ABC’s of Family Fun In and Around New Orleans

Whether you are moving to New Orleans and getting to know the city or you’ve lived in the area for a few years, we have you covered. If you are visiting New Orleans for vacation, there is an extensive New Orleans travel guide on our site as well. Whether you’re a tourist or local, enjoy this quick list of 99+ things to do with kids in New Orleans!

Family Fun In and Around New Orleans :: An Alphabetical List of Things to Do With Kids in New Orleans

If you are looking for things to do in New Orleans with kids, look no further. Our team has put together a very simple list of 99+ family-friendly activities in New Orleans and the surrounding areas.

*Denotes a Seasonal Outing.

A

Aquarium :: part of the Audubon Nature Institute, the aquarium downtown is a fun day with kids in New Orleans. There is a sting ray petting pool, enclosed bird encounter,

Audubon Park :: with playgrounds, a paved walking path and historic oak trees, this park located in uptown New Orleans is an absolute must visit for kids in New Orleans. At the front of the park is a playground specially designed for children of diverse abilities

Angel Grove Ranch :: located in Bush, LA (about an hour away from New Orleans)

B

Beignets :: enjoy this delicious New Orleans treat in the French Quarter or at City Park

Boating :: Rent a Pontoon boat in Madisonville and cruise the Tchefuncte river. Wheel Fun Rentals in City Park also has Swan Boats.

Biloxi beaches :: Make the quick drive and spend the day in the sand and sun! Don’t forget the indoor water park that is open year-round.

Blue Bayou Water Park :: just an hour’s drive from New Orleans is an amazing water park for endless summertime fun

Bricks & Minifigs :: Who says Legos are just for kids? Bring the whole family to this one-stop aftermarket Lego toy shop and explore endless possibilities!

C

City Park :: whether you want to pack a lunch and picnic in the shade of the pavilions, let your kids run wild underneath the gorgeous oak trees or head over to the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, City Park offers hours of family fun in New Orleans. Don’t forget to explore the hidden gem Couturie Forest!

Contemporary Arts Center :: enjoy contemporary art in a modern building. This attraction is likely more enjoyable for adults only, though it does have one of the coolest staircases in New Orleans!

City Putt :: enjoy putt putt in New Orleans within gorgeous City Park

Carriage Rides :: take a horse and carriage ride through the French Quarter, a truly unique way to see the city and learn about the history of New Orleans

Culinary Kids :: if your child loves to cook / spend time in the kitchen, classes at Culinary Kids on the Northshore are a must

Camellia Grill :: stop by this iconic restaurant in New Orleans for breakfast, and you will not be disappointed … the omelets are to die for

Chalmette Battlefield :: learn about the War of 1812 and let children enjoy the Junior Ranger program

Create and Play Club :: a fun & aesthetically pleasing environment for littles & their grown ups to play, learn, and meet other families! Join as a member or drop in just for classes like art, sensory, music & movement & more!

Creole Creamery :: get a scoop of the best ice cream in New Orleans at one of their neighborhood locations

Crescent City Ninjas :: a space where individuals of all ages can not only develop their ninja skills but also build confidence that can be applied to their daily lives.

Crescent City Park :: a gorgeous park along the Mississippi River with great views of New Orleans (we recommend Pizza Delicious for lunch while you’re in the neighborhood!)

Camping :: If you have not done this with your children, you should plan a trip! But remember these helpful tips.

Cemetery Voodoo Tour :: Visit the tomb of voodoo Queen Marie Laveau

D

Double Decker Bus Tours :: learn so much more about our beautiful city.

Danneel Park :: located at St. Charles and Octavia, this is a fun playground with lots of “misfit toys” to enjoy

Dat Dog :: guaranteed to satisfy you and your kids with the best hot dogs in New Orleans

E

Eat :: There is no shortage of great restaurants in NOLA, so eat your way through the city. There are also kid-friendly restaurant gems on the Northshore.

Escape Rooms :: Get lost in the French Quarter, the Art/Warehouse District, or Downtown/CBD. There is also a fabulous family-friendly escape option on the Northshore, Escapology.

Explore. Learn & Play :: Open Play, Children’s Day Out, parties, and classes oh my! A quick trip to Slidell that’s well worth the endless exploratory fun that will keep the kiddos engaged.

F

Fontainebleau State Park :: a short drive from New Orleans that offers outdoor trails, a splash pad, camping and more

Farmers Markets :: shop at the many Farmers Markets throughout New Orleans

French Quarter Fest :: live music, great bands, the outdoors and New Orleans … what could be better? FQF happens once a year in New Orleans.

French Quartour Kids :: offers kid-friendly tours of New Orleans

French Market :: an awesome outdoor market with kid-friendly shopping located in the French Quarter

Fulton Alley :: family-friendly bowling in downtown New Orleans

The Fly ::(AKA Riverview) grab your frisbee, hammock, and a blanket to watch the sun go down on the river. This waterfront portion of Audubon Park is the perfect hangout spot!

