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.
Have Fun with the Family
Make your summer unforgettable with family-friendly activities in Lake Charles. Start your day at Millennium Park or Pinderosa 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, head to Sulphur's SPAR waterpark– a family favorite.
Dance the Night Away
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. 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 and Luna Downtown are your destination. Don't miss concerts and live performances in central Lake Charles at Crying Eagle Brewing-University and bars like On the Rocks and The M Bar!
Enjoy the Water
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 at your own pace with boat, kayak, and accessory rentals delivered to your location of choice by Lake Area Adventures or River Raft Rentals. Embark 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 four 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.
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.
Explore the History of Lake Charles
During your getaway, learn about Southwest Louisiana by visiting one of Lake Charles' cultural sites, like the restored 1911 Historic City Hall. It houses the Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center with three floors of public art galleries. Imperial Calcasieu Museum is a double treat with a museum dedicated to SWLA history and the majestic 375-year-old Sallier Oak is steps from its doors.
Check Out Summer Festivals
Experience a summer of unforgettable festivals in Lake Charles, where live music, delectable cuisine, 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 live music and spectacular fireworks at the Lake Charles Event Center. Beat the summer heat at the indoor Marshland Festival showcasing popular local artists and regional acts at the Lake Charles Event Center, and immerse yourself in the vibrant Cajun culture during the Cajun Music and Food Festival at the Burton Complex.
For more activity inspiration, check out our event calendar, family-friendly activities, and Top Summer Things To Do. Be sure to tune in to the Louisiana's Playground Podcast for the inside scoop on events and attractions in Southwest Louisiana and top places to dine!
