Taking the kids to New Orleans for the first time? You’re in for a treat. This city has so much cool stuff that works perfectly for families, and honestly, your kids are gonna love it way more than you probably expect.
I put together this guide to help you figure out what’s actually worth doing when you’ve got kids, so you can spend less time stressing about plans and more time making those memories.
Planning a Trip to New Orleans
Once you’ve got the kid-friendly stuff down, take a look at our 3-day itinerary game plan, where to stay, and interesting hotels that travelers really enjoyed. There’s also some cool day trips if you’re sticking around a bit longer.
Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
Starting off strong with one of the most top rated activities in NOLA. Personally, I think you never really got the real New Orleans experience if you’ve never been to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Its a massive preserve filled with marshes, bayous, and cypress forests, and it’s home to all kinds of local wildlife.
There are two main ways to experience the swamps at Jean Lafitte, and both offer something a little different depending on the age of your kids and how adventurous you’re feeling. Airboat tours are definitely the high-energy option. These boats are built for speed and can skim across shallow water while your captain zips through narrow bayous. Older kids usually love it, but it can be a bit loud and bumpy for the younger ones.
If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, a swamp boat tour is the way to go. These boats move slower and are much quieter, so you can sit back under a covered roof and really take in the surroundings. A great pick for families with younger kids or anyone who just wants to sit down while spotting wildlife.
Take a Steamboat Natchez Cruise
Another classic New Orleans experience you don’t wanna miss is riding the Steamboat Natchez. This is an actual paddlewheel steamboat, and the moment it pulls away from the dock and the wheel starts turning, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s relaxing and scenic, everyone in the family would surely love it.
There’s live jazz playing on board, which makes the atmosphere great without being too loud. You can roam around the open decks, or just sit back and take it all in while the breeze keeps things comfortable. There is even a lunch option if you prefer that, just make sure to select it while booking in advance.
If you want to cruise in a later time, they also do dinner cruises in the evening, whichever time slot you prefer, make sure you have booked this in advance.
Get a Taste of Authentic NOLA Cuisine
New Orleans has tons of influences in its food scene, but one thing this city is always going to do right, it’s Creole, Cajun, and soul food. From spicy jambalaya and smoky andouille gumbo to fried chicken that tastes like it came straight from someone’s grandma’s kitchen.
If you want to try a bit of everything without playing the guessing game on where to eat, a food tour can be a solid pick. These tours usually stop at a few local spots and let you sample smaller portions of the city’s signature dishes.
Just keep in mind, a lot of them involve walking, and walking plus kids doesn’t always mix well. You can always explore at your own pace and hit up the places you’ve been eyeing. You’ll never have a shortage of incredible food in New Orleans, so building your own little tasting adventure can be just as fun.
Try the Famous Cafe du Monde Beignets
Beignets are one of the most iconic treats in New Orleans, and trying one fresh out of the fryer is a must while you’re in town. It would always be a hit with kids thanks to their fluffy texture and sugar coating. They’re typically served warm, making them even more irresistible with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate on the side.
Café du Monde is the most famous spot to grab them, but you’ll find plenty of local bakeries and cafés serving their own takes on this classic (try Loretta’s!!). But if you’re curious to try more than just the traditional version, you can even join a donut and beignet food tour. It’s a fun way to explore different neighborhoods while sampling a sweet mix of local favorites.
A secret tip if you want to try the famous Café du Monde: head to the location inside City Park. It’s usually much less crowded than the original French Quarter spot, and you’ll get the same delicious beignets in a more relaxed setting. Plus, you can pair your snack with a walk through the park afterward.
Unwind at New Orleans City Park
Speaking of City Park, this is the perfect spot to chill if you are looking for a place to let the little kids burn some energy. Exploring the park grounds is completely free, but keep in mind that some of the attractions inside come with small entrance fees.
Here are a few family-friendly spots inside City Park you won’t want to miss:
- Carousel Gardens Amusement Park
Charming little amusement park is perfect for younger kids, with classic rides and a historic wooden carousel that’s been spinning since the early 1900s. - Botanical Garden
Peaceful quiet spot to slow things down. Perfect for a relaxing stroll, especially if you’ve just come from one of the park’s busier attractions. - Storyland
A colorful playground filled with oversized sculptures and scenes from their favorite fairy tales. - City Putt
Mini golfing spot with two different courses, each with playful designs inspired by Louisiana landmarks. A hit with older kids and teens, and a wind down activity in the afternoon. - New Orleans Museum of Art
A great indoor option if you need a break from the heat. It’s not too big, so it’s not overwhelming to younger visitors, and older kids might enjoy the rotating exhibits that often touch on Louisiana culture or history.
