Travel Mamas typically receives compensation and/or hosted journey and pattern merchandise associated to weblog posts. This story might embody affiliate hyperlinks for which we obtain a small fee at no additional price to customers. As an Amazon Associate, I earn cash from qualifying purchases.
Are there issues to do in New Orleans with youngsters? Mais, oui! The Big Easy is usually greatest recognized for beads and Bourbon Street, however there’s one other aspect to this Louisiana metropolis. Parents could also be shocked to discover a bounty of points of interest and actions for households in NOLA. Let the great instances roll with these 20 kid-friendly actions and points of interest in New Orleans!
This story is delivered to you in partnership with New Orleans & Company. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to be taught extra about New Orleans.
1. Explore the French Quarter.
The oldest space of the town, the French Quarter is so named as a result of it was based by French settlers in 1718. Ironically, although, a lot of the structure within the French Quarter is definitely Spanish Colonial in its styling. That’s attributable to a collection of fires within the late 1800s after which a lot of this neighborhood’s buildings had been rebuilt underneath Spanish rule. Point out the signature lacy cast-iron particulars on balconies to your youngsters of all ages as you wander right here.
Get extra out of your expertise with a 2-hour French Quarter Walking and Storytelling Tour.
French Quarter Shopping
Family-friendly purchasing and eating places abound within the French Quarter. If you are in search of enjoyable and inexpensive trinkets for the children, then head to the French Market, a lined out of doors flea market.
You should cease at Little Toy Shop on Decatur Street for a pleasant array of old style and new-fangled toys. Children and adults alike will get a kick out of Maskarade, a store that sells an array of Carnival masks with feathers and glowing particulars. Pop into Rocket Fizz for an amazing providing of sodas in wacky flavors like pickle, butter, bacon, and cookie dough.
2. View the Joan of Arc Statue.
Within strolling distance of the French Market, search for a glittering golden statue of Joan of Arc. The French martyr is called the “Maid of Orléans” and he or she’s the unofficial Patron Saint of the town. She even will get her personal Mardi Gras parade yearly in New Orleans.
3. Take a carriage trip.
Gain a greater understanding of the French Quarter aboard a narrated carriage trip. Pick your pony in Jackson Square. Then trot via New Orleans’ streets whereas studying concerning the metropolis’s previous.
Mules lead all of the carriages right here, not horses. According to our Mid-City Carriages tour information, “They’re smarter. They’re stronger. And they handle the heat better.”
Our mule, Ray, was sensible certainly. Our driver known as out to him at an intersection, “Wait now, Ray. Be sure to look both ways first.” Sure sufficient, Ray paused and turned his head all the way in which to the suitable, and all the way in which to the left earlier than continuing.
Book your carriage trip by way of GetYourInformation now!
4. Play and be taught on the Louisiana Children’s Museum.
Previously positioned within the Warehouse District for over 30 years, a brand new and reimagined Louisiana Children’s Museum opened within the expansive City Park within the Lakeview District in September 2019. The museum now encompasses a whopping 8.5 acres of house to play and be taught.
Move With The River
Move With The River teaches youngsters all concerning the Mississippi River. Among different water play alternatives, the centerpiece 100-foot water desk lures youthful youngsters like otters to water. Here youngsters discover the movement of water with toy boats and fake levees.
Play With Me
Visiting Louisiana Children’s Museum with infants or toddlers? They’ll love Play With Me, a secure and stimulating space only for them. It’s full of loads of house to crawl and issues to the touch, hear, and see.
Follow That Food
Follow That Food is very enjoyable for the preschooler set. From rising and harvesting play crops, to delivery meals alongside the Mississippi and purchasing at a make-believe mini grocery retailer — little youngsters be taught all about the place their meals comes from and the way it will get to their dinner tables.
Dig Into Nature
Dig Into Nature consists of each indoor and out of doors play alternatives. Children turn out to be veterinarians, nursing sick “animals” again to good well being. Meanwhile, greater youngsters take pleasure in exploring gadgets from nature (like bugs!) up shut with particular magnifying expertise.
Make Your Mark
Kids get inventive at Make Your Mark with music, structure, artwork, and past. They can play musical devices within the Jammin’ House. Or, construct infrastructures with colourful bricks and instruments in Build Big Dreams. Then, make crafts within the Design Studio.
The hottest attraction, although, might be the Bubble Studio. That’s the place guests can create and stand inside a big sq. bubble!
