Things to do in Shreveport for People Under 21
Photo by Michael Acurio
Let’s be real; being under twenty-one in Shreveport sucks. You might be thinking that you must get a good fake ID, “talk” with the local plug, hit up a sugar daddy, or—my personal favorite—leave Shreveport to have fun; however, there is an assortment of activities for us under-aged people to participate in the local community.
Photo by Moll McCombs
If you’re a cheapskate/broke college student like I am, you’re probably looking for free events. There are plenty of parks to stroll through and little benches along the way to absorb the beauty or collect your thoughts. One of my favorite locations, the Botanical Gardens surrounding the Norton Art Gallery, host several colorful flowers and gentle streams, making a great place for photos. Inside, the Norton Art Gallery showcases permanent and shifting exhibits, and admissions are free. The Betty Virginia Park, Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park, and Duck Pond also provide free sources of peaceful scenery. The Atkin Plant Nursery, tranquil as well, has an extensive variety of plants for sale perfect for easy dorm keeping.
Photo by American Rose Society
The Gardens of the American Rose Center, the nation’s largest park dedicated to roses, operates on a donation basis. For a small donation, 118 acres of a diverse multitude of roses are at your disposal in under a thirty-minute drive. Jubilee Zoo, which costs $14 per adult, has baby deer, kangaroos, miniature sheep, and more for petting. For $15, you visit the Shreveport Aquarium and see over 300 species of aquatic wildlife. Among other activities, you can witness shark feedings, hand-feed stingrays, and see jellyfish.
If you are not looking for outdoor/nature activities, you can still have fun for a small price or even free. Lately, my friends and I have begun to have game nights in our dorm. We enjoy playing interactive games such as Masterpiece, Cards Against Humanity, or Unsolved Case Files. Over breaks, we connect virtually through Boardgame Arena or Jackbox Games—both platforms require a one-time payment by one person for access to many games. Sometimes, we even clear a space in our room, search some Just Dance music videos on YouTube, and laugh at one another’s moves. The experience is priceless, especially if you make it into a competition.
~~~The Agora Borealis, featuring local artwork and goods, has free admission and occasionally organizes events in various places in the Shreveport area. Their Facebook page regularly posts upcoming events. Artspace, also free to access, presents both visual and performative forms of art including poetry readings, live music, paintings, etc. The Strand Theater, a stunning opera venue, has a variety of shows with prices depending on the production. Although a bit expensive, the Sanctuary Glass Studio allows individuals to make their own glass figures—wine glasses, bowls, olive oil dispensers and more—for prices ranging from $45 to $65. The studio also hosts exhibits in the community and offers courses for glass blowing, kiln casting, hot sculpting, and sand casting.
There are many shopping centers near campus as well. Shopping at the Boardwalk, Mall St. Vincent, Pierre Bossier Mall, and Shoppes at Bellemead can be fun with a group of friends. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, try thrift shopping at any Goodwill location, Uptown Cheapskate, Vessel Vintage, or other local resale shops. For those of you who love to find room décor, I recommend visiting antique shops near campus like Antique Emporium or Caboose Antiques. If you are looking for an upgraded movie night, watch a film at the Robinson or Cinemark and maybe even attempt escape rooms at Red Herring after. Perhaps get together a group to go ice skating at the Hirsch Memorial Coliseum-George’s Pond ($10 admission, $5 skate rental) or to go roller skating at Hot Wheels of Wonder (price vary by day/time but generally $10 or less). If you’re really looking to spoil yourself because classes are stressful, relax at La Spa or Spa Blu. Services such as massages, facials, or body scrubs are pricey, but worth the cost. Some places offer other amenities like drinks, snacks, or a sauna, too.
If searching for your nerd-fill, explore the Sci-Port Discovery Center equipped with exhibits on each of three floors and a planetarium. General admission costs $15 which includes entry to the IMAX Dome Theater—the only theater of this kind in Louisiana—as well. If you’re one of the “cool kids,” there are a few clubs that allow access for those of us still under twenty-one. This category of entertainment might be best researched on your own, but I’m letting you know they exist. Of course, you cannot have alcohol, but you can dance awfully, and people will just assume you are drunk.
Finally, let’s talk about food. Andy’s Frozen Custard is my go-to. If you are lactose-intolerant or vegan, I am sorry—it’s too delicious. Happy Bellies offers more frozen treats and Centenary students get a discount. In Shreveport, you have your standard fast-food franchises for late-night munchies, too. The McDonald’s near the Walmart on Knight Street and the Whataburger is open 24/7, and Taco Bell, Wendy’s and Raising Canes remain open decently late. Carrabba’s, Marilynn’s Place, and Cheng’s Garden are examples of casual, sit-down places while Gibbons, Superior Steakhouse, and Sushi Gen are classier restaurants that typically cost a little more.
Hopefully, this collection of activities in Shreveport keeps you entertained until you’re twenty-one!