10 Best Family Things to Do in New Orleans
What to Do for Fun in New Orleans with Your Kids?
The best family things to do in New Orleans include expansive parks, interesting museums, and child-friendly tours. The city may be known for its fascinating local culture, but it’s also the birthplace of jazz and elaborate Mardi Gras celebrations. Families can easily explore its vibrant neighborhoods on foot or by riding streetcars to many historical landmarks.
If you’re a fan of the macabre, New Orleans is known for its elaborate cemeteries, supposedly haunted buildings, and even voodoo gift shops and spiritual ceremonies. From a massive warehouse displaying elaborate Mardi Gras costumes to street performances at Jackson Square, check out our guide to New Orleans’ most family-friendly places.
1. City Park
An oasis of nature and family fun
Good for: Families, Photo
City Park is a magnificent green space in the heart of New Orleans, and it’s also one of the largest urban parks in the country. The park first opened in 1854, so it has a long history as well as vast natural beauty.
Within the park grounds, you’ll find facilities for boating, sports, picnics, and more. Younger family members can enjoy over 15 themed rides at the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, including a hand-carved carousel called “Flying Horses,” which dates back to the early-1900s. The park also features a whimsical Storyland garden setting, where you and your loved ones can check out 20 sculptures of popular book characters. Read more
Location: 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
Open: Daily from 5 am to 10 pm
Phone: +1 504-482-4888
City Park
2. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Home to baby sharks and exotic wildlife
Good for: Families
Audubon Aquarium is home to over 3,600 animals and marine creatures from more than 250 species, including rare white alligators and African penguins. On your visit, you can explore themed exhibits including the Gulf of Mexico, Eco-Engineers, Great Maya Reef, and Down on the Bayou.
If you’d like to get up close with baby sharks and cownose rays, don’t miss the popular Shark Discovery Touchpool. You’ll also have the chance to wander through the Amazon Rainforest and view exotic birds flying overhead. Note that there are discounted combination tickets available if you’d like to visit Audubon Zoo as well as the aquarium. Read more
Location: 1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Phone: +1 504-565-3033
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
3. Louisiana Children’s Museum
Interactive outdoor family fun
Good for: Families
The Louisiana Children’s Museum is based in New Orleans’ City Park and is an educational and cultural hub for children and their families. On your visit, you’ll find a wealth of interactive displays and family-friendly activities to enjoy.
The younger members of the family will love the special toddler area, where they can climb, crawl, and explore to their heart’s content. Older children might like to take part in outdoor adventures, with a chance to make their own music on steel drums, or learn the songs of the city. There’s an edible garden and an exhibition where you can discover all about your food before it hits your fork. Don’t miss a hands-on journey along the Mississippi River. Read more
Location: 15 Henry Thomas Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
Open: Wednesday–Saturday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, Sunday from 11.30 am to 4.30 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Phone: +1 504-523-1357
Louisiana Children's Museum
4. New Orleans Streetcar
Historic and iconic transportation system
Good for: Families, Photo
The New Orleans Streetcar has been operating since 1835, making it one of the oldest transportation systems in the USA. The iconic streetcars are operated by the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (NORTA), and are inexpensive and easy to navigate.
There are 4 lines traveling to popular neighborhoods in the city, and you won’t want to miss the Riverfront line, one of the most scenic routes. This 2-mile route travels along the Mississippi River and stops at landmarks such as the French Quarter, Riverwalk Marketplace, Jackson Brewery, and French Market. Buy 1-way fares or choose a pass for unlimited trips.
5. Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World
Authentic Mardi Gras experiences
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Group
Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World is a working studio and museum displaying thousands of extravagant costumes, floats, and props for Mardi Gras celebrations. Founded in 1947, it occupies a 37,000 sq m warehouse in the Port of New Orleans, about 1 mile southeast of the Louisiana Children’s Museum.
Among the many creations you can see here are a dragon-shaped float and giant sculptures of Disney characters. You can even rummage through the costume trunks and dress up in your favorite Mardi Gras costumes during your visit. Read more
Location: 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm
Phone: +1 504-361-7821
Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
6. Jackson Square
A showcase of vibrant city arts
Good for: Families
Jackson Square, located in the French Quarter, is a vibrant area surrounded by historic buildings. The paved square hosts a variety of concession stands, exhibitions, and concerts during special events such as the French Quarter Festival in April. If you’re visiting New Orleans in wintertime, Jackson Square is illuminated with candle lights and serenaded by carolers in the evening.
No matter when you visit, you’ll be able to admire colorful paintings hanging from the iron-wrought fences. You could also have your portrait painted by one of many street artists gathered in the square. Read more
Jackson Square
7. The French QuarTour Kids Tour
Interactive learning experiences around the city
Good for: Families, History
The French QuarTour Kids Tour offers a fabulous range of excursions and informative activities suitable for families with children aged 4 to 18. Each tour highlights some of the city’s most popular landmarks and fascinating history.
You and your family could try a pirate treasure hunt, a twilight ghost walk, or an interactive voyage of discovery around New Orleans. You won’t want to miss the music tour of the French Quarter, where you can explore the origin of jazz at Congo Square and Storyville, and the roots of Rock and Roll on Rampart Street. You’ll learn fun facts about musicians like Fats Domino, Louis Armstrong, and Uncle Lionel as you stroll along the Mississippi River and into Treme. Read more
Location: Dumaine St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Open: Thursday–Monday from 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday–Wednesday from 9 am to 11 am
Phone: +1 504-975-5355
The French QuarTour Kids Tour
8. The Crescent City Farmers Market
Open-air community markets
Good for: Families, Shoppers
The Crescent City Farmers Market takes place at various locations in New Orleans, including Uptown, Mid-City, and City Park. The markets began in 1995 as producer-only markets where shoppers could buy fresh products directly from ranchers, dairies, bakers, farmers, and fishermen in the area.
Nowadays, you’ll find over 50 local vendors at the markets, selling a wide array of fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood, and meat, as well as baked goods, packaged food items, jams, honey, and homemade pastries. Join the free cooking demonstrations and enjoy the live music that livens up the atmosphere and strengthens the community spirit. Read more
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +1 504-861-4488
9. The Canal Street Ferry
Spectacular views of New Orleans and Mississippi River
Good for: Families, Photo, Group
The Canal Street Ferry takes you across the Mississippi River, offering amazing views of New Orleans throughout the scenic 10-minute ride. The ferry, also known as the Algiers Ferry, has been making regular crossings from Canal Street to Algiers Point since 1827.
You could consider combining a ferry journey with a trip to the Audubon Aquarium, which is right next to the ferry terminal. When you arrive in Algiers, you can enjoy a stroll around the historic district that exudes traditional village charm, or stop at Confetti Park for some playground fun. Ferry tickets are inexpensive, and children under the age of 5 can enjoy the ride for free. Read more
Location: Canal Street Ferry Terminal, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Phone: +1 504-248-3900
The Canal Street Ferry
10. New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
Voodoo history and artifacts
Good for: Families, History, Photo
The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is located in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter, and it has highlighted the legacy of New Orleans’ Voodoo history since 1972. The museum embraces the mysteries, folklore, and secrets of the practice with its displays of altars, candles, dolls, and paintings.
As you explore the museum, you’ll learn about the history of Voodoo Queens, including the renowned Marie Laveau, and you’ll have the option of joining a walking tour to visit her house as well as other related landmarks. Visit the gift shop for souvenir candles, soaps, potions, and prints. Read more
Location: 724 Dumaine St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Open: Daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Phone: +1 504-680-0128
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
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