30 Best & Fun Things To Do in New Orleans With Kids
Are you about to go on a vacation to New Orleans with your kids? Well, before we get you started on the things to do in New Orleans with kids, you need to know an insight.
New Orleans is a place of mystery, history, and magic. If you are one of the many that have never visited, I hope this list will encourage you to get on a plane and experience the unparalleled beauty of our city.
There are so many reasons why New Orleans is perfect for families. The food is delicious, the friendly people, the music belt tightens your heartstrings, and there’s always something new to see or do.
Here are some of our favorite things to do in New Orleans with kids.
30 Best & Fun Things To Do in New Orleans With Kids
#1. Lake Lawn Metairie
If you are looking for an outdoor wedding venue, Lake Lawn Metairie is the perfect location for your ceremony! Located in the heart of Metairie, LA, Lake Lawn offers a picturesque setting for your nuptials.
Lake Lawn Metairie is a premier community; With a country club, a golf course, and an array of amenities, It provides residents with the best of Louisiana living. One of our most popular features is our fishing pier.
The venue is covered with Louisiana oak trees and lush greenery, with gorgeous views of Lake Pontchartrain. It also provides elegant reception tents suitable for any size guest list.
Lake Lawn offers indoor and outdoor space to accommodate your wedding ceremony and reception. As soon as you walk into the spacious indoor tent or out onto the lush grounds of Lake Lawn, you can breathe in the fresh air and feel like you’re walking on air.
If you are looking for an outdoor wedding venue in New Orleans, look no further than Lake Lawn! Ensure to add this to your list of things to do in New Orleans with kids.
#2. The Historic New Orleans Collection
The Historic New Orleans Collection is a private museum dedicated to preserving the history and culture of New Orleans. In addition to being a museum, it maintains a research library, an archive, and offers educational programming for students from kindergarten through graduate school.
The museum has been operating since 1946 and was initially founded by a group of New Orleanians seeking a way to preserve the city’s heritage.
The Historic New Orleans Collection is located in the Central Business District at 923 Camp Street. It provides visitors with a place to learn about how New Orleanians have preserved their rich history amid so much change.
#3. Harrah’s Casino
Harrah’s Casino is a premier destination for high-energy live entertainment, world-class dining, and casino gaming. As the only true destination resort in the greater New Orleans area, Harrah’s provides a one-stop-shop for fun, excitement, and relaxation.
I must tell you their hotel offers over 1,000 guest rooms and suites to accommodate any party size. They also offer two full-service restaurants and four bars/lounges for you to enjoy while relaxing at the end of the day.
The CasinoCasino features over 20 table games, 1,300 slots, video poker machines, an expansive race & sports book with seating for 500 people, and The Blues Club, where you can see some of your favorite musicians and comedians perform!
The nightlife at Harrah’s is unbeatable, with nine nightclubs and lounges, including Margaritaville Nightclub, which features Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville Restaurant inside! Be sure to add this to your list of things to do in New Orleans with kids!
#4. Mercedes Benz Superdome
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome, often referred to simply as the Superdome, is a domed sports stadium in Louisiana. It has also been home to the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL) since 1975 and was the site of their 2010 victory in Super Bowl XLIV.
The Superdome is sometimes called “The House That Roethlisberger Built” because it houses an NFL team that has won more championships than any other franchise in its league. It has also been home to other teams, including the Tulane Green Wave football team from 1975–1979, the widows club baseball team, and the New Orleans Angels minor league baseball team.
It is an indoor sports stadium with a domed roof that allows natural light to illuminate the stadium brightly.
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#5. The Presbytere
The Presbytere is a historic house museum that was once the home of the city’s first mayor, and it now houses exhibits on Louisiana history with a focus on New Orleans. The building was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and is part of the Louisiana State Museum system.
The museum began as a two-story brick house built by Joseph Sauvinet and his wife Julia (Antoine) around 1805. Joseph Sauvinet was appointed as the first mayor of New Orleans in 1812 and served until 1815, when he retired from public life to marry Julia Antoine.
The couple lived in their two-story brick house for eight years before Joseph built an addition to the house for his young son Eugene. He made his fortune as an entrepreneur and real estate developer. He purchased large tracts of land within the growing city limits and subdivided them into town lots, which he sold at low cost.
The museum is filled with artifacts from all of these years. You can see everything from furniture that General P.G.T Beauregard used during the Civil War to the original glass front window that once adorned this building.
The Presbytere not only preserves Louisiana’s past but also educates its future generations on what the city once looked like and how it has changed over time.
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#6. Longue Vue House and Gardens
Longue Vue House and Gardens is a beautiful historic mansion in Louisiana.
