Adventure with BREC this Fall

Make this Fall season an adventure! 

 Whether it's fishing, hiking, and interacting wildlife or rolling, running and jumping there is an event for you this season. BREC has a variety of outdoor and wild events happening this fall that the whole family can involved with, even your canine family members.

Wonders of Wildlife

Join us at Bluebonnet Swamp as we explore the wonders of our urban wildlife and learn how we can all get along.  Did you find a baby bird or injured animal?  Worried about the snakes in your backyard and how to keep raccoons out of your garbage can?  Need some tips on how your pets and the wildlife in your backyard can coexist?  Find out the answers to these questions and more!  We will have educational presentations, games, live animals, trail activities, crafts and more so come on out for a great time at the Swamp! 

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center

August 17 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

$5 for adults; $4 for children; ages 2 and under FREE 

sguidry@brec.org; 225-757-8905 

Nature Night Hike + Campfire

Ever wonder what goes on in Conservation Areas after the sun goes down? Join Conservation staff and learn about local nighttime ecology and nocturnal animals while you creep through the woods on a blacked-out night hike.  And no Night Hike would we complete without time around the campfire and a S’more! Come enjoy this great way to get the family out after the daytime heat. Preregistration is required and spaces are limited.  Children must be registered and accompanied by a registered adult. 

Forest Community Park Aug. 30 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Zachary Community Park Sept. 13 from 7 to 9 p.m.

Ages: 6+ / $5  

More info: conservation@brec.org; 225-218-4979 

To register: webtrac.brec.org  

Ride & Roll

Come out and celebrate the anniversary of the opening of the Extreme Sports Park with a little bit of friendly competition. We will be hosting a BMX Skate Park Contest, BMX Dirt Jump Contest, and a Skateboarding Contest here in the park. This is a free event so bring your bikes and boards and get ready to roll! 

Perkins Road Community Skate Park 

Sept. 14 from 2 to 6 p.m.

Ages 5+

The Great Pumpkin Dash

Join us at Hooper Trails for The Great Pumpkin Dash trail race! Runners will dash through the hills and trails for approximately 5 miles passing the changing colors of fall leaves and mile marker pumpkins. Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers, and medals will be given to all finishers. Participants must register by September 13th to ensure a race shirt! All participants will receive a ticket to redeem for food after the race. 

Hooper Road Park 

Oct. 5 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

Ages: 8+ / $35 

Rain-out Date: Nov. 2 

Swamp Haunted Hikes

Bluebonnet Swamp’s Haunted Hikes are designed especially for younger children.  This program is an alternative to the commercial haunted houses, which are geared more for teenagers and adults.  Participants learn about snakes, insects, rats, and other “creepy critters” as they stop at educational stations along the trail.  Track down costumed characters to receive “treasures” then trek through the our Haunted Maze to find spooky Carnival Games, a Creepy Cavern, themed arts & crafts and more!  No scare tactics are used during this program, and participants are welcome to come in costume if they choose.  All participants should bring a flashlight, and because this program runs at night, all children must be accompanied by an adult.  Join us at Haunted Hikes this year for tons of fun! 

Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center 

October 11, 18, and 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. 

$6.00 for adults; $8 for children ages 3 and up; discount for pass holders 

More info: sguidry@brec.org; 225-757-8905 

Geaux Fish! Catfish Rodeo 

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 experts to test their skills. We will be stocking 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. 

Location is to be announced

Oct 12 from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. 

More info: conservation@brec.org; 225-218-4979 

Roller Jam

Celebrate Roller Skate month with us at the Skatepark. Come join us for music, fun, and some old fashion roller skating. We will have skating demonstrations from various skaters and instructions on how to get involved in this ever-growing sport! 

Perkins Road Community Park 

Oct. 19 from 2 to 5 p.m.

Ages: 5+ 

Reindog Run 

We are calling dogs of all sizes (and their people) to join us for our 2nd annual Reindog Run! Pairs will compete in a 2-mile loop. Whether you have a Scrappy Doo or a Clifford we have a spot for them! Register by November 17th to get a race shirt. Stick around after the race for awards, food, and fun. Prizes will be awarded to the first place in every weight category as well as overall best costume between all sizes. 

Comite River Park 

Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  

Ages: 8+ / $35 

Rain-Out Date: Dec. 28