12 Best Things to Do with Kids in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Lake Charles, Louisiana, is a great city to explore with kids. Its diverse offerings make it a great family destination.

Here are our choices.

Visit the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana

The Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana is a great place to take kids in Lake Charles.

The museum has a variety of interactive exhibits that are designed to teach children about science, math, and art. The museum also has a number of events and programs that are geared towards children and families.

Take a ride on the Louisiana State Railroad Museum’s steam train

Step back in time and take a ride on the Louisiana State Railroad Museum’s steam train.

This train is a replica of the original steam engine that used to travel across Louisiana. Sit back and relax as you watch the scenery go by. The ride takes about an hour, and it is a great way to spend some quality time with your family.

Play at the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point

The Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point is a great place for families to enjoy the outdoors.

The Adventure Point has a playground, picnic areas, and a nature trail. The nature trail is a great place to explore the area and see the different wildlife.

Visit the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu

The Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu is a great place to visit as a family near Lake Charles.

The museum has a large collection of Mardi Gras artifacts, including costumes, floats, and more. The museum also has a variety of interactive exhibits that families can enjoy together.

See alligators at the Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge

The Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge is a great place to see alligators with kids in Lake Charles.

The refuge offers a variety of educational opportunities for kids, including ranger-led programs and self-guided tours. The refuge is also home to a variety of other wildlife, including birds, reptiles, and mammals.

Learn about Cajun culture at the Vermilionville Living History Museum

Cajun culture is a unique blend of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences.

The Vermilionville Living History Museum is a great place to learn about this culture and its history. You can tour the museum to see exhibits on Cajun life, music, food, and architecture. You can also take part in hands-on activities like cooking demonstrations and crafts workshops.

Take a swamp tour

There are many swamp tours available in Lake Charles that cater to families with kids.

These tours typically involve guided boat rides through the swamps, where you can see alligators, turtles, and other wildlife. Some tours also include stops at bayous and other natural areas where you can learn about the ecology of the area.

Try your hand at fishing in one of the many lakes and bayous

Families can enjoy fishing in one of the many lakes and bayous in Lake Charles.

There are a variety of fish to be caught, including bass, catfish, and trout. Visitors can rent boats and equipment from local businesses, or bring their own. There are also many fishing guides available to help families make the most of their time on the water.

Visit one of the many plantations in the area

There are many plantations in the area that offer tours for kids.

These plantations typically offer a glimpse into what life was like on the plantation during the 1800s. Some of the more popular plantations include Oak Alley Plantation, Laura Plantation, and Magnolia Plantation.

Take a scenic drive down Highway 165

Highway 165 is a scenic drive that takes you through the heart of Lake Charles.

You’ll see beautiful views of the lake, forests and wetlands as you travel down this highway. There are also several restaurants and shops along the way, so you can stop and enjoy the local flavor.

Go hiking or biking in one of the many state parks

There are many state parks near Lake Charles that offer hiking and biking trails for families.

Some of these parks include Sam Houston Jones State Park, Sulphur Springs State Park, and Lake Fausse Pointe State Park. These parks offer a variety of trails to suit all skill levels, so everyone in the family can find a trail to enjoy. In addition to hiking and biking, these parks also offer picnicking, fishing, swimming, and other activities.

Have fun at one of Lake Charles’ many festivals throughout the year!

There are many festivals throughout the year near Lake Charles that families can enjoy!

Some of these festivals include the Mardi Gras Festival, the Cajun Music and Heritage Festival, and the Crawfish Festival. These festivals offer a great opportunity for families to enjoy the local culture and food while spending time together.