Programs & Events This Month at BREC.

Check out some of our exciting upcoming events and programs. Follow the links to get more info.
For a full list, visit our events calendar.

First Saturdays at Frenchtown

Frenchtown Road Conservation Area

Start your month off on the right foot by spending a little time in nature at Frenchtown Road Conservation Area. Activities will focus on connecting both nature lovers and nature novices alike with the inner workings of the largest conservation area in the BREC Conservation system. And just like the site, activities and topics will change monthly. Pre-registration is required, and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Click here to register.

Feb. 1 / 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

Young Picasso’s

Milton J. Womack Park

This revised program (formally Little Picasso’s) will focus on different types of art and different mediums. You asked and we listened! These Saturday classes are open-ended so parents can pick and choose which class(es) best suit their schedule. Each Saturday will be inspired by the art and story from a well-loved children’s book. Click here to learn more.

Feb. 1 / 10:30-11:30 a.m.

First Free Sundays - Black History Month

Magnolia Mound: Museum + Historic Site

During Black History Month, visit Magnolia Mound for a special "back of the big house" self-guided tour, which focuses on the lives of the enslaved community. Explore the unique walking trail highlighting the lives of early African American East Baton Rouge pioneers in business, law, medicine, education, and religion. Special tours begin on Sunday, Feb. 2, and continue throughout the month. Click here to learn more.

Feb. 2 / 1-4 p.m.

Monday Morning Art – Watercolor

Baringer Road Park

A beginning drawing and watercolor class. Each Monday students will be led through a simple drawing of an everyday object. Participants will learn to build up layers of watercolors to enhance their drawings. You asked and we listened: Each class is separate from the other so students can choose to take all the classes or just one. Click here to learn more.

Feb. 3 + 10 + 17 + 24 / 9:30-11 a.m.

Art for Animals - Exhibition Opens

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo

Visit the Art for Animals juried exhibition upstairs in the atrium at the new zoo entrance! Part of the second annual Art for Animals Festival, this stunning showcase celebrates wildlife and their habitats, opening Feb. 3. Click here to learn more.

Feb. 8 / 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Sweet Tooth Designs

Ben Burge Park

Learn the basics of decorating and creating a work of art cookie while enjoying a delicious treat. All participants will get to take their cookie home to show their families. Click here to register.

Feb. 4 / 6-7 p.m.

Vibin' Yoga

Highland Road Community Park

Vibing yoga combines traditional yoga techniques with the rhythms and flows of hip-hop music. This workout combines elements of yoga and trapeze arts, that create a full-body workout with a healthy dose of fun. Vibing Yoga may be the new start you are looking for. Come in and embrace a new journey of self-discovery, strengthening your yoga practice and learning a new skill. Click here to learn more.

 Feb. 4 + 18 / 6-7 p.m.

Guided Trail Rides

Farr Park Equestrian Center

BREC's Farr Park Equestrian Center is proud to offer guided trail rides on select Saturdays and Sundays. Enjoy a one-hour gentle ride through the park or in the indoor arena on one of the BREC horses. This fun activity is perfect for families, groups and friends. Trail rides are by appointment only, and all riders must be at least 9 years old. Click to register.

Feb. 8 + 22 / 9 a.m. + 10:30 a.m. + noon

College Conservation Hikes

Bayou Manchac Park

Are you a college student looking to meet fellow nature enthusiasts? Searching for a new hiking spot? Pining for a break from studying and a breath of fresh air? Come hike with us at one of BREC's hiking trails! We will nerd out on topics like birding, herping, and botany and have hands-on nature experiences. Open to novices and experts, these hikes are meant to be a fun, informative, and social experience. Click to register.

Feb. 8 / 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Zoo & Me Morning

BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo

Make precious memories at Zoo & Me Mornings, which happens the second Saturday of every month except June and July! For 3 to 5-year-old children accompanied by a parent or guardian, Zoo & Me Morning incorporates exciting activities, including animal encounters, art projects, "Zooper" snacks, and many other hands-on projects. This month's theme is Love Birds. Pre-registration and advanced payment is required. Click here for more information.

Feb. 8 / 9:30-11:30 a.m. 

Printing for 2 – Warhol

Baring Road Park

This class is designed for adults, tweens or teens. The pair will spend the morning talking about Andy Warhol and learning his inky process to create their own piece of “Pop Art.” Participants can choose from a variety of everyday items, such as Warhol’s iconic soup can, shoes or flowers just to name a few! All skill levels are welcome. Click to register.

Feb. 8 / 9:30-11:30 a.m.

