When you picture a winter getaway, your mind might jump to snowy peaks and crackling fireplaces. Let’s flip the script. Think about a place where the air is crisp but the culture is warm, the lights are bright, and the fun is waiting just around the river bend.
That’s Shreveport, Louisiana for you. Forget shivering indoors—winter here is all about vibrant energy and cozy discoveries.
Ready for a season of unforgettable memories? We’ve scoured the city to bring you the absolute best places to make your winter trip sparkle. From underwater adventures to epic concerts and outdoor fun, Shreveport in the winter is a destination bursting with life.
So, grab your favorite jacket and get ready to explore the top spots that make this city a must-visit during the cooler months.
1. Dive into the Deep at the Shreveport Aquarium
Ever wondered what a coral reef looks like when it’s freezing outside? Well, step into the Shreveport Aquarium and find a whole world where winter never comes. This isn’t just a place to stare at fish tanks.
It’s a vibrant, interactive journey where you can come face-to-fin with sleek sharks and graceful stingrays.
The water is always the perfect temperature, making it one of the most magical places to visit in Shreveport during winter, especially when you want to escape the chill.
Kids and adults alike get a thrill from touching live sea creatures in the interactive exhibits, learning why every turtle and eel plays a part in our big, blue planet. It’s an adventure that feels both exciting and important, a real crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
The aquarium is home to creatures from Louisiana’s own wetlands, like alligators and turtles, right alongside exotic species from tropical waters.
You can wander through the Rainforest Way to spot colorful tree frogs and fascinating geckos, or get mesmerized by the colorful fish in the Shipwreck gallery.
It’s a total sensory experience that’s perfect for a winter afternoon. Plan your visit today and make memories that make a splash—it’s the kind of warm, engaging activity that turns a regular day into a story you’ll tell for years.
2. Feel the Beat at Winter Fest
If you’re hunting for the hottest ticket in town this season, look no further. Winter Fest is taking over the historic Shreveport Municipal Auditorium for a high-energy Hip Hop celebration you won’t want to miss.
Imagine a night where the winter cold is completely forgotten, replaced by the heat of legendary performances. This concert is a powerhouse event featuring Webbie, the Ying Yang Twins, Trina, and more bringing their biggest hits to the stage.
It’s more than a show; it’s a cultural moment, making the auditorium one of the most electric winter destinations in Shreveport.
The vibe here is pure electricity. The historic venue, known for launching legendary careers, adds an unforgettable layer of magic to the night. For anyone wanting to experience the city’s vibrant pulse, this is it.
Tickets for this January spectacle go on sale in December, so mark your calendar and get ready. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the hottest winter concert in Shreveport! It’s the perfect way to spice up a winter weekend with friends and create some seriously cool memories.
3. Unleash Your Inner Scientist at Sci-Port Discovery Center
Got a curious crew? The Sci-Port Discovery Center is your winter wonderland for the mind. This isn’t your average museum where you just look at dusty exhibits. Here, you get to do science.
Kids and adults can roll up their sleeves for hands-on experiments, explore the mysteries of space, and even catch a movie in Louisiana’s only IMAX Dome Theater.
On a blustery day, it’s the ultimate indoor playground for curiosity, solidifying its spot as a top Shreveport attraction for winter. It’s engaging, it’s warm, and it’s guaranteed to spark a sense of wonder in everyone.
What makes it so special is how it turns learning into an adventure. You’re not just reading about physics; you’re building something to understand it. You’re not just watching a film about the cosmos; you’re surrounded by it in the immersive dome.
It’s the kind of place where hours fly by without anyone noticing the weather outside. For a family looking for a fun, brain-boosting activity, this center is a total home run. It proves that some of the best winter activities in Shreveport happen when you’re discovering something new together.
4. Get Wild at Gators and Friends Adventure Park
Okay, let’s get a little wild. How does holding a baby alligator sound? At Gators and Friends Adventure Park, you can do just that and so much more. This place is a quintessential Louisiana experience that’s thrilling any time of year.
Zip-line over a swamp full of these amazing creatures for a truly unique bird’s-eye view.
The park is an adventure that combines education and excitement, offering a taste of the bayou that’s perfect for visitors of all ages. It’s easily one of the most unique places to see in Shreveport in winter.
The cooler weather can actually make the outdoor adventure more pleasant. After you’ve met the reptiles, you can explore the rest of the park’s offerings. It’s hands-on, it’s memorable, and it gives you a real connection to the natural environment of the region.