Outdoor Adventures
In addition to 2 tales of interactive indoor shows, Outdoor Adventures consists of a number of interactive reveals outdoors that encourage a love of nature.
Acorn Restaurant
You understand how museum meals is often ho-hum? Not so at Acorn on the Louisiana Children’s Museum! It’s owned by famend New Orleans restauranteur, Dickie Brennan & Co.
The restaurant presents yummy and wholesome fare like salads, bowls, tacos, and sandwiches. Get a aspect of Sweet Potato Tots or Crispy Brussels Sprouts in Crystal Honey Sauce. Of course, there is a child’s menu serving conventional favorites, too.
5. Eat Creole delicacies.
Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole dishes are purpose sufficient to go to New Orleans with youngsters. What is the distinction between Cajun and Creole cuisines? Typically, Creole is thought for being fancier metropolis meals whereas Cajun is extra rustic nation meals.
Since New Orleans is unquestionably a metropolis, you will principally discover Creole fare right here. Also, Creole dishes typically embody tomatoes and tomato-based sauces, however Cajun dishes don’t. Creole delicacies is a particular mix of New Orleans’ eclectic historical past and populace with French, Spanish, West African, American Indian, Haitian, and Southern U.S. influences.
Creole Dishes in New Orleans for Kids
Popular Creole dishes embody gumbo (a roux-based stew), crimson beans and rice, shrimp and grits, étouffée (smothered shellfish served over rice), and jambalaya (a rice dish typically made with hen, shrimp, andouille sausage, and greens like peas).
You is likely to be apprehensive about discovering Creole delicacies for youths since meals in New Orleans typically comes with a spicy kick. Worry not! You can all the time inquire concerning the spice ranges of varied dishes. Restaurants might even be capable of present a milder model.
Plus, there are tame Creole meals that children are prone to take pleasure in, like po’boy sandwiches (deep-fried shrimp, hen, or meat served on a baguette) and crab desserts (my son’s favourite!). Additionally, many eating places in New Orleans provide youngsters’s menus with customary gadgets youngsters take pleasure in.
Not positive the place to start out? Book a French Quarter Food Tour. This tour is nice for all ages. You’ll pattern native favorites like beignets, gumbo, pralines, and extra.
Brunch at Brennan’s
For a tasty Creole brunch, take your brood to Brennan’s. A meal right here feels particular certainly.
The pink and pale inexperienced eating room appears like a fairyland, with a backyard trellis ceiling and early Nineteenth-century Mardi Gras parade float work. When the climate is sweet, choose to sit down of their picturesque courtyard with a effervescent fountain and striped umbrellas for shade.
Parents, who’re so inclined, can begin their day with a Cajun Bloody Mary or a Sparkling Blueberry Cocktail made with Louisiana blueberries, glowing wine, and thyme.
Then start your meal with a Baked Apple served with oatmeal pecan raisin crumble, brown sugar glaze, and sweetened crème fraîche. You might wish to observe that with the home specialty, Eggs Hussarde, a Creole model of eggs Benedict drizzled with their candy Marchand De Vin Sauce. Meanwhile, youngsters 10 and youthful could make their picks from a menu only for them.
6. Listen to dwell jazz.
It would virtually be unimaginable to come back to New Orleans and NOT hearken to dwell jazz! That’s as a result of music is ever-present in Crescent City. Where are you able to hearken to dwell jazz in New Orleans with youngsters? Below are some child pleasant choices.
Preservation Hall
Welcoming all ages, Preservation Hall presents a number of 45-minute reveals each night time. The earliest begins at 5 pm. Although alcohol shouldn’t be served on-premises, mother and pa can herald daiquiris or different drinkies. This non-profit venue helps native musicians and youth. The historic constructing was as soon as a tavern, which opened in 1803.
Arnaud’s Jazz Bistro
If touring with older youngsters or well-behaved younger ones, deal with your whole household to an evening out at Arnaud’s. This is my favourite restaurant in New Orleans for its dwell music in addition to its unbelievable meals. (You MUST get the Crawfish O’Connor!)
Arnaud’s Restaurant’s eating room is fancy. Instead, spring for the leisure charge and e book your meal on the extra informal Arnaud’s Jazz Bistro. The spectacular three-piece jazz band performs just a few songs for the room. Then the musicians make their manner from desk to desk, taking track requests. Take a peek at their proficient jazz trio in my video beneath.
