New Orleans for Kids: A Guide to the Best Family-Friendly Activities

New Orleans for Kids: A Guide to the Best Family-Friendly Activities

New Orleans is a city that comes alive for kids of all ages. With its world-class museums and attractions, delicious food, and lively culture, the Big Easy is a place where kids can learn, play, and explore. Picture them riding the carousel in Audubon Park, surrounded by ancient oak trees and lush gardens.

We can assure you that your kids will never have a dull moment in this city where everything comes alive from morning into the wee hours of the night. Read on and see which family-friendly activities will suit your family.

1. For history fans, visit the National WWII Museum

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This world-class museum offers interactive exhibits, historic artefacts, and even a real-life submarine to explore, making it a must-visit for families interested in learning about World War II.

Kids will love the museum’s immersive exhibits, such as the “4D Theatre” and the “Higgins Experience,” which transport visitors back in time to the front lines of the war. There’s also a “Camouflage Room,” where kids can learn about the different camouflage techniques used by soldiers during the war, and a “Medal of Honour Room,” where they can learn about the stories of the recipients of the nation’s highest military honour.

2. Visit the historic neighbourhoods

Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the French Quarter, a historic neighbourhood with charming buildings, street performers, and horse-drawn carriages. Don’t forget to visit Jackson Square to see St. Louis Cathedral and the Andrew Jackson statue.

The French Quarter is a great place to soak up the atmosphere of New Orleans and learn about its rich history and culture. Kids will love exploring the narrow streets and alleyways, and they’ll be sure to be entertained by the street performers and musicians. Be sure to stop by Cafe du Monde for a beignet and a cup of hot chocolate or cafe au lait, two of New Orleans’ most famous culinary treats.

3. Get an exciting swamp tour

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Get on a thrilling airboat journey through the Louisiana swamps, where you can spot alligators, turtles, and various bird species. This educational and unforgettable experience is sure to leave a lasting impression on kids of all ages.

Honey Island Swamp Tours offers a variety of tours to suit different interests and budgets. Kids will love the “Family Fun Tour,” which includes a guided tour of the swamp, an alligator encounter, and a chance to feed the alligators. There’s also a “Night Swamp Tour,” which offers a unique perspective on the swamp after dark.

4. Get a taste of Mardi Gras

Get a taste of Mardi Gras festivities year-round at Mardi Gras World, where you can see colourful floats and even try on costumes. It’s a fun and interactive experience that the whole family will enjoy.

Mardi Gras World is a warehouse that houses the floats and costumes used in the Mardi Gras parades. Visitors can take a guided tour of the warehouse to learn about the history of Mardi Gras and see how the floats and costumes are made. There’s also a Mardi Gras Museum, where kids can learn about the different traditions of Mardi Gras and try on some of the costumes.

5. Visit a city park

This sprawling urban park offers a fantastic playground, walking trails, a small amusement park, and even a gondola ride on Big Lake. It’s a perfect place for families to relax and have fun while also exploring the natural beauty of New Orleans.

New Orleans City Park is a great place to spend a day with the family. Kids can play on the playground, ride the carousel, or go for a walk on one of the many trails. There’s also a Storyland amusement park for younger children and the New Orleans Museum of Art for older children and adults.

6. Listen to vibrant jazz music

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This lively street in the French Quarter is known for its vibrant jazz music scene. Families can enjoy the sweet melodies of saxophones and trumpets while strolling down the street or stopping at one of the many cafes or restaurants.

Frenchmen Street is a great place to experience the unique music scene of New Orleans. There are dozens of clubs and bars along the street, each with its own unique atmosphere. Some of the clubs are more family-friendly than others, so be sure to do your research before you go.

7. Have a snack at a café

This iconic New Orleans cafe is famous for its beignets and warm powdered sugar-covered pastries, a must-try for everyone visiting the city. Be sure to pair your beignets with a cup of hot chocolate or café au lait for a truly decadent experience.

Café du Monde is a New Orleans institution, and it’s the perfect place to try beignets for the first time. The cafe is open 24 hours a day so that you can stop by for a treat at any time of day or night.

8. Visit the zoo

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The Audubon Zoo is a family-friendly activity that offers something for everyone. Kids of all ages will love meeting fascinating animals from all over the world, including elephants, lions, tigers, and gorillas. The zoo also offers a variety of educational programmes and exhibits, so kids can learn about the animals and their habitats while having fun.

One of the best things about the Audubon Zoo is that it’s affordable and accessible. The zoo is located in City Park, which is a short walk or drive from the French Quarter and other popular tourist areas. There’s also plenty of parking available, and the zoo is wheelchair-accessible. Once you’re at the zoo, you can explore at your own pace or take a guided tour. The zoo offers a variety of different tours, including behind-the-scenes tours and animal encounters. You can also book a private tour for your family or group.

9. Cruise along the mighty Mississippi River

The Steamboat Natchez is a family-friendly cruise along the Mississippi River, offering a unique and unforgettable experience. Guests can listen to calliope music and watch paddlewheel turns, learning about the river’s history and seeing New Orleans from a new perspective.

