scavenger hunt, coloring sheet, and grade-based handouts: http://appl003.lsu.edu/natsci/education.nsf/index
- BREC Fishing: Free, bank fishing only, no trout lines, Wildlife and Fisheries laws apply, parks close at dark. List of parks with lakes: http://www.brec.org/index.cfm/page/353/n/140
- BREC Splash Pad Parks: Free, 8am to 8pm, available at Greenwood Community Park (13350 Hwy 19 in Baker), Forest Community Park (13900 S. Harrell’s Ferry in BR), and City-Brooks Community Park (1515 Dalrymple Dr. in BR). Details: http://www.brec.org/index.cfm/page/2665#splash%20pads
- BREC Pool Parks: $1.25 per person, open daily from 1 to 5 through August 3rd (except Gus Young, closing on July 20). More info: http://www.brec.org/index.cfm/page/2665#pools
- N. Sherwood Forest Community Park Indoor Walking Track: Free, air-conditioned 0.15 mi walking track, also features indoor play area for small children. Fees apply at optional fitness center. More information: http://www.brec.org/index.cfm/park/detail/130
- EBRP Libraries Kids Events Calendars by Branch: Handy way to find out what’s upcoming at the branches closest to Denham Springs. See: http://www.ebrpl.com/Kids/monthlyCalendars.html
~~ July ~~
Friday, July 19
- 10:00 Grand Cinema (15365 George O’Neal Rd., BR) Summer Movie Camp: Rio (G): $5 for admission, popcorn, and drink
- 10:00-12:00 Michaels (BR, Airline Hwy) Passport to Imagination, $2 incl supplies for two hour session, ages 5+. Today: Africa – Mosaic, Bead Dangle, Leather Bracelets. Register: 924-4815.
- 6:00pm Barnes & Noble Perkins Rowe (BR) Children’s Storytime and Free Craft: Zoe’s Room (No Sisters Allowed)
- 7:00pm Barnes & Noble Citiplace (BR) Children’s Storytime and Free Craft: The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
- 8:30p-10:00p BREC Highland Road Park Observatory Free Telescope Viewing (please keep headlights off while parking and leaving)
Saturday, July 20
- 11:00-1:00 Harleywood K9 Fashion Contest for Spay Baton Rouge at Harley-Davidson of BR, 5853 Siegen Lane. Spectator admission by donation. Info: http://spaybatonrouge.org/
- Noon-2pm BREC Highland Road Park Observatory Free Solar Viewing (protective clothing and sunscreen recommended)
- 1:00-5:00 Science Saturday at LIGO Science Ed Ctr (Livingston). Free, all ages. Hands on activities and tours. Directions: http://www.ligo-la.caltech.edu/LLO/directionwel.htm
- 2:00-2:45 Cavalier House Summer Storytelling Series: The Day the Crayons Quit (snacks and drinks provided). Free, ages 4-10, must be accompanied by parent. Registration required: 664-2255.
- 2:00 Barnes & Noble Citiplace (BR) When Mermaids Sleep Nook Book reading, then a fun underwater craft
- 3:00 Barnes & Noble Citiplace (BR) Hands-On Learning Event with LeapFrog: Play Read with Me Scout!
- 3:00 Barnes & Noble Perkins Rowe (BR) Lego Architecture Studio Event for Teens and Adults (discuss design inspiration, learn about scale, build an object based on what they learn)
- 3:00-4:30 Denham Library: Anime Club (videos, culture, snacks, games, tweens/teens?)
- 7:30p-9:30p BREC Highland Road Park Observatory Free Telescope Viewing (please keep headlights off while parking and leaving)
Sunday, July 21
- 3:00 Barnes & Noble Perkins Rowe (BR) Special Hands-On Learning Summer Reading Event for Children (no further info available)
- 6:30pm Chess Enthusiasts meeting at Flowing Waters Studio (11010 Laird Lane, DS), open to the public, all skill levels welcome. More info: 665-7169.
