Ya’ll, Lake Charles, Louisiana is crawling with Cajun charm and gators galore—seriously, this town takes its alligators seriously! From gator museums and swamp boat tours to gator-themed art and even gator on the menu, this place is like a Cajun wildlife adventure park.
As a Texas adventurer, I couldn’t resist hopping just 30 minutes across the border from Orange, TX to see what Lake Charles had to offer—and let me tell you, it ended up being our favorite day of the entire trip! This town is packed with family-friendly fun, and best of all, most of it is totally FREE. Think museums, scenic hikes, seashell-covered beaches, wildlife sightings, and mouthwatering local eats. Lake Charles is an under-the-radar gem you do not want to miss!
My Kid-Approved List of 10 Fun Things To Do in Lake Charles, Louisiana:
Hike the Louisiana Welcome Center boardwalk trail
Just past the Texas border, the Louisiana Welcome Center offers more than your typical roadside stop. Normally, I’d say welcome centers aren’t worth a detour—but this one is a hidden gem! While the building itself is pretty basic (think bathrooms, vending machines, and tourist pamphlets), it’s what surrounds the center that makes it truly special.
Right behind it, you’ll find a sparkling lake where local fishermen wade quietly with their lines in the water. Follow the shoreline and you’ll come across a stunning boardwalk trail that winds through a swampy forest filled with towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. The atmosphere is pure southern magic.
The trail is short—just 0.3 miles—and completely on a boardwalk, making it accessible for all ages. If you’re lucky, you might even spot an alligator! We only saw a small one, but honestly, even without gator sightings, this peaceful nature walk is absolutely worth a 15-minute stop.
Visit the Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point
The Creole Nature Trail is a scenic network of hikes and drives that winds through the southern half of Louisiana, offering a front-row seat to all things gator and Cajun culture. Along this route, you’ll find everything from crawfish boils and blue-crabbing beaches to alligator-viewing trails and birding blinds. This stretch of Louisiana is the real deal—the kind of experience people travel from all over the world to find.
Lake Charles is home to the official Creole Nature Trail Adventure Point, a visitor center that kicks off your journey with a bang. Honestly, after walking through this hands-on, immersive museum, it feels like you’ve toured the entire state in one stop. It’s the best snapshot of Louisiana I’ve ever seen!
From the moment you pull into the parking lot, it feels like you’re arriving at the bayou beach. A tugboat greets you out front alongside pelican statues and ship ropes, setting the mood before you even walk through the doors. Inside, your jaw will drop at the level of detail: a massive cypress tree shades the front desk, surrounded by a model bayou.
Every station in the museum is interactive and kid-approved. You can spy on wildlife through binoculars, try on oversized waders and hunting vests, cast a fake chicken leg into a pond for crabbing practice, crank a sausage machine to “make” boudin, and even jam on Cajun instruments. You’ll spot animals of all kinds tucked into every corner—and the gift shop is packed with gator heads, gator teeth, and all the Louisiana souvenirs you could want.
We left with free Louisiana-themed coloring sheets and a bag full of gator goodies. Honestly, this might be the coolest museum in all of Louisiana.
Stop to see the Gators at the Gator Pond Exhibit
Let’s be real—no trip to Louisiana is complete without a little gator spotting. It’s practically a state-wide game of “I Spy,” and honestly, searching for alligators feels like a rite of passage here. The good news? In Lake Charles, you don’t have to trek deep into the swamps to see one up close.
Right next to the Lake Charles Visitor Center, there’s a small alligator exhibit that feels like a mini zoo experience. A wooden deck extends over a pond where a few resident gators lounge in the sun or glide through the water. It’s safe, it’s free, and it’s the perfect way for kids (and adults!) to get an up-close look at these fascinating creatures—no swamp boat required.
Learn more about the Bayou at the Cameron Prairie Wildlife Visitor Center
If you’re looking for even more free, family-friendly ways to get close to Louisiana’s famous wildlife, the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is a must-visit. Nestled in the heart of sprawling marshlands, this center is surrounded by vibrant wetlands teeming with life—from colorful birds to, of course, alligators.
