Port Wonder Opens in Lake Charles with Children’s Museum

Categories: Louisiana Business NewsLouisiana EducationLouisiana LifestyleLouisiana News

Children explore hands-on activities at the new Children's Museum in Lake Charles.

News Summary

Port Wonder officially opened in Lake Charles on April 21, 2023, offering an educational destination featuring the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana and a Nature and Science Center. With various interactive exhibits and planned programs, the facility aims to engage families and enhance community learning opportunities. The site is a result of a $25 million public-private partnership, intended to boost educational activities and support wildlife education post-Deepwater Horizon incident.

Lake Charles Welcomes Port Wonder Featuring Children’s Museum and Nature Center

Lake Charles, LA – Port Wonder officially opened on April 21, 2023, after a decade of planning, offering a new educational destination for families in the area. The facility, which is located at 1011 N Lakeshore Drive, is a result of a $25 million public-private partnership and was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting event held on March 20.

Approximately two-thirds of Port Wonder is dedicated to the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana, while the remaining space is occupied by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Nature and Science Center. Since its inaugural opening, the Children’s Museum has experienced a notable increase in attendance, welcoming over 12,700 visitors in June 2023 alone, averaging around 500 daily visitors.

Interactive Learning Experiences

The Children’s Museum features a variety of interactive exhibits designed to engage children’s curiosity and creativity. Young visitors can immerse themselves in imaginative play, pretending to be an ant, experiencing the water cycle, exploring human body systems, and learning about the local ecosystem through hands-on activities. The museum also offers several programs including Maker Monday, Tinker Tuesday, and Fitness Friday, catering to different interests and learning styles.

Plans are underway to introduce sensory-friendly hours and family nights in the fall, aimed at providing inclusive experiences for families. Tickets for admission to the Children’s Museum are priced at $16, making it an affordable option for local families looking for recreational and educational activities.

Nature and Science Center Operations

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Nature and Science Center is also a significant part of Port Wonder, designed to offer immersive learning experiences focused on wildlife and natural sciences. This facility is slated to provide visitors with tangible learning opportunities, including aquariums and touch tanks.

The Nature and Science Center is open from Tuesday to Saturday, operating from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with tickets priced at $6. This center provides an essential resource for community members, especially in light of the recreational opportunities diminished due to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

Community Impact and Future Plans

Community feedback regarding the reopening of the museum and the Nature and Science Center has been overwhelmingly positive. Executive Director Allyson Montgomery has noted that the summer season typically sees high visitation at children’s museums, attributing this to the school break and increased family travel.

With a commitment to serving the community, Port Wonder plans to expand its outreach by welcoming more field trips and enriching educational programs in the future. The facility aims to be a vital resource for families, promoting hands-on learning and engagement with science and nature.

The Children’s Museum operates Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., providing ample opportunity for local families to explore and learn within this new educational hub.