Monday, July 22
- 9:45-10:45 Denham Library: Baby and Toddler Storytime
- 10:00 Grand Cinema (15365 George O’Neal Rd., BR) Summer Movie Camp: Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG): $5 for admission, popcorn, and drink
- 10:00-12:00 Michaels (BR, Airline Hwy) Passport to Imagination, $2 incl supplies for two hour session, ages 5+. Today: Australia – Clown Fish Mobile, Kangaroo Pouch, Mosaic Sea Life. Register: 924-4815.
- 10:30-11:30 Denham Library: Preschool Storytime
- 11:00 Barnes & Noble Citiplace (BR) Book Reading and Craft: The Day the Crayons Quit
- 11:00 Barnes & Noble Perkins Rowe (BR) Book Reading and Craft: The Day the Crayons Quit
- 4:00-9:00 Mr. Gatti’s: Kids eat free with paying adult
- 5:30-6:30 Watson Library Labyrinth Masquerade for Teens (come in costume, drinks, watch movie “Labyrinth”)
- 5:30-8:30 St. Francis Episcopal Vacation Bible School through 7/26 (must have registered before 7/5 at stfrands.org). K graduates thru 5th grade. Info: 665-2707.
Tuesday, July 23
- All Day $5 Movies at Citiplace
- 9:00 Baby Boot Camp at Mall of Louisiana (Free) – Choose from two one-hour fitness classes for pre- and post-natal women. Bring your baby if you’re post-natal, full-size stroller, water bottle, set of 5 lb hand weights, and yoga mat. More info: http://www.malloflouisiana.com/events/baby-boot-camp-at-mall-of-louisiana
- 10:00 Citiplace $1 Movies: Racing Stripes & Happy Feet Too
- 10:00-11:00 Denham Library: Storytime
- 10:00-11:00 Watson Library: Storytime
- 10:00-11:00 Livingston Library: Tri Parish Ballet Presents Swan Lake (all ages)
- 10:00 Grand Cinema (15365 George O’Neal Rd., BR) Summer Movie Camp: Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG): $5 for admission, popcorn, and drink
- 2:00-3:00 Albany Library: Tri Parish Ballet Presents Swan Lake (all ages)
- 4:00-9:00 Mr. Gatti’s: Kids eat free with paying adult
- 5:00-10:00 Papi’s Fajita Factory: Kids eat free with paying adult after 5pm
- 6:00-10:00 La Carreta: $2.50 Kids Meal & Drink on Tuesday nights after 6pm with purchase of adult entree
- 6:00p-7:00p Watson Library: Songwriters Circle for Teens and Adults (bring own instruments and play original songs for group)
Wednesday, July 24
- 10:00 Citiplace $1 Movies: Racing Stripes & Happy Feet Too
- 10:00-10:30 South Branch Library: Storytime
- 10:00 Grand Cinema (15365 George O’Neal Rd., BR) Summer Movie Camp: Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG): $5 for admission, popcorn, and drink
- 10:00 Cinemark Perkins Rowe Theater Summer Movie Clubhouse: Oceans (G): $1 admission
- 10:00-12:00 Michaels (BR, Airline Hwy) Passport to Imagination, $2 incl supplies for two hour session, ages 5+. Today: Australia – Outback Sunset Painting, Coral with Fish, Kookaburra Frame. Register: 924-4815.
- 10:30 – 11:30 Denham Library: Tri Parish Ballet Presents Swan Lake (all ages)
- 2:00-3:00 Albany Library: Gnome Party (games and crafts, ages 6-11, registration required)
- 2:00-3:00 Watson Library: Tri Parish Ballet Presents Swan Lake (all ages)
- 2:00-3:00 Barnes & Noble Perkins Rowe (BR) NOOK Summer Camp for kids 7-12. Use NOOK as a tool for interactive and educational storytime with fun trivia and games.
