An old saying claims, “Nothing in this world is free.” Fortunately, students can prove this false.
Many students are unaware of the free, fun things to do in Baton Rouge and the LSU area. This Revelry reporter found five free things to do around town, and – like the attractions – this information is free of charge.
Late Night LSU
The Tigers After 10 Commission sponsors Late Night LSU at the Union. Students who show their student ID get in the door for free.
“It’s all run by students who make the decisions on what happens month to month,” said Jason Meier, Union program coordinator.
The latest event on Friday, August 29 boasted a variety of events for students to enjoy.
“I’m here for the laser-tag,” said Gary Murray, a pre-nursing freshman. “It’s a rush. There’s hiding spots all over the place making it seem bigger than it is.”
Other events included a joust station resembling American Gladiators, a caricature artist, a football toss, a video game station featuring “Dance, Dance Revolution” and “Madden 2003” for Playstation 2 and live music from a DJ.
An arts and crafts section and a number of board games also are available.
“We wanted a lot of open events where students would have to work together or compete against one another so that you can make a new friend,” Meier said.
The event also offers free pizza from Domino’s and soft drinks.
The next Late Night event is scheduled for Friday, September 26 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Observation Deck at the Capitol Building
Baton Rouge houses the largest state capitol in the United States. The building contains 34 floors and stands 450 ft. tall.
The observation deck is located on the 27th floor, 350 ft. above ground.
It might not seem high, but the observation deck offers a panoramic view of Baton Rouge.
The deck offers views of LSU, the capitol gardens, the Mississippi River, Southern University and Baton Rouge Community College.
The Capitol is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Frisbee Golf at the Highland Road Park
An 18-hole Frisbee golf course is available to the public for free at the Highland Road Park.
If students want to play a real Frisbee golf game, they can buy the special Frisbees at the Highland Park Tennis Center for $8.
Play is free for students who their own Frisbees.
Frisbee golf tournaments also are held every second and last Sunday of the month.
Check out the Baton Rouge Recreation and Park Commission Web site for more information on Frisbee golf and other free things to do at www.brec.org.
Highland Observatory
Students might want to check out the stars at the Highland Observatory, 13800 Highland Road.
The observatory is a 2300 sq. ft. building containing the state-of-the-art 20 ft. Ritchey-Chretien telescope. Viewing is free and open to the public during normal hours.
The observatory holds its Friday night program every Friday night beginning at 7 p.m.
Students often are treated to a marshmallow roast along with a brief presentation. After, viewing is available until 9 p.m. with the observatory telescope and other telescopes on the grounds.
The Highland Observatory hours are Monday and Tuesday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.