When you walk through the doors at Kart Ranch, you're not just stepping into a family fun park. You’re stepping into a place where memories have been made for four decades, where families grow up together, and where joy is always in the air.

Founded in 1985 by Kristyn Roche’s parents, Don and Judy Johnson, Kart Ranch began with a simple dream: to create a safe, clean, and exciting place for families to spend time together. That dream turned into one of Lafayette’s most beloved family attractions. Today, Kart Ranch is in the second generation of family ownership and is proudly operated by Kristyn and her youngest sister, Katie Johnson.

“When my parents decided to retire in 2012, we purchased their majority interest,” Kristyn says. “That’s when the fun really began for me.” A transplanted Lafayette native with a degree in Business Management, Kristyn brought valuable experience in project management, accounting, and creative leadership. But for her, Kart Ranch was always more than a business. It was part of her identity.

“I grew up watching the impact Kart Ranch had on families, including my own. I knew I wanted to preserve and expand the legacy my parents built,” she says. “Losing both of them in the past two and a half years has only deepened my commitment to honoring their memory.”

Over the years, Kart Ranch has evolved from a small go-kart track into a full-scale family entertainment center. Attractions now include laser tag, mini golf, indoor playground, bumper boats, a giant arcade, batting cages, plus many other activities for all ages. But Kristyn says it’s not just the attractions that matter. It’s the feeling people have when they walk through the doors.

“What makes Kart Ranch unique is the heart behind it. We are present every day and intentional about the experience we create,” she explains. “Our staff is friendly and welcoming. Our guests feel special. And our community feels like part of the story.”

Kristyn also takes great pride in how Kart Ranch is maintained and operated. Families trust them with milestone moments and everyday fun because of their long-standing commitment to safety, cleanliness, and top-notch guest services. “We take our safety record seriously,” she says. “We are constantly updating, innovating, and investing in the experience so every visit feels fresh and memorable.”

As Kart Ranch celebrates its 40th anniversary, Kristyn reflects on what makes it all worth it. “Seeing happy faces at birthday parties, families playing together, and kids lighting up with excitement never gets old,” she says. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to carry on my family’s legacy while also building something new for the next generation.”

In addition to creating fun, Kart Ranch is deeply invested in giving back to the community that has supported it for so many years. The business regularly supports local public and private schools, the University of Louisiana, sports teams, church groups, and nonprofit organizations like Miles Perret Cancer Services and Faith House. “Acadiana has given so much to us,” Kristyn says. “Supporting our community and giving back is just part of who we are.”

Whether you’re a longtime fan or have never been, Kristyn and her team invite you to stop by, bring the kids or grandkids, and experience the kind of joy that only comes from good, old-fashioned fun.