Things to Do with Kids in New Orleans: 13 Must-Try Adventures Beyond Beignets
New Orleans might have a reputation for late nights and lively parades, but it turns out it’s also a total win for families. Yes, even the ones traveling with snack-hungry kids, short attention spans, and a tight itinerary!
From paddlewheel boat rides to hands-on museums and sweet treats that require zero bribing, this city knows how to keep little ones entertained without losing the grown-ups in the process.
Whether you’re wandering the shady paths of City Park or watching street performers in the French Quarter, there’s always something to see, taste, or try.
It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of place where history feels alive, music floats through the air, and there’s always an excuse to stop for beignets. You can even hop aboard a steamboat and cruise the mighty Mississippi River like it’s your family’s own adventure movie.
Trust us, planning a family trip with things to do in NOLA with kids doesn’t have to feel like work.
Here’s everything you need to make New Orleans feel easy, exciting, and full of memory-making moments!
Swamp Tours, Zoo Days, and All the Outdoor Fun
Looking for the best things to do in New Orleans with kids that go beyond the usual tourist traps? These outdoor adventures and animal encounters deliver fresh air, squeals of delight, and just the right amount of mud.
From swamp sightings to scenic strolls, here’s where wild meets wonderful!
Audubon Aquarium, Zoo, and Insectarium
This trio from the Audubon Nature Institute is a one-stop shop for wow-worthy animal encounters! At the Aquarium, walk through a glass tunnel surrounded by sharks, touch stingrays, and check out the massive Gulf of Mexico exhibit.
The Audobon Zoo spans 58 acres with elephants, tigers, and a splash pad that’s clutch on hot days. Across from the Aquarium, the Audubon Insectarium lets kids explore a butterfly garden, peek at leaf-cutter ants, and yes, even try edible bugs.
It’s perfect for ages 3 and up and best split across two days if you want to avoid sensory overload.
City Park Adventures
City Park is a 1,300-acre playground packed with kid friendly activities and shady spots for snack breaks. Younger kids will love Storyland, a storybook-themed play area filled with climbable characters.
Right next door, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park has gentle rides and a historic wooden carousel. Older kids can explore the sculpture garden or rent a paddleboat on Big Lake.
Entry to the park is free, but rides and attractions have separate fees. It’s an easy way to burn energy without leaving the city.
Swamp Tours Near the City
A swamp tour is part thrill ride, part nature lesson, and totally worth the short drive from downtown! Most tours last around two hours and offer hotel pickup, making it easy for families. Airboats are fast and loud, while flat-bottom boats are better for younger kids or anyone who prefers a calmer ride.
Expect to see alligators, herons, turtles, and Spanish moss dripping from every branch. Tours run year-round, but mornings tend to be better for wildlife sightings. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, bug spray, and maybe a backup snack or two.
Jackson Square Entertainment
This iconic French Quarter park is a free and easy way to keep kids entertained without much effort. Street performers rotate throughout the day with live music, magic tricks, and dancing that draws a crowd.
Artists line the perimeter, painting portraits and city scenes, and there’s room for little ones to wander while you enjoy a coffee. Stop by in the morning for fewer crowds or swing through in the afternoon when the energy picks up. If you’re nearby, it’s a no-brainer spot to rest and regroup.
The Coolest Museums for Hot New Orleans Days
When it comes to things to do with kids in New Orleans, museums and attractions are your secret weapon. They’ve got air conditioning, interactive exhibits, and just enough wow-factor to keep little hands busy and big kids curious.
Whether your crew is into astronauts, trains, or pretending to be news anchors, these spots prove that learning and fun can totally share a room.
Louisiana Children’s Museum
Tucked inside City Park, this bright and modern museum is a dream for kids who like to touch everything. There are water tables, grocery store pretend play, climbing zones, and interactive exhibits built just for learning through play.
Best for toddlers through age 10, and a solid win when you need an indoor energy-burner.
The National WWII Museum
This isn’t your average history museum. With immersive exhibits, planes suspended from the ceiling, and a 4D movie experience narrated by Tom Hanks, it’s surprisingly engaging for both kids and adults.
Older children will enjoy the dramatic storytelling and hands-on elements, while younger ones might need a few snack breaks between sections.
Mardi Gras World
Get a behind-the-scenes peek at how Mardi Gras magic happens year-round! This working warehouse is where many of the massive parade floats are designed and built, and the tour includes costumes, props, and a chance to try on a crown or two.
