Places for PLAY: Local Businesses Provide High-quality Summer Entertainment
May 2025
There’s no shortage of activities for kids in SWLA this summer. Beat summer boredom by enrolling your child in one of the many available camps below. There’s a camp for all interests, including general play, reading, arts and crafts, dance, robotics, theatre, music, golf, pickleball and more.
GENERAL
The Children’s Museum of SWLA
Visit swlakids.org for information as it becomes available.
Calcasieu Parish Plastic Model Contest and Expo
ipmsswamp.org
May 17
Scale model show and contest presented by South West Area Modelers of Plastic
Theme: Out for Delivery (Vehicles that transport large quantities of cargo or people.)
Awards include: Best Railroad Subject, Best Kit-Based Gundam, Best Model Built by a Veteran, Best ICM Model.
Calcasieu Parish Public Library Summer Reading Program
Didgeridoo Down Under
June 12, 10:00 a.m., Central Library
June 12, 3:00 p.m., Moss Bluff Library
June 13, 10:00 a.m., DeQuincy Library
June 13, 3:00 p.m., Sulphur Regional Library
The Dinosaur Experience — Ranger Martin and His Dinosaur Friends!
*REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED*
June 16, 10:00 a.m., MLK Community Center
June 16, 11:30 a.m., MLK Community Center
June 16, 2:00 p.m., Moss Bluff Library
June 16, 3:30 p.m., Moss Bluff Library
June 17, 10:00 a.m., Sulphur Library
June 17, 11:30 a.m., Sulphur Library
June 17, 2:00 p.m., Central Library
June 17, 3:30 p.m., Central Library
A Wild Goose Chase! — Presented by Matt Sandbank’s Shadow Factory
June 18, 10:00 a.m., Carnegie Memorial Library
June 18, 3:00 p.m., Vinton Library
June 20, 10:00 a.m., Westlake Library
June 20, 3:00 p.m., Iowa Library
Johnette Downing: Down in Louisiana! — Animal Songs for Children
June 23, 10:00 a.m., DeQuincy Library
June 13, 3:00 p.m., Sulphur Regional Library
June 24, 10:00 a.m., Moss Bluff Library
June 24, 3:00 p.m., Central Library
Read and Bloom with Zak Morgan!
July 1,10:00 a.m., Westlake Library
July 1, 3:00 p.m., MLK Community Center
July 2, 10:00 a.m., DeQuincy Library
July 2, 3:00 p.m., Central Library
Geebo the Clown
July 7, 10:00 a.m., Starks Library Library
July 7, 3:00 p.m., Carnegie Memorial Library
July 8, 10:00 a.m., MLK Community Center
July 8, 3:00 p.m., Hayes Library
Lady Chops
July 9, 3:00 p.m., Iowa Library
July 10, 3:00 p.m., Westlake Library
July 11, 3:00 p.m., DeQuincy
City of Lake Charles
cityoflakecharles.com/summercamp
Epic Adventure Summer Camp
June 2-July 25
Ages 5-10 • 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
$350 for 8 weeks, includes two t-shirts and breakfast and lunch daily
Each week, campers will embark on a new adventure with weekly themes set to include the following: Outta this World, Everyday Heroes, Where the Wild Things Are, Wild, Wild West, Party in the USA, Mission: STEM possible, Lights, Camera, Action! and Splish, Splash, Bash. Register by Saturday, May 3, 2025.
Beaumont Children’s Museum
beaumontchildrens
museum.org/camps
1st-6th grade
Morning camp: 8:30-noon
Afternoon camp: 1:00 pm-4:30
Full day: 9:00 am-4:00 pm
5 Full-Days - $200
5 Half-Days – $150
4 Half-Days – $130
ROBOTICS 1.0
June 9-13
Half Day; Morning (Entering
1st – 2nd), Afternoon (3rd – 5th*)
Introduction to Robotics with our Vex 123, Vex Go, Spheros and Blue Bots. Campers will learn to build, drive and touch code.
*Prerequisite to Robotics 1.5
IMAGINEERING: Minecraft
June 16-20
Full Day: (Entering 3rd – 5th)
Campers will be introduced to several different fields of engineering as they design different aspects of the Minecraft World. They will learn how to build simple machines and other necessary contraptions for their world. Students will also learn the importance of creating, testing and refining their projects to solve real-world engineering challenges while enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving development skills that will benefit them in various academic areas.
