Top Spring Activities for Families in Lake Charles, LA

There's nothing quite like spring in Southwest Louisiana. The birds are chirping, the scent of boiling crawfish fills the air, and the weather is just right for outdoor adventures. In Lake Charles, springtime brings a mix of family-friendly activities, cultural attractions, lively festivals, and delicious comfort food.

Whether you're exploring nature trails, paddling on the water, or simply soaking up the sunshine, the warm, sunny days are perfect for outdoor fun. Community events and festivals offer entertainment for all ages, while museums and indoor attractions ensure there's something to enjoy, rain or shine.

Visit a Museum 

From arts to engineering, Lake Charles boasts a thriving museum scene, with exhibits and activities that transcend age and interests.

DeQuincy Railroad Museum

Located at the historic intersection of two major railroads, the DeQuincy Railroad Museum is like traveling back in time to the original DeQuincy townsite in 1895, complete with a passenger car, steam engine, and caboose. Inside, families can explore the old-timey baggage room complete with model locomotives, while an outdoor playground features rides and a pavilion.  

Port Wonder

From the larger-than-life science exhibits and hands-on galleries to aquarium touch tanks and free-to-low-cost programming, Port Wonder is an exciting museum for explorers of all ages. Port Wonder is home to the Children's Museum and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Nature and Science Center, where guests can spend the day learning about Southwest Louisiana's industries, animals, and culture in an interactive way.

Imperial Calcasieu Museum

See local history in a new light at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum, where centuries of art and artifacts depict life in Southwest Louisiana from Indigenous Native Americans to the modern day. Outside, be sure to greet the majestic Sallier Oak tree, which has stood for nearly 400 years.

Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center

It’s not often that a museum can lay claim to both Picasso and the Titanic, but that's just part of the magic at Lake Charles’ Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center.

Housed in the 1911 Historic City Hall building, with three floors of galleries and a mighty clock tower, this immersive museum offers edutainment for the whole family. In addition to traveling exhibitions featuring artists like Picasso and Norman Rockwell and showcases like “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition,” visitors can enjoy a variety of hands-on activities and classes. From arts and crafts workshops to Mardi Gras themed sessions and interactive downtown programming, there’s always something fun and interactive to explore.

Henning Cultural Center

Known for it's bold exhibits like the Curriodities and Chaos Theory art shows, The Henning Cultural Center is a vital community space, offering a variety activities. Along with the Brimstone Historical Society, they focus on curating memorable art shows, exhibitions, and engaging programming at little to no cost for patrons.

Get Crafty at These Local Spots 

If you’re looking to tap into your creative side, Lake Charles has some fantastic spots where you can paint, craft, and express yourself through art.  

The Art Factory and  GP’s Creative Corner offer a variety of workshops, from painting and resin art to personalized crafts. Seasonal camps and festivals allow you to experience multiple days of crafting and activities.

Painting With a Twist caters to all ages with a variety of crafts to choose from. From 21+ paint & sip sessions and date night pieces that complement each other to mommy/daddy and me sessions that allow collaborative artwork for families. The step-by-step instructions and relaxed environment make it an entertaining experience no matter your skill level.

Lil’ Art House is a colorful, welcoming space where skilled and amateur artists can explore upcycled art and seasonal crafts. It’s a great place for birthday parties, playdates, or just a fun day of getting creative! 

Grounded in Nature incorporates plants and natural elements into the art activities. Decorate plant-themed crafts or purchase new plants for natural decoration to elevate your space.

If you're looking for a mix of guided art classes and open studio time, Niche Creative Studio has you covered. They offer everything from canvas painting and mixed media workshops to holiday-themed projects, making it a fantastic place to craft something unique.

Similarly, Paint & Fire allows you to paint your own ceramic pieces. From quirky seasonal gnomes to custom wine glasses and bowls, you decide, then decorate. Once complete, they're ready to use or display.

Try These Water Activities 

It’s no surprise that water activities abound in Lake Charles. Nestled along our namesake lake, as well as scenic bayous and the winding Calcasieu River, our region has endless options for paddling, wildlife watching, rafting, and more.

If the river is calling your name, Bayou Adventure offers rentable kayaks in Sam Houston Jones State Park. You can also plan a kayak trek when staying onsite at Bayou Glamping Co. As you glide through the waterways, keep an eye out for local wildlife.

Jump into Fun at Indoor Air Parks 

Urban Air Adventure Park goes beyond trampolines, featuring go-karts, virtual reality, bumper cars, and a ropes course, making it a top choice for thrill-seekers of all ages. Lake Area Adventures offers a variety of indoor activities, including an inflatable air park and a video game lounge. The convenient concession stand and access to The Terrace Restaurant make it a one-stop shop for lunch or dinner and entertainment!

Celebrate Spring with Local Festivals 

From crawfish to culture, railroads to Cajun music, there’s always something to celebrate in Lake Charles. Festivals are year-round here, and alongside iconic events like Mardi Gras, spring brings plenty of fun for families.  

In March, the Iowa Rabbit Festival pays homage to this local delicacy with family-friendly music, entertainment, food vendors, and a carnival. When it comes to culture, the Black Heritage Festival is a multi-day celebration filled with delicious food, soulful performances, and empowerment sessions. For a dose of history, the Louisiana Railroad Days Festival in April celebrates the region’s rich railroad heritage with carnival rides, a parade, arts and crafts, and model train shows at the Railroad Museum Park.  

Live at the Lakefront, This is Home Fest, and Downtown at Sundown are three of Lake Charles' most exciting downtown events, bringing regional musical talent, local artisans, and delicious food trucks together in a spirited, family-friendly atmosphere.

Plan Your Spring Family Getaway 

From stepping back in time at a museum to soaring to new heights, Lake Charles offers endless opportunities to pack in joy this Spring. Ready to experience it for yourself?  Plan your trip now for a spring season filled with fun and adventure!