It’s colorful, quirky, and great for curious kids who love art, glitter, or general chaos!
New Orleans Museum of Art
Located at the edge of City Park, this museum is perfect for a quieter cultural moment in between powdered sugar runs. The indoor galleries offer a mix of classic and modern works, but the real kid-friendly gem is the outdoor sculpture garden.
It’s free to enter, stroller-friendly, and filled with shady paths, funky art, and plenty of room to roam.
Rolling, Walking, and Wandering with Kids
If you’re looking for fun things to do in New Orleans with kids that go beyond the usual tourist checklist, try exploring the city’s neighborhoods like a local.
Hop on a streetcar, stroll through oak-lined streets, and discover colorful corners packed with parks, treats, and plenty of photo ops. Getting around can be part of the adventure, especially when it involves trolleys and snowballs!
Ride the Streetcars
Riding a New Orleans streetcar line is basically time travel with better snacks. For just a few bucks, your family can roll through scenic neighborhoods like the Garden District or along Canal Street while giving tired feet a break.
The St. Charles line is the most iconic, with views of grand mansions and oak trees that make even the crankiest kid stop and look out the window.
Explore the French Quarter (By Day)
The French Quarter is full of color, history, and spontaneous jazz that makes kids feel like they’ve stepped into a movie. Walk along Royal or Chartres Street for shops, galleries, and street performers without the rowdiness of Bourbon.
Go in the morning or early afternoon when it’s family-friendly, and don’t miss a stop at Jackson Square or a beignet break at Café du Monde.
Wander the Garden District
This neighborhood is where New Orleans gets its Southern Gothic glow-up. Wide sidewalks, towering oaks, and rows of picture-perfect homes make it a great spot for a leisurely family stroll.
Start near Magazine Street for boutique browsing and kid-friendly cafés, then make your way past Lafayette Cemetery and some of the city’s most photographed porches.
Buy Your New Orleans Attraction Tickets
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Want to keep things simple and save even more? Bundle your attraction tickets with a hotel stay or mix and match with tours and experiences across the city. It’s one-stop planning that makes the trip feel more like a vacation and less like a spreadsheet.
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Booking early means locking in the best rates and skipping the long lines. Easy, fast, and no surprise fees. Just the way trip planning should be.
Ready to Roll with the Krewe?
Got questions, must-see stops, or wondering if powdered sugar counts as a meal? Drop your thoughts in the comments. We’re here for the planning tips, the hidden gems, and the “wish I knew this before” moments!
Things to Do in New Orleans With Kids FAQs
Is New Orleans A Good City For Families?
Surprisingly, yes. It may be famous for nightlife, but New Orleans has plenty of family-friendly spots that are safe, scenic, and seriously fun during the day.
What’s Worth Visiting At The Audubon Nature Institute?
The Aquarium, Zoo, and Insectarium are all top-tier for kids, especially ages 3 and up. Expect sharks, butterflies, splash pads, and yes, even edible bugs if your kid’s into that kind of thing.
How Much Time Should We Spend At The Audubon Attractions?
Try splitting them up across two days to keep it manageable. The Zoo and Aquarium each take a few hours, and the Insectarium is perfect for a shorter visit or a rainy afternoon.
What Can We Do In City Park With Kids?
City Park has playgrounds, paddleboats, an amusement park, and Storyland, which is a storybook-themed play area built just for kids. It’s big enough to spend half a day or more exploring without ever leaving the city.
Are Swamp Tours Safe And Fun For Kids?
Yes, they’re exciting and surprisingly educational. Choose a flat-bottom boat for younger kids or an airboat for older ones who want a little thrill with their gator sightings.
What Is There For Kids To Do In The French Quarter?
Skip Bourbon Street and head for Royal and Chartres instead. Kids will love the street performers, artists in Jackson Square, and of course, a powdered sugar stop at Café du Monde.
Should We Visit Jackson Square With Kids?
Absolutely. It’s free, lively, and filled with entertainers who keep little ones busy while you grab a seat and recharge.
What Museums In New Orleans Are Best For Kids?
The National WWII Museum is surprisingly engaging for older kids, while the Louisiana Children’s Museum is perfect for toddlers through age 10. Both are interactive, air conditioned, and worth the trip.
What’s The Best Way To Get Around New Orleans With Kids?
Ride the historic streetcars for a fun and affordable way to see the city without overdoing it on foot. The St. Charles line offers the best views and a breezy break from walking.