Pokémon
June 23-27
Half Day: Morning (Entering 1st – 2nd), Afternoon (Entering 3rd – 5th)
Invite young Pokémon Trainers as we dive into a week of S.T.E.A.M. learning through Pokémon adventures! Each day discovers the different areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math inside the Pokémon world. Trainers will be given opportunities to create their own Pokémon habitats and learn how to become experts at The Trading Card Game! They will also explore all types of Pokémon and their habitats as it relates to our animal kingdom. Once all Pokémon are ready on the last day, trainers will participate in a tournament to see the winner and The Pokémon Trainer Champion!
ROBOTICS 1.5
June 30-July 3
Half Day: Morning (Entering 1st – 2nd), Afternoon (Entering 3rd – 6th)
Campers will be introduced to the basics of coding with multiple types of robot programs during this camp. Students will learn visual coding and program different robots while learning new coding skills. Students will also have the opportunity to produce a coded plan for these bots to navigate obstacles, retrieve gear, and maneuver their environment. This camp is great for children to develop problem-solving skills and more. *Prerequisite to Robotics 2.0
Elements of Art
July 7-11
Half Day: Morning (Entering 1st – 2nd), Afternoon (Entering 3rd – 5th)
This week is all about expanding a child’s love for art, getting creative, and learning about the different elements of art. Campers will create pieces of art using the 7 elements: line, shape, form, space, texture, value and color.
BASF KIDS LAB
July 14-18
Half Day: Morning (Entering 1st – 2nd), Afternoon (Entering 3rd – 5th)
Campers will become scientists during this week-long camp. Partners from BASF bring science to life through fun hands-on activities that explore chemistry and other science wonders.
ROBOTICS 2.0
July 21-25
Full Day: (Entering 4th – 6th)
This program incorporates real-world applications of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (S.T.E.A.M.). Students will be immersed in teamwork while they are designing, programming, and competing using VEX robots. Local Robotic professionals will also share their knowledge with the campers. (All campers must have completed Robotics 1.5 or attended Robotics 2.0 last summer to attend this camp.)
CRITTER CAMP
July 28-August 1
Half Day: Morning (Entering 1st – 2nd), Afternoon (Entering 3rd – 5th)
Critter Camp gives children an up-close and personal experience with animals, animal habitats, diet, behavior and more. Staff and instructors will teach students about respecting animals and how to protect the amazing animals that share our planet, especially our SETX region. Local organizations will bring their knowledge and love of animals to camp each day with amazing interactive programming. Your child will have a special encounter with animals each day.
McNeese Summer Engineering Exploration and Research Academy
mcneese.edu/iiec/mcneese-engineering-academy
Week 1: June 9-13
Week 2: June 14-18
9th-12th grade
8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Cost: $500 a week or $800 for both
Week 1: Learn about robotics and structural engineering.
Week 2: Learn about electricity basics and chemical engineering.
Safe Sitter® Classes from West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital
wcch.com
June 3, 15, Dynamic Fitness in Sulphur
July 4, July 16, Dynamic Fitness in Moss Bluff
Ages 11-13
8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. • $35
ARTS AND CRAFTS
The Art Factory
theartfactoryswla.com/caughtup
May 27-30, 5:00-7:00 p.m.
August 4-7, 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Free of charge
Participants in the workshop will explore several topics: Growing up in Louisiana—how have your traditions or life altering experiences made you fall in love with this place? What if we flipped a switch to a carbon free future? Days 1 and 2 will feature traditional net-making, exploring a disappearing coastal practice and creating a texture for the next phase of work. Days 3 and 4 will employ lithography, gelatin printmaking, and collage as we put our stories and ideas to the page.
Imperial Calcasieu Museum
imperialcalcasieumuseum.org/branch-out-2025
1st-9th grade
Half day, $127.50 for members and $150 for nonmembers
Full day, $276.25 for members and $325 for nonmembers
Passport To Art
Choose one week:
June 2-6
June 9-13
June 16-20
Choose session from 9:00-11:30 a.m.,
12:30-3:00 p.m., or 9:00 a.m.-3 p.m.
Explore artistic traditions from around the world!
Shipwrecked On Sallier
Choose one week:
June 23-27
July 7-11
July 14-18
9:00-11:30 a.m.
Dive into history and create art inspired by a real sunken ship!
