There’s no place quite like New Orleans, Louisiana! The “Big Easy” is known for its endless amount of fun things to do, especially for kids! From its French Quarter and historic sites to its crawfish pies and beignets, there’s something for everyone in New Orleans. Here are just a few of the many kid-friendly attractions and activities that the city has to offer:
Visit the Audubon Zoo, where kids can see African elephants, gorillas, and tigers up close. Or take a short drive to Baton Rouge to see the Louisiana State University’s live tiger mascots, Mike the Tiger and his sister, Mia.
Explore the American Museum of Natural History or the National WWII Museum. both of which are great for kids and offer educational opportunities.
Spend a day at City Park, where there’s an amusement park, a botanical garden, and plenty of green space to run around and explore.
Take a boat ride on the Mississippi River or go on a Swamp Tour to see alligators and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
And of course, no trip to New Orleans would be complete without trying some of the city’s signature food! Head to Café du Monde for beignets, Jacques-Imo’s for alligator cheesecake, or anthropogenic Verti Marte for a po’boy. There are so many delicious things to eat in New Orleans, your kids will be sure to find something they love!
10 Fun & Kid-Friendly Things To Do In New Orleans, Louisiana
1. Take a tour of the Historic New Orleans Collection- The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum and research center that is dedicated to preserving the history of the city of New Orleans and the surrounding areas. The collection includes exhibits on the history of the city, the Louisiana Purchase, the American Civil War, and much more.
2. Visit the Audubon Zoo- The Audubon Zoo is a not-for-profit zoological park that is located in New Orleans’ Uptown neighborhood. The zoo is home to over 2,000 animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes, and apes. The zoo also has a number of educational programs and events for children.
3. Take a ride on the St. Charles Streetcar- The St. Charles Streetcar is one of the oldest streetcar lines in the United States. The streetcars run along a 6.2-mile route through the city of New Orleans and are a great way to see the city.
4. Visit the National WWII Museum- The National WWII Museum is one of the largest museums in the United States dedicated to preserving the history of World War II. The museum has a number of interactive exhibits and displays that are perfect for children.
5. Go on a swamp tour- New Orleans is home to a number of swamp and bayou tours that allow visitors to see the wildlife and landscapes of the Louisiana wetlands up close. These tours are a great way to learn about the ecology of the area and see some of the animals that call the swamp home.
6. Visit the Louisiana Children’s Museum- The Louisiana Children’s Museum is a hands-on museum that is perfect for kids. The museum has a number of interactive exhibits and programs that teach children about science, art, and culture.
7. Take a riverboat cruise- New Orleans is located on the Mississippi River, and there are a number of riverboat cruises that offer views of the city and the river. These cruises are a great way to relax and see the city from a different perspective.
8. Visit the French Quarter- The French Quarter is the oldest and most historic neighborhood in New Orleans. The Quarter is home to a number of iconic landmarks, including the French Market, Jackson Square, and the Bourbon Street.
9. Go to City Park- City Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and is located in New Orleans. The park has a number of attractions, including the New Orleans Museum of Art, the botanical gardens, and Storyland.
10. Have beignets at Cafe du Monde- Cafe du Monde is a world-famous coffee shop that is located in the French Quarter. The cafe is best known for its delicious coffee and its signature beignets, which are fried dough balls covered in powdered sugar.