10 Unforgettable Things to Do in New Orleans with Kids
New Orleans has held a special place in my heart ever since my first college visit when I was completely captivated by its incredible people, vibrant culture, and endless hidden corners to explore.
After returning many times over the years, I wasn't sure how the city would fit into my life once I had kids. But introducing them to New Orleans revealed a whole new side of the Crescent City that I now love more than ever! People are often surprised when I mention taking my family here, but it has quickly become one of my kids' absolute favorite weekend getaways.
Here are 10 top-rated adventures to prove the Big Easy is secretly a kid's paradise—listed in no particular order.
1. City Park & Storyland Spanning a whopping 1,300 acres, this massive green space features fairytale-themed play structures at Storyland, classic amusement rides at Carousel Gardens, and endless room for kids to run under ancient live oaks. It’s an ideal blend of outdoor play, whimsical attractions, and casual downtime.
2. Audubon Zoo & Cool Zoo Splash Park Kids can observe exotic wildlife from around the globe before beating the Louisiana heat at the attached splash park, complete with water slides and a lazy river. It combines world-class animal exhibits with a built-in water park to keep everyone cool.
3. Mississippi River Paddlewheel Dinner Cruise Boarding an authentic paddlewheel steamboat turns dinner into a thrilling adventure as kids watch the massive wheel churn the water. Parents can enjoy live jazz and scenic skyline views while young travelers stay mesmerized by the boat itself.
4. Audubon Aquarium Sitting right along the riverfront, this world-class facility lets kids walk through underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. Interactive touch pools and colorful tropical exhibits make it a captivating indoor escape.
5. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve Walking the wooden boardwalks through the Barataria Preserve gives kids a safe, up-close look at wild alligators, turtles, and exotic birds in their natural habitat. It provides an accessible nature walk that feels like a real wilderness adventure.
6. Thrilling Bayous & Swamp Tours Gliding through moss-draped bayous on an airboat or pontoon offers guaranteed wildlife sightings that keep kids on the edge of their seats. Local captains share entertaining stories about swamp ecology and often bring along baby gators for kids to see up close!
7. Historic Plantation Grounds & Living History Open-air grounds and historic oak alleys give kids space to explore outside while engaging with hands-on, living history exhibits. Visiting sites with guided educational storytelling helps older children grasp meaningful history in a tangible environment.
8. Jackson Square Street Performers Strolling through this bustling heart of the French Quarter offers non-stop entertainment from brass bands, acrobats, magicians, and living statues. The vibrant, open-air atmosphere lets kids dance and soak up creative energy at their own pace.
9. Spooky Family-Friendly Ghost Tours Tailored family walking tours bring local folklore to life through suspenseful storytelling without being overly terrifying. Kids love exploring the dimly lit streets by night while hunting for historical mysteries and spooky tales.
10. Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium Located inside the riverfront Audubon Aquarium complex, this serene indoor habitat lets hundreds of colorful, free-flying butterflies flutter all around you and land on lucky visitors. Kids love the magical experience against a backdrop of panoramic Mississippi River views.
Top Parent-Tested Survival Tips
Timing is Everything: The French Quarter is vibrant and family-friendly by day, but Bourbon Street shifts toward an adult party crowd at night. Stick to Royal Street, Decatur Street, or Jackson Square for evening family strolls.
Ride the Streetcars: Vintage streetcars double as cheap, memorable entertainment! Download the Le Pass app or buy a $3 all-day "Jazzy Pass" to hop on and off hassle-free.
Pack Swimsuits in Your Daypack: Throwing swimsuits and lightweight towels in your bag for the Audubon Zoo's "Cool Zoo" splash park saves you from buying gear on-site!
Ready to skip the guesswork and turn the Big Easy into your family’s next big adventure? Whether you’re dreaming of sugar-dusted beignet runs, thrilling alligator spottings, or scoring the perfect family-friendly suite, I’ve got you covered! Reach out to me at jen.jackson@routesandrealmstravel.com so we can start planning a stress-free, custom New Orleans getaway packed with exclusive perks and memories your kids will talk about for years. Let’s get your trip on the calendar!
