New Orleans Family Vacation: 19 Top Things to Do with Kids

New Orleans sometimes has a reputation as being a wild city, a place where you go to get drunk and party. And certainly, if you want that, you can find it. But I’m here to say that New Orleans is also a fascinating and incredibly unique American city and there are plenty of exciting things to do in New Orleansn with kids.

In fact, I would say that New Orleans is a perfect destination for a family vacation, whether you’re visiting with toddlers, elementary-age children, or teenagers.

We live in the south and not terribly far from New Orleans, so we’ve been able to visit New Orleans multiple times with our kids. And our kids have loved the Big Easy, with its sounds of jazz, the smell of beignets, and steamboat river adventures. And I think yours will too.

In this guide, we’re sharing our favorite things to do in New Orleans on a family vacation. Everything on this list are activities and attractions that we have personally done with our kids, and that kids and adults alike have enjoyed.

Plus, at the end, we’ll share some helpful tips for your visit, like where to eat, where to stay, when to visit, and other practical information.

Short on Time? These are our favorite experiences and activities with kids in New Orleans (that should be booked in advance):
✔️Ride the Historic Steamboat Natchez on the Mississippi
✔️Tour the St. Louis Cemetery #1
✔️Bike Tour of the Garden District
✔️Swamp Tour on an Airboat to See Alligators

Things to Do in New Orleans with Kids

1. Cruise on the Historic Steamboat Natchez

The Steamboat Natchez, with its classic red and white colors, is a historic riverboat from an industry that started in 1811 and revolutionized shipping along the Mississippi River. Over the years, these vessels shifted from cargo transport to offering pleasure cruises, with the Natchez as one of the few remaining authentic steamboats.

The Natchez offers several 2-hour river cruises every day and was a favorite activity for our kids. They loved sitting on the boat and sailing down the river, watching New Orleans pass by. Live narration as you head 6 miles downstream describes what you see.

Make sure you explore the entire ship, though. You can go right up to the massive water wheel behind the ship and watch it churn up the water. Or, you can go into the engine room and watch the pistons move, propelling the boat forward.

One of our favorite aspects of this cruise was the jazz band playing in the dining room. We liked that it was a very accessible way for our kids to experience classic jazz music in New Orleans, and our youngest daughter spent a long time on the dance floor jamming out to the music.

Check prices and availability for the Steamboat Natchez Cruises here

2. Go on a Tour of St Louis Cemetery #1

Cemeteries in New Orleans are different than almost anywhere in the country, and taking a tour of the cemeteries is a must-do activity in NOLA.

Cemeteries are known as cities of the dead as everyone is buried in above-ground tombs. Because the rivers and bayous are the highest point in Louisiana, everyone needs to be buried above ground lest the ground water and flooding cause coffins to rise out of the ground again.

The historical cemeteries near the city center are beautiful places, filled with stately and ornate tombs.

The New Orleans cemeteries are a fascinating reflection of the New Orleans culture, as dozens of family members are buried together in the same tomb and funerals often turn into jazz parties.

We did the cemetery tour at St. Louis Cemetery #1 (read more about our experience), and it was the perfect cemetery experience for our kids – not too long and full of interesting facts and stories about the notable people buried here. For example, you’ll see the tomb of the famous Voodoo priestess of New Orleans: Marie Laveau.

You simply can’t visit New Orleans and *not* do a cemetery tour.

Check prices and availability for this tour of St. Louis Cemetery #1 here

3. Take a Bike Tour of the Garden District

The Garden District was first established in the 1830s as an upscale neighborhood for wealthy merchants and plantation owners (who almost all owned slaves).

Today, sections of the grand mansions have been parceled off and newer houses have been constructed, but the entire neighborhood remains a picturesque area showcasing a mix of architectural styles like Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian.

You can easily take the streetcar out along St. Charles Avenue and get off and walk around to explore the area on your own – we’ve done this before and it’s nice to wander the quiet lanes.

However, on our most recent visit we did a bike tour around the Garden District and it was such a fun experience that I have to recommend it as the superior way to experience the neighborhood.

With a small group and a local guide, you’ll take off on a laidback but well-organized biking tour of the most interesting and beautiful homes in the district.

The houses are, of course, beautiful, and the stories of their occupants and their escapades fascinating.

We admired a house done in English Revival Style with Gothic influence, which neighbors considered an eyesore and its owner mentally ill because he owned no slaves or indentured servants.

Finally, we cycled through the Irish Channel neighborhood, home to many Irish, German, and East European immigrants and full of bright, colorful, vibrant houses.

