Looking for low-cost summer fun in Monroe-West Monroe? Check out our 11 ideas!
1. Visit a park in Monroe-West Monroe
Kiroli Park
Did you know? Kiroli Park’s name combines the first two letters of the Kiwanis, Rotary, and the Lions clubs who purchased the land in 1925 to give to the Boy Scouts of America as a camp.
Today it is known as the premier park in northeast Louisiana. It offers over 150 acres of fun which includes tennis courts, gardens, picnic and grilling areas, a fishing pond, hiking trails, mountain bike trails, and several playground areas with one being an inclusive playground, The Smiles Park. Let's not forget about the pooches, there is a wonderful Raising Cane's Dog Park!
Chennault Park Disc Golf Course
Disc Golf is a rapidly growing sport played much like traditional golf, only instead of hitting a ball into a hole, players seek to throw a flying disc (similar to a frisbee) into an elevated metal basket or concrete bucket.
Chennault Park Disc Golf Course is an 18-hole disc golf course that has concrete buckets. Just like golf has different clubs for certain shots, the discs you will use for disc golf are different weights. There are discs for long-distance, some for putting, etc.
It is always fun to try something new and we want to make it easy for you! You can borrow some discs from Macaroni Kid Monroe-West Monroe to give it a shot! Send us an email and we can schedule a pick-up location with some printed instructions on how to play the game.
 Jordan Whitt via Unsplash |
2. Get Wet!
Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo
The newly painted splash pad can provide hours of fun and a way to cool off on these hot Louisiana Summer days. While you are there you have to see the new tribute statue of Shirley the Elephant as she holds Solomon James' hat, her longtime caretaker.
Jimmie Davis State Park
Do we have beaches in Louisiana? Yes. It is a lakefront beach, specifically, Caney Lake. There are a couple ways to get wet, the lake of course, and they have a no frills splash pad but it works just fine!
3. July 4th Celebration and Fireworks
This year's Independence Celebration will take place on Saturday, July 2nd, 2022 with fun on both sides of the river. This event will provide wonderful unique opportunities to enjoy the fireworks on land or by boat in the Ouachita River. By land you will have lots of fun activities to enjoy with places like Flying Tiger Brewery, 2 Dude Brew and Que (2 Dudes Block Party), Flying Heart Brewing and Pub, and JAC's Craft Smokehouse will feature activities and/or bands. There will also be food trucks and you can bring pets, just make sure they can handle crowds and the loud bang of fireworks.
Make sure you have earplugs for children that are sensitive to loud noise if you plan on being in the middle of the action.
#funroe #oneroe #monroela #westmonroela #mackidmwm
2nd Annual Downtown Block Party
Downtown Block Party Bike Ride
Bike It Out 318 is a bike shop and bike rental company. The bikes are beach cruisers that are lit up with bright lights and can be rented throughout the year. You can call for more details about the July 2nd Block Party Bike Ride and to book your reservations now, (318)267-4422.
The Firecracker 5K Run
The Firecracker 5k is back Saturday July 2nd at Flying Tiger!
Don’t miss this amazing Fun Run benefitting one of our local gems the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum! To sign up just click Sign-Up Now. - The cost is only $25 and comes with so much!
Fresh local coffee and pastries will be available that morning!
This Fundraiser Fun Run will begin at 8am and wind through historic downtown Monroe! Although this is a Fun Run, it will be timed with chip bibs. The 5k will begin at 8am and wind through historic downtown Monroe! Although this is a Fun Run, it will be timed with chip bibs. Participants who sign up by midnight Sunday June 29th will be guaranteed to receive their awesome event t-shirt and finishing medal on race day (after that you may have to return to Flying Tiger to pick up later). Kids 12 and under are free to participate, but must be accompanied by an adult (however, they will not receive the t-shirt, bib, and finishing medal without a paid registration).
 Getty Images via Canva |
4. Go to the library!
The Ouachita Parish Public Library
We keep our calendar updated with the wonderful free activities that are hosted at our local libraries. The events, crafts, classes are geared toward kids, teens, and adults. There is also a Summer Reading Challenge happening right now and it isn't just for kids!
5. Enjoy live music in Monroe-West Monroe
(Check with venues to get updated dates and times for performances)
Enoch's Irish Pub and Cafe
LaBella presents: Cottonport Concert Series
JAC's Craft Smokehouse
2 Dude Brew and Cue
6. Take a scenic hike
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge
Black Bayou Lake National Wildlife Refuge is located within the City Limits of Monroe and offers easily accessible opportunities for visitors to spend time in nature birdwatching, taking photos, paddling, hunting, fishing, hiking, and so much more.
Restoration Park
Another scenic hike that is a 1.5 mile loop. The trail is open year round and dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.
7. Go on a hunt
There are beautifully painted herons spread throughout Monroe-West Monroe and it is a blast to see how many you can find. We recently wrote an article about Brooke Foy who was the brainchild behind the Herons on the Bayou Project. In the article you will find a downloadable map to help you on your hunt. You could make this a friendly competition and see which family can find the most by a certain time. (Remember to drive safely!!!) lol
 Getty Images Pro via Canva |
8. Take a bike ride
Kiroli Park offer a Mountain Bike Trail
Five mile of trails that have great technical climbs and elevation change.
Highland Park Wetland Trails
9. Go to a museum
Chennault Aviation and Military Museum
Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum
Biedenharn Museum and Gardens
Masur Museum
ULM Museum of Natural History
NELA Delta African American Museum
Precious Legacy Archive and Museum
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10. See a movie
Cinemark 10 and Tinseltown 17 have some great summer movie deals, check out the Aron's 2022 Summer Movie Guide!
11. Check out the Macaroni KID Monroe-West Monroe calendar!
We have all the summer events we can find on our events calendar, which is always free to see!