Paint & Fire
paintandfire.net
8:00 a.m-3:00 p.m.
$283 per child
June 2-6 Zoo Animals
June 9-13 Space Week
June 16-20 Reptile Week
June 23-27 Around the World
June 30-July 4 Hollywood
July 7-11 Sea Life/Shark Week
July 14-18 Everything Foods
July 21-25 Rainforest
July 28-Aug. 1 Nature Week
Lunch required. Every Friday will feature a mini art show.
Lil Art House Camps lilarthouse.com
$150 per camp
May 25-30 Princesses
June 2-6 Knights & Dragons
June 9-13 Just Desserts
June 16-20 LA Wildlife
June 23-27 Princesses
July 8-12 Knights & Dragons
July 15-19 Just Desserts
July 22-26 LA Wildlife
July 29-Aug. 2 Knights & Dragons
Julieart School Art Camp
julieartschool.com/book-online
From $55
Time Travels
June 9-13
Create artwork inspired by different eras while learning about science, history and art.
Desert Sands
June 2-6
Create paintings and drawings of cactus and pyramids.
Medieval Times
June 16-20
This camp will transport artists to the Middle Ages where they will learn about medieval history and culture.
Futuristic Fun
June 23-27
Do some creative drawing and painting about technological advancements. Make robots and design new products. Create futuristic fashions and design vehicles for the near future.
Christian Youth Theatre Group
Mini Camp
June 2-6
Ages 4-6
8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sale Street Baptist
Junior Camp
June 16-20
Ages 7-9
9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Sale Street Baptist
Teen Intensive
July 12
Ages 13-18
10:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m.
St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist
Summer Stock Show: Madagascar The Musical Jr.
July 14-19
Ages 10-12
St. Luke-Simpson United Methodist Children’s Theatre Company
Extreme Theatre
June 16-20
Ages 8-18
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
$150
From costuming, make-up, acting, dancing, singing to set design, participants get 30 hours to create a Broadway-style show.
Wild Things
July 7-9
Ages 5-8
10:00-11:15 a.m.
$65
Explore the wild world of theatre and imagination where any sort of creature can exist and any kind of kid can be a creature. Children participate in creative drama exercises, games, movement and music.
Kidz In Showbiz
July 21-25
Ages 5-8, 10:00-11:15 a.m.
Ages 9-19, 10:00 a.m.-noon
$85
Students learn the basics of musical theatre performance by singing, dancing and acting to songs and scenes from Broadway shows. The final class concludes with the student performance.
SWLA Music School
Register at 337-513-7905
Session 1: June 9-19
Session 2: July 14-18
Ages 10-18
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
$350
Join a band with kids your own age. Openings for guitar, bass, piano, voice, drum sets and horns.
McNeese High School Summer Music Academy
mcneesebands.com/summer-music-academy
June 8-12
$325 for day campers, $450 for overnight campers.
This is a overnight or day camp that offers current and rising high school students the opportunity to work on marching band fundamentals for wind players, drumline, and drum majors. Participants will learn and perform a field show as well as participate in a combination some exciting electives and masterclasses from educators.
Middle School Summer
All-Star Band
June 12-14
$150
Students will be able to participate in the camp band (similar to an honor band but without an audition to get in), and choose from electives including Jazz Band, Percussion Ensemble, Intro to Color Guard, and Intro to Marching Band.
Butterfly Language School
June 16-20
French: Le Camp Papillon
9:00 a.m.-noon
$150
Spanish: El Campamento Mariposa
1:00-4:00 p.m.
$150
June 23-June 27
English/ESL: The Butterfly Camp
9:00 a.m.-noon
$150
English/ESL: The Crazy Little Chef
1:00-4:00 p.m.
$150
June 30-July 3
French: Le Petit Chef Fou
9:00 a.m.-noon
$120
Spanish: El Jefecito Loco
1:00-4:00 p.m.
$120
July 7-11
French: Mais Que Fait Mère Noël En Juillet?
9:00 a.m.-noon
$150
English/ESL: What Does Mama Noel Do In July?
1:00-4:00 p.m.
$150
July 14-18
Spanish: Pero, ¿Qué Hace Mamá Noel En Julio?
9:00 a.m.-noon
$150
English/ESL: Peter And The Wolf Go Camping
1:00-4:00 p.m.