This bike tour was delightful (my 8-year-old said it was one of her favorite activities that we did) and I’d recommend it to any family moderately inclined towards biking.

Read More: Details About Our Experience on a NOLA Bike Tour

Check prices and availability for this Garden District bike tour here

4. Admire Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral

Jackson Square is a vibrant and lively spot in New Orleans, perfect for a family visit. At the heart of the square is St. Louis Cathedral, one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The cathedral, with its striking white facade and three spires, stands tall and proud, watching over the square.

St. Louis Cathedral has a rich history, being the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States. Originally built by the Spanish in 1727, it has undergone several renovations and rebuilds, with the current structure dating back to the 1850s.

The interior is just as impressive, featuring stunning stained glass windows and beautiful murals.

In front of the cathedral, you’ll find a large statue of General Andrew Jackson on horseback, surrounded by beautifully maintained gardens and walking paths. The square is bustling with activity – street performers and artists selling their work. Closer to the cathedral are palm-readers and tarot cards, adding a touch of mysticism to the atmosphere.

5. Walk the River Front Walkway

The River Walk in New Orleans is a picturesque path atop a levee, offering a pleasant stroll for families. Starting near the French Market, the River Walk takes you along the Mississippi River, providing a scenic route through the heart of the city.

As you walk, you’ll pass by notable landmarks like Jackson Square and Washington Artillery Park, which offers the best view of Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral. This park also has steps leading down to the water, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy the river’s edge.

Continuing along the River Walk, you’ll pass the Steamboat Natchez and eventually reach the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, one of the city’s popular attractions for families. The walkway ends at Woldenberg Park, a lovely green space perfect for picnics and taking in the river views.

6. Walk Around the French Quarter

The French Quarter is the heart and soul of New Orleans. This is the most historic neighborhood, where you can often hear jazz spilling out of restaurants and impromptu jazz processionals pop up out of nowhere.

The buildings are all constructed in the characteristic Creole style – a melding of French, Spanish, and Caribbean architectural influence – with iconic, intricate wrought iron balconies wrapping around buildings.

Wandering the French Quarter for a few hours is a delightful activity when you’re visiting with kids, as you can window shop, enjoy delicious Creole cuisine, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere. Royal Street is one of our favorite streets, and the intersection of Royal and St Peters Street has one of the most beautiful balconies in the French Quarter.

While most of the French Quarter is perfectly fine for kids, Bourbon Street definitely lives up to its name and is a hotspot for partying and drinking, and is not a very family-friendly area – it’s full of bars, strip clubs, rowdiness, and provocative signs.

I did walk through with my kids as a matter of necessity during the daytime hours (just to get to our destination) but I would generally avoid it especially as day turns to evening.

There are quite a few things to do in the French Quarter, and the next 3 items on this list are all found in this neighborhood.

7. The Presbetyre Museum

The Presbytere Museum is located in a historic building next to St. Louis Cathedral. The first floor focuses on hurricanes, particularly Katrina, covering the destruction, evacuation, aftermath, and recovery.

There is also a large area that demonstrates how the levee system in Louisiana works and the interaction with the wetlands and levees.

Louisiana’s 3 million acres of wetlands are rapidly disappearing due to levees, which protect against river floods but increase hurricane vulnerability by preventing sedimentation and eroding wetlands.

My kids particularly enjoyed the interactive exhibits and demonstrations on how levee systems and environmental factors interact.

The upstairs section showcases New Orleans’ Mardi Gras traditions, featuring numerous costumes and outfits, with information about their significance and the history and culture of balls during Mardi Gras season.

Overall, this is a fun, easy museum to visit for a look at some of NOLA history and culture.

8. Pharmacy Museum

The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is set in the site of the apothecary of America’s first licensed pharmacist, the museum displays a range of historic artifacts from the 19th century, including surgical instruments, apothecary jars, and old prescriptions.

Small jars and vials fill the shelves from floor to ceiling, and display cases highlight some of the more fascinating (and sometimes disturbing) medicines and treatments of the 1800s.

A few notable items included leeches, amputation knives, and voodoo potions, but even the regular shelves and stocked pharmacists’ work area is fascinating.

9. French Market

The French Market, also known as the Shops at the Colonnade, is one long open-air covered street market. The market actually has quite a long history, as it was first opened as a trading post in 1791 for Native Americans and white settlers. Today, it’s mostly a spot for tourists, but the kids especially had a great time browsing and shopping here.

There are quite a few places to get food at the beginning of the market, and then 30-40 stands selling a combination of handmade artisanal goods and then some souvenir stands selling your usual souvenir items.