Café Beignet
Not solely is Café Beignet a tasty place to get a powdery fried dough confection but additionally it presents dwell jazz performances at no cost to visitors of all ages. Look for 4 areas all through the Big Easy.
Street Performers
Wander via the French Quarter lengthy sufficient and also you’re positive to stumble throughout avenue musicians. Jackson Square is an effective wager in the event you’re in search of buskers entertaining crowds for suggestions.
7. Sail the Mississippi River on Steamboat Natchez.
Another fabulous approach to get your jazz repair is aboard the Steamboat Natchez. Sail down the Mississippi whereas listening to the music of the Steamboat Stompers jazz band aboard New Orleans’ solely steamboat.
Two-hour cruise choices embody Sunday Brunch, Harbor Jazz with optionally available buffet lunch, and Dinner Jazz sailings. Expect native specialties like hen and sausage gumbo, fried catfish, and bread pudding. Book your Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise now!
8. See butterflies and different bugs on the Audubon Insectarium.
The Audubon Insectarium fascinates youngsters with all issues creepy crawly. An Immersive Entrance full of make-believe dragonflies and butterflies greets guests. Next, wander via Butterfly Garden, the place you may get near real-live, free-flying butterflies and moths in an Asian backyard. Discover how honey is made on the Honey Bee Exhibit. Be fascinated by the power and group of ants in Large Ant Colony. Then find out about bugs’ position within the Earth’s meals chain in Eco-Engineers.
You might even get an opportunity to really feel a dwelling millipede’s legs in Presentation Areas like Field Camp, the place youngsters can ask an entomologist their most urgent insect questions.
Most memorable, although, is Bug Appétit, the place bugs are on the menu. Daring youngsters and their mother and father can style cricket cookies and spiced bug snacks. Eleven-year-old Leo mentioned they’re fairly good! (His mother was too squeamish to strive, although.)
The Insectarium closed at its Central Business District location in 2020 but it surely reopened beside the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in summer time 2023.
9. Ride rides at Carousel Gardens Theme Park.
Located inside the huge 1,300-acre City Park, you will discover not one however two amusement parks. They’re open seasonally, from March via mid-November.
Carousel Gardens accommodates 17 rides, together with an vintage picket carousel for which the park is known as. Ladybug Rollercoaster zips via dwelling grand oak timber, laced with Spanish moss. Leo and I rode this trip not less than half a dozen instances throughout our go to! Enjoy different amusements like a Ferris wheel, bumper automobiles, and a miniature ride-on prepare at this candy theme park.
10. Be amused at Storyland.
Right subsequent door to Carousel Gardens, households with younger youngsters will adore Storyland. This themed playground options 20 larger-than-life sculptures from among the most beloved youngsters’s storybooks. At this amusement park, youngsters can climb aboard Captain Hook’s pirate ship, ramble up Jack & Jill’s hill, and slide down a dragon’s tongue! Read the fairytales aloud as your loved ones explores.
11. Look for alligators on an airboat swamp tour.
Venture out of the town to expertise Cajun nation throughout an airboat swamp tour. Get your coronary heart pumping throughout a high-speed boat trip, pausing sometimes to search for alligators of their pure habitat.
Choose from an array of swamp excursions with GetYourInformation. Many provide roundtrip transportation out of your lodge or trip rental. Believe me, your youngsters will all the time keep in mind a gator swamp tour!
12. Taste Big Easy sweets.
Your complete household will discover an abundance of treats to tempt your candy enamel in New Orleans.
Beignets
You should eat beignets when in New Orleans with youngsters. These square-shaped deep-fried fritters are produced from choux pastry or yeast dough and topped with a wealth of powdered sugar.
Café du Monde is probably the most well-known possibility, with a number of areas all through New Orleans. Tip: Avoid the lengthy strains for to-go orders on the French Quarter location by grabbing a seat for desk service.
Café Beignet is simply as scrumptious, with dwell music within the evenings.
King Cake
To get a style of Mardi Gras, purchase just a few slices of king cake from a neighborhood bakery.
King desserts (or galettes des rois) originated in France, the place they’re served in January throughout the Festival of Epiphany to have fun the three kings who visited the toddler Jesus. The French desserts are full of almond cream and include a hidden miniature ceramic king baked inside.
New Orleans provides its personal aptitude to the king cake, providing quite a lot of flavors and topping the confections with icing and coloured sugar in Mardi Gras colours of purple, inexperienced, and gold.
Diners ought to search for a tiny plastic child Jesus inside. Tradition says the “winner” who finds the prize should throw the following celebration and supply the following cake.
