Most people hear New Orleans and think Mardi Gras and all the debauchery that goes along with it. However, the city is full of history, culture, fantastic food and entertainment so don’t hesitate to visit New Orleans with kids. The downtown is fun to see on foot, and the kids will love riding the streetcars.
New Orleans is a city influenced by French, Spanish and African American cultures and cuisines, and the rich history of the area makes it a place where you can’t help but learn as you play.
Here are a few favorite family friendly activities in the Big Easy:
Things to do in New Orleans with kids.
Wander around and enjoy the street performers and get beignets at nearby Cafe du Monde.
Wander around and enjoy the street performers and get beignets at nearby Cafe du Monde.
Fun kid-friendly tours of New Orleans to explore the nooks and crannies of the French Quarter.
30,000 sq. ft. of fun and exciting interactive exhibits include a climbing wall, art studio & mock cafe.
NOMA has a world class art collection and the kids will also love storytime, child-focused art workshops, and art classes.
15,000 sea life creatures, representing nearly 600 species – including mermaids! In November the Weeki Wachee Mermaids (and some pirates) will dive beneath the surface of the Great Maya Reef, which is home to stingrays and tropical fish.
his 23,000-square-foot museum is the largest free-standing American museum dedicated to insects.
Considered one of the best zoos in the country, offering an exotic mix of animals from around the globe.
Enjoy the outdoor live music and dancing at Jazz in the Park every Thursday evening during the spring and the fall.
A 2 hour guided kayak tour where you’ll paddle from one charming neighborhood to the next, all the while learning the history of the area.
Take a two-hour cruise along the Mississippi River and experience New Orleans’ beauty and French Quarter romance aboard the Steamboat Natchez Riverboat.
An authentic experience of Louisiana history, culture, and wildlife (gators, wild pigs, nutria, snakes) led by local, licensed guides and boat captains who are passionate about sharing their love of Louisiana.
Also known as the Algiers Ferry, takes a 10-minute trip from the Central Business District across the Mississippi River and provides phenomenal views of the city.
Tour the 300,000 square foot working warehouse where floats are made for Mardi Gras parades.
Part of the French Market District, Crescent Park is a 1.4 mile, 20 acre urban park wrapping along the outside curve of the famed New Orleans “crescent” bend in the Mississippi River.
You can do a self-guided tour of the beautiful historic neighborhood.
Filled with 25 larger-than-life sculptures modeled after storybook characters, this unique playground boasts a dragon slide, Captain Hook’s pirate ship, and the whale from Pinocchio.
The City Park amusement park has 15 rides including a gorgeous, hand-carved historic carousel that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Experience an Immersive Journey Through WWII with exhibits featuring immersive environments, interactive multimedia experiences, and artifacts.
Established in 1961 to honor one of America’s truest art forms – Traditional New Orleans Jazz, this is an all ages, non-smoking venue with shows starting from 5pm.
The oldest and most famous cemetery, the burial site of famed voodoo queen Marie Laveau & other historical notables in 18th- & 19th-century vaults.
Seasonal Family Friendly Events in New Orleans With Kids:
Mardi Gras with Kids – yeah, I know I said debauchery before, but these days the parades have outgrown the French Quarter and you can watch in the Garden District.
Visiting in May? Take your kids to Jazz Fest! Single day children’s tickets are available for purchase at the Jazz Fest gates for $5 for children ages 2 to 10. You’re allowed to bring water and snacks into the fairgrounds, so you don’t have to strong arm your kids into trying alligator pie.
Halloween in a city known for ghosts and vampires? Yes!
One of the colorful place to visit, the culture, people and food! I hope we can travel again after this pandemic.
I fell in love with New Orleans and the French Quarters after watching The Original. Just like Jen, I would love to go to NOLA one day. The architecture, the history, the food… all of it.
wow! Seems to be a lot of interesting things to do in New Orleans!
I went to New Orleans for a conference, so my kids did not go with me. I think they would have loved to do the things on your list!
Love Nola!! Reading this makes me yearn to go back. I loved the food and the architecture. There is so much to do in the city. Great kid-friendly options highlighted here.
I have never been to New Orleans and I think this is one of the best place for me to visit. I like hearing or knowing other places history and aside from that this place is beautiful!
I loved taking my kids to New Orleans!! There are still so many things on this list that we didn’t get to though, we’ll have to go back!
Great comprehensive list of New Orleans and can’t go past the steamboat! The kids would be absolutely thrilled by it 🙂
This is such an eye opener. I will love the Louis Armstrong park for the best outdoor live music and Jazz.
Thank you for the list. We’ve never been to New Orleans, but it’s one of the those places that we wanted to visit and explore.
I cannot wait to visit New Orleans with my kids. New Orleans has been at the top of my family travel bucket list for a few years!
There is so much to do with kids and I never would have thought New orleans was kid friendly. I think that tour on the Mississipi sounds like a great day.
I’d love to go to NOLA some day. I’ve never been but I’ve heard the architecture is beautiful, and the food is amazing.