This park showcases the adventurous spirit of Louisiana, proving that winter is no reason to stay cooped up indoors. For an unforgettable story to take home, this is the spot.
5. Stroll and Savor at the Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets
Sometimes, the perfect winter day is about a leisurely stroll and a sweet treat. The Louisiana Boardwalk Outlets offers just that, with a lovely riverside view to boot.
You can browse through a fantastic selection of shops, then take a whimsical ride on the classic carousel. And what’s a winter outing without a delicious indulgence? Be sure to grab a gooey, hand-dipped caramel apple—it’s the classic Boardwalk snack that tastes like celebration.
This mix of shopping, simple fun, and scenic beauty makes it a top choice for a relaxed winter visit to Shreveport.
The atmosphere here is simply cheerful. The mix of people shopping, families laughing, and the gentle hum of activity creates a wonderfully festive vibe.
Whether you’re hunting for deals, enjoying the riverfront, or just people-watching, the Boardwalk provides a picturesque and pleasant setting. It’s proof that some of the best things to do in Shreveport in the winter are the simple pleasures enjoyed at your own pace.
6. Discover Artistry at the R.W. Norton Art Gallery
Picture this: you’re wandering through lush, evergreen gardens while delicate camellias bloom in the winter air. Inside, you’re surrounded by breathtaking art from masters like Remington and Russell.
This isn’t a daydream—it’s a regular afternoon at the R.W. Norton Art Gallery. Their grounds are spectacular year-round, but there’s something truly special about experiencing them in the quiet, cool winter months.
It’s a peaceful, almost secret feeling, making it one of the most serene places to visit in Shreveport during winter.
The collection inside is just as impressive as the gardens outside. You’ll find stunning European and American artworks alongside one of the country’s best collections of firearms, telling the story of the American West.
It’s the perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural enrichment, offering a refined escape that feels miles away from the everyday hustle. For a calming yet captivating afternoon, this gallery is a total home run.
7. Experience History at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum
History buffs, this one’s for you. When you step into the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum, you’re stepping into a story—a beautifully told story of Louisiana’s land and people. The crown jewels here are the massive, hand-painted dioramas.
These intricate scenes depict everything from cotton farming to cypress swamps with stunning detail. It’s an immersive experience that’s perfect for a thoughtful winter day, ranking it high on the list of fascinating Shreveport winter destinations.
The museum itself is an architectural treasure, a classic Art Deco building that’s worth admiring. Inside, the temperature is always perfect for exploring the rich narratives of forestry, agriculture, and industry that built the state.
It’s educational, it’s engaging, and it gives you a deep, authentic connection to the region’s soul. You’ll leave not just entertained, but with a real understanding of what makes this part of the world tick.
8. Catch a Show at the historic Strand Theatre
Is there anything cozier than settling into a plush, velvet seat as the lights dim in a historic theater? The Strand Theatre, a magnificently restored 1920s palace, offers just that.
Their winter lineup is always packed with can’t-miss acts, from big national tours to incredible local performances.
The energy of a live show combined with the theater’s gorgeous Spanish-style décor creates a magical night out, solidifying The Strand as a premier winter activity in Shreveport.
The vibe here is pure, unadulterated class. From the moment you see the marquee lights reflecting on Texas Street, you know you’re in for something special. It’s the kind of place that makes an evening feel like an event.
Checking their schedule and planning a night at The Strand is a surefire way to add a dash of dazzle to your winter itinerary. Trust me, you’ll be talking about the acoustics and the atmosphere long after the final curtain call.
9. Find a New Favorite Read at the Shreve Memorial Library
Sometimes, the best winter adventures are quiet ones. The Shreve Memorial Library system, with its beautiful main branch, is a haven for book lovers.
You can curl up in a sunny corner with a fascinating new novel or explore their incredible local history and genealogy resources. They also host fantastic author talks and community events throughout the season.
It’s a warm, welcoming, and intellectually stimulating spot that’s perfect for a slower-paced day, making it a wonderful place to see in Shreveport in winter.
Beyond the books, the library is a community hub. You might stumble upon a crafting workshop, a documentary screening, or a lively discussion group.
It’s a place to connect, learn, and simply enjoy the pleasure of getting lost in a good story while the world outside turns chilly. Don’t overlook this civic gem—it’s the heart of the city in many ways.
10. Explore the Marvels of the Barnwell Center & Gardens
For a dose of nature and science in one beautiful package, head to the Barnwell Center & Gardens. Their winter garden display is a testament to what thrives in Louisiana’s mild climate, and the planetarium inside offers mesmerizing journeys through the winter night sky.
