Best Things To Do in New Orleans with Kids

Gina I.:  This historic 1,300-acre park dates back to 1854, and features gorgeous moss canopies, a botanical garden, and an oak tree that's almost 800 years old! While parents will revel in the park's natural beauty, the kids will get excited about the antique wooden carousel, mini train, putt putt, and other fun attractions. While you're there, have a picnic and be sure to take a stroll through the Storybook sculpture garden, too.

Stephanie W.:  Storyland is a kid-friendly zone in City Park that has larger-than-life sculptures of all your favorite storybook characters! Kids can climb all over these sculptures, such as Captain Hook's pirate ship, the whale from Pinocchio, a dragon whose fire acts as a slide, and more! City park storyland birthday parties are popular, too!

Gina I.:  The French Market has been a New Orleans mainstay for more than 200 years. While it has evolved over the centuries, it continues to be a popular destination for tourists and residents alike. Today the site features a farmers market, full-service eateries, crafters, and a flea market where you can pick up local treasures and souvenirs. It's a great place to take a stroll with the kid and sample the local flavors and purchase spices that'll undoubtedly jazz up your next chicken crock pot meal! Be sure to check out the calendar for live music, cooking demonstrations, and more.

Gina I.:  Located in the heart of Jackson Square, the St. Louis Cathedral is an iconic NOLA landmark. The site has been a place of worship since 1727 and features a storied history. So, be sure to sign up for the guided tour, if you want the kids to get the full educational experience. The cathedral is open to visitors throughout the day. So, you can also stop in for some amazing photos, or attend mass.

Gina I.:  Explore the creatures of the Bayou on a 2-hour guided tour! One of America's most unique ecosystems, the swamps of Louisiana are home to alligators, snakes, wild boar and more. Kids will love spotting wildlife from the comfort of the boat, and parents will enjoy the relaxing and scenic ride. If you're feeling particularly adventurous and want to do some owl spotting, tour the swamp at night!

Pick up can be included in your ticket price. Tours run daily. This could be one of the most memorable ways to experience New Orleans with kids.

Gina I.:  A must-stop on any NOLA vacation, this iconic eatery is located right in the French Quarter. Open around the clock, they serve cafe au lait (coffee with milk) and their famous beignets (a French take on a powered donut.) Kids will love the sweet treat, while parents will enjoy the pick-me-up of their chicory coffee.

Gina I.:  It's hard to capture the true New Orleans experience without taking a stroll in the iconic French Quarter. The narrow cobblestone streets are lined with beautiful homes, unique shops, and delicious eateries. Kids will love the colorful sites and entertaining street performers, and parents will love being able to grab a hurricane in a bar and take it with them on their walk! Kids can enjoy shaved ice. The city is most kid friendly during the day as the evening time lends itself to a more party atmosphere for adults.

Gina I.:  The "last authentic steamboat on the Mississippi," Steamboat Natchez offers you the opportunity to experience a historic piece of New Orleans. There are a variety of cruises including jazz, dinner, Sunday brunch, and holiday cruises. Whichever you choose, this slow moving boat is great for getting some beautiful photos of the city, and kids will love its unique and historic charm. This is one of the easiest and most fulfilling activity to experience in New Orleans for kids.

Gina I.:  Johnny's Po Boys New Orleans serves up some of the best food to sample while visiting with kids. Served anywhere else, you'd call it a sandwich, in NOLA, it's a Po-Boy! And Johnny's is a family-friendly spot where you can choose from more than 40 kinds of tasty po-boys including: catfish, alligator sausage, chicken parm, roast beef, and grilled cheese. The casual atmosphere, convenient French Quarter location, and delicious no frills food make Johnny's a great spot for families. Johnny's is cash only.

Gina I.:  Kids can enjoy hands on play at the Louisiana Children's Museum! The museum features a number of great exhibits featuring bubbles, simple machines, art studio, a little grocery store, and more. While the museum is ideal for younger children, older siblings can find some fun activities as well. Best of all, you can comfortable enjoy the museum in a couple of hours or explore the whole day.

Gina I.:  The National WWII Museum offers families the chance to explore an important time in U.S. history through a number of interactive exhibits. These include The D-Day Invasion of Normandy, the USS Tang Submarine Experience, a 4D theatre, and several more large scale rooms. While some of the subject matter may be difficult for younger children, the museum is kid-friendly and engaging for all ages.

Gina I.:  While Mardi Gras may not always be kid-friendly, Mardi Gras World is! Give kids a taste of the tamer side of this famous festival by seeing where all the magic is made. You'll get a inside peek at the studio where artists build their famous floats and see larger than life displays. These behind-the-scenes tours last about an hour, and run year round. Find their complimentary shuttle on Canal street.

See animals from across the globe in the heart of Uptown NOLA! The zoo features a number of animal exhibits from the Louisiana Swamp to the African Savannah. Whether you like giraffes, flamingos, reptiles, or elephants, kids are sure to see their favorites!

Gina I.:  Located just adjacent to the French Quarter, the Audubon Aquarium brings marine life to the Mississippi! From a colorful Caribbean reef to sea turtles, penguins, sharks, and more, kids will love exploring the various aquatic exhibits. There is also a family-friendly "escape room experience" at the aquarium!