My girls particularly enjoyed the handmade jewelry, but I thought that the stand selling little bowls made from oyster shells was the most interesting and unique item in the market.

10. Take an Exciting Swamp Tour with Alligators

New Orleans is surrounded by bayous, swamps, and marshlands filled with alligators and other wildlife, and one of the most exciting activities you can do while visiting the Big Easy is head outside the city to the wetlands to explore the maze of narrow waterways.

There are a variety of types of swamp tours you can do, but I’d recommend this one that takes you out on a small group airboat into the swamps. An airboat is a high speed boat that can do skids and tight turns and navigate into very small passageways – the boat ride itself is incredibly fun and exciting.

As we cruised through the wetlands, we had dozens (literally!) of alligator encounters. We saw massive 12-foot alligators and very small 3-foot gators swimming through the canals and near our boat. Holding our guide’s baby alligator was a highlight for my 8-year-old.

And even if we hadn’t seen a single alligator, cruising through the GORGEOUS bayous, marshlands, and swamps of the Mississippi Delta would have been a major highlight of its own.

This is a must-do if you’re visiting New Orleans with kids.

Practical notes:
–If you are visiting in winter, the alligators can be more dormant, so you might not see as many on your tour.
—The tour we did offers a pickup from New Orleans option if you don’t have your own transportation.

Read More: Even More Details About Our Swamp Tour Experience

Check prices and availability for this swamp tour here

11. Explore City Park

City Park is the crown jewel greenspace of New Orleans, located a couple miles north of the French Quarter and is 1.5 times the size of Central Park in New York. This massive park is full of hiking trails, greenspaces to relax on, playgrounds, picturesque lakes and ponds, and a variety of museums.

There are a few of our favorite spots in City Park.

>>Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

The Sculpture Garden houses over 90 sculptures spread across 11 acres of landscaped lawns and pathways. The garden combines modern and contemporary art with natural scenery, featuring works set amidst live oaks, pines, and magnolias near charming lagoons.

>>Bayou Metairie and the Historic Live Oak Grove

This area on the very south edge of the park is the most iconic section of City Park, as you can find a charming pond surrounded by vegetation, the picturesque Langles Bridge, and a grove of oak trees draped in Spanish moss.

This is one of the oldest oak groves in the world, and some of the trees are over 500 years old. It’s an absolutely gorgeous spot. Your kids will also enjoy the large playground found in this area.

>>Louisiana Children’s Museum

The Children’s Museum is one of many museums and paid attractions in City Park, and is a reasonably priced interactive museum for kids. It’s not the biggest children’s museum we’ve ever visited, but the play areas were very fun.

There was a water table area where you could move the Mississippi River, spots to do crafts, and a shopping/store/grocery play area.

I think ages 2-11 is a good age range for this museum. It’s a great way to blow off some steam with the kids and escape the afternoon heat.

12. Discover Louis Armstrong Park

Louis Armstrong Park is a gem in New Orleans, named after the famous jazz musician Louis Armstrong, and is a great spot for a leisurely stroll with kids.

Inside the park, you’ll find Congo Square, a historically significant area that was originally used as a slave market in the 1700s. By the early 1800s, it became a gathering place where enslaved Africans danced, sang, drummed, and traded on Sundays. This square played a crucial role in the development of New Orleans’ rich musical heritage, particularly jazz.

The park features several jazz-related statues, including a notable statue of Louis Armstrong himself. Our kids particularly liked the statues of a jazz band and imitating the different musicians.

The park also has a charming pond with picturesque bridges, and walkways that wind through the green lawns and trees, making it a peaceful spot to relax and explore.

We enjoyed this park and spent half an hour there.

13. Explore Jean Lafitte Barataria Nature Preserve

The Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve is part of the National Park Service and includes several sites around the greater New Orleans area, including the Barataria Nature Preserve.

Located about a 1/2 hour drive outside of New Orleans, the Barataria Preserve consists of beautiful trails and boardwalks that wind through the wetlands, above the marshy water and through the tall grasses, palmetto trees, palm trees, and oaks dripping with Spanish moss. It’s not uncommon to see alligators here, and we were able to see owls and other wildlife.

This is a great place to escape the crowds and hectic city atmosphere and immerse yourself in some of New Orleans’ iconic nature.

• Hours: 9am-5pm, every day
• Cost: Free to visit

14. National World War II Museum

The National World War II Museum, located in the Warehouse District, is one of the top-rated WWII museums globally. It features a vast complex of six buildings with large-scale exhibits that offer deep dives into various campaigns, battles, and operations of the war.

The museum’s exhibits include a mix of posters, displays, photographs, historical artifacts, and engaging video presentations.