We saw hundreds, maybe even thousands, of birds during our visit—herons, egrets, ibises, and pelicans soared and waded all around the refuge. It’s truly a birdwatcher’s paradise.
Inside, the visitor center features a small but well-done museum with interactive exhibits about local wildlife, wetland ecosystems, and conservation efforts. One of the highlights? A short audio presentation highlighting a habitat exhibit, narrated in a thick Southern drawl that gives the whole experience an extra dash of Louisiana charm.
After exploring the center, head outside to the boardwalk that stretches into the surrounding marsh. It’s the perfect spot to observe wildlife in action. We spotted turtles, more birds than we could count, and—if you keep your eyes peeled—gators lurking in the water.
Hike on a boardwalk mere feet away from wild alligators
Once you’ve visited the Cameron Prairie Visitor Center, don’t miss the chance to explore the prairie itself. Just a short drive south, you’ll find one of the most thrilling wildlife experiences in the area—a boardwalk trail that takes you deep into the marshlands, home to countless birds and plenty of wild alligators.
Now, when I say “boardwalk,” I’m not talking about the typical fenced-in trail with scenic gazebos. This is a simple wooden path, raised just slightly above the water—with no railings or barriers between you and the alligators, which can be just feet—or even inches—away. It’s raw, wild, and absolutely unforgettable.
Despite how close you are to these incredible creatures, the trail still felt safe for families. We took standard safety precautions: no touching the gators (obviously!), stay on the path, no leaning over the edges. I kept my youngest two in a stroller since they’re still learning to follow directions, and the rest of the kids were cautious and respectful of the rules. They were obsessed with this hike—and honestly, I was too.
This trail is just about a mile long, and we spotted at least five alligators within arm’s reach. I’m not exaggerating—you could literally stretch out your hand and touch one (but please don’t!). It’s one of the most incredible and immersive wildlife experiences we’ve ever had. Guaranteed gator sightings, jaw-dropping views, and pure Louisiana adventure.
Drive an alligator safari to see hundreds of alligators right outside your car
The boardwalk isn’t the only epic alligator experience at Cameron Prairie—don’t skip the scenic drive that loops around the area! It’s a 3-mile route through the heart of the marsh, and while I don’t usually recommend drives as kid-friendly activities (especially with little ones), this one is a total exception.
We let the kids unbuckle and sit by the windows as we drove the slow 10mpH road—think of it like a self-guided safari. And honestly, that’s exactly what it felt like: an alligator safari through Louisiana’s wild wetlands.
The narrow road winds through murky marshes, with water on both sides, and we were blown away by the number of gators we saw. I’m not exaggerating—we spotted at least 100 alligators on this short drive. Some were sunbathing on the banks, others were gliding through the water, and a few were even running at full speed on land. (I have a whole new respect for how fast those things can move!)
Best of all, the experience is completely free, you can drive at your own pace, and the car provides a safe buffer between your family and the wild animals. It’s thrilling, unforgettable, and a must-do for anyone exploring the Creole Nature Trail.
Eat alligator and crawfish at Steamboat Bills
When in Louisiana, you’ve got to eat like a local—and that means gator’s on the menu! From seafood and crawfish to po’boys, beignets, gumbo, and jambalaya, Cajun cuisine is a must-do part of the experience. And in Lake Charles, there’s one place that serves it all up in true Louisiana fashion: Steamboat Bill’s.
With two locations in town, Steamboat Bill’s is a Cajun food lover’s paradise. The moment we walked in, we were greeted with Mardi Gras beads, toe-tapping banjo music on the speakers, and a fun, swampy atmosphere that feels straight out of a Louisiana bayou. We dined under a cowboy hat-wearing alligator and devoured a plate of perfectly fried gator bites—hands down the best I’ve ever had (and I’m from Georgia, so that’s saying something!).
