Photo: Landon Rodie
Photo: Goddess
Photo: Seth Winterer
Cross Lake
★4.4(111 reviews)FreePark
🕑 3-4 hours👶 Best for all ages. Toddlers enjoy wading in shallow areas and feeding ducks, elementary-aged kids love fishing and exploring the trails, while teens can try kayaking or paddleboarding on the calm waters.🧡 Saved by 14 families
About
Cross Lake offers families a perfect escape for outdoor fun in Shreveport, with sandy shores for building castles, calm waters ideal for beginner fishing, and scenic walking trails where kids can spot turtles and waterfowl. The spacious waterfront areas provide plenty of room for picnics, skipping stones, and letting kids burn energy while parents enjoy the peaceful lake views.
Highlights
- ✓Kid-friendly fishing spots with opportunities to catch bass, crappie, and catfish
- ✓Scenic walking and biking trails perfect for family nature walks
- ✓Sandy beach areas for wading and building sandcastles
- ✓Picnic areas with lake views and space for outdoor games
- ✓Wildlife watching including turtles, ducks, and various water birds
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive early on weekends (before 10am) to snag the best shaded picnic spots near the water
- 2.Bring a bucket and net for kids to catch minnows in the shallow areas - they'll be entertained for hours
- 3.Pack extra towels and a change of clothes since kids inevitably end up wading even when you don't plan for it
- 4.Download a bird identification app beforehand - Cross Lake is great for spotting herons, egrets, and pelicans
- 5.The walking trails are stroller-friendly but bring bug spray during warmer months, especially near dawn and dusk
Best Time to Visit
Visit during spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) for comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery. Weekday mornings offer the most peaceful experience, while Saturday mornings attract families for fishing. Avoid midday summer visits when temperatures soar.
What to Know
Cross Lake is free to access with multiple public entry points around the lake offering parking areas. Bring your own food, drinks, and fishing gear as amenities are limited, and restroom facilities vary by location.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round, though swimming and water activities are most popular May through September. Spring brings blooming wildflowers along the trails, while fall offers cooler temperatures perfect for hiking. Winter can be chilly but great for birdwatching as migratory species visit the lake.
Nearby Eats
Head to Strawn's Eat Shop (multiple Shreveport locations) for kid-approved burgers, sandwiches, and their famous strawberry pies, or visit Marilynn's Place for Southern comfort food and a welcoming family atmosphere with generous portions.
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