G

Global Wildlife :: an outdoor wildlife center that offers covered wagon rides and the opportunity to feed giraffes and other animals (an hour north of New Orleans)

Game On Social Hub:: A one stop shop for fun that includes axe throwing, laser tag, bowling, and arcade games

H

The Hangout :: A private lounge space for preteens/teens that includes pool tables, foosball, air hockey, giant connect four, and Jenga; as well as curated events such as Karaoke Nights, Comedy Night and Poetry Night.

Mrs. Heather’s Farm :: a farm that offers seasonal fun like strawberry picking, pumpkin picking and more depending on the time of the year

Historic New Orleans Collection :: admission is absolutely free, though it is recommended you book tickets in advance. Exhibitions change; check the calendar of events.

I

Ship Island :: take a drive from New Orleans and ride the ferry to Ship Island. New Orleans kids love taking this adventure and getting away for a bit.

Grand Isle :: Grand Isle is not in terrific condition after Hurricane Ida, but it is a fun town with spectacular fishing right on the water in South Louisiana.

J

Jam Nola :: Experience joy, art, and music in the Big Easy’s one of a kind funhouse featuring 17 exhibits through the eyes of over 30 local artists.

Jellystone :: If camping in tents is not your thing, check out their cabins! They even have laundry facilities. **NOTE :: Effective February 2023, this park is no longer a part of the Yogi system and has rebranded to Tangi Pines Family Campground. Recreational activities will continue as always without character interactions. Same staff and owners. Same level of Service.

Jazz Fest* :: Fun for the whole family and delicious food!

K

Kids Konnection Playground :: a beautiful playground on the Northshore for kids of diverse abilities

Kayak Bayou St. John :: rent a canoe, kayak or paddleboard and kayak in New Orleans on Bayou St. John

Kids Castle :: located in Lakeside Mall. Take sensory and art classes or just have your little one play. A reservation and socks (if in the play area) are required.

L

Louisiana Children’s Museum :: this state-of-the-art children’s museum is located in City Park in New Orleans. Memberships and single admission tickets are available. While there is an enjoyable outdoor area with views of a lagoon and building blocks, this is also a great way to spend a rainy day in New Orleans with dozens of hands on activities to explore.

Library :: Orleans Parish, Jefferson Parish, St. Tammy Parish, St. Charles Parish

Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center :: this small indoor children’s museum is located in Hammond roughly one hour from New Orleans

LSU :: See Mike the Tiger – take an hour drive to the LSU campus in Baton Rouge and meet the famous Mike the Tiger, located in walking distance of Death Valley

Lafreniere Park :: a large park in Jefferson Parish that features walking trails, a splash pad (for summer fun), soccer fields and more – great for safe, outdoor fun near New Orleans

Longue-Vue House and Gardens :: enjoy some of the most gorgeous grounds in New Orleans at this historic home. Their calendar outlines the property’s events, as well as family days on weekends. The grounds are some of the most stunning in New Orleans.

The Lighthouse :: right on the shore of Lake Ponchartrain and part of the Ponchartrain Conservancy, this community staple serves as a science and history museum, and a public outreach and education center.

M

Magazine Street :: A one-stop-shop for excellent dining and shopping for yourself, your home and your kids.

Motorsports Park :: located on the Westbank of New Orleans, adults and kids can experience the thrill of speed with New Orleans go karts (to ride alone, a child must be 48 inches … any child 42 inches must ride with a parent or guardian)

Mardi Gras World :: located in downtown New Orleans, take a tour to learn all about history of New Orleans Mardi Gras, float making and more

N

NOMA :: this gorgeous Museum located in City Park houses a variety of art, as well as an incredibly neat outdoor sculpture garden to let the kids run (respectfully, of course!)

National World War II Museum :: this world class Museum tells the story of the American experience during World War II. There is not another Museum quite like this in the country, and New Orleans is so proud to call it home. This is a must visit attraction in New Orleans, even with children.

New Orleans Botanical Gardens :: home to over 2,000 plants, the botanical garden is a gorgeous oasis inside of City Park in New Orleans.

Natchez Riverboat Cruise :: cruise the Mississippi River on the city’s only authentic steamboat. Dinner cruises and Sunday brunch cruises are available

NOLA Kidsground :: enjoy a cup of coffee and watch your little kids play at this indoor playground in the Elmwood area of New Orleans.

NOLA Pedal Barge :: pedal your way to a good time! NOLA Pedal Barge offers booze cruises, pontoon rentals and more

O

Outlet Shopping :: in addition to the Riverwalk downtown, there are a few outlets roughly 40-60 minutes away, one near Baton Rouge at Tanger Outlets and another in Gulfport at Premium Outlets

Ogden Museum of Southern Art :: the largest and most comprehensive collection of Southern Art

OWA Parks & Resort :: OWA Parks & Resort is a 520-acre family fun destination on the Gulf Coast in Foley, AL with theme park, indoor water park, unique dining and live entertainment.

P

Painting with A Twist :: enjoy a few hours of creative fun painting your own creation – locations in New Orleans, MetairieGretna and Mandeville.

Posh Paint Pub :: children (or adults!) choose their own piece of pottery, paint it and then wait while their creation is fired in the kiln for later pick up. This is a great rainy day outing in New Orleans.

