Summer is winding down, but there are still plenty of ways to play this month! Cheer on real-life cowboys at the rodeo and on the football field, attend exclusive meet and greets with your favorite characters, browse from local artisans and vendors at a farmers market, or be the star of the show at family karaoke.

Your family will delight in the affordable family-friendly activities happening throughout Southwest Louisiana. Check out some top activities happening in August in Louisiana's Playground.

Meet and Mingle with Special Guests

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life size bluey at the creative corner
Spend the day with Bluey at The Creative Corner in Lake Charles, La!

Friday Night at the Movies

Ward 3 Recreation: Martin Luther King Center
August 2 | 7:00 PM

Dive under the sea for a special showing of Disney’s The Little Mermaid! Enjoy free snacks, popcorn, and drinks. Attendees will also get to play games, spend time on fun jumps, and have a chance to win giveaways.

 

Trolls-The Experience

Southlake Theater
August 16 | 7:00 PM
August 17 | 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Step into the fantastical world of "Trolls: The Experience" at Southlake Theater! Join the beloved trolls for an unforgettable evening where movie magic meets live entertainment.

 

Trolls Party

The Creative Corner
August 17 | 11:00 AM

Get ready to paint, dance, and party with Princess Poppy from Trolls! Create a memorable craft and get your photo taken with royalty at The Creative Corner.

 

Bluey and Bingo Party

The Creative Corner
August 31 | 1:00 PM

Wear your favorite Bluey and Bingo-inspired outfits and head to The Creative Corner to party with everyone’s favorite sisters! Enjoy snacks, crafts, and a photoshoot inspired by the show.

Explore the City with Partners in Parks

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Become familiar with Lake Charles by visiting parks, community centers, and event spaces! The City of Lake Charles hosts weekly events at local parks that provide FREE hands-on activities led by professionals from local businesses and industries.

kids with life-size popcorn at movies with the mayor
Gather at the final installment of Movies with the Mayor at the Rosa Hart Theater in Lake Charles, La.

Jr. Marine Boot Camp

Goosport Park
August 3 | 9:00 AM

Test your strength, stamina, and endurance as you train like a Marine at the Junior Marine Bootcamp. This will also be a collection site for the Toys for Tots Christmas in August collection drive.

 

National Night Out

Lake Charles Event Center
August 6 | 6:00 PM

Get ready to meet officers from the Lake Charles Police Department at the annual National Night Out! LCPD will be joined by numerous other local agencies for equipment displays and demonstrations from various divisions. Enjoy the jambalaya and pastalaya cook-off, with free servings for the community while supplies last. Other activities include children's activities such as fun jumps, a car show, and food trucks for concession purchases.

 

Movies with the Mayor

Rosa Hart Theater
August 10 | 4:30 PM

Join Mayor Hunter for the final installment of Movies with the Mayor for a special showing of Pixar Shorts. This includes the Academy Award-winning, “For the Birds”, written and directed by the late Ralph Eggleston, a Lake Charles native.

 

Sasol’s Nature in Focus: A Bugs Life

Tuten Park
August 17 | 9:00 AM

Spend your morning at Tuten Park getting an up-close view of the bugs that call it their home. After learning about the creatures, explore the newly opened back area of the park to see the insects in their natural habitat.

 

August Art in the Park

Jessie D. Clifton Park
August 24 | 9:00 AM

Wrap up the month with a peaceful morning at JD Clifton Park. Create beautiful masterpieces inspired by the sights and sounds of the park with materials provided by the City of Lake Charles.

Attend a Sporting Event

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Get ready to cheer on the Cowboys! Experience the Southwest Louisiana community spirit while cheering on the McNeese Cowboys at a home game in "The Hole." Snag front-row seats to witness top-tier rodeo athleticism where men, women, and children will compete in various events.

McNeese Football Player
Cheer on the McNeese Cowboys all season long in Lake Charles, LA!

Cajun Classic Horse Show

West Cal Arena and Events Center
August 16 | 6:00 PM
August 17 | 12:00 PM

Get your western wear and head to the West Cal Arena for the 3rd Annual Cajun Classic Horse Show. Each year this event brings out the best in horsemanship from Southwest Louisiana. Attendees will enjoy a photographer, DJ, food and craft vendors, and an exciting horse showcase.

 

SERA Black Rodeo

Lake Charles Event Center
August 17 | 6:30 PM

Get ready for an entertaining evening of rodeo fun! Watch in awe as professional cowboys and girls compete in thrilling events including bronc riding, steer wrestling, calf roping, ladies barrel racing, ladies steer undecorating, team roping, bull riding, and junior barrel racing for kids.

 

McNeese vs. Southern

Cowboy Stadium “The Hole”
August 31 | 7:00 PM

Grab your blue and gold gear and head to "The Hole" to cheer on the Pokes at the first home game vs. The Southern Jaguars!

Sing, Shop, and Socialize

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Cash & Carry Farmers Market
Cash & Carry Farmers Market in Lake Charles, La.

Enjoy community events taking place weekly or monthly in Southwest Louisiana. Once a month join Families for Inclusion at the Community Playdate, where kids and families of all abilities can play and enjoy a picnic at Pinederosa Park. On Mondays, head to Rikenjaks for family karaoke hosted by DJ SHAWNiE V. Sing your heart out or enjoy the patio games and even better kids eat free!

Head to a farmers market to shop from local vendors and artisans for crafts, produce, desserts, or home-cooked meals. Weekly markets include the Cash & Carry, Charlestown, Westlake, and the Moss Bluff market. Don't miss the Almosta Ranch farmers market held once a month.

In Lake Charles, there's no shortage of ways to play. For more family-friendly activities and trip planning ideas visit Top Things to Do with Kids. Check out our event calendar for a full list of activities in Southwest Louisiana.