Bonus: 100 FREE Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo children's tickets are available! Perfect opportunity for homeschool groups!
When the final school bell rings, the learning doesn’t stop—it just takes on a whole new kind of magic. On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 2–4:30 PM, families are invited to gather at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens & Zoo for the Lights On! Afterschool Celebration.
This nationwide event showcases the remarkable impact of afterschool programs, providing students with a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment to develop new skills. From health and wellness to hands-on learning and situational education, after-school programs help children thrive well beyond the classroom.
To make the evening extra special, the Louisiana Center for Afterschool Learning (LACAL), a program of the Children’s Coalition for Northeast Louisiana, is generously sponsoring 100 admission tickets for children ages 12 and under. After those free tickets are gone, children’s tickets will be just $3.00 each, while adult tickets are reduced to $4.50 for this event. (First-come first first-served at the main ticket window).
The zoo setting is the perfect backdrop—where curiosity comes alive and young minds are encouraged to explore. Just like the animals around them, children will be reminded that learning doesn’t have to stay behind a desk—it can happen anywhere.
And the celebration doesn’t stop there! On Thursday, October 23rd, the nation will join together for the official Lights On! Afterschool Day. You can show your support by sharing a picture on social media of yourself doing the 'lightbulb' pose or dressing up in all things blue to shine a spotlight on the importance of afterschool programs.
“Lights On!” isn’t just about shining a spotlight on afterschool programs. It’s about celebrating the joy of learning, the safety these programs provide, and the opportunities they open up for every child.
So, grab the kids, mark your calendars, and head to the zoo for this illuminating celebration of education, growth, and community. Together, let’s keep the lights on for afterschool programs—because when the bell rings, there’s still so much to learn!
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