Parenting Center at Children’s Hospital :: an invaluable community resource for New Orleans moms, dads and children. Kids can play (with a membership), and parents are offered support and education from parent educators via classes and other support groups.

Prytania Theatre :: located in uptown New Orleans, with a second location downtown, this movie theatre offers classics and main movie features in a “throwback” setting

Pelicans Game* :: support the NBA basketball team based in New Orleans

Planetarium :: Located in lovely St. Charles parish, one of the area’s only planetariums (be sure to check operating hours)

Photoshoot :: Create memories that will truly last a lifetime here in the Crescent City! Book a one of a kind photoshoot with one of New Orleans’ premier family photographers, Jillian Marie Photography! NOLA boasts some of the most unique land and city-scapes in the country! In this curated session, Jillian will capture memories in the making as your family experiences all that New Orleans has to offer, in the classic NOLA setting of your choice. Laissez les bon temps rouler, ya’ll!

Unique Family Photos in New Orleans Q

The French Quarter :: There is much to experience in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Whether you are interested in history, shopping, great New Orleans eats, or just an overall good time, the French Quarter rarely disappoints. It is a personal favorite for Sunday brunch with the kids followed by a stroll and stop by the river to check out the boats.

R

The Riverwalk :: a collection of outlet shops in downtown New Orleans that faces the Mississippi River – good for an indoor day in New Orleans

Rock N Bowl :: a kid-friendly bowling alley in the mid-city neighborhood of New Orleans (weekend evenings are designed for adults with live music)

Rivertown Theater :: a lovely theatre in Kenner that offers musicals and other shows, many of which are kid-friendly

S

Snowballs :: Where do you get your favorite snoball? We have some ideas for the best snowballs in New Orleans and suggest you try them all!

Streetcar Ride :: hop on and off the streetcar at your own leisure. A truly unique way to see the gorgeous homes of New Orleans on St. Charles Avenue

Swamp Tour :: where else in the world can you travel through a swamp and see live alligators? Maybe in the Everglades, but experience this unique family-friendly outing in New Orleans

Saints Game* :: enough said! A day in the Superdome is like no other.

Saenger Theatre :: catch one of the many Broadway shows at this historic theatre in downtown New Orleans. Many kid-friendly shows make stops here!

Shard Shop :: a unique glass art studio to make your own creation on Magazine Street in New Orleans. This is a kid-friendly activity in New Orleans but suggested for kids 6-7 or older

T

St. Tammany Trace :: located on the Northshore of New Orleans, Tammany Trace is a gorgeous biking / running / walking path with several trailheads, as well as the amazing Kids Konnection playground for children of diverse abilities

Tulane University :: located in historic uptown New Orleans, Tulane is home to several NCAA Division I sports. Take your kids to a baseball, basketball, volleyball or football game on campus! The Riptide Kids Club is a great value as well.

U

U.S. Mint :: part of the Louisiana State Museum, this Mint produced coins as far back as the Civil War

Ursuline Convent :: the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley (completed in the mid-1700s!) – this is a rare piece of architectural history right here in New Orleans

V

Wild Bush Farm + Vineyard :: V is for vineyard! Located in Bush, Louisiana about an hour North of New Orleans, Ponchartrain Vineyards is largely open on weekends for tastings and events (live music, etc). Pack a picnic and let the kids run wild while you sip on a bottle of their wine

Vue Orleans :: provides guests a cool chance to enhance their perspective of the Crescent City — from towering heights 34 floors above the Mississippi River.

W

White Sands Lake Day Beach :: an hour north of New Orleans, this is a great “beach” with inflatables and water toys for children to play (reservations recommended in advance for cabanas)

Woldenberg Park :: located right on the Mississippi River, this is a great place to bike, walk or even enjoy a picnic in New Orleans with great views of the Mississippi River and iconic bridge

Wax Museum :: a unique Museum full of extremely “life like” statues designed from wax

Westbank :: head over to the Westbank and spend a day exploring one of these hidden gems just minutes from downtown New Orleans

Water Fun* :: within the New Orleans area and/or a one hour drive, there are several pools and splash pads to let your family cool down

Wilderness Canoes in Bayou Sauvage :: experience the gorgeous beauty of a Louisiana marsh by taking a canoe ride through this New Orleans Bayou

X

Airborne X :: an indoor trampoline park and adventure playground on the Westbank of New Orleans

Y

YMCA :: with multiple locations across New Orleans, the YMCA offers a variety of kid-friendly activities, exercise classes, swimming pools and more

Z

Audubon Zoo :: arguably one of the best zoos in the country is located right here in New Orleans

Zurich Classic* :: an annual golf tournament that is fun for the whole family

Keonshae Freeman
Keonshae Freeman is a certified personal trainer and birth-worker/doula. She graduated Mississippi State University with a bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Nutrition, and Health Promotion. Keonshae teaches Zumba, group fitness, and childbirth education classes. When she isn’t in the gym, with family, or with a client, you can find Keonshae reading a good book or exploring parts of the Big Easy. Originally from Biloxi, MS, she lives in St. Bernard Parish with her husband and 6 children.

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