$150
July 21-25
French: Migrations Humaines : D’où Vient-on?
9:00 a.m.-noon
$150
French: Pierre Et Le Loup Vont Faire Du Camping
1:00-4:00 p.m.
$150
July 28-August 1
Spanish: Migraciones Humanas: ¿De Dónde Venimos?
9:00 a.m.-noon
$150
Pedro Y El Lobo Hacen Camping
1:00-4:00 p.m.
$150
August 4-8 Back to School Camp
9:00 a.m.-noon
$150
August 4-5
6th-11th grade
2:00-5:00 p.m.
$50
Back to school camp for French immersion.
August 6-7
6th-11 grade
2:00-5:00 p.m.
$50 Back to school camp for Spanish immersion/dual enrollment.
GP’s Creative Corner
gpscreativecorner.com
Around the World Camp
June 30-July 3
Ages 5-12
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
$190 or $50 a day
Explore Japanese origami and cherry blossom art, African mask painting, Mexican papel picado and piñata making, and Italian Carnival masks. Lunch required.
SPORTS
Cub Scout Day Camp
May 27-30
1st-5th grade
9:00-3:30 p.m.
$140
St. Luke Simpson United Methodist
Registration includes a camp shirt and patch.
Ayla Guzzardo Basketball Camps at McNeese State University
aylaguzzardocamps.com
Fundamental Kids Camps
June 10-12
Ages 7-14
Varsity Team Camp
June 26-27
9th-12th grade
Elite Camp
August 23
9th-12th grade
$86
The Little Gym of Lake Charles
Ages 3-8 and bathroom independent
9:00 a.m.-noon
$40 per day
Dinosaur Adventure
May 26-29
Sports of All Sorts
June 2-5
TLG Crazy Carnival
June 9-12
TLG Summer Road Trip
June 16-19
Warrior Pack
June 23-26
Superheroes Unite
June 30-July 3
Race to Outer Space
July 7-10
Mermaid Tails & Pirate Sails
July 14-17
Pajama Party
June 21-24
Animal Adventures
June 28-31
Dance of Life
welovedanceoflife.square.site
Ages 2-16
July 28-Aug. 1
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
$150
1509 Enterprise Boulevard
Praise and worship, dance instruction, arts and crafts, food and drinks, mini art recital.
required. Lunch and snacks provided.
2025 PRECIOUS POKES
2025 PreciousPokes.eventbrite.com
June 30 – July 2
Ages 3-4 (5 year olds who have not been to school)
8:00-11:00 am.
$200
McNeese Rec Complex
Campers will learn a routine as well as the traditional fight songs of McNeese. They will enjoy activities such as dressing up for a fashion show, tea parties, and makeup! There will be a showcase on day 3 of camp at 10:30!
Cowgirl Kicker Kutie Camp
KickerKutieCamp2025.eventbrite.com
July 28-August 1
Kindergarten through 5th grade (Ages 5-11)
8:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Early bird cost: $250 through May 31
Summer registration cost: $300 though July 28
McNeese Rec Complex
Lunch, drink and water bottle required.
McNeese Color Guard Academy
mcneesebands.com/summer-music-academy
June 8-12
$325 for day campers, $450 for overnight campers
Designed and instructed by an expert faculty with strong backgrounds in color guard and winter guard, the guard camp provides instruction to all levels of experience, with focus on flag fundamentals, rifle and/or saber fundamentals, writing for color guard, winter guard show creation and camp finale performance.
McNeese 2025 SCA Cheerleader Camp
scacheerleading.com/getpageseq/3202
Session I: May 25-27
Session II: June 2-4
Session III: July 7-9
Lake Area Adventures
lakeareaadventures.com
Adventure Kids Camp
Passes are available for the whole month of June or July or sign up for weekly camps.
Activities include intro to kayaking & lifeguarding, arts & crafts, outdoor activities, egg drops, science, races and cooking.
Graywood Golf & Racquet Club
Tennis and Pickleball Camps
Week 1: June 16-19
Week 2: June 23-26
Week 3: July 7-10
Week 4: July 14-17
Ages 6-13
9:00 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
Members: $260
Nonmembers: $290
Tennis racquet, water bottle, bathing suit and towel required.
Golf Summer Camps
June 16-19
June 23-26
July 14-17
July 21-24
Ages 8-13
Members: $345 per week
Nonmembers: $395 per week
