Cameron & Alli
Local Things To Do
Big Thicket BBQ
Our favorite DeRidder restaurant.
MacFarlane's Celtic Pub
Some of the best food (fish & chips, drinks, pub fries, shepherds pie, etc). No kids allowed inside.
Tia Juanitas Fish Camp
Trendy Mexican eatery. Very friendly management. Food is always good. This is Alli's mom's favorite place to eat in Lake Charles!
LULU'S Specialty Snowcones
If you need a unique sweet treat, check out Lulu's snowcones in Lake Charles! Butterbeer (Harry Potter), Sour Power, Cotton Candy, etc. Made to your liking.
Hazel's Tea Parlor
Small bites, fresh made food, tea, vintage.
The Little Big Cup
Located in Arnaudville, approx. 2 hours from DeRidder / 30 minutes from Lafayette. Reservations are required for Friday-Sunday. Wonderful place for a tastey food experience- seafood pastas, poboys, mac & cheese balls, surf & turf, salads, stuffed bell peppers, praline chicken, crab cakes, etc. A classy joint.
West Park
Large park with playground equipment, rock climbs, walking paths, tennis court, basketball court, and pool. We go here regularly to play tennis and get exercise.
Millennium Park
Free, large playground in Lake Charles by the seawall
Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
Approx 1 hour from DeRidder/ 30 min from Lake Charles. Free botanical garden. We have enjoyed this place many times, especially during the fall and winter events. If you go here, check out Swamp & River Tours nearby.
Swamp & River Tours
Approx 1 hour from DeRidder. An awesome time on a boat ride to learn about the swamp and gators! If you go, also check out Shangri-la Gardens nearby.
DeRidder Dog Park
Fenced Park for dogs of all sizes. Our dogs love to go here on pretty days!
Alexandria Zoological Park
Closest Zoo to DeRidder (approx 1.5 hours). Bears, lions, sloths, anteater, fish, leopards, otters, peacocks, snakes, monkeys, flamingos, warthogs, birds, etc. Price is about $7.50 for adults/ $5.50 for kids. This is where we had our 2nd date!
Barn Hill Preserve
Farther south, approx 3 hours from DeRidder. This is where we got engaged. Animal encounters (petting/holding/swim with) kangaroo, sloths, otters, owls, wild cats, giraffes and more.
Global Wildlife Center
Approx 4 hours south of DeRidder. A wonderful, up close experience with giraffes, zebra, bulls, deer and more as you go through a safari journey.
Gator Country LA Alligator Park
The alligator farm is now under new ownership! Feed, hold and watch gators! You can also hold snakes and turtles or take a river tour!
Duck Commander
One of our favorite shows to watch is Duck Dynasty, which is filmed in West Monroe, Louisiana. We have taken 2 trips to visit Duck Commander and eat at Miss Kay's restaurant (closed). Approx 3 hours north of DeRidder. Duck Commander now offers a tour at the facility that shows all the family history and memorabilia.
Cinemark Movie Bistro Lake Charles
If you want to see a movie, this is the best place to go nearby. Approx 1 hour from DeRidder. Lounge seats, you can order food here and it is brought to your seat, and ticket prices are the same as a typical theater. We go here often with Scott & Katy.
Game2Life
Laser tag and axe throwing
Go Karts and Putt Putt
Approx. 30 minutes from DeRidder. Requires a visitor's pass (free) at Entrance Road.
Fort Polk Arts & Craft Center
Paint a ceramic (dragons, gnomes, castles, angels, dogs, etc). Requires a visitor's pass (free) at Entrance Road.
Color Factory Houston
A wonderful color/sensory museum for all ages! Tasty treats are offered as you make your way through. Experience the best ball pit ever! This was a fun place to go on a date, but it is also great with friends and/or kids.
T & J Canoe Rental LLC.
If you are up for an outdoor adventure, there are multiple canoe rental along Whiskey Chitto. This is a great day trip (bring a cooler, lunch, suncreen, hats, bug spray). Canoe companies will bus you to and from locations.
Longleaf Vista Nature Trail
A nice outdoor hiking trail located in Kisatchie. This trail offers a gazebo at the beginning of the trail, with two look out areas as you advance. Although a waterfall is advertised, this waterfall is more of a stream; however, it is a trail that is easy enough for Yoshi and he looks forward to the stream at the end of the trail.
Almosta Ranch LLC
Visit this farm in Sulphur to learn about the animals during the Farm Tour, which offers 1.5 hours of education, animal encounters, and horseback riding.
Tail' Gators
If you are in the mood for a flavorful daiquiri, stop by tail gators! There is one in DeRidder & one in Leesville, but if you go by the Leesville location you can tell Alli's brother, Kyle, hello!
Wayback’s Arcade
Check out this arcade in Pineville! You won’t pay quarters, tokens, or even swipe a card to play a game. $12 gets you all day unlimited free play from open to close!