You Stole a Piece of My Heart - Teen Event

North Sherwood Forest Community Park

Why don't you grab a piece and stay a while?
Come make your own custom pie and hang out while it bakes! We'll keep the fun going with a lively BINGO game -- plus some chill, open conversations about relationships, friendships, and what makes them healthy. No lectures, just real talk and good vibes. Grab your friends and join us! Click here to register.

Feb. 13 / 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Swamp Flashlight Night

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

We welcome you to enjoy the Swamp at night by visiting us during our Swamp Flashlight Night! Staff will be facilitating live animal encounters throughout the event. Enjoy a self-guided leisurely night hike with your family and friends or join a guided hike for an additional fee; space is limited so registration in advance is preferred. The swamp trails can be really dark at night, so don’t forget to bring a flashlight. If you don’t have one, check out our gift shop for some options. Closed-toe shoes and insect repellant are recommended. Please note that admission to the trails ends at 8:15 p.m. Click to learn more.

Feb. 14 / 5-9 p.m.

Sweetheart Soiree

Independence Community Park Botanical Gardens

Join us for the Sweetheart Soiree on Valentine’s Day at Independence Community Park! Enjoy a romantic evening with candlelight, R&B music, wine, and refreshments, plus a fun paint-and-sip session. Capture the moment with photo opportunities and discover even more surprises throughout the night. Click here to learn more.

Feb. 14 / 6-9 p.m. 

HeArt in the Park

Kernan Avenue Park

Celebrate love and creativity the day after Valentine's Day with an outdoor painting session at Kernan Avenue Park! Whether you're spending time with a loved one or enjoying a peaceful solo moment, this class offers the perfect opportunity to relax and create something special in the fresh air. Let the inspiration of the season guide you as you paint beautiful, heartfelt pieces under the sun. Bring your own chair or blanket to sit on as you enjoy this outdoor program. Click here to learn more.

Feb. 15 / 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Plus Night – Spring

Highland Road Park Observatory

Get something extra beyond standard viewing: sky tours, physical science demos, “birth” stars and a marshmallow roast. Each Plus Night has a unique theme. Binoculars recommended. Click for more information.

Feb. 15 / 7-10 p.m.

Nourished by Nature

Forest Community Park

Feeling bogged down and it’s only the middle of the week? Is the world spinning too fast around you? Nature has the power to soothe, restore, and evoke calm when we can step out of our hectic lives. Come join our BREC Conservation team while we slow down and nourish our minds and bodies with nature at our different conservation areas. On this leisurely hike, experience a series of guided meditations, activities, and practices to help give you the energy to slow down your mind and find some balance and peace. Click to register.

Feb. 19 / 9:30-11 a.m.

Sunshine Social: 80's Night

Milton J. Womack Park Ballroom

Dance the night away with BREC Adaptive and Families Helping Families as we host our monthly Sunshine Socials. Be creative and dress to match each month’s theme. Enjoy dinner, dancing, and door prizes. Click here for more information.

Feb. 21 / 6-9 p.m.

Geaux Fish! Catfish Rodeo

Burbank Soccer Complex Fishing Pond

Grab your fishing pole and head out with the family to GEAUX Fish! Our Geaux Fish Rodeos are a great opportunity to introduce new anglers to the sport of fishing or for the fishing expert to test their skills. We will stock the pond with adult channel catfish to ensure you have plenty to catch and prizes galore. Don’t miss this chance to bring home channel catfish for dinner and spend the day outside with the family. This event is weather-dependent. Early registration is encouraged to guarantee a spot. Click here to register.

Feb. 22 / 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Mardi Gras Fun Run

Perkins Road Community Park

Laisse les bons temps rouler, marcher, courir ! We are bringing Mardi Gras flair to Roll, Walk, Run! Come on out to promote Developmental Disability Awareness Month. Open to everyone regardless of your ability. The Developmental Disability awareness color is yellow - we encourage plenty of purple and green but go all out with moving in whatever way you can! Click here to register.

Feb. 22 / 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Mid City Madness 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

North Street Park

Grab two teammates and join us for BREC's Mid-City Madness! Show off your bag or clamp up your opponent in your march to the championship. Entrance into the tournament comes with a three-game guarantee. Click here for more information.

Feb. 22 / 10 a.m.-noon

Swamp Art Spectacular - Meet the Artist Closing Reception

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

Join us for our 5th Annual Swamp Art Spectacular, featuring work from local artists in the fields of Fabric Arts, Fine Arts and Photography – focusing on the theme “Impressions of Louisiana Nature”. Come visit during the exhibition and vote on your favorite piece in both the youth and adult categories – winners will receive a prize at the end of the show! Meet one of the artists and share your appreciation for their work at one of the show’s receptions. Light refreshments provided. Click here for more information.

Feb. 23 / 2:30-4:30 p.m.