20 Really Fun Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids

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New Orleans, Louisiana has a certain mystique about it that is undeniable: revelers love it. Conventiongoers flock here each year, and it’s certainly where the party’s at. But what about the children?

If you think you can’t find some wholesome family-oriented activities to get into in New Orleans, you’ve got another think coming.

What Is There For Children To Do In New Orleans?

Although the city is well-known for its adult fun, New Orleans has a renown zoo and aquarium that children love to visit. But that’s not the only kid-friendly thing they can do in New Orleans.

All of the places we list below have strict COVID protocols that have been implemented.

Let’s look at what Nola has to offer for children (and their parents).

Here Are 20 Fun Things You Can Do In New Orleans

In this article. we’re going to show you some really fun things you can do with kids in New Orleans.

Audubon Zoo

6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118 | (504) 861-2537

Here’s what one family says about the Audubon Zoo: “This is a great Zoo. Some of the exhibits were still being repaired after Hurricane Ida. We visited mid week so there were no crowds. A lot of the animals were also resting, I would assume from the excitement of Ida.”

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 565-3033

Here’s what one reviewer says about the Audubon Aquarium. “Let me start by saying… make a reservation. Check the schedule, they are closed on certain days. We visited the aquarium and had a great time… its not a huge place, but, they have a little bit of everything. I was so very happy, there were penguins and stingrays and sharks and macaws and jellies… omg so beautiful!! It was great! If you are trying to find something to do inside for a couple hours, this is definitely worth it!”

National World War II Museum

945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 528-1944

Audubon Louisiana Nature Center

11000 Lake Forest Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127 | (504) 861-2537

Here’s what one family says about the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center: “Absolutely wonderful visit, the rangers are friendly and informative. I volunteered at the nature center back in 81/82, and the rangers were kind enough to let me finger thru the hand full of photos from that time that remained, as well as sharing some of the old memorabilia with me. The walking trails have been rebuilt and offer a nice stroll through the woods, with abundant wildlife engaging us as we walked. I highly recommend you make this a stop when in NOLA.”

Cafe Du Monde

56 Dreyfous Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 766-0250

Here’s what one family says about Cafe Du Monde: “If you know about Cafe Du Monde, you know what to expect, coffee and beignets.
Service was fast and friendly, coffee was pretty good, not the best ever but definitely good. We went on a Wednesday so expect crowds when it’s really busy.”

Canal Street Ferry

Here’s what one reviewer sys about the Canal Street Ferry: “What’s there to not like about a ferry ride?! Smooth access. Smooth ride. Short but well worth the $2 fee.”

City Park

1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 482-4888

Here’s what one family says about City Park: “Beautiful amazing park… Trails to walk, a butterfly garden, a pretty bridge to walk over and a pond with swan peddle boats and kayaks… The Louisiana Children’s Museum is here too, it’s an absolute must do when in New Orleans!! One of the best city parks I’ve ever been to.”

Confetti Park

451 Pelican Ave, New Orleans, LA 70114 | (504) 658-3201

Here’s what one park lover says about Confetti Park: “Cute, little neighborhood park. The gate can be a bit tricky/difficult, but my toddler enjoyed playing here. There isn’t too much shade over the playground area, but there are plenty of seating areas and trees throughout.”

Crescent Park

Crescent Park Trail, 2300 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70117 | (504) 636-6400

Here’s what one parkgoer says about Crescent Park: “Very nice park with clean, well kept grounds. It is a cool place to see tucked between a set of train tracks and the Mississippi River. Superb for running, walking and features a decent sized Dog park so the pups can get their hooman(s) out of the house! Definitely worth stopping by on a nice afternoon.”

Faulkner House Books

624 Pirates Alley, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 524-2940

Here’s what one book lover says about Faulkner House Books: “Great little shop on Pirates alley next to St. Louis Cathedral. This is the house Faulkner lived while residing in New Orleans. Mostly fiction, literature, and poetry books along with locally themed books as well.”

Jackson Square

701 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 658-3200

Here’s what one park lover says about Jackson Square: “Absolutely beautiful. Would recommend a visit. And if your there in time I recommend going to the mass and the church right on the square. They have daily mass at 12:05.”

