Lake Charles and Sulphur, Louisiana
Welcome to the Sports Capital of Louisiana! Whether you’re in town for youth, McNeese, pro, or recreational sporting events, there is always something here for everyone! From the rich culture of Southwest Louisiana, you’ll find amazing entertainment, mouthwatering food, and ways to play- on and off the court or field to create lifelong memories each day. Broaden your horizons and take advantage of the good times Lake Charles has to offer! With sporting events happening across the parish- from Burton Coliseum to Sulphur Parks & Recreation (SPAR) to the McNeese Legacy Center- there are entertainment opportunities around every corner!
Team-Friendly Things To Do
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Petro Bowl
Newly renovated to include a full arcade, Petro Bowl boasts 34 lanes, as well as hamburgers, fried chicken, sandwiches, and Hunt Brothers Pizza. The parents, they also serve beer and have a video poker room to keep everyone entertained.
SPAR Waterpark
Sulphur Parks & Recreation (SPAR) Waterpark offers fun in the sun for all ages! This wild, wet destination has been expanded over the past two years, offering more slides, sprays, splashes, and spouts in Sulphur, LA. For kids of all ages, there’s a 600-foot-long Raging River, Larry’s Lazy River, and the Lagoon Pool. Younger guests will enjoy Patch’s Splash Pad and Splash & Play Island, with fountains, tipping buckets, small-scale slides, and not to mention a gigantic yellow bucket that dumps 500 gallons of water every two minutes.
Putt-Putt Golf
Who doesn’t love the fun game of mini-golf? Go face-to-face with your teammates or family through the immersive jungle terrain of Putt-Putt Golf! Not interested in golfing? They also have batting cages and an ice cream bar!
Lake Area Adventures
Lake Area Adventures offers entertainment for the whole family! Whether you want to spend the day indoors exploring the ropes course, Air Park, bouldering wall, gamers lounge, and Aquatics Center—adventure awaits. A premier provider of recreation and entertainment in Southwest Louisiana since 2016, Lake Area Adventures is your one-stop shop for all things fun in Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Take a peek at what they’ve got inside their new family entertainment center:
- A 10,500-square-foot custom-designed inflatable air park.
- An indoor ropes course that gives a bird’s-eye view of the facility.
- A state-of-the-art video game lounge featuring the Omniverse VR Arena, gaming consoles, flight and race simulators and interactive mini-golf.
- Southwest Louisiana’s only bouldering/rock climbing wall.
- An indoor, temperature-controlled pool for swim lessons and recreation.
- The Terrace restaurant featuring dishes from award-winning chef, Amanda Cusey.
- Private party and special event rooms equipped with VR.
Catch a Movie
Looking for a way to kick back and put your feet up? Book your family tickets at the Cinemark Movie Bistro on Derrick Drive. With a full menu and even a bar, there is a way to entertain everyone! Head to the bustling Prien Lake Mall for your one-stop shop for your favorite retail stores and multi-vendor food court, plus the Cinemark Lake Charles XD with stadium-style seats located just inside.
Adventure Point
A free, hands-on opportunity for you and the team to experience all things Cajun/Creole at the Adventure Point interactive visitor center! Here you can grab brochures for things to do all around the area and get information on the Creole Nature Trail. If you’re looking for a relaxing moment in the hustle and bustle of basketball- try taking a short drive out to Holly Beach or Rutherford Beach!
South Beach Volleyball
Featuring 9 sand courts and two options to play pickleball, South Beach is a fresh opportunity for the Lake Area. They also have a full menu, including wings, pizza, po’boys, and even more. For the parents, they even have an exceptional cocktail menu! South Beach is open most nights until 10 pm. This is a great way for teams to bond by getting your toes in the sand and your competition on!
Game2Life
Directly off I-10, Game2Life has thrilling options for the whole team. From axe throwing to laser tag to dodgeball and pickleball, Game 2 Life knows how to bring the fun. I’d recommend calling ahead and making reservations for the team. Also included within their environment, Shooters Bar & Grill showcases specialty cocktails, shots, and brews! Their food menu is full of finger foods and appetizers to keep the team fed, including a build-your-own pizza!