The whole vibe is quirky, casual, and totally unforgettable. Whether you’re there for the food or just the fun, this is a dinner stop you won’t want to miss.
Go hunting for the Gators of Greaux
By now, it’s pretty clear—Lake Charles is basically real-life Gatorland. We’ve seen gators in the wild, walked beside them on swamp trails, and even eaten them. Now it’s time to appreciate them in a whole new way: through art!
As much as I love art, I’ll be honest—traditional art museums with kids can be stressful. Telling a toddler not to touch a million-dollar painting? No, thank you. That’s why we’ve fallen in love with exploring street art and public sculptures instead. It’s interactive, outdoors, way more kid-friendly, and best of all free!
One of our favorite discoveries in Lake Charles is the Gators of Greaux—a collection of brightly painted alligator statues scattered throughout the city. Each gator is decorated with a unique design inspired by local culture, attractions, or history, and you’ll find them in the most unexpected places: outside shops, inside local businesses, even peeking out near parks and street corners.
Hunting for these gators is like a city-wide scavenger hunt, and it’s such a fun, low-pressure way to enjoy local art with kids in tow. No “don’t touch” signs, just pure fun and creativity around every corner. Grab your camera, hit the town, and see how many you can find!
Play at the giant castle playground of Millenium Park
As a family travel influencer, I’ve taken my kids to some pretty incredible places—but somehow, nothing ever beats a playground. I don’t know what it is—maybe because playgrounds weren’t this cool when I was a kid—but my children light up every time we find one, no matter where we are.
To keep things balanced on our trips (since we often do a lot of activities I want to experience), I make it a point to include local playgrounds wherever we go. And let me tell you—the playgrounds in Lake Charles are next-level. Even I was impressed!
Millennium Park in particular was a huge hit. Set right along the sparkling waterfront of Lake Charles, it offers incredible lake views and an epic, towering castle-themed playground. But this isn’t just any castle—each section of the play structure represents something uniquely Louisiana. From a lighthouse and a pirate ship to an oil rig and more, it’s like a kid-sized version of exploring the state!
And as if that weren’t enough, the park also has a splash pad—instantly bumping it to “best playground ever” status in my kids’ eyes. Between the imaginative play structures, the views, and the chance to cool off, Millennium Park is a must-stop for families visiting Lake Charles.
Swim the sandy beaches of North Beach of Lake Charles
One thing that kept totally messing with my head during our visit to Lake Charles? The massive body of water the town wraps around looks just like the ocean—but it’s actually a lake! With sandy beaches, sparkling waves (thanks to the wind), and wide open views, I had to keep reminding myself: this isn’t the coast, it’s Lake Charles!
But who says you need the ocean to enjoy a proper beach day? Right near the Lake Charles Visitor Center are some lovely, sandy stretches perfect for a family outing. We spent the afternoon jumping waves, building sandcastles, strolling the shoreline—and best of all, we did it without worrying about sharks. (A major win in our family’s book!)
It was the perfect laid-back way to soak up the sun and wind down from all our alligator adventures.
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Things I Want To Do When If I Ever Go Back:
Sadly there is never enough time to do everything in each place we visit, but if I were to ever go back, which by the way I would LOVE to do, here are the things I would be sure to add to my must do list:
- Sam Houston Jones State Park- Hike around the swampy bayou looking for wild gators.
- Rutherford Beach- I heard it was one of the best beaches in Louisiana to look for shells and it is less than an hour south of town!
- Mardi Gras Museum- This museum if filled with Mardi Gras costumes!
- Children’s Museum of Lake Charles- Sadly they hadn’t finish renovations when we were visiting, but if I were to go back, you can bet this is one of the first things I would do with my kids! They LOVE children’s museums!
Other Fun Things To Do Nearby:
Feed alligators hot dogs at Gator Country
Go crabbing at Sea Rim State Park
Walk through the free Shangri La Botanical Gardens
Go on a mural hunt through Beaumont, Texas
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