Kids zone brought to you by…
Welcome to the Kids Zone, where the magic of music meets the joy of play!
Our vibrant kids zone at This is Home Fest is available from 2:00 to 6:00 PM on Saturday, April 18, 2026
it is designed especially for our littlest festival goers. Dive into a world of rhythm and laughter with interactive games, creative crafts, and musical adventures that will make your hearts sing.
The Kids Zone features:
Almosta Ranch Petting Zoo
Bayou Games
Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School National Honor Society Activity Area
Butterfly School
Calcasieu Parish Animal Services and Adoption Center
Calcasieu Parish Public Library
Children’s Museum at Port Wonder
City of Lake Charles Parks and Recreation
Families for Inclusion
Gumbo Gators
Mad Hot Ballroom/Whistle Stop
Percussion Play Equipment
West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital lactation and diaper changing station
Face painting, tinsel, and more are available through arts vendors at the festival.
Lost items can be turned into the Kids Zone until 5:30 p.m. and to the VIP tent after 5:30 p.m.
Mothering area provided in the Kids Zone and VIP for nursing, pumping, and changing. West Calcasieu Cameron Hospital (WCCH) is a 107-bed healthcare system and community hospital located in Sulphur, Louisiana, that serves the broader Southwest Louisiana region. The main campus provides comprehensive medical care, including cardiology, intensive care, general surgery, and a 14-bed Emergency Department. Beyond the primary hospital setting, the WCCH network extends its services through specialized facilities like the Community Health Center, dedicated diagnostic and imaging centers, and the OBG-1 Women's Center, which is a designated Blue Distinction Maternity Center. Additionally, the organization emphasizes broader community wellness by operating rural health clinics in surrounding areas, Dynamic Dimensions fitness centers, and the Genesis Therapeutic Riding Center.
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Almosta Ranch Petting Zoo
We are excited to have Almosta Ranch back at our festival this year; we will have not one but two petting zoo areas for children to explore rabbits, chickens, ducks, pigs, goats, donkeys and more!
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Bayou Games Laser Tag
Bayou Games will be in the Kids Zone offering Laser Tag for a high-energy, tactical experience that kids are sure to love!
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Bishop noland high school activity center
Bishop Noland Episcopal National and Junior National Honor Societies are hosting a fun, hands-on activity area for attendees. Visit with 7-12 grade students, learn about the school, and leave your mark by participating in a special surprise that will be used by community members!
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Butterfly School
Butterfly Language School offers a variety of language programs designed to help students of all ages spread their wings and take flight. They provide instruction in French, English, and Spanish for children, teens, and adults, catering to various goals such as travel, professional development, and academic success.
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Calcasieu Animal Services
Socialize and adopt animals from Calcasieu Parish Animal Services and Adoption Center from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.
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Calcasieu Library
Discover the joy of reading at This is Home Fest! Join our pop-up library tent provided by Calcasieu Parish Public Library. Your kids can sign up for a library card, borrow exciting books, and spin the wheel for awesome prizes. Spark the love for learning in your kids – it's a literary adventure under the festival sun.
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Gumbo Gators
The Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators are swinging into This is Home Fest! Stop by their booth in the Kids Zone all day long to score some awesome giveaways and learn all about our local baseball program. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for their mascot, Beaux, who will be making a special guest appearance to join in on the fun.
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Mad Hot Ball Room/Whistle Stop
The Whistle Stop is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe, structured environment for children and families navigating difficult transitions such as custody disputes and foster care, helping preserve healthy connections while reducing conflict. In support of this mission, the community gathers each year for Mad Hot Ballroom, Whistle Stop’s signature fundraising event, where local celebrities partner with professional dancers to perform high-energy routines in a spirited ballroom competition.
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Percussion Play and Millenium Park
Millenium Park offers a toddler zone park, splash pad, and play gym for children of all ages
Children’s Museum at Port Wonder
The Children's Museum has opened their doors inside of Port Wonder along the Lake Charles Lakefront on North Lakeshore Drive and Interstate 10. The Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana at Port Wonder offers various gallery experiences for visitors of all ages to explore! Each gallery features some of our beloved exhibits reimagined and brand-new concepts as well! We offer special year-round programs and activities, memberships, birthday parties, and of course field trips. Next door or rather across the lobby, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has built a Nature and Science Center that includes freshwater and saltwater aquariums with interactives. It is the first of its kind for the state and a must-see experience. The Children's Museum is facilitating a fun activity in the Kids Zone!
meet Families for Inclusion
Families for Inclusion, a nonprofit in Southwest Louisiana, is on a mission to enhance inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with special needs. Their vision extends beyond conventional boundaries, aiming to create a society where everyone, regardless of abilities, can actively engage in all aspects of life.
With unwavering commitment, the organization advocates for the rights of individuals with special needs, utilizing advocacy, education, and community engagement as key tools. Ongoing projects, such as the inclusive playgrounds at the Children's Museum and Lock Park, exemplify their dedication to creating positive change. The upcoming Luke’s Legacy Grant in spring 2024 further underscores their commitment to supporting individuals with special needs.
Families for Inclusion invites active participation in their mission, urging individuals to contribute to conversations and initiatives that bring accessibility to the forefront. Their goal is to foster inherent inclusivity in play spaces, businesses, and restaurants. Through collective efforts, the organization envisions a future where diversity is celebrated, ensuring that no one is left behind. Families for Inclusion stands as a driving force for positive change, transforming Southwest Louisiana into a more accessible and inclusive community that values the unique contributions of every individual. This year they will be rolling out a fun sensory tent with silent disco in the kids zone!
Lake Charles Parks and Recreation Inclusion
The City of Lake Charles has many family friendly events, including their Partners in Parks events series. There are pop up events at parks all over the city in partnership with private entities. We are also proud to partner with the city to provide percussion play equipment to Millenium Park.