Port Wonder
Port Wonder, located right off I-10 in Lake Charles, is home to the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Nature & Science Center. This family-friendly destination is a 32,000-square-foot complex offering exciting entertainment and educational opportunities for children of all ages. The building’s iconic undulating roofline design reflects the winding waterways of Southwest Louisiana that culminate at Lake Charles, setting the stage for discovery, play, and learning. Port Wonder is home to two major attractions: the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Nature and Science Center, each occupying its own wing of this dynamic space. Port Wonder continues to inspire with an array of outdoor amenities. A 75-foot ADA-compliant fishing pier, located on the east side of North Beach, offers easy access for family fishing days, complete with a covered area for shade and comfort. The pier, along with walking trails, connects visitors to the Cypress Alligator Pond and the Lakefront Boardwalk Promenade, providing opportunities to enjoy Louisiana’s natural beauty
#GetDowntownLC
The heart of Downtown Lake Charles is a charming central area that hugs the Lake Charles lakefront. The lakefront boardwalk is perfect for casting a line, going for a sunset stroll, or taking the kids to play at the much-loved Millenium Park. Downtown is sprinkled with boutique shops full of Lake Charles goodies, the 1911 Historic City Hall & Cultural Center with free entrance to three floors of rotating art galleries, and local favorite restaurants, including Luna Bar & Grill, Pujo Street Cafe, and Lagunas Mexican Grill & Cantina which overlooks the Lake.
Events Happening This Week
Back to Top of ListWhether you're in town for the day or a long weekend of tournament games, you're sure to find a pop-up market, live music concert, or food-focused festival for the entire team and family to enjoy. Below is a snippet of upcoming events on the calendar; check out our sports events and complete events calendar for more ways to experience all that Southwest Louisiana has to offer.
Upcoming Festivals, Fairs, and Family-Friendly Events
Caught Up
- 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
- Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
What if we listened to understand, not to form an argument? What if we mapped Louisiana's coast, its losses and its gains, through…
Downtown at Sundown Concert Series
- Recurring weekly on Friday
The 25th Downtown at Sundown Concert series kicks off this May. The concerts are free and open to the public. They will take place…
Downtown at Sundown Concert Series
- 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
- Recurring weekly on Friday
The 25th Downtown at Sundown Concert series kicks off this May. The concerts are free and open to the public. They will take place…
Father's Day Weekend
- Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park RV Resort Lake Charles
- Recurring daily
Calling all animal lovers! This weekend is all about our furry friends with a pet adoption event and a pet supply drive to give…
Food Trucks at Port Wonder
- Port Wonder
- Recurring weekly on Friday, Saturday
Enjoy delicious food truck menu items every Friday and Saturday at Port Wonder! Date Food Truck Drink/Dessert Truck Friday, May 16…
French and Spanish Summer Sessions
- Butterfly Language School
- Recurring weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Choose from multiple language sessions in French and Spanish throughout the summer! Beginning at age 3 children will learn…
Holly Beach Crab Festival
- Louisiana Souvenirs & Sundries
- Recurring daily
The Holly Beach Crab Festival takes place June 13-15, 2025, at Holly Beach, located along the Creole Nature Trail All-American…
Joie de Vivre: Celebrating the Black Creole Heritage of Lake Charles
- 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center
- Recurring weekly on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
The City of Lake Charles proudly presents Joie de Vivre: Celebrating the Black Creole Heritage of Lake Charles , a new exhibit…
June Week 2: Children/Family Programs at the Library
- Recurring daily
CHILDREN/FAMILY Carnegie Memorial Library, 411 Pujo St., 721-7084 Story Time : 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 11. Join us at Carnegie…
June Week 2: Teen Programs at the Library
- Epps Memorial Library
- Recurring weekly on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
TEENS Carnegie Memorial Library, 411 Pujo St., 721-7084 Jewelry Making: 4:00 p.m., Monday, June 9. Join us at Carnegie to create…
Where to Eat in Lake Charles
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Group-Friendly restaurants in Lake Charles, Louisiana, near Burton Coliseum, McNeese University, and Lake Charles Multi-Sports Complex/PowerCenter.
