Experience the best of summer in Lake Charles, where excitement meets relaxation. Planning a family gathering? Dive into a variety of fun-filled activities for kids. Organizing a girls' getaway? Indulge in luxury with a cabana and cocktails by our spectacular resort pools. And don't forget, Southwest Louisiana is your gateway to unspoiled natural beauty, ready for your next outdoor adventure.
Waterparks, Resort Pools, Splashpads, and Swimming Areas
Make your summer unforgettable with family-friendly activities in Lake Charles. Start your day at Millennium Park or Pinederosa Park, where kids can play and cool off at the splash pad. Looking for a place to stay with a lazy river? Gaming resorts have you covered. The Golden Nugget Lake Charles offers a lazy river and a resort-style pool with a waterslide. L’Auberge Casino Resort features a lazy river and separate pools for the kids and adults.
For a full-scale water park adventure, choose from two Southwest Louisiana attractions. Head to Sulphur's SPAR waterpark or the Lazy Gator Waterpark in Westlake. Both parks feature thrilling waterslides, splash pads, winding lazy rivers, with Lazy Gator's Lagniappe Loop spanning 1,000 feet, snack bars, and more.
The Yogi Bear Jellystone Park RV Resort offers three ways to stay cool this summer! The WIBIT water course includes a giant waterslide, diving area, and obstacle course, as well as watercraft and life jackets, making it a safe water activity for the entire family. Also on-site are two pools, waterslides, and a splash area for smaller children. Whether staying overnight in a cabin, parking an RV, or visiting with a day pass, guests can enjoy access to all park amenities.
Looking for more laid-back water fun? Almosta Lake, a subset of Almosta Ranch, offers ziplining, kayaking, and picnic space. Lucky Lagoon, the newest attraction at Game2Life, features two bars, rotating vendors, and a stage for live entertainment. For a more secluded escape, visit The Cajun Oasis RV Resort's beach area. Open seasonally, guests can spend the day swimming or lounging while enjoying drinks from Norm's Tiki Bar.
Dance the Night Away at Restaurants, Bars, and Nightclubs
As the weekend rolls around, the Lake Charles gaming resorts turn up the DJ dance music to set the vibe or bring in award-winning artists and comedians. Enjoy live entertainment, theme nights, and contests at Blue Martini and the L Bar. If live music is your jam, then downtown restaurants like Panorama Music House, Tia Juanita's Fish Camp, Bux Kajun Korner, and Luna Bar and Grill Downtown are your destination. Don't miss concerts and live performances in central Lake Charles at Crying Eagle Brewing-University and nightclubs and bars like On the Rocks and Cowboys!
Fish and Kayak While Exploring the Southwest Louisiana Waterways
Southwest Louisiana is a haven for outdoor recreation. Whether you’re into saltwater or freshwater fishing, Lake Charles has it all. New to fishing? Consider booking a guide for your first outing. For nature enthusiasts, a guided eco-tour from Grosse Savanne offers a fascinating look at the region's unique flora and fauna in its marshes and cypress swamps. Explore the serene marshes and waterways with a guide or at your own pace with Bayou Glamping Co. Explore the Calcasieu River at Sam Houston Jones State Park using the kayak self-checkout from Bayou Adventure.
Sip on a Daiquiri
Experience the perfect blend of fun and flavor with daiquiris at Lake Charles resorts, such as Daiquiris and Dogs at L’Auberge Casino Resort. Paradise Grill and Daiquiris has three locations around Southwest Louisiana. Frosty Factory pairs yummy drinks and karaoke, while the Funky Monkey Daiquiris has gaming devices. Many daiquiri hot spots even offer drive-thrus, like Daiquiri Shack.
Explore the History of Lake Charles
Learn about Southwest Louisiana by visiting one of Lake Charles' cultural sites, like the restored Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center housing three floors of public art galleries. The Imperial Calcasieu Museum, layered in history, is dedicated to preserving the artifacts and depicting the history of the five-parish region while also showcasing rotating exhibits. The museum grounds are also home to the majestic Sallier Oak, a nearly 400-year-old oak tree.
Port Wonder, home of the Children's Museum of Southwest Louisiana and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Nature and Science Center offers a glimpse into the unique experiences found in Southwest Louisiana with life-size exhibits incorporating STEM activities, imaginative play, and a deep dive into Louisiana's biodiversity.
Southwest Louisiana is also home to the DeQuincy Railroad Museum, which boasts model locomotives as well as an authentic steam engine, passenger car, and caboose. In Sulphur, you'll find the Henning Cultural Center, which features diverse exhibits and offers free programming.
Enjoy a Cool Treat
Savoring a snowball is one of the all-time favorite summer activities in Lake Charles. First, Lulu’s Specialty Snocones and More creates showstoppers with toppings like cake slices or a cloud of cotton candy. PT’s Snowballs Coffee and Ice Cream is the place for a rainbow snowball that the kids will devour. Shuga Mama’s is a sweet treat truck that serves its creations in pineapples or buckets big enough to share. Each is topped with colorful gummy worms, fresh fruit, or even crispy rice bars.
Check Out Summer Festivals
Experience a summer of memorable festivals in Lake Charles, where live music, delicious food, Southwest Louisiana culture, and dazzling fireworks light up the season. Kick off the fun with the Downtown At Sundown Concert Series, running until mid-June. Celebrate Juneteenth Freedom Festival with a parade, cook-offs, and live entertainment. Enjoy the patriotic spirit at the Red, White, Blue, and You Festival featuring outdoor games, a patriotic concert, and spectacular fireworks at the Lake Charles Event Center. Immerse yourself in the exciting music, cuisine, and history of Cajun culture during the Cajun Music and Food Festival at the Burton Complex.