The videos, in particular, were fascinating and helped bring everything to life. Some exhibits are immersive, with decor that transports you to locations like Southeast Asia or the Ardennes forest.

Another fun aspect of the museum is the wide array of weapons on display, including guns, bazookas, mortars, grenades, as well as numerous uniforms.

Upon entering, visitors start with a unique train station experience, simulating a journey to a training camp while learning about the soldiers’ stories. The museum also boasts an impressive airplane hall, showcasing WWII-era planes suspended from a massive hangar. Visitors can walk alongside the planes on catwalks to get a unique, up-close view.

Our favorite exhibit, by far, was the D-Day exhibit, which had extensive information and displays and took you through the entire operation as you walked through.

We spent about 2.5 hours exploring four of the buildings, but you could easily spend half a day or more. My kids found the museum fascinating and enjoyable.

Buy your tickets to the WW2 Museum here

15. Mardi Gras World

Mardi Gras World is located right along the river, just a bit farther down from the Warehouse District. It’s a fascinating place where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at how the famous Mardi Gras floats are made.

The visit includes a guided tour of the warehouse where the floats and props for 12 of the 27 Mardi Gras parades are created and stored. The tour starts with a 15-minute video that introduces you to the traditions, culture, and history of Mardi Gras, featuring clips from various parades.

You’ll learn about the krewes and the intricate process of designing and creating the parade themes. You’ll also get to taste some King Cake, a traditional Mardi Gras treat.

During the guided tour, you’ll get a close-up look at the artists and sculptors at work, giving you a real sense of the creativity and effort that goes into Mardi Gras. They use a combination of styrofoam, paper mache, and paint to create the elaborate decorations.

What’s particularly fun is that you are basically free to roam among the pieces and you can literally get up close and personal with some of the giant “sculptures” that will be attached to parade floats.

Mardi Gras World gives you a great introduction to everything that is Mardi Gras, and will definitely make you excited to experience the actual festivities in the future.

When visiting, it’s best to use their free shuttle service from the French Quarter, which is convenient and easy. If you decide to drive, there are nearby parking lots, but they typically cost around $20-$25.

• Cost: $22 for adults, $14 for kids
• Tour Start Times: Every half hour
• Tour Duration: 45 minutes

16. Do a Beignet Crawl

Beignets are deep-fried pastries dusted with powdered sugar, and they’re a beloved treat in New Orleans due to their delicious simplicity and French roots.

Any trip to New Orleans wouldn’t be complete without eating beignets at least once, but when visiting with kids, doing a little beignet crawl can be a really fun activity.

The two most famous beignet shops in the city are Café du Monde and Café Beignet, and both have several locations in the French Quarter. The flagship store for Café Beignet at 600 Decatur Street is seriously beautiful, often has live jazz, and is worth stopping in just for the ambiance.

However, neither of these cafés has my favorite beignets in New Orleans – that honor would be reserved for Streetcar Café, Hot Benny’s, and Morning Call. The beignets at these cafés have lighter, fluffier textures and a lightly crispy crust – I’d highly recommend going to at least one of these spots for beignets that are more off-the-beaten-path.

For more detailed comparisons and recommendations, check out the full post on where to eat the best beignets in New Orleans.

17. Ride the Historic Streetcars

Riding the historic streetcars in New Orleans is a delightful way to explore the city and experience a bit of history at the same time.

The most famous line, the St. Charles Avenue line, is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in America and has been designated a National Historic Landmark. It runs through the Garden District, Uptown, and past beautiful oak-lined streets and historic mansions.

The Canal Street line takes you from the bustling French Quarter to City Park, whereas the Riverfront line runs along the Mississippi River, giving you picturesque views of the water and easy access to attractions like the French Market and Aquarium of the Americas.

Streetcars are a fun and convenient way to get around, with stops near major attractions. The ride is leisurely (read: honestly a little on the slow side), allowing you to take in the sights and sounds of New Orleans.

• Streetcar fare is $1.25 cash for each ride using exact change
• 1-day, 3-day, and 7-day Jazzy Passes are available in advance online or from the RTA Le Pass app

18. Join A Spooky Ghost Tour

New Orleans, often called the most haunted city in America where the dead outnumber the living 10 to 1, is a great place for a thrilling ghost tour. Our tour group was led by a dynamic guide who kept the evening entertaining.

The two-hour walk through the French Quarter included stops at various haunted sites, where we heard fascinating tales of murder and suicide, and the lingering spirits who continue to dwell at the premises.

We only viewed the buildings from the outside since they are mostly private residences today, but stopped at multiple locations around the city, such as the “Sultan’s Palace.”

