Learning is fun!

Who we are

The Children’s Museum at Port Wonder offers a unique, hands-on atmosphere for children and their family to interact and have fun while learning. We offer lots of educational programs and host art and STEM workshops every month!

What we do

We educate children through play and discovery while aiding in a child’s development and understanding the world around them. This encourages a lifelong passion for the arts and sciences.

Meet our director

Alexandra “Alex” Waetjen

Alexandra “Alex” Waetjen is the executive director of our museum. She joined us from the Mississippi Childrens Museum in Jackson, where she was operations assistant. Before that, she was deputy director of the Discovery Lab (Tulsa Childrens Museum) in Oklahoma.

Alex holds a master of arts degree in museology/museum studies from The Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor of arts degree from Southwest University of Georgetown, Texas. She is licensed as a Certified Interperative Guide (CIG) by the National Association for Interpretation.

She has also served as education manager of Gathering Place of Tulsa and as bicentennial and education coordinator for the State Historical Society of Missouri.

A new, meaningful era.

The Children’s Museum is a Southwest Louisiana centerpiece for learning, creativity, and quality of life. Since its founding in 1988, the museum has offered exhibits that encompass STEM, music, visual and performing arts, folklife, storytelling, art education, and more.

We enjoy partnerships with the Junior League of Lake Charles, McNeese State University, the Lake Area Industry Alliance, the Newcomers Club of Lake Charles, Art Associates of Lake Charles and the Safety Council of Southwest Louisiana. The museum has also entered a major partnership with the State of Louisiana, Calcasieu Parish, the City of Sulphur and the City of Lake Charles.

The Children’s Museum is a 501 c(3) non-profit organization. We are a member of the United Way family of organizations and receive support from the Children’s Miracle Network, Arts and Humanities Council of Southwest Louisiana, Louisiana Division of the Arts, SWLA Convention and Visitors Bureau/Visit Lake Charles, local individuals and corporations.

What makes
us unique?

We are the only destination of its kind between Houston and Lafayette. The Children’s Museum provides an educational and fun environment that encourages curiosity, creativity and social skills through hands-on programs and exhibits.

The continued success of the museum has been a remarkable journey. Over the years, the museum has become a stimulating and educational place to learn, play, and grow for thousands of children and families throughout Southwest Louisiana and Southeast Texas. With the support of the community, we will be here to serve future generations.

1011 N. Lakeshore Drive,
Lake Charles, LA 70601

The Children’s Museum is a 501 c(3) non-profit organization.

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Hours

Children’s Museum
Monday-Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Sunday
12 - 1 PM: MEMBERS ONLY
1 - 4 PM: GENERAL ADMISSION

The LDWF Nature and Science
Tuesday-Saturday
9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
(The Nature and Science
Center observes all state and federal holiday closures.)

Learning is fun!

Who we are

What we do

Meet our director