Bread Pudding
Almost each restaurant on the town presents bread pudding for dessert on their menu. This humble European dessert is served with variations in flavors and sauces.
Bananas Foster
Did you realize bananas foster was invented in New Orleans? Order it made table-side at many eating places with a fiery finale that can impress the children.
Pralines
If your candy enamel aren’t happy but, deal with your loved ones to pralines. These sugary caramel-flavored candies come dotted with pecans. These make a tasty memento of your time in New Orleans with youngsters.
13. See superb parade floats at Mardi Gras World.
Carnival Season takes place from January 6 to the Tuesday earlier than Lent (Fat Tuesday) every year. Even while you go to New Orleans with youngsters outdoors this festive time interval, you may benefit from the pleasure and pageantry of Mardi Gras with out the loopy crowds at Mardi Gras World.
Go right here to see the superb artistry of this celebration’s parade floats up shut. During your hour-long tour, you may gown up like a float rider and end with a slice of king cake.
14. Go underneath the ocean on the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.
Located alongside the Mississippi River, the spectacular Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is house to 10,000 animals representing 530 species. Even infants and toddlers love aquariums as a result of they will get so near the fish and different animals.
Most interesting to youngsters are most likely the sharks, playful sea otters, jellyfish, and penguins. Look for a uncommon leucistic (missing in pigment) white alligator, too.
Head subsequent door to the Entergy Giant Screen Theater to observe nature reveals, included in your entry charge.
15. Listen to a fortune teller in Jackson Square.
Jackson Square makes a vigorous place to go to throughout the day or within the night. In the middle of the plaza is an equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the U.S. for which the sq. was named. It was erected in 1856, eleven years after his dying.
Also positioned at Jackson Square is Cathédrale Saint-Louis. You are welcome to wander in to take a peek so long as no companies are in progress. St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest cathedral within the U.S., so it is price looking.
Surrounding the fenced backyard within the heart of Jackson Square, you will discover artists promoting their works, avenue musicians and different entertainers, and plenty of fortune-tellers. In a metropolis the place Voodoo is a practiced faith and which embraces the supernatural and fantastical, it is enjoyable to drag up a chair and hearken to your fortune.
Whether you are a believer or not, a psychic studying is an attention-grabbing exercise. Wander round a bit to seek out somebody who looks as if a very good match and ask for pricing earlier than committing to a studying. Your teller might use tarot playing cards, palm studying, or one other type of fortune-telling to provide insights about your previous, current, or future.
16. Wander via the New Orleans Botanical Garden.
After just a few days within the metropolis, your loved ones could also be craving reference to nature. That’s when to move to the New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park.
An abundance of flowers, timber, and fountains fill the backyard. Kids take pleasure in watching koi fish swimming within the Lily Pond outdoors the backyard’s Conservatory. Access to the exceptional Helis Foundation Enrique Alférez Sculpture Garden is included together with your admission charge.
17. Play miniature golf at City Putt.
Located inside City Park close to New Orleans Botanical Garden sits one other deal with for households, the City Putt Miniature Golf Course. Choose between two 18-hole programs.
One possibility showcases the tradition and cities of Louisiana state. Meanwhile, the opposite course focuses on historic websites and streets particularly in New Orleans.
Look for academic explanations at every gap. What a enjoyable approach to get outdoors, play collectively as a household, and acquire perception right into a vacation spot!
18. Visit animals on the Audubon Zoo.
The Audubon Zoo was named one of many greatest zoos within the U.S. within the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice journey award contest in 2023. Set on 50 acres, the Audubon Zoo is house to 1,700 animals representing greater than 350 species.
Be positive to go to the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit. The world’s solely city swamp options animals from the state like black bears, bobcats, foxes, and the uncommon white alligator.
In addition to seeing the numerous animal residents, youngsters love the zoo’s a number of playgrounds, the Endangered Species Carousel, and the Cool Zoo splash park with its Gator Run lazy river.
19. Gain perception into New Orleans at The Presbytère Museum.
Families will acquire perception into New Orleans’ resilience and celebration at The Presbytère Museum. The lovely Presbytère Museum constructing on Jackson Square was house to Capuchin monks after it was constructed within the late 1700s. Later it grew to become a courthouse.
Today it’s a part of the Louisiana State Museum. Two everlasting reveals make for a fast and academic go to.
