10 Fun Things to Do With Kids in New Orleans

New Orleans is one of the most vibrant cities in the United States, making it the perfect place for families to explore. With its rich culture, amazing food, and unique attractions, there’s no shortage of things to do with kids in the Big Easy. From the Garden District to the French Quarter, there are plenty of activities for children of all ages to enjoy. Here are 10 fun things to do with kids in New Orleans.

Explore the Garden District

Take your family on a walking tour of the Garden District, one of the most beautiful and interesting neighborhoods in all of New Orleans. Stroll past the historic mansions with their lush gardens and graceful ironwork. Be sure to stop by Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, the city’s oldest cemetery, and learn about the fascinating history of the neighborhood.

A trip to the Garden District wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the famous Commander’s Palace, a landmark restaurant that has been in business since 1893. Treat your family to a delicious meal and take in the sights and sounds of the neighborhood.

For a unique experience, hop aboard the St. Charles Streetcar, one of the oldest operating streetcars in the world. A ride on this iconic trolley is a must-do for any family visiting New Orleans.

Visit the French Quarter

No trip to New Orleans is complete without a visit to the French Quarter. This iconic neighborhood is home to some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and shops. Take a stroll along the cobblestone streets and explore the colorful buildings with their colorful balconies and courtyards.

Be sure to check out one of the city’s most famous attractions, Jackson Square. This historic plaza is surrounded by old buildings and is home to many artists and street performers. Kids will love watching the musicians, mimes, and magicians.

For a fun activity, stop by Cafe Du Monde for a sweet treat. This iconic cafe is known for its delicious beignets, which are square pieces of dough covered in powdered sugar. It’s the perfect place for a mid-day snack.

Go on a Swamp Tour

Take your family on an adventure and go on a swamp tour. The swamps and bayous of southern Louisiana are home to a variety of exotic wildlife, including alligators, turtles, and birds. An experienced guide will take you on a tour of these beautiful wetlands and teach you about the local flora and fauna.

Your kids will love getting up close and personal with some of the local wildlife, and you’ll get a chance to experience the area’s unique beauty. This is a great way to get out of the city and explore the natural wonders of the area.

If you’re looking for a more leisurely tour, consider taking a boat tour of the Mississippi River. This is the perfect way to learn about the history of the area and take in some of the beautiful sights.

Visit Audubon Park

Head to Audubon Park, one of New Orleans’ most popular parks. This lush green space is the perfect place to take a stroll, have a picnic, or just relax and enjoy the scenery. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including swans, ducks, and turtles.

Your kids will love exploring the area and discovering the many trails and playgrounds. Be sure to check out the Audubon Zoo, which is home to a variety of exotic animals, from lions and tigers to monkeys and giraffes.

In the evening, head to the park’s Fly Fishing Lagoon for a unique experience. This man-made lake is stocked with trout and other fish, and you can rent rods and reels if you don’t have your own.

Go to the Aquarium

Visit the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, a world-class aquarium that is home to thousands of aquatic creatures from around the world. Kids will love exploring the various exhibits, including the giant tanks filled with sharks and other sea life.

The aquarium also offers a variety of interactive exhibits, such as touch tanks and a stingray pool. Kids can get up close and personal with some of the creatures, and learn about their habitats and behaviors.

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, consider taking a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium. This tour gives you the chance to go behind the scenes and learn about how the aquarium cares for the animals and how the exhibits are created.

Take a Tour of a Plantation

Take a step back in time and visit one of the many plantations that are located just outside of the city. These historic properties will give you a glimpse into the past and provide a unique learning experience for your kids. Most plantations offer guided tours of the grounds, so you can learn about the history of the property and the people who once lived there.

Many plantations also offer a variety of activities, such as horseback riding, hayrides, and tours of the gardens. Your kids will love exploring the grounds and experiencing what life was like in the 1800s.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider taking a haunted tour of one of the plantations. These tours are sure to give your kids a thrill and provide a memorable experience.

Take a Ghost Tour

New Orleans is one of the most haunted cities in the United States, and a ghost tour is the perfect way to explore the city’s dark history. Kids will love learning about the mysterious legends and tales of the city’s past.

The French Quarter is home to some of the city’s most famous ghost stories, so take a stroll through the cobblestone streets and discover some of the city’s spookiest spots.

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, consider taking a haunted tour of the city’s famous cemeteries. These tours will give you a unique perspective on the city’s history and culture, and you’ll get a chance to experience some of the eeriest parts of the city.

Take a Cooking Class

New Orleans is a foodie’s paradise, and a cooking class is the perfect way to experience the city’s unique cuisine. Kids will love learning how to make traditional dishes, such as gumbo, jambalaya, and beignets.

In addition to learning how to cook, your kids will get to experience first-hand the rich culture and history of the city. Take a tour of the French Market and learn about the unique ingredients that are used in New Orleans’ famous dishes.

If you’re looking for something more hands-on, consider taking a cooking class at a local restaurant. This is a great way to learn the secrets of New Orleans cooking and get a taste of the city’s delicious cuisine.

Visit Mardi Gras World

Take your family to Mardi Gras World, the largest Mardi Gras parade float warehouse in the world. Kids will love exploring the giant warehouse, which is filled with colorful floats and costumes.

You can take a guided tour of the facility and learn about the history of Mardi Gras and the unique traditions of the city. Kids will also enjoy watching the artisans at work as they create the floats for the upcoming parades.

Be sure to take a ride on the Mardi Gras Float Experience. This virtual reality ride takes you on a journey through the streets of New Orleans and gives you a glimpse of what it’s like to be in a Mardi Gras parade.

Visit the National WWII Museum

Head to the National WWII Museum, one of the most popular attractions in the city. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of World War II and educating visitors about the war. Kids will love exploring the interactive exhibits and learning about the brave men and women who fought in the war.

The museum also offers a variety of special programs and events for kids, such as hands-on activities and lectures. The museum is a great way to introduce your kids to history in a fun and engaging way.

If you’re looking for a unique experience, consider joining one of the museum’s special tours. These tours take you behind the scenes and provide a more in-depth look at the museum’s exhibits and artifacts.

Summary

New Orleans is the perfect place for families to explore. From the Garden District to the French Quarter, there are plenty of kid-friendly activities to enjoy. Take a swamp tour, visit the aquarium, or take a cooking class. There are so many fun things to do with kids in New Orleans.