One of my favorite stories was at an old house where a man gambled away his fortune, losing everything, and then subsequently hung himself. Today, the house is an upscale restaurant, and a table is set for the ghost every night to avoid the regular mishaps caused by spooky circumstances.

We also stopped at the Lalaurie Mansion, one of the most famous haunted locations in NOLA, which is known for its gruesome history (this was the only spot we had my 8 year old plug her ears for part of the story).

Now, I will say that a ghost tour might not seem like a particularly good kid-friendly experience, but my kids 13 and 8 did have a good time here. I think that for older kids who aren’t overly sensitive, this can be a really fun and unique activity.

Despite the spooky stories, the tour is marketed as family-friendly, and I do think it overall remained fine for older kids and teenagers (my 13-year-old was not bothered in the slightest by the stories).

Check prices and availability for this ghost tour

19. Eat Traditional Creole Food

Creole food in New Orleans is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, African, and Native American influences and is a distinctive cuisine to New Orleans. Some hallmarks of this cuisine include bold flavors, rich sauces, and an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Here are some must-try Creole dishes:

• Gumbo: A hearty stew made with okra, seafood/sausage/chicken, and a rich, flavorful roux.
• Jambalaya: A one-pot rice dish featuring sausage, shrimp, and a blend of spices.
• Crawfish Étouffée: Crawfish smothered in a thick, buttery sauce served over rice.
• Red Beans and Rice: Slow-cooked red beans with sausage, served over rice.
• Po’ Boys: Traditional sandwiches stuffed with fried seafood, roast beef, or other meats, accompanied by lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

And of course, being in the south, New Orleans has it’s fair share of traditional southern fare, including fried chicken, biscuits, and fried green tomatoes.

These are a few of our favorite New Orleans restaurants:

Johnny’s Po-Boys: THE place for po-boy sandwiches in the French Quarter, with lots of different flavor options (including alligator!)

Streetcar Cafe: A cozy, cute cafe in the Warehouse District that serves a mixture of southern and creole food.

The Gumbo Shop: A delicious restaurant that specializes in Creole cuisine – you can find almost any type of Creole dish here!

Gus’s Fried Chicken: Delicious fried chicken and southern fixin’s in a converted warehouse with lots of vibes.

Old Nola Cookery: Right off of Bourbon Street, this restaurant serves up perfect Creole dishes and some other homestyle plates (the alfredo chicken dish was to die for)

✔️Where to Stay in New Orleans on a Family Vacation

In or close to the French Quarter is undoubtedly the best place to stay when visiting New Orleans. As the city isn’t huge, you can easily walk or take the streetcar to any places that are out of walking distance (such as City Park or the Garden District).

• The Mercantile Hotel: Has free breakfast, a cute lounge, nice decor, and is located in the Warehouse District, close to all the attractions
• Hyatt Centric French Quarter: A great family option in the French Quarter with an outdoor pool
• Homewood Suites by Hilton: Located on the border of the Warehouse District and French Quarter, is easy to access trolley lines from the hotel, has free breakfast, and an indoor pool

✔️How Long Do You Need for a New Orleans Vacation with Kids?

I’d recommend anywhere from 3-5 days to have plenty of time to explore the city and enjoy the many attractions and activities New Orleans has to offer.

✔️Is New Orleans Safe for Kids?

New Orleans does have more homelessness than other US cities and it is a city known for drinking and partying. That being said, most of the tourist areas in New Orleans are perfectly safe for tourists, especially if you’re not out late at night (which, if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll likely be in fairly early).

New Orleans does have a higher crime and murder rate than the national average, but most incidents take place in specific neighborhoods that tourists generally don’t visit. Make sure not to leave valuables in your car and stick to regular tourist areas and you should be fine.

As I mentioned in the introduction, we’ve visited New Orleans four times with our kids and I’ve never felt unsafe.

✔️When to Visit New Orleans

In general, spring and fall are the best times to visit New Orleans, as the weather is pleasant and relatively mild. Summer can be sweltering in southern Louisiana, as the combination of heat plus intense humidity can quickly drain energy.

Winter is also a really nice time to visit New Orleans, as you usually don’t need more than a light jacket (and can sometimes get really beautiful days too).

New Orleans Family Vacation – The Wrap Up

New Orleans makes for a great family vacation destination. There are so many fun places to visit and things to do with kids, there’s fascinating history and unique culture around every corner, and it’s easy to get around.

Even though we’ve been four times to New Orleans, I’m planning to go back again and enjoy more of what the city has to offer with our kids!

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