The property has been open to the public since 1958. Longue Vue House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Longue Vue Households is an important place in history, with connections to the Civil War era and being one of the first homes in Louisiana to have electricity and running water. It is also home to many art collections from around the world.
It is known for its gardens, featuring Japanese gardens and Sally’s Quarters, home to over 300 roses. It is also one of the few places that have hosted two sitting Presidents (Harry Truman and Gerald Ford) during their time in office.
#7. New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
New Orleans is a city of celebration. Every year, visitors come from all over to participate in the revelry and indulge their senses with the spicy Cajun flavors, rich music, and vibrant artwork.
One of New Orleans’s most celebrated events is the Jazz & Heritage Festival, which takes place on Memorial Day Weekend at the end of spring. Music lovers come to see some of the best musicians on earth while they’re still accessible up on stage.
Food lovers come to eat Cajun food that rivals any other on earth. And art lovers come for an exhibition that has more vibrancy than any other in America.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival has been running for 50 years now and has become a significant tourist attraction for people visiting New Orleans during this time of year. If you’re going to be in the city during this time of year or plan on visiting at any point in your life, make sure to check it out!
#8. Magazine Street
Magazine Street is known for its diverse array of shops, restaurants, and culture. There are over 200 shops that line the street in New Orleans, Louisiana. The French Quarter is the most prominent part of the city. Magazine Street is located in its heart with two significant landmarks- Jackson Square and St Louis Cathedral.
Magazine Street offers a wide variety of shops and restaurants with something for everyone’s taste buds. You won’t find something like this in any other city!
From trendy boutiques to chic cafes, you’ll find your perfect fit on this famous street. It’s also not uncommon to see some street performers along the way or even some history being made when people decide to protest on Magazine Street.
#9. Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge
Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge in New Orleans results from the Army Corps of Engineers’ work to restore wetlands in the area. Like many other coastal areas, Louisiana has lost many of its natural wetlands due to human development and is feeling the pressures of an overpopulated environment.
The refuge was created to offset some of this damage and provide a refuge for wildlife. However, it also benefits humans by protecting against flooding from hurricane storms and reducing erosion. As a result, there have been many environmental benefits from the project, including increased groundwater recharge and flood protection.
The bayou provides a home for all sorts of animals – from beavers and otters to bobcats and coyotes. And because it’s so large at 16 kilometers long by 2 kilometers wide, it’s not hard for all these creatures to have enough space. It’s also an excellent place for birdwatching since it provides a habitat for nearly 250 species!
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#10. Audubon Aquarium Of The American
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is one of the largest aquariums in the country, and it has been operating at its current site in New Orleans since 1992.
With around 10 million gallons of water, 500 species of animals, and countless interactive exhibits, the Audubon Aquarium is a great family destination. The Audubon Aquarium has an abundance of interactive experiences for visitors to enjoy.
Kids will love to play in the Touch Tunnel with Rainbow Fish or in The Cove with Sharks and Stingrays. Adults can learn about the world’s oceans through exhibits like Caribbean Reef or our new Giant Kelp Forest Exhibit.
However you choose to explore, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience! So be sure to add this to your list of things to do in New Orleans with kids!
#11. Museum Of Art
Museums are not just for art lovers anymore. With the growing interest in art, it is becoming increasingly easy to find museums that cover all manner of topics. The Museum of Art in New Orleans is one such museum. Its goal is to explore the history and culture of New Orleans through art.
This free museum hopes to share the spirit of the people with everyone who visits by providing an immersive experience for visitors. Visitors can see what it was like during Hurricane Katrina, learn about how artists have been impacted by Hurricane Katrina, or take a tour of the exhibits.
The Museum of Art in New Orleans has something for everyone, so be sure to add this to your list of things to do in New Orleans with kids!
#12. Old River Road Plantation Adventure
If you’re looking for a place to visit filled with history, mystery, and Southern charm, then look no farther than Old River Road Plantation.
This plantation-turned-spooky-history-theme-park may be the perfect destination for anyone who appreciates old buildings and unique attractions. But don’t let the theme park facade fool you – this plantation is more than just a haunted house.
It’s an immersive experience unlike any other! See why this attraction has been voted one of America’s top ten most haunted plantations by Haunted Attractions Magazine!
#13. Audubon Park
One of the main reasons for visiting New Orleans is to explore Audubon Park. It offers various ecosystems and is the perfect place for visitors to get lost.
Visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or jogging in the park while spotting wildlife in the wild. There are also plenty of places to see birds and plants usually found only in southern Louisiana.
There are also many opportunities for children who love animals to learn about different species of animals and their habitats.
The park is open from dawn until dusk. It has various facilities for everyone’s needs: seven miles of trails, one mile of riverfront trails, bike paths, walkways, picnic areas, and more than 30 different benches where you can sit and watch the wildlife from afar.