Audubon Zoo
Another sure hit for the kids is Audubon Zoo. It’s easily one of the top zoos in the country, and it’s packed with the kind of exhibits that actually keep kids excited to explore. It’s not just for toddlers though, older kids will love it too.
The ticket lines can get long and move pretty slow, especially on weekends and holidays, so it’s worth booking skip-the-line tickets ahead of time if you want to make the most of your visit. A smart move is to go first thing in the morning when it’s still cool out and the animals are most active.
In the summer, the Cool Zoo Waterpark opens and it’s totally another must-do, especially when the New Orleans heat kicks in and you wanted to cool off. Just do take note that the waterpark is only open seasonally so if you timed it right, I highly recommend you try this one out too.
Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium
If you’d rather visit the aquarium than the zoo, this combo is a great deal since you get two right next to each other. Perfect if you’re a family who wanted to pack in a lot without running all over the city. And it’s also indoors, so it’s the perfect activity if it starts to rain outside.
If you’re heading there on a busy day, you can grab skip-the-line tickets online to breeze right in without the wait.
Go Around French Quarter
Exploring the French Quarter is another highlight to add if you’re visiting New Orleans, and there are several fun ways to do it.
Carriage rides are probably the most laid-back way to take in the sights, especially if you’ve got little ones who need a break from walking. These rides usually last about an hour and cover the main highlights of the Quarter, sometimes even venturing into neighboring districts.
If the family prefers to explore on foot, guided walking tours are a great way to get up close with the French Quarter’s charm. You’ll cover several blocks at a comfortable pace while hearing fascinating stories about the city’s past.
For families with older kids or teens, the ghost and voodoo tours add a fun twist. These evening tours focus on the area’s haunted history and local legends.
Tip: Whichever tour you prefer, make sure you booked them in advance since these tours are booked based on time slots.
National WWII Museum
Even if your kids don’t usually get excited about museums, the National WWII Museum might surprise you. It’s one of those places that really knows how to bring history to life, especially for older kids and teens.
The museum is spread out over several buildings, each one focusing on a different part of the war. The submarine exhibit is perfect because you get to walk through a real one and see just how tight the space was for the crew. It’s a great way for kids to get a sense of what life at sea was actually like.
If you’ve planned to visit, it’s a good idea to book skip-the-line tickets in advance, especially during busy travel seasons when the museum can get crowded.
Mardi Gras World
Mardi Gras World is the actual place where artists build and decorate the massive, colorful floats you see during the parades. The floats are larger than life, with bright colors, glitter, and quirky characters around every corner.
What’s great is that you don’t need to be in town during Mardi Gras to enjoy it. The tours run all year, so you still get that festive feel no matter when you visit. And yes, there’s king cake at the end, which pretty much seals the deal as one of the favorite stops for younger visitors.
That said, make sure you book your tour slots in advance since most guided tours have limited headcounts.
Ride the Streetcar
Definitely add riding the streetcar to your itinerary. It’s simple, cheap and fun. Kids will eat this up. The St. Charles line is the one to ride if you wanna get the best views. It rolls past the Garden District, where streets are lined with oak trees and grand old mansions that look straight out of a movie.
These streetcars aren’t just charming, they’re historic too. In fact, this is the oldest continuously operating street railway system in the world, which makes the ride even better when you think about it.
Watch the Sunset at Vue Orleans
If your kids are the type who get excited about being way up high and spotting everything from above, they’ll probably love Vue Orleans. It’s the city’s top observation deck, sitting on the 33rd floor with sweeping 360-degree views of New Orleans. From up here, you can take in everything from the French Quarter to the Mississippi River and even catch a glimpse of Lake Pontchartrain on a clear day.
It’s a quick visit though, usually around 30 to 45 minutes, but it’s a really cool way to take in the layout of the city from above. If you can, try to go around sunset for some of the best views of the skyline lit up in gold.
More Info For Family Trip to New Orleans
Here are a few last-minute tips to make your New Orleans family trip go smoother: bring comfortable walking shoes for everyone, and don’t overpack your schedule. Kids get tired fast when they’re exploring somewhere new. Weather can change quick in NOLA, so having a backup indoor plan is smart.
One more thing, don’t stress if you can’t hit everything on this list. Pick the stuff that sounds most exciting to your crew and go from there. New Orleans with kids can be easier than you think, and way more fun than you probably expect with some prearrangements.
Once you’ve got a few family-friendly ideas in mind, check out our foundation 3-day itinerary, top attractions, and the best areas to stay with easy access to all the fun. We’ve also got cool hotel picks and day trip options that work well for all ages.
- 20 Famous Historical Sites And Landmarks In New Orleans To Visit
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