The Port of Lake Charles is proud to announce the opening of Kids Port, an interactive exhibit located within the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana at the newly inaugurated Port Wonder facility on the Lake Charles lakefront. This engaging exhibit offers children a hands-on experience to explore and understand the vital operations of the Port, emphasizing its role in importing and exporting goods globally.
What’s Inside Kids Port?
Kids Port is strategically situated in the City Gallery, an interactive, kid-sized area within the Children’s Museum. This setting allows children to immerse themselves in the workforce and culture of Southwest Louisiana through various activities. Notable features of the exhibit include:
- Port Watch: An activity where children can observe and learn about the daily operations and logistics involved in port management.
- Exporting and Importing Goods: A hands-on experience that educates children on the processes of global trade and the movement of goods through the Port.
- Interactive Port: A simulation that allows children to role-play different career paths associated with the Port, providing insight into the various professions that contribute to its functioning.
This initiative aligns with the Port’s mission to foster understanding and insight into its local and global services through the art of learning and play. By engaging children in these interactive experiences, the Port aims to inspire the next generation and cultivate an appreciation for the maritime industry and its significance to the region’s economy.
Part of a Larger Vision: Port Wonder
The establishment of Kids Port is part of a broader collaboration between the Port of Lake Charles and the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana. Port Wonder, the new home for the Children’s Museum, opened April 21.
This $32 million public-private partnership also houses the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries’ Nature and Science Center, creating a comprehensive educational hub for the community.
The design of Port Wonder, with its distinctive undulating roofline, symbolizes the winding waterways that culminate at Lake Charles. This architectural feature enhances the center’s visibility and accessibility, promoting opportunities for the public to engage with and learn about Louisiana’s rich natural heritage.
In addition to Kids Port, the Children’s Museum offers a variety of exhibits aimed at fostering education, creativity, and environmental stewardship among visitors. These include Sasol’s Chem Corner, where children can pretend to work in the local industry in a STEM-oriented setting, and the Pressure Zone, an exhibit designed to teach children about physical forces through interactive play.
The Port of Lake Charles stands as a vital economic engine for the region, being one of the busiest ports in the United States. Through initiatives like Kids Port, the Port seeks to inspire parents and children to grow in their knowledge of the activities that drive their region’s economy. By providing an engaging and educational environment, Kids Port aims to cultivate an early interest in the maritime industry and its associated career opportunities.
A Commitment to Education and Community
Families are encouraged to visit the Children’s Museum at Port Wonder to experience Kids Port firsthand. The museum offers a unique opportunity for children and their families to learn about the Port’s operations and its significance to the local and global economy. For those interested in extending the learning experience at home, the Port of Lake Charles’ website provides downloadable coloring pages that explore various aspects of port activities.
The Port of Lake Charles remains committed to community engagement and education. By partnering with the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana, the Port continues to invest in the region’s future, fostering a deeper understanding of the maritime industry and its impact on daily life. Kids Port exemplifies this commitment, offering a space where learning and play converge to inspire the next generation.