- 3:00-4:00 Baton Rouge Zoo Wednesday $1.25 Admission 3pm to 4pm (must enter by 4pm, zoo grounds close at 5)
Thursday, July 25
- 10:00-11:00 Albany Library Preschool Storytime
- 10:00-11:00 South Branch Library: Tri Parish Ballet Presents Swan Lake (all ages)
- 10:00 Grand Cinema (15365 George O’Neal Rd., BR) Summer Movie Camp: Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG): $5 for admission, popcorn, and drink
- 2:00-3:00 Albany Library Labyrinth Masquerade for Teens (come in costume, drinks, watch movie “Labyrinth”)
- 5:00-8:00 Ryan’s: Kids 11 and under eat for $.99; limit two kids per adult dinner purchase, dine-in only
Friday, July 26
- 10:00 Grand Cinema (15365 George O’Neal Rd., BR) Summer Movie Camp: Kung Fu Panda 2 (PG): $5 for admission, popcorn, and drink
- 10:00-12:00 Michaels (BR, Airline Hwy) Passport to Imagination, $2 incl supplies for two hour session, ages 5+. Today: Australia – Aboriginal Turtle, Stingray, Fish Mobile. Register: 924-4815.
- 6:00pm Barnes & Noble Perkins Rowe (BR) Children’s Storytime and Free Craft: This is Not My Hat
- 7:00pm Barnes & Noble Citiplace (BR) Children’s Storytime and Free Craft: Super Hair-O and the Barber of Doom
- 8:30p-10:00p BREC Highland Road Park Observatory Free Telescope Viewing (please keep headlights off while parking and leaving)
Saturday, July 27
- 2:00 Barnes & Noble Citiplace (BR) Amelia Bedlia’s First Library Card book reading and fun craft
- 3:00 Barnes & Noble Citiplace (BR) Lego Architecture Event launching new product available first and exclusively at B&N
- 3:00 Barnes & Noble Perkins Rowe (BR) Special Hands-On Learning Event for Children (no further info available)
- 7:30p-9:30p BREC Highland Road Park Observatory Free Telescope Viewing (please keep headlights off while parking and leaving)
Sunday, July 28
- 6:30pm Chess Enthusiasts meeting at Flowing Waters Studio (11010 Laird Lane, DS), open to the public, all skill levels welcome. More info: 665-7169.
Monday, July 29
- 9:45-10:45 Denham Library: Baby and Toddler Storytime
- 10:00 Grand Cinema (15365 George O’Neal Rd., BR) Summer Movie Camp: Shark Tale (PG): $5 for admission, popcorn, and drink
- 10:00-12:00 Michaels (BR, Airline Hwy) Passport to Imagination, $2 incl supplies for two hour session, ages 5+. Today: Antarctica – Penguin Tube, Scratch Paint White & Fish, Clay Pot Whale. Register: 924-4815.
- 10:30-11:30 Denham Library: Preschool Storytime
- 4:00-9:00 Mr. Gatti’s: Kids eat free with paying adult
- 7:00pm Impact Church VBS nightly through 7/31, “Kingdom Rock” theme. More info: http://www.impactchurchla.com
Tuesday, July 30
- All Day $5 Movies at Citiplace
- 9:00 Baby Boot Camp at Mall of Louisiana (Free) – Choose from two one-hour fitness classes for pre- and post-natal women. Bring your baby if you’re post-natal, full-size stroller, water bottle, set of 5 lb hand weights, and yoga mat. More info: http://www.malloflouisiana.com/events/baby-boot-camp-at-mall-of-louisiana
- 10:00 Citiplace $1 Movies: African Cats & Chimpanzee
- 10:00-11:00 Denham Library: Storytime
- 10:00-11:00 Watson Library: Storytime
- 10:00 Grand Cinema (15365 George O’Neal Rd., BR) Summer Movie Camp: Shark Tale (PG): $5 for admission, popcorn, and drink
- 4:00-9:00 Mr. Gatti’s: Kids eat free with paying adult
- 5:00-10:00 Papi’s Fajita Factory: Kids eat free with paying adult after 5pm
- 6:00-10:00 La Carreta: $2.50 Kids Meal & Drink on Tuesday nights after 6pm with purchase of adult entree
- 5:30-7:30 South Branch: Anime Addicts Manga Mania Movie Night (rated PG or below)
Wednesday, July 31
- 10:00 Citiplace $1 Movies: African Cats & Chimpanzee
- 10:00-10:30 South Branch Library: Storytime
- 10:00 Grand Cinema (15365 George O’Neal Rd., BR) Summer Movie Camp: Shark Tale (PG): $5 for admission, popcorn, and drink
- 10:00 Cinemark Perkins Rowe Theater Summer Movie Clubhouse: Rio (G): $1 admission
- 10:00-12:00 Michaels (BR, Airline Hwy) Passport to Imagination, $2 incl supplies for two hour session, ages 5+. Today: Antarctica – Wind Sock, Penguin, Iceberg. Register: 924-4815.
