New Orleans offers endless family-friendly activities from Mardi Gras to museums, ensuring everyone’s participation in the cultural attractions and events that the city has to offer. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you plan the ultimate family trip to New Orleans.
The French Quarter
Beyond its elegant architecture and rich history, the French Quarter is home to casual dining, green space, Mississippi River-based attractions, and an aquarium. Parents with kids can get a sweet start to the day at Cafe du Monde. Share an order of beignets, the iconic powdered pastry New Orleans is known for, paired with a cafe au lait or hot chocolate. Later, head to Vue Orleans, located at the foot of Canal Street in the Four Seasons New Orleans, to get an interactive New Orleans history lesson with an incredible view.
Before you can tackle the rest of your day, lunch is a must. Feast on an authentic New Orleans po-boy at Johnny’s Po-Boys. As the evening approaches, catch the sunset in magical Jackson Square. Your family can sightsee on a mule-drawn carriage ride, or take a walk and enjoy street buskers, performers, and artists. Take your family to try out New Orleans cuisine at Deanie’s or Oceana Grill or opt for Italian at Mona Lisa before making your way to Three Muses or Preservation Hall for a live jazz set. Finish the day off with a twilight tour from French Quartour Kids, perfect for daring tweens and teens. French Quartour Kids also offers ghost tours for the little ones, a “sounds of New Orleans” music tour, a Creole kids living history tour, and more.
The Arts/Warehouse District
Enjoy a day of intriguing museums, amazing attractions, and delicious dining in the Arts/Warehouse District. The National WWII Museum offers enjoyable experiences for both children and adults, featuring numerous interactive and educational exhibits for an immersive journey through history. The American Sector is located on the museum’s campus and serves up traditional American fare, including cheeseburgers, hotdogs, patty melts, and more. Close out the day discovering the many other offerings of the Arts/Warehouse District. Start a family feud with a bowling competition at Fulton Alley or use your best teamwork in a session at Escape My Room.
Uptown/Garden District
This is a great choice for a relaxed day of nature, shopping, and of course, delicious food options. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view of St. Charles Avenue along the historic St. Charles Streetcar. The entire family can experience a leisurely ride through the Garden District and Uptown with unlimited all-day “Jazzy Pass” access for $3/person. Along the way, make sure to get breakfast at the iconic Camellia Grill for a classic diner setting and some entertaining hospitality.
Hop back on the streetcar after breakfast and head over to Audubon Zoo. Animals from all over the world, including the rare and famous white alligator, freely roaming peacocks, and their newest additions, the lion pack, are exciting and amusing for the whole family. Then, have lunch at the Zoofari Cafe or grab something to go and enjoy a picnic at Audubon Park. Local favourites like Domilise’s or St. James Cheese are perfect for picnic spreads. The ideal way to end a day in Uptown is with a summertime favourite: snowballs! Sno-LA, Hansen’s, and Plum Street are some of the best in the neighbourhood.
Mid-City / Esplanade Ridge
Experience the city like a local family in and around City Park. Kick off an exciting day at Wakin’ Bakin’ for traditional breakfast options just five minutes from New Orleans City Park. Take the kids on a tour through the Botanical Gardens or the newly expanded Sculpture Garden next to the New Orleans Museum of Art. Check out Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, which offers a variety of rides for kids of all ages. Play a game of mini-golf at City Putt, make-believe in Storyland, or enjoy an afternoon of sunshine and boating on Big Lake.
Mid-City is also home to the newly remodelled Louisiana Children’s Museum. Let your little ones experience specially curated exhibits, interactive activities, and ample outdoor space. After an afternoon filled with play, head over to the museum’s restaurant Acorn, for a family-friendly lunch. If your family prefers the indoors, let them rock out to live music while bowling at Rock n’ Bowl. Top off your evening at Katie’s Restaurant for a casual and family-friendly dining experience.
Marigny/Bywater
For colourful houses and a break from the busy city, explore the Marigny and Bywater. Named after Dorothy’s shoes from The Wizard of Oz, The Ruby Slipper Cafe is a quintessential New Orleans go-to. The kids can enjoy sweet favourites like Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes while parents indulge in their award-winning Bloody Mary.
Explore the neighborhood’s art scene with a visit to StudioBE, a 35,000 sq. ft warehouse showcasing the work of Brandan “BMike” Odums that highlights Black history in New Orleans and beyond. Oversize, colourful contemporary art drapes over the massive walls and throughout the gallery. StudioBE reflects the current moment and is a must-see for those interested in Black history or current events. Nearby JamNOLA is another great pick for families–this interactive art experience showcases the city’s vibrant music and art scene ideal for both kids and their parents.
Crescent Park, right along the Mississippi River, is a breath of fresh air and green space in the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods. Access begins just downriver from the French Market. Dat Dog on Frenchmen Street is a fun and colourful spot for hotdog lovers. Enjoy the sounds of this local music stretch while eating as brass bands fill the streets daily.
Tremé/Gentilly
Explore the oldest African American neighborhood in the U.S. with a visit to Tremé. Walking tours are a popular choice for learning the history of the area, but a visit to the New Orleans African American Museum or Armstrong Park/ Congo Square are great options as well. Do not forget the delicious Creole food at Dooky Chase and Lil’ Dizzy’s. Tremé connects to the residential neighborhood of Gentilly, which you can drive through to access the beautiful Lakefront. Children will love visiting the Lighthouse Museum and watching the sailboats pass by just before sunset. End your day with a kid-friendly meal at Landry’s or The Blue Crab right on the water.
Stepping Outside New Orleans
Venture outside of the city for a swamp tour. Many tour operating companies offer transportation from downtown New Orleans to your swamp of choice, where you can board an airboat and feed marshmallows to alligators. Also, just outside of New Orleans is the Whitney Plantation, which is the only plantation museum in Louisiana with an exclusive focus on the lives of enslaved people.