The mix of lush, living gardens and cosmic exploration provides a unique and balanced experience, earning its spot as a top Shreveport attraction for winter.
Walking the garden paths is refreshing, and the indoor exhibits are engaging for all ages. It’s a place where you can appreciate the delicate beauty of a winter-blooming flower and then expand your mind learning about distant galaxies.
This blend makes for an outing that’s both grounding and awe-inspiring. It’s a wonderful reminder of the beauty and mystery that exists right outside our door and far beyond it.
11. Savor the Local Flavor at the Shreveport Farmers’ Market
Who says farmers’ markets are just for summer? The Shreveport Farmers’ Market is a year-round celebration of local goodness, and the winter market has its own special charm.
You’ll find seasonal citrus, crisp greens, sweet potatoes, and all the fixings for a fantastic holiday meal.
The vibe is festive and community-focused, with local artisans selling handmade gifts and live music often filling the air. It’s a sensory delight and a fantastic way to taste the region, making it a must-do for any winter visit to Shreveport.
The real magic here is in the connections. You’re not just buying food; you’re chatting with the farmer who grew it. You’re supporting local craftspeople and getting a genuine feel for the community’s rhythm.
Grabbing a hot, fresh breakfast from a food vendor while you shop is a beloved local tradition. For the freshest flavors and the warmest welcomes, this market is where it’s at.
12. Take a Leisurely Bike Ride Along the Clyde Fant Parkway
If you get a bright, sunny winter day (and you’ll get plenty!), there’s no better way to enjoy it than on two wheels. The scenic trail along Clyde Fant Parkway, following the Red River, is perfect for a leisurely bike ride or walk.
The views of the river and the downtown skyline are gorgeous, and the paved path makes for easy, enjoyable exercise. This accessible outdoor adventure is a highlight for many looking for active things to do in Shreveport in the winter.
The path is a lifeline for locals and visitors who want to soak up some sunshine and fresh air. You can rent a bike from a local shop and make an afternoon of it, stopping to watch the boats or read a sign about the area’s history.
It’s an invigorating way to experience the city’s natural landscape and see it from a different, more active perspective. Don’t forget your camera—the photo ops are incredible.
13. Get Creative at the artspace Community Arts Center
Feeling inspired? The artspace Community Arts Center is where creativity comes to play. This dynamic center offers hands-on art classes and workshops for all skill levels, from pottery throwing to painting.
Their galleries feature rotating exhibitions of contemporary art from regional and national artists.
Getting your hands dirty with clay or splashing color on a canvas is a wonderfully engaging way to spend a winter day, establishing artspace as a cornerstone for creative winter activities in Shreveport.
What’s great here is the emphasis on “community.” It’s a welcoming, judgment-free zone where you can try something new. You don’t have to be an artist; you just have to be curious.
Taking home a piece of art you made yourself is the ultimate Shreveport souvenir—it’s a memory you can hold in your hands. Check their calendar and sign up for a session; you might just discover a hidden talent.
14. Unwind in Nature at the Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park
Last but certainly not least, find your peaceful moment at the Walter B. Jacobs Memorial Nature Park. This 160-acre park in nearby Blanchard is a preserved piece of Louisiana’s natural upland forest.
Their well-marked trails are perfect for a winter hike, where you can spot wildlife, identify trees, and just breathe in the quiet.
The park rangers often lead educational walks, sharing their deep knowledge of the local ecosystem. It’s a tranquil escape that feels a world away, capping off our list as a perfect Shreveport winter destination for nature lovers.
The park exemplifies the subtle beauty of a Louisiana winter woods. The air is clean, the path is soft underfoot, and the only sounds are the rustle of leaves and the call of birds.
It’s the ideal place to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the simple, enduring wonders of the natural world. It’s the kind of place that restores your energy and leaves you feeling perfectly at peace.
Conclusion
As you can see, Shreveport completely redefines a winter getaway. It’s not a season of hibernation here, but one of vibrant connection—with music, with nature, with science, and with unforgettable flavors.
This list is just the beginning of what you can discover. Each spot offers its own kind of warmth, promising memories that are anything but cold.
So, what are you waiting for? Your Shreveport-Bossier winter adventure is calling. Download a visitor’s guide, rally your crew, and start planning your trip to experience these incredible places for yourself. The city is ready to show you a spectacularly good time.