The Ultimate 3 Day Family Itinerary in Lake Charles, LA

Southwest Louisiana has a slew of family-friendly hotels, fully furnished Air B&B’s and RV Parks. For a more upscale stay check into one of our casino resorts. Horseshoe Casino Resort and Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino, and Hotel, each offer luxury rooms and suites as well as on-site dining options. Looking to make a big splash or relax in the lazy river? Golden Nugget Lake Charles and L’Auberge Casino Resort offer waterpark style pool areas complete with private cabanas, fire pits, and swim up bars for the grownups!

Other comfortable places to stay near popular attractions are Residence Inn by Marriot, The Marco Hotel, and the Doubletree by Hilton. For a more laid-back place to unwind, book a cabin at Sam Houston Jones State Park complete with bunk-beds, full kitchens, and a covered patio with a fireplace.

Lunch

If you’re still in Cameron Parish, check out Lighthouse Bend, a seafood restaurant offering a relaxed atmosphere and a beautiful view of the Calcasieu Lake. Not to mention it’s a short drive from the Gulf. If you’re looking to dine in town, stop by Hollier’s Cajun Kitchen, where you’ll enjoy the time-honored Cajun recipes and the oversized rocking chair on the porch, perfect for photo ops!

Afternoon Activities

Spend the afternoon exploring the traveling exhibits and free programming at the Henning Cultural Center. Within walking distance is The Grove at Heritage Square, a picturesque park complete with walking trails, picnic areas, and a covered pavilion where local organizations host events from car shows to carnivals. 

Head over to Almosta Ranch, a 39-acre farm and petting zoo where the entire family can interact with animals and learn about farm life. Explore the farm on a horse-drawn carriage ride or book a photo shoot to commemorate your trip! During warmer months, pack your swimsuit and wade in the Almosta Lake.

Dinner

Enjoy a casual family meal at Joe’s Pizza and Pasta, a popular dining choice known for its Italian-inspired recipes like hand-tossed pizza and shrimp carchofini.

Breakfast

Start the day off right with a delicious spread of beignets and seasonal drinks from Coffee:30 Café, or at Biscuits n Jamz, where you’ll find French toast stuffed with fresh fruit or savory bowls of shrimp and grits. Both offer breakfast and brunch options, giving you extra time to sleep in if needed!

Morning Activity

Get crafty at art studios like GP’s Creative Corner, Paint & Fire, The Art Factory, Grounded in Nature, or Lil’ Art House by creating a unique piece or following along to a template. For hand-crafted souvenirs, check out Creative Roots or Bux Kajun Korner, where you’ll find tons of pieces from local artists.

Lunch

Downtown Lake Charles has plenty of dining options. For a quick bite, drop into Cotton’s Downtown, where you can order traditional burger joint menu items like shoestring onion rings or quirky concoctions like the donut burger─ a juicy burger topped with fixings like onions and cheese in between a cake donut!

Head to The Terrace Restaurant for a relaxed outdoor dining experience with elevated cuisine or dine indoors while your kids enjoy the Lake Area Adventures adventure park. Depending on the day, you can choose from the full menu or the convenient café items perfect for kids who are ready to soar!

Afternoon Activity

Get ready to fly high at an indoor trampoline park. Lake Charles is home to two indoor air parks, each offering a different experience. At Lake Area Adventures, you’ll find an over 10,000 square-foot inflatable air park, an indoor ropes course, a video game lounge, and an Omniverse VR arena. The temperature-controlled indoor pool is perfect for a quick swim anytime of year!

In addition to trampolines, Urban Air Adventure Park offers a centralized adventure hub, ropes course, bumper cars, go-karts, and virtual reality games. If you’re brave enough, test out the Sky Rider, where you’ll soar above diners and players throughout the park!

Dinner

Enjoy fresh Gulf seafood from blue crabs and shrimp to crawfish and oysters at popular seafood restaurants like Shucks!, Steamboat Bill's on the Lake, or Mr. Bill's Seafood Express. Many restaurants like Creole Bar and Grill at DoubleTree by Hilton, Tia Juanita’s Fish Camp, and Crying Eagle Brewing-University offer an extensive menu and live entertainment.

Evening Fun

Southwest Louisiana is home to several theater groups. Enjoy hit plays and adaptations from Christian Youth Theatre, Lake Charles Little Theatre, or Calcasieu Theatrical Arts. For a more traditional theater experience, attend a performance at ACTS Theatre or Rosa Hart Theatre, two historic sites in downtown Lake Charles. Southlake Theater offers immersive audio, advanced lighting, and an LED video wall, taking productions to a new level!

Breakfast

Since you're starting your day in DeQuincy, enjoy delicious breakfast pastries, sandwiches, and coffee at The Grind Central Station, a locally owned coffee shop near the DeQuincy Railroad Museum.

Morning Activity

The DeQuincy Railroad Museum is a historic landmark situated between two major railroads. Visitors can enjoy vintage artifacts and model locomotives, then walk through the steam engine, passenger car, and caboose. Let loose on the adjacent playground with convenient tables for a quick bite or afternoon picnic.

Pro Tip: Plan your getaway around the Louisiana Railroad Days Festival that takes place annually in April.

Lunch

Savor authentic Cajun flavors at Coconuts Cajun Grill DQ, known for burgers, po'boys, and boiled shrimp. The comfortable atmosphere makes it an ideal dining spot for families.

Afternoon Activity

Head back to Lake Charles for an interactive afternoon at Port Wonder, a 32,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility is home to two major attractions. 

The Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana features four themed galleries—Nature, Health, Tech, and City—bringing learning to life through immersive exhibits. From climbing through an alligator’s nest to exploring STEM innovations in the Tinker Lab, kids (and adults!) can engage in hands-on activities that foster imagination and discovery.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Nature & Science Center showcases Louisiana’s unique ecosystems with more than 15,000 gallons of aquariums, featuring species from bayous to the Gulf. Kids can “catch” local fish in a virtual game, touch stingrays, and explore coastal restoration efforts through interactive displays.

Outside, Port Wonder features a 75-foot ADA-accessible fishing pier, a shaded pavilion, and a walkway connecting to the Cypress Alligator Pond and the Lakefront Promenade, making it the perfect family destination for both play and relaxation.

Dinner

Wrap up your day with a flavorful meal from Orinoco, a restaurant offering Latin, Colombian, and Venezuelan dishes with fresh ingredients and a mix of sweet and savory elements.

If you’re still looking to play, head to Game2Life and prepare to unleash your inner competitor! Game2 Life features a pulse-racing combination of activities ideal for teens and adults. Test your skills at axe throwing, dodgeball, laser combat, a golf simulation, and pickleball all under the same roof. When the time comes to relax, pop by Shooters Bar & Grill to toast your wins with a cool cocktail or craft beer.

Plan Your Visit

From exploring sportsman’s paradise to indulging in some of Louisiana’s finest flavors, this three-day itinerary inspires a trip filled with adventure, cultural experiences, and time to unwind with your family. Pack your bags and get ready to experience all that Louisiana’s Playground has to offer! Share your trip photos with us here!