There’s even an 18-hole golf course just outside the park to top it all off! If you want to spend some time exploring the park.
#14. Pharmacy Museum
The pharmacy museum in New Orleans is a great place to learn about the history of pharmacies. The exhibit showcases 300 years of history, from medicine and healing to pharmacy and chemistry.
The museum itself has been designed with an impressive layout. It includes three floors dedicated to eighteenth-century French pharmacy and apothecary shop design, a garden patio and courtyard, an oak-paneled library room that displays books and periodicals, as well as a lounge with a curved staircase.
This informative museum will introduce visitors to the history of medicine in New Orleans through art, artifacts, and interactive features on each floor.
So if you want to learn about the role that pharmacies played in shaping our culture today or take in all things related to the field of pharmacy in one place, then make sure that you visit this beautiful new museum in New Orleans soon!
#15. Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World
On the outskirts of New Orleans, Mardi Gras World is a museum with a mission. It wants to help restore and preserve Mardi Gras traditions and cultural heritage while also celebrating new and emerging cultures that are part of today’s world.
This is done by creating interactive exhibits and educational programs for all ages. Mardi Gras World offers five different experiences: The House of Bacchus, Louis Armstrong House Museum, King Cake Factory, Cabaret Midway, and the King Cake Ballroom.
There is also an area where you can learn how to make Krewe accessories to get creative yourself! Make sure you stop by this unique museum if you’re ever in the New Orleans area!
#16. Audubon Zoo
The Audubon Zoo is one of the most visited zoos in the United States. It has some features that make it a great place to visit with your family and friends.
One particular feature is the zoo’s free public tours. They offer a variety of tours focusing on different aspects of the zoo’s history, such as its natural history, wildlife conservation, and even popular culture.
If you visit the Audubon Zoo this week, be sure to follow their website for more information on what they have to offer.
#17. Jackson Square
Jackson Square is a large public square in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. It is named for Andrew Jackson, the seventh President of the United States. This square is not only home to some of the best restaurants in town but also has a beautiful old-fashioned feel that takes you back in time.
There are also several museums and art galleries perfect for guests on a budget. If you are looking for a comfortable place to eat or stay, Jacksons square is the place for you.
#18. New Orleans City Park
New Orleans City Park is one of the largest urban parks in America, boasting more than 2,000 acres of natural habitats, lakes, and wetlands that serve as home to thousands of wildlife species and an estimated 4 million birds annually.
It opened in 1835 as a public park and boating ground. Additionally, it boasts the longest continuously running zoo in America, the most zoos in any U.S. state at 10, the oldest municipal golf course in the United States (1891), and the third-largest system of arches in North America.
The New Orleans City Park is both old school and new school at once, making it a great place to visit or live near if you’re looking to move to New Orleans or other parts of Louisiana.
#19. French Men Street
The French Quarter of New Orleans, located in the historical and cultural city on the Mississippi River, is one of the most popular areas in the U.S. You can find everything you need there- all the bars, restaurants, shops, and clubs.
So, if you’re looking for a taste of France while visiting New Orleans, why not consider visiting this French street?
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#20. The National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum is a must-visit for history buffs, students, and ordinary people. With more than 3 million visitors a year, it’s one of the most famous museums in the world.
This museum offers a glimpse into how the U.S. entered World War II and started building our military. From g*ns and planes to maps and photographs, this museum explores events that led to what happened during World War II.
Today, you can visit this sprawling museum for free on certain days. So be sure to add this to your list of things to do in New Orleans with kids!
#21. Musical Legends Park
The musical legends have played a role in some of America’s most iconic songs and sounds. From blues to jazz, Delta blues, ragtime, rhythm and blues, and rock ‘n’ roll, they have influenced the culture of America.
The city has been a center for many music genres, including jazz, funk, R&B, hip-hop, punk rock, and more. It is now home to America’s most famous musicians and major music festivals, such as the Voodoo Music Experience (VooDo) Festival.
#22. Louis Armstrong Park
Louis Armstrong Park is an institution and one of the top tourist attractions in the city. It comprises about half of the area designated as “The National Historic Landmark District.” It’s hard to find a more attractive, beautiful, or well-preserved French Quarter park than this.
Louis Armstrong Park was initially named Jackson Square because it was located on land owned by General Andrew Jackson. As such, the park has been associated with Jackson since its creation.
It’s an oasis of green space close to downtown and is filled with people playing tennis, picnicking, walking their dogs, and enjoying the view of the Mississippi River from its many landscaped terraces.
#23. Saenger Theater
The Saenger Theatre has been a landmark for more than 100 years. It has had many different incarnations throughout its existence: from being a vaudeville theater and movie house to housing a symphony and eventually becoming home to the Ballet Nouveau.