Louis Armstrong Park

701 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 658-3200

here’s what one parent says about Louis Armstrong Park: “I really liked the artwork in the park and it was also beautiful there. I wish there was a splash pad for the kids somewhere in the park though…it is sooooooo very hot in New Orleans and it would be nice if we could cool off somewhere. A little playground would be nice too. The kids still enjoyed themselves running around and looking at the statues. I sat under a tree on the grass to try and cool down.”

Louisiana Children’s Museum

15 Henry Thomas Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 523-1357

Here’s what one family says about the Louisiana Children’s Museum: “What a fun place for the family. We spent hours there, 2 floors of fun, a great restaurant and area to explore outside. Our kids spent an hour in the grocery market and kitchen, then another hour building with the giant building blocks and magnet tiles, then just as much time in the simulated River.”

Mardi Gras Museum Of Costumes And Cultures

1010 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112 | (504) 218-4872

Here’s what one reviewer says about the Mardi Gras Museum: “Wonderful place, amazing costumes and the owner of the place was just as fun as his costumes. I was educated and amazed. Yes if you’re in New Orleans check this place out, you’ll be glad you did, I was. Too there’s an array of costumes to try on.”

Music Box Village

4557 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70117 |

Here’s what one reviewer says about the Music Box Village: “This out of the way and a bit hard to find Village is worth the adventure finding it. Built by Artisans who makes small houses that are each their own musical instrument is open to the public on special days for everyone to play. Outside, they had a wonderful little artist Market with lots of unique items. Admission was free and once you go in be sure to go to the bar to get a delicious cocktail. We had two! Then roam around and play all the instruments.”

New Orleans Museum of Art

1 Collins Diboll Cir, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 658-4100

Here’s what one parent says about the New Orleans Museum of Art: “Nice and diverse collection of paintings, sculptures and other arts from different eras and parts of the world. I was particularly impressed with the little explanations they had next to each exhibit. Short, informative and to the point. I wish we had more time to explore the outside grounds too. Their cafe and shop are quite good too! Tip: If you’re a student bring your student ID for a big discount!”

Ogden Museum Of Southern Art

925 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130 | (504) 539-9650

Here’s what one museum lover says about Ogden Museum: ”

Amazing contemporary museum. Appreciated knowing which region of the United States the artists came from. I appreciated the suggestion to start at the top floor and work our way down.”

Storyland

5 Victory Ave, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 483-9402

Here’s what one reviewer says abut Storyland: “A fun time for family. Cost is $5 per person. The dragon is a large slide which my 2 year old loved. They also have a massive play area that she enjoyed climbing as well. If you’re in New Orleans with young kids, check this place out!”

French Quartour Kids

Dumaine St, New Orleans, LA 70116 | (504) 975-5355

Here is what one family says about French Quartour Kids in New Orleans: “Of all the activities I have planned for family vacations over the years, this was the best! Jill is amazing at engaging the children, the walking was minimal, but there was a lot of history, she gave the children plenty of opportunity to move around and had all the energy in the world for our chatty 5 year old.”

Preservation Hall

726 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116 |

Here’s what one parent says about Preservation Hall: “Incredible music! Unbelievably skilled and entertaining musicians! Small venue so get there early if you want to be able to see the performance well from your wooden bench. No AC so it gets hot and stuffy, we used the flyer the staff hands out before the show as a fan. Good chance some band members will stay for a few minutes to say hello when the performance is over!”

Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

1 Collins Diboll Cir, New Orleans, LA 70124 | (504) 658-4100

Here’s what one parent says about Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden: “What an amazing value for only $5. Bring your walking shoes and a bottle of water. I appreciated the guide at the front gate suggestion to start on the left. Beautiful scenic walkways. Great place to bring children very open yet contained within the fenced area.”

Final Thoughts

So after looking at all these wonderful activities and places to visit, what’s the verdict? It’s that New Orleans is a family-friendly place that children and the rest of the clan can really enjoy.

Bringing the kids to New Orleans will be one of the best decisions you could make.

Keisha Smith

Keisha Smith is a Contributing Writer who attended college at Southern University A&M College in Baton Rouge. She is currently writing a book on south Louisiana culture.