Darrell’s
A Southwest Louisiana staple, Darrell’s boasts specialty-made sandwiches that are sure to satisfy the appetite after a game. Their most popular sandwich, the special, made with ham, turkey, roast beef and topped with gravy and shredded lettuce, will for sure have your mouth watering. If you’d rather branch out and try something different, they also have 7 other specialty po'boys, which guarantee everyone's complete satisfaction.
Walk-On's Sports Bistro
Marketed as “America’s Best Sports Bar,” Walk-On's Sports Bistro has flatscreen TVs mounted all around the restaurant for every sports lover. They offer a variety of dishes, from seafood to steaks- to burgers and salads. They also are a great spot to get a big-party table, with rooms to reserve and normally short waiting times. Walk-On's is also only about 5 minutes from both The Legacy Center and The Burton Complex.
Big Daddy’s Sports Grill
In the heart of South Lake Charles, Big Daddy’s will give you that home-cooked meal you’ve been longing for. With rotating plate lunches, seafood, burgers, and an exquisite breakfast menu, there’s not a chance you’ll leave unhappy. Not only is the food good- but they’re sports lovers- just like you! You'll enjoy their cozy dining room with sports memorabilia adorning the walls, plus they have private dining area availability.
Panorama Music House
For a truly one-of-a-kind dining experience, head over to Panorama Music House for lunch or dinner. They have a rooftop outdoor patio with awesome views and murals. Inside, they have one of the most unique stages where local artists and performers take the stage weekly. Check out their Facebook to see which bands will be performing when you’re available. Call ahead for information on their private area availability.
Rikenjaks
If you’re looking for a pet-friendly restaurant, outdoor patio, family-friendly game area, awesome bar, and a great vibe, consider checking out Rickenjaks on Ryan St. They also have live music seven nights a week, as well as bingo, trivia, and other fun outdoor games that will entertain the whole group!
Crying Eagle Brewing Company
Crying Eagle Brewing Company is a Lake Charles essential located seconds from McNeese University- they offer a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches, handmade, stone-fired pizza, salads, and wraps. For the parents, they also serve over 20 in-house brewed beers. They have music on weekends, and their atmosphere is one of the coolest in the city. If you want to see how they brew their own drinks, ask for a tour of the brewery!
Where to Eat in Sulphur
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Group-Friendly Restaurants in Sulphur, Louisiana, near Sulphur Parks and Recreation (SPAR) and McMurry Park.
Hollier's Cajun Kitchen
Looking for some authentic, delicious Cajun food in Sulphur? Well, look no further. With a full menu of great options like fried seafood, boiled seafood, burgers, poboys, steaks, and more, you'll for sure fill all those hungry tummies.
Mr. Gatti's Pizza
Mr. Gattis is sure to curb those hungry athletes' appetites! With an all-you-can-eat pizza, salad, dessert, and pasta bar, the opportunities are endless. They recently remodeled with an awesome arcade, from basketball shooting to air hockey to racing competitions. They have locations in both Lake Charles and Sulphur, so be sure to visit one while you’re in town!
Where to Eat in Westlake
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Group-Friendly Restaurants in Westlake, Louisiana, near Westlake Softball Complex.
The Max at The National Golf Club of Louisiana
Tucked away along the rolling golf greens of The National Golf Club of Louisiana, The Max restaurant offers crowd favorites such as loaded fries, chicken wings, fried crab cakes, shrimp tacos, gumbo, etouffee, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, steaks, and lots of seafood dishes! You can even enjoy your meal on their outdoor patio overlooking the golf course.
Jeanne’s Bourbon Street BBQ
A unique dining experience awaits you as you enter the City of Westlake, LA, while you relax inside one of the only authentic Winchester Museums anywhere. You can enjoy a piece of history at Jeanne’s Bourbon Street BBQ with some of the rarest collectibles dating back to 1866. The menu features pulled pork sandwiches and nachos, racks of ribs, boxed dinners, and daily specials featuring brisket, cajun sausage, and smoked turkey breast.