Downstairs you will discover movies, photographs, private tales, and a few heartbreaking remnants from the 2005 devastating Hurricane Katrina. My then 11-year-old realized about this huge storm and its harmful power throughout our journey to Coastal Mississippi. Still, storm information footage and audio retellings of this catastrophic occasion shocked him.
In understanding such tragedies, we’re all woke up to the thrill of our personal lives. Older youngsters additionally acquire empathy for others via the retelling of those occasions. These Hurricane Katrina shows made us love New Orleans all of the extra, for its resiliency and continued joie de vivre.
After gaining a deeper understanding of Katrina, head upstairs to discover a way more jubilant exhibit concerning the custom of Mardi Gras in Louisiana. Discover the origins and rituals of this native celebration via informative shows. View elaborate Carnival costumes, a pattern parade float, and a group of “throws” flung into Mardi Gras crowds.
20. Learn historical past on the National WWII Museum.
Jason Carlton, a household journey blogger, says that after visiting the National WWII Museum throughout a enterprise journey, he determined he should convey his household to New Orleans for the first objective of visiting this museum.
In this text on the Tips for Family Trips weblog, Carlton says, “It’s full of historical artifacts and personal stories from those who fought in the war. There’s information about the battles in Europe and the Pacific, but it also includes stories of the challenges faced on the home front.”
“There are a lot of great activities in New Orleans, but I would return with my family just for this museum alone.”
Jason Carlton, household journey blogger
He goes on to say, “The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is a top-notch destination for history lovers. It’s a good all-weather option for families with school-age kids. There are a lot of great activities in New Orleans, but I would return with my family just for this museum alone.”
I’ve heard many different great issues concerning the National WWII Museum. Unfortunately, we weren’t capable of squeeze it in throughout this journey, which can have been an enormous mistake. Looks like we have to plan one other New Orleans household trip!
Kid-Friendly Hotels in New Orleans
My son and I stayed on the hip Jung Hotel & Residences throughout our mother-son New Orleans trip. It’s obtained a contemporary mid-luxury really feel with cool particulars like a self-playing piano within the foyer and distinctive lights. An onsite restaurant and foyer bar add to the attract of a keep at this lodge.
Our Deluxe Room with two queen beds and a mini-fridge was high quality for the 2 of us. Bigger households, nonetheless, shall be happy to discover a washer/dryer, dwelling space, and kitchenette in Executive Rooms.
For much more house, reserve a One-Bedroom Suite. The “residences” portion of this property’s identify refers back to the property’s residences for long-term rental.
The lodge’s location outdoors the French Quarter makes the pricing surprisingly inexpensive, too. Situated between the BioMedical District and the Theater District, you may drive eight minutes or stroll 20 minutes to succeed in the French Quarter from the Jung Hotel.
The Canal Street Streetcar cease is correct out entrance. Kids of all ages will take pleasure in using the streetcar to go to points of interest just like the Mississippi Riverfront, Audubon Insectarium, and Aquarium of the Americas.
If lodge swimming pools sway your lodge reserving choices, you then’re in luck. Cool off after an extended day exploring The Big Easy in Jung’s fashionable rooftop pool. Read extra about this property and e book your keep by way of Hotels.com now!
The Jung is a part of the New Orleans Hotel Collection. After staying in three of their lodges, I really feel assured recommending a trip at any of their eight properties.
For further lodges for households in New Orleans, check out these kid-friendly lodges in NOLA.
Learn More About New Orleans
Save cash on your loved ones trip with these suggestions for exploring New Orleans on a finances with youngsters.
For one other enjoyable household exercise in Crescent City, try Escape Game New Orleans. Read our full Escape Game evaluation earlier than you go.
If you loved this story, then I wager you will like studying concerning the romantic issues to do in New Orleans. My suggestions simply would possibly persuade you to squeeze in a date night time throughout your kid-friendly New Orleans trip!
Save the Best Things to Do in New Orleans with Kids
Considering a New Orleans household trip? Be positive to save lots of this checklist of 20 enjoyable issues to do in New Orleans with youngsters! Just pin the picture beneath to Pinterest. Go forward and observe Travel Mamas on Pinterest when you’re at it!
Have you ever visited New Orleans with youngsters or with out? Share your suggestions or questions within the feedback beneath!
Thank you to New Orleans & Company for internet hosting our mother-son New Orleans trip. I obtained compensation associated to this story. All opinions are mine, as all the time. I replace this text yearly to make sure all data is correct and up-to-date.