- 2:00-3:00 Barnes & Noble Perkins Rowe (BR) NOOK Summer Camp for kids 7-12. Use NOOK as a tool for interactive and educational storytime with fun trivia and games.
- 3:00-4:00 Baton Rouge Zoo Wednesday $1.25 Admission 3pm to 4pm (must enter by 4pm, zoo grounds close at 5)
- 6:00-7:30 Watson Library: Anime Addicts (videos, more info call Nora @ 698-3015)
~~August~~
Thursday, August 1
- 10:00-11:00 Albany Library Preschool Storytime
- 10:00 Grand Cinema (15365 George O’Neal Rd., BR) Summer Movie Camp: Shark Tale (PG): $5 for admission, popcorn, and drink
- 5:00-6:00 Denham Library: Young Writers’ Club
- 5:00-8:00 Ryan’s: Kids 11 and under eat for $.99; limit two kids per adult dinner purchase, dine-in only
- 5:30-6:30 Watson Library: Open Mic Night
Friday, August 2
- 10:00 Grand Cinema (15365 George O’Neal Rd., BR) Summer Movie Camp: Shark Tale (PG): $5 for admission, popcorn, and drink
- 10:00-12:00 Michaels (BR, Airline Hwy) Passport to Imagination, $2 incl supplies for two hour session, ages 5+. Today: Antarctica – Swirling Snow, Thermometer, Oil Pastel Whale. Register: 924-4815.
- 8:30p-10:00p BREC Highland Road Park Observatory Free Telescope Viewing (please keep headlights off while parking and leaving)
Saturday, August 3
- 2:00-2:45 Cavalier House Summer Storytelling Series: Romping Monters, Stomping Monsters (snacks and drinks provided). Free, ages 4-10, must be accompanied by parent. Registration required: 664-2255.
- 7:30p-9:30p BREC Highland Road Park Observatory Free Telescope Viewing (please keep headlights off while parking and leaving)
Sunday, August 4
- 1:00-5:00 “First Sunday” in BR: Free admission to LSU Museum of Art, LASM, USS Kidd (museum only), reduced admission to planetarium shows.
- 6:30pm Chess Enthusiasts meeting at Flowing Waters Studio (11010 Laird Lane, DS), open to the public, all skill levels welcome. More info: 665-7169.
Monday, August 5
- 4:00-9:00 Mr. Gatti’s: Kids eat free with paying adult
Tuesday, August 6
- All Day $5 Movies at Citiplace
- 9:00 Baby Boot Camp at Mall of Louisiana (Free) – Choose from two one-hour fitness classes for pre- and post-natal women. Bring your baby if you’re post-natal, full-size stroller, water bottle, set of 5 lb hand weights, and yoga mat. More info: http://www.malloflouisiana.com/events/baby-boot-camp-at-mall-of-louisiana
- 4:00-9:00 Mr. Gatti’s: Kids eat free with paying adult
- 5:00-10:00 Papi’s Fajita Factory: Kids eat free with paying adult after 5pm
- 6:00-10:00 La Carreta: $2.50 Kids Meal & Drink on Tuesday nights after 6pm with purchase of adult entree
Wednesday, August 7
- 10:00 Cinemark Perkins Rowe Theater Summer Movie Clubhouse: Chimpanzee (G): $1 admission
- 3:00-4:00 Baton Rouge Zoo Wednesday $1.25 Admission 3pm to 4pm (must enter by 4pm, zoo grounds close at 5)
