By Jeanni Ritchie
Have you been to Lazy Gator Waterpark in Lake Charles yet? It is one of my favorite summer destinations in Louisiana.
I stopped on my drive home from Grand Isle last month, taking advantage of the beautiful sunny day. The park has a swimming pool with various sporting activities like volleyball right in the water as well as a pool with two moderate waterslides.
The splash pad is fun for kids of all ages, from toddlers to squealing middle-agers who want to act like toddlers!
There’s also a large concession stand serving hot food, snacks, and drinks, with a spacious covered patio for taking a break from the sun while rows of bright orange and yellow lounge chairs for suntanning flank the pools.
Including the one I spent over five hours in: the lazy river!
I grabbed a mesh floating lounger and proceeded to go around the 1,000-foot Lagniappe Loop approximately 48 times. I listened to music—they had a killer playlist that went from Alanis to Billy Joel to Aerosmith to Hannah Montana—and I dozed. I floated mindlessly then worked out projects in my head. I revisited book plots and I chatted with others around me. I only left the lazy river once, to visit the bathroom and grab a slice of pizza and a Coke.
While I think it’s the perfect size waterpark to spend a day alone, I also think it’s great for families.
And if you want a little alone time with your sweetie? They have special Adult Only nights after dark.
But the program that made me not only love the park, but their hearts as well? Sensory Swim Nights.
Several times throughout the summer, Lazy Gator hosts free Sensory Swim Nights for children and families with autism and other intellectual, developmental, or physical disabilities. The events offer a calmer, sensory-friendly environment where everyone can enjoy a night at the waterpark. This season’s events were held from 5:30-8 PM, creating an inclusive space for families who might otherwise find a traditional waterpark experience challenging.
Lazy Gator Waterpark may be closed for the season but mark your calendars now for Summer 2027. This is one park you don’t want to miss!
Lazy Gator Waterpark
Jeanni Ritchie is a contributing journalist who finds the greatest ideas come on an open highway or while floating in a swimming pool. A drive to Lazy Gator followed by hours submerged in cool, chlorinated water is her idea of optimum productivity.
