Discover top affordable attractions, low-cost events, and top things to do in Southwest Louisiana. Whether traveling solo, exploring the region with family, or planning a group trip you'll find plenty of exciting free activities in Lake Charles! From cultural programs and rotating exhibits at our museums to time spent visiting the beaches and hot spots along the Creole Nature Trail, there are plenty of ways to pack in joy in Louisiana's Playground without breaking the bank. Check out our top choices below!
Art Shows and Exhibits
Whether you're an art enthusiast or looking for a fun way to pass the time between activities, a trip to the museum is a must-do on your itinerary! Southwest Louisiana is home to several museums offering free admission or free programming like opening receptions, artist talks, and socials.
Museums in Downtown Lake Charles
Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center, located in the heart of downtown Lake Charles, features three floors of exhibits and is also home to the Black Heritage Gallery and Gallery by the Lake. Throughout the year guests will find a rotation of exhibits on each floor featuring work from local artists as well as national and international collections. In addition to exhibits, the museum also offers free and low cost cultural programs related to current exhibits, classes hosted by local artists, and lectures.
Just a short drive from Historic City Hall you'll find Port Wonder, home of The Children's Museum of Lake Charles and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Nature and Science Center. The Children's Museum is home to numerous interactive playscapes designed to spark curiosity, promote the Southwest Louisiana culture, and encourage creativity. Children (and parents) can practice STEM activities, learn about local industries, work at the news station, and explore the human body. The Nature and Science Center showcases Southwest Louisiana's biodiversity with a fishing game for all ages, exhibits detailing Wildlife and Fisheries initiatives, and over 15,000 gallons of fresh and saltwater aquariums highlighting the region's marine life. While there is a fee to enter the museum and nature center, guests can enjoy the green space behind the museum and the free ADA-compliant, covered fishing pier.
Keep an eye out for free activities and family programs like Feel Good Fridays at the Lakefront, a chance to discover local businesses, explore the museum after hours, and enjoy food and drinks from Crying Eagle Lakefront.
Additional Museums in Southwest Louisiana
Just a short drive from Downtown Lake Charles is the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, home to the nearly 400-year old Sallier Oak tree, a historic Lake Charles with a colorful history tied to the founder of Lake Charles, Charles Sallier and infamous pirate Jean Lafitte. The timeless timber has withstood numerous weather events including major hurricanes, historic floods, and ice storms.
Inside the museum you'll find a permanent collection of artifacts from the original Native American tribes in the five-parish region, rotating exhibits in the two gallery spaces, and a giftshop stocked with trinkets and artwork from local artisans. There is a small fee for entry to the museum, but guests can enjoy free opening receptions for each new exhibit and free, bi-monthly Yoga Under the Oak.
Experience the splendor of dazzling costumes and delve into the history of Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras at the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu. Located in the heart of the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District, the newest Southwest Louisiana museum takes visitors on a journey through the evolution of Mardi Gras celebrations and features the largest collection of Mardi Gras costumes in the world.
The Henning Cultural Center in Sulphur is a free museum known for non-traditionally themed art shows and offering a free creative space for local artists. The DeQuincy Railroad Museum, housed in the 1923 Kansas City Southern Depot, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and features a rich collection of railroad memorabilia, model trains, and several parts of a train. After browsing the collection of artifacts guests can enjoy a picnic near the playground on-site.