The Saenger Theatre was designed by architect H.W. Rogers, known for his work in Chicago and New Orleans, and was part of a group that worked with Louis Sullivan on building the Wrigley Building in Chicago.
The theatre underwent renovations in 1981 to bring it back to its original grandeur but still manages to retain some of its old-world charms today.
#24. French Market
The French Market in New Orleans is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. It’s a great place to shop for antiques, enjoy a cup of chicory coffee and listen to live jazz music.
The French Market offers a variety of food, drinks, and souvenirs to choose from. You can find anything from fresh Louisiana seafood to authentic Cajun spices and Creole cuisine here.
If you’re looking for something a little more unique, some amazing estate jewelry vendors have an array of pieces to browse through, and be sure to add this to your list of things to do in New Orleans with kids!
#25. Jazz Museum
The Jazz Museum of New Orleans has been around for more than 40 years. The museum is a dedicated collection of the history of jazz. The museum is located on Frenchmen Street and features art, memorabilia, and a library that reflects the history of jazz music.
Admission to the museum costs $10, and people can listen to live performances at the museum’s concerts on Saturdays from noon until 5 p.m., Sundays from 2-5 p.m., or Wednesdays from 2-6 p.m.
The museum also hosts a monthly lecture series with special guests that focus on the history of jazz music and its impact on society today and conversations with musicians in town performing at the museum’s events and concerts.
Whether you’re a fan of jazz music or want to learn more about its roots, the Jazz Museum is worth exploring, so be sure to add this to your list of things to do in New Orleans with kids!
#26. Smoothie King Center
Smoothie King Center is a multi-purpose indoor arena. The arena is home to the New Orleans Pelicans of the National Basketball Association and the New Orleans VooDoo of the Arena Football League.
It hosts concerts, family shows, cultural ceremonies, and professional sports. And it might soon host professional lacrosse matches as well since the Professional Lacrosse League has purchased it. It’s not just a basketball arena anymore!
Smoothie King is now expanding into other sports with its new tenants. Smoothie King Center is one of the busiest arenas in North America and has quickly become an iconic landmark in New Orleans culture.
With a capacity of 20,000 people, it’s no wonder that this venue features so many events each year. But beyond just hosting events at this venue, there are many other benefits for residents and visitors alike.
#27. Ogden Museum of Southern Art
A museum is featuring art from the American South, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in New Orleans. If you’re looking for a bit of culture and history on your next trip to the Big Easy, then this is the place to visit.
The museum’s permanent collection includes works by Jackson Pollock, Claude Monet, and Georgia O’Keeffe. The exhibition schedule features changing exhibitions with rotating artists like Cindy Sherman, David Hockney, and Robert Rauschenberg.
There are also annual events like Jazz Fest and Mardi Gras well attended by both locals and tourists. Plus, nothing beats the view of the city from atop one of the museum’s many flights of stairs! Come check out what’s happening at this New Orleans gem!
#28. NOLA Tropical Winery
For centuries, wine has been the ultimate social lubricant. A classic drink enjoyed by people of all races, cultures, and creeds, wine is a perfect companion for any occasion.
The NOLA Tropical Winery is changing the game with a new twist on winemaking. Their wines have an exotic blend of fruits from across the world and are made into a variety of dry, sweet, or sparkling wines perfect for any occasion.
On top of their delicious wines, you’ll also enjoy exploring their beautiful tasting room and learning more about South American grape varieties and terroir in general.
#29. Woldenberg Riverfront Park
The Woldenberg Riverfront Park is a hidden gem in the city. It has a unique design that creates a beautiful view of the Mississippi River and is home to wildlife and wildlife habitats.
Before Hurricane Katrina, the park was largely populated by trees, but now that more people live in New Orleans, it has become popular among locals and tourists alike.
The park’s admission fees fund the upkeep of this historical landmark, so be sure to visit soon!
#30. Chalmette National Historical Park
Chalmette National Historical Park is a great place to take in nature and history. The park commemorates the Battle of New Orleans, a pivotal event during the War of 1812. It also features many other sites significant to the history of Louisiana and America.
There are plenty of things to do at Chalmette National Historical Park. You can tour the battlefield, learn about its history, or just enjoy the scenic view from atop the battlements and bastions overlooking what was once a battlefield!
These are all great ways to spend an afternoon at Chalmette National Historical Park.
Plan Your Trip To New Orleans
If you are searching for things to do in New Orleans with kids, this article has everything you need to know. It’s an excellent place for visitors and locals, and the weather is always perfect.
New Orleans is the perfect destination for people who love adventures. With an array of attractions and activities, it’s no wonder that it has become the fastest-growing city in Louisiana.
So, start preparing to tour New Orlean on your next vacation. You’ll love it and also enjoy the places to visit in Louisiana.
