Kid Friendly Dining Options in SWLA

by Taylor Trahan Henry

When you think of the perfect place to celebrate a family occasion or grab a bite to eat after finishing up a ball game or dance class, white linen dining and a la carte menus don’t exactly check the boxes. No worries! In Southwest Louisiana, there’s no shortage of kid friendly options. Many area restaurants offer discounted or free nights for kids, coloring pages, great spaces and delicious kids’ menus.

Rikenjaks Brewing Company

Rikenjaks offers an incredible outdoor space, complete with games, live music, and a menu full of delicious family favorites. It’s a great place to celebrate a family birthday or enjoy Sunday brunch together! You can even bring your four-legged family member along if you plan to sit on the patio.

3716 Ryan St. in Lake Charles.

Mellow Mushroom

Nothing says “kid friendly” like a giant Transformer on the patio, and that’s just the beginning at this artisan pizza spot. The outdoor dining space is eclectic and super fun, and it’s sure to have the kids asking to go back. Menu choices are endless with build-your-own options as well as perfectly crafted flavors. Kids eat free with the purchase of any pizza on Monday evenings.

3420 Ryan St. in Lake Charles.

Mr. Gatti’s Pizzas

A fan favorite with three locations in Southwest Louisiana, Mr. Gatti’s has easily earned its spot on this listing. Buffet style dining and the famous game room are the top two attractions that make this eatery a go-to for families. It’s also a great space to host birthday parties, with packages that include food, drink, and game tokens.

Sulphur (1811 Ruth St.), Lake Charles (3522 Ryan St.), and Jennings (1320 Elton Rd.).

Crying Eagle Brewery

A brewery may not be top of mind when deciding on a family dinner, but Crying Eagle isn’t your ordinary brewery. Their Bistro serves some incredible eats to be enjoyed in their spacious dining area or on the sprawling patio. With plenty of room to move around, kid favorites like pizza and fries, and outdoor games, it’s an ideal spot for adults and kids alike.

1165 E. McNeese St. in Lake Charles.

Crust Pizza Co.

Relatively new to the SWLA restaurant scene, Crust Pizza Co. has three locations to choose from.

Kid’s eat free on Tuesdays (two kids per one adult entrée) and their kids’ menu is a little different than most. Of course, favorites like mac n’ cheese and pizza are there but Crust also offers smaller portions of Italian favorites like spaghetti and alfredo!

Sulphur (206 S. Cities Service Hwy.), Lake Charles (3479 Nelson Rd.) and Moss Bluff (1355 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy.)

K’s Frozen Delights and More

K’s Frozen Delights & More is sure to be a favorite for the whole crew. Its menu boasts dozens of options for dessert and even a few salty, savory dishes like sandwiches, hot dogs and nachos. More popular items like rolled ice cream and stuffed snow cones catch your eye immediately. The classic 50s diner motif will make you feel like you stepped back in time!

1842 Ruth St. in Sulphur.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of SWLA is committed to igniting the power and promise of youth through one-to-one mentoring relationships. By matching community members with the leaders of tomorrow, the organization believes youth can achieve their full potential, reach higher aspirations, develop greater confidence, build better relationships, avoid risk behaviors and accomplish educational success.

Big Brothers Big Sisters currently has over 35 littles, like these two, ready to be matched with a Big.

Big Brothers Big Sisters currently has over 35 littles, like these two, ready to be matched with a Big.

Ja’linee, 7 years old • Waiting for 75 days

Ja’linee, 7 years old • Waiting for 75 days

Ja’Linee is an outgoing, athletic, and happy Little Sister waiting for her perfect Big! She would love a Big Sibling who can take her bowling and knows a bit of arithmetic – she’s eager to master multiplication! Ja’Linee may need just a little time to warm up, but she’s certainly not one to shy away from trying something new. She’s ready for a Big that has the imagination and energy to match her spunk!

Ja’Linee is an outgoing, athletic, and happy Little Sister waiting for her perfect Big! She would love a Big Sibling who can take her bowling and knows a bit of arithmetic – she’s eager to master multiplication! Ja’Linee may need just a little time to warm up, but she’s certainly not one to shy away from trying something new. She’s ready for a Big that has the imagination and energy to match her spunk!

Sha’la, 10 years old • Waiting for 60 Days

Sha’la, 10 years old • Waiting for 60 Days

Sha’la is looking for a Big Sister that knows a thing or two about a thing or two – one of her favorite things to do is read about “Did you know…?” factoids! She is a very sweet, intelligent Little who is soft-spoken and kind to others. A day out riding bikes, going shopping, or taking a trip to the park would be a dream for this Little. If you like spending time outside or with animals, you’d be an amazing Big for her.

Sha’la is looking for a Big Sister that knows a thing or two about a thing or two – one of her favorite things to do is read about “Did you know…?” factoids! She is a very sweet, intelligent Little who is soft-spoken and kind to others. A day out riding bikes, going shopping, or taking a trip to the park would be a dream for this Little. If you like spending time outside or with animals, you’d be an amazing Big for her.

Apply today to become a Big.

Apply today to become a Big.

Being a mentor is about being present and creating special moments that last a lifetime.

Being www.bbbsswla.org www.bbbsswla.org

4135 Common Street, Lake Charles 1509 N Pine Street, DeRidder 337-478-5437