The cruise offers various options, including daytime, brunch, and dinner cruises, and a special Pirate Adventure Cruise for kids. The spacious and comfortable vessel is perfect for exploring and listening to live jazz music. The Steamboat Natchez is a great way to learn about New Orleans’ history and offers a fun and unique experience that your family will never forget. Book a cruise on the Steamboat Natchez next time you’re in New Orleans.

10. Get to know some insects

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The Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is a family-friendly attraction that offers an educational and fascinating experience for visitors. Visitors can explore the world of insects, including butterflies and creepy crawlies, in a lush tropical setting. The Butterfly Garden showcases hundreds of butterflies from around the world, while the Insectarium features other exhibits like the “Creepy Crawly Encounter” and “Bug Appetit” exhibits.

Visitors can also participate in educational programmes and events, such as guided tours, hands-on workshops, or special events like butterfly releases or bug-themed storytimes. The Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is a great place for families to learn about the natural world and appreciate the beauty and diversity of insects. It’s an unforgettable experience that should be added to any New Orleans itinerary.

11. Go for family-friendly ghost tours 

New Orleans is known for its haunted history, and there are many family-friendly ghost tours available. These tours offer a unique and exciting way to learn about the city’s spooky side. Ghost tours typically last around two hours and cover a variety of haunted locations, such as cemeteries, mansions, and hotels. Guides will tell stories about the city’s ghosts and their hauntings, and visitors may even have the opportunity to experience paranormal activity for themselves.

Most ghost tours are appropriate for all ages, but it’s important to check with the tour operator in advance to make sure the tour is suitable for your family. Some tours may be more intense than others, and some may cover topics that are not appropriate for young children.

12. Visit the Louisiana Children’s Museum

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The Louisiana Children’s Museum is a family-friendly activity that offers a fun and educational experience for kids of all ages. The museum features a variety of interactive exhibits that focus on science, art, and culture. Kids can learn about everything from the human body to the Louisiana ecosystem while having a blast.

One of the most popular exhibits at the Louisiana Children’s Museum is the Waterworks exhibit. This exhibit features a giant water table where kids can splash and play while learning about the water cycle. Another popular exhibit is the Construction Zone exhibit, where kids can build things with blocks, ride on toy trucks, and learn about the different jobs that construction workers do.

13. Have a pirate adventure

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This family-friendly cruise takes you into the heart of the Louisiana swamps, where you’ll learn about the famous pirate Jean Lafitte and his hidden treasure.

As you cruise through the swamp, you’ll see all sorts of wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and snakes. You’ll also learn about the history of the swamp and its role in the pirate trade. At the end of the cruise, you’ll get to search for hidden treasure with your family. You’ll even get to dress up in pirate costumes and participate in a treasure hunt. The Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours Pirate Adventure Cruise is a great way for families to have fun and learn about history at the same time. It’s a unique and unforgettable experience that your kids will never forget.

14. Enjoy a family-friendly New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival

The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, also known as Jazz Fest, is a family-friendly festival that celebrates the music and culture of New Orleans. The festival takes place over two weekends in April and features a variety of musicians, from jazz and blues to gospel and zydeco.

In addition to music, Jazz Fest also features a variety of food vendors, art vendors, and children’s activities. There is something for everyone to enjoy at Jazz Fest, making it a great event for families with kids of all ages.

15. Take a ride on the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar

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Take a step back in time and ride the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar, the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world. This historic streetcar travels through the heart of New Orleans, passing by beautiful mansions, elegant shops, and vibrant restaurants.

As you ride the streetcar, you’ll get to see some of New Orleans’ most iconic landmarks, such as the Garden District, Tulane University, and the Loyola University campus. You’ll also have the opportunity to people-watch and soak up the unique atmosphere of the city. Riding the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar is a fun and affordable way to see New Orleans. It’s also a great way to beat the heat on a hot day.

16. See some art at The New Orleans Museum of Art

The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) is a world-class museum with over 40,000 works of art worldwide. Visitors can explore its galleries, which feature paintings, sculptures, drawings, and photographs. The museum also has an outdoor sculpture garden for relaxation. NOMA offers educational programmes for all ages, including lectures, workshops, and family-friendly activities.

It also provides resources for teachers and students, such as lesson plans and online resources. NOMA is a great place for families to spend a day, offering scavenger hunts, art workshops, and storytime. Visitors can also enjoy a bite to eat or drink at the café.

17. Visit a historic garden

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Longue Vue House and Gardens is a historic house museum and eight acres of stunning gardens in New Orleans, Louisiana. The house, a Neoclassical architecture masterpiece, was once the home of Edgar Stern and Edith Rosenwald Stern. The gardens, designed by renowned American landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman, feature formal, informal, and natural landscapes.

The museum is perfect for families with kids of all ages, offering an interactive Discovery Garden with hands-on activities about plants and animals. Longue Vue also hosts educational programs and events to teach visitors about the house’s history and the natural world.

No matter what you choose to do, you’re sure to have a memorable time in New Orleans. With its friendly people, delicious food, and vibrant culture, New Orleans is a city that will capture your heart. 

So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable family vacation in the Big Easy! If you live there or you’re visiting remember to use this list of activities we’ve mentioned, you will not be disappointed.