Ultimate Family Getaway in Southwest Louisiana: Endless Fun for All Ages
Looking for a memorable long-weekend escape with the family? Discover southwest Louisiana's lake area, offering something for everyone—history buffs, science enthusiasts, art lovers, and outdoor adventurers alike.
Southwest Louisiana is a water lover's paradise. Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes shine for fishing, boating, crabbing, and alligator spotting. Pack your canoe, kayak, or fishing gear to explore rivers, lakes, and bayous, or rent a pontoon boat, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard on-site.
Airboat or Swamp Tours
Delve into the enchanting marsh grass swamps via airboat or eco-tour. Contact Airboats & Alligators in Grand Chenier at 337-274-2395 or Grosse Savanne Eco-Tours at 337-310-4260.
Photo credit: www.wanderwithwonder.com
Creole Nature Trail All-American Road
One of America's oldest scenic byways, this 180-mile loop through Cameron and Calcasieu Parishes winds through marshlands, wildlife sanctuaries, and the Gulf of Mexico. Perfect for fishing, crabbing, boating, hunting, and photography—spot alligators and birds, especially during migration. Download the free Creole Nature Trail app for guided audio tours. Visit Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point to hone crabbing skills and plan your route.
Search "Creole" to download the Creole Nature Trail tour app.
Sam Houston Jones State Park
This beloved park features 78 campsites for tents and RVs, plus eight cozy cabins. Choose from hiking and biking trails suited to all fitness levels. Fish or boat on the West Fork of the Calcasieu River, and keep an eye out for birds—including recent bald eagle sightings.
RV Camping at Sam Houston Jones State Park. Photo Credit: www.monsoursphotography.net
Bord du Lac Park and Local Parks
Bord du Lac Park, on Lake Charles' lakefront near the Civic Center, is a standout with its innovative playground for climbing, swinging, sliding, spinning, and splashing—rebuilt in 2013 after the original Millennium Park fire.
During warm months, splash zones at Prien Lake Park, Pinederosa Park in Westlake, and the expansive SPAR Waterpark in Sulphur delight kids of all ages.
The SPAR Waterpark is open in the summertime for kids of all ages!
Festivals
Dubbed Louisiana's Festival Capital, southwest Louisiana hosts over 75 events yearly celebrating food, music, wildlife, and more. Explore the full Events Calendar at www.visitlakecharles.org.
DeQuincy Railroad Days Festival. Photo by www.lindseyjanies.com
If rain dampens outdoor plans, indoor options abound for all ages.
Children's Museum
At 327 Broad St., the Children's Museum offers interactive exhibits. Open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
USS Orleck
This Korean and Vietnam War naval destroyer is now a historic museum at the north end of Enterprise Blvd. Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Imperial Calcasieu Museum
Explore southwest Louisiana history and local art at 204 W. Sallier St., Lake Charles. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
1911 Historic City Hall
Old City Hall at 1001 Ryan St. features global art exhibitions and a permanent Great Fire of 1910 display. Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Sulphur Museums
The Henning Cultural Center showcases contemporary and local art; adjacent Brimstone Museum covers Sulphur's history at the restored train station, 923 Ruth St. Open Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m.
DeQuincy Railroad Museum
Kids adore the caboose, steam engine, and passenger car displays. Nearby, the DeQuincy Town Hall Museum awaits at 400 Lake Charles Ave. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Mardi Gras Museum
Lift spirits at 809 Kirby St., Lake Charles, with Carnival artifacts. Open Tuesday-Friday, 1-5 p.m.
Bowling
Strike up fun at Petro Bowl, 630 Petro Point Dr., Lake Charles.
From a quick three-day trip to a full week, Lake Charles delivers non-stop family entertainment.
To read more of Angie's adventures, visit her blog: angiekaydilmore.blogspot.com.
