Now that the weather is cooler, it’s a great time to go outdoors for activities with animals. This month, BREC offers families a chance to interact with a variety of different companions and settings. Check out the full list below.
Swamp Haunted Hikes
Fridays, Oct. 10, 17, 24
7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center (10503 N. Oak Hills Parkway)
Haunted Hikes are specially designed for younger children as an alternative to the commercial haunted houses. No scare tactics are used during this program, and participants are welcome to come in costume. As they stop at educational stations along the trail, kids learn about snakes, insects, rats and other creepy critters. Because this program runs at night, an adult must accompany all children, and each family needs to bring at least one flashlight. Cost is $6. For information, contact Shannon Guidry at 757-8905 or e-mail her.
Zoo & Me Morning: Going Batty
Tuesday, Oct. 14
9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Baton Rouge Zoo (3601 Thomas Road)
Held the second Tuesday of every month, these programs are designed for three-to-five-year-olds and their parents or guardians. Each session incorporates many activities including a train ride, animal encounters, art projects, Zooper snacks and many other hands-on projects that parents and children can enjoy together. Pre-registration required. Cost is $18 per child or $30 for two children. For information, contact Tara Brown at 775-3877 or email her.
Boo at the Zoo
Saturdays and Sundays, Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26
9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Baton Rouge Zoo
Boo at the Zoo is a merry-not-scary trick-or-treating extravaganza. Children can wear costumes and visit treat stations throughout the zoo, make a memory at the safari snapshot photo booth and wander throughout the merry-not-scary hay maze. Cost is $5.25-$8.25. For information, contact Tara Brown at 775-3877 or email her.
Farr Park Stampede
Saturday, Oct. 18
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Farr Equestrian Center (6402 River Road)
Farr invites the public to attend a free open house featuring a petting zoo, barn tours and hayrides. In addition, Western and English riding students will participate in demonstrations including barrel races, fence jumping, pole bending and more. This event is free. For information, call 769-7805 or visit brec.org/farr.
Trick & Treat
Friday, Oct. 24
6 p.m.-8 p.m.
Forest Community Dog Park (13900 S. Harrell’s Ferry Road)
The entire family is invited to the BREC’s dog-friendly Halloween event. Along with adoptable dogs and booths staffed by local vendors and non-profits, this Howl-O-Ween celebration prizes for the best large and small dog costumes among others. The event also includes candy for the kids and trick and treats for the dogs. This event is free. For more information, call 272-9200 or visit brec.org/dogparks.
English and Western riding lessons
Tuesdays through Fridays, year-round
Farr Equestrian Center
Group and private lessons are available.
Group lessons are $27 for parish residents; $32 out-of-parish residents. Individual lessons are $47 for parish residents; $56 out-of-parish residents. For more information, call 769-7805 or visit brec.org/farr.
Guided Trail Rides
Saturdays
Farr Equestrian Center
BREC offers guided trail rides 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturdays. Farr offers a one-hour gentle ride through the park or in the indoor arena on one BREC’s horses. This fun activity is perfect for families, groups and friends. Trail rides are by appointment only, and all riders must be at least 6 years old. Prices vary depending on group size and activity. For more information, call 769-7805 or visit brec.org/farr.
Trail Time for Toddlers
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
The popular Mommy-and-me program takes place 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Each session includes a craft, snack and trail walk that focuses on nature-centered themes including leaves, butterflies and bugs. Advance registration is suggested. Cost is $7.50 per child in parish per session and $9 per child out of parish. For more information, call 757-8905 or visit brec.org/swamp.
Brice is a sweet 2-year-old Yorkie whose owners fell on hard times and were unable to afford to give him the life they believe he deserves. They cried when they found out that APAWS would be able to take Brice and find him a loving home. This little guy has been well loved and housetrained. He is good with children, dogs and cats.
Princess Anna and her siblings were rescued by an APAWS volunteer before they were to be brought to Animal Control. They are very sweet and would love to have someone to give them a lot of attention.
Sophie is a standard poodle at about 8 years old. This very sweet girl loves being around people. She also gets along great with other dogs. She loves to lie outside in the backyard and go for car rides. She is special needs dog. She is high heartworm positive, so she will require treatment. In addition, she has bladder control issues, so she needs to go out often. But, with great looks and personality, she is well worth the extra effort.
Mack was living under a house, when an APAWS volunteer rescued him. This young orange tabby is extremely sweet and loves attention. He would be a great addition to any family.
Jordy is a sweet, 2-year-old miniature dachshund. He is looking for a wonderful forever home.
Callie is a very sweet adult calico. She is best suited for a calm, quiet home and an owner who can give her lots of love.
These pets have all been microchipped, vaccinated, spayed/neutered, heartworm and FeLeuk/FIV tested. Many other adoptable cats, kittens, puppies and dogs are available at the Animal Protection and Welfare Society. For more information, visit apawspets.org.
Brice is a sweet 2-year-old Yorkie whose owners fell on hard times and were unable to afford to give him the life they believe he deserves. They cried when they found out that APAWS would be able to take Brice and find him a loving home. This little guy has been well loved and housetrained. He is good with children, dogs and cats.
Princess Anna and her siblings were rescued by an APAWS volunteer before they were to be brought to Animal Control. They are very sweet and would love to have someone to give them a lot of attention.
Sophie is a standard poodle at about 8 years old. This very sweet girl loves being around people. She also gets along great with other dogs. She loves to lie outside in the backyard and go for car rides. She is special needs dog. She is high heartworm positive, so she will require treatment. In addition, she has bladder control issues, so she needs to go out often. But, with great looks and personality, she is well worth the extra effort.
Mack was living under a house, when an APAWS volunteer rescued him. This young orange tabby is extremely sweet and loves attention. He would be a great addition to any family.
Jordy is a sweet, 2-year-old miniature dachshund. He is looking for a wonderful forever home.
Callie is a very sweet adult calico. She is best suited for a calm, quiet home and an owner who can give her lots of love.
