Suppose you are looking for a great holiday or weekend getaway destination that doesn’t take you all the way to another continent. In that case, New Orleans can be one of the country’s hottest holiday destinations for families with kids, teens, and toddlers. New Orleans has a rich history, great restaurants, and a lot of culture to explore.
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
Here are some of the best things to do in New Orleans with kids, from a visit to the Voodoo Museum to a stop-and-eat and the Oceana Grill.
What is New Orleans Famous For?
New Orleans is famous for being one of the hottest tourist destinations for traveling locals in the United States, and this part of the US receives thousands of visitors from everywhere each year.
One of the first things you can experience in New Orleans is the rich history of the entire state. Famous architecture is everywhere, and the world-famous French Quarter is located here ¯ and still as vibrant with new, exciting things as ever.
New Orleans is famous for its great people and great food, too.
If you want the full restaurant experience, there are hundreds of restaurants scattered all over New Orleans for you to choose from. Most have great, kid-friendly menus that will have something for everyone — even those with a serious sweet tooth.
New Orleans is also famous for music and the origin of New Orleans Jazz & Swing.
What isn’t New Orleans famous for?
Is New Orleans Worth Visiting with Kids?
Yes, New Orleans can be one of the perfect places to plan a vacation as a family, especially if you have kids – whether we’re talking toddlers, mid-age kids, or teenagers.
There’s something to do for every age group and interest in New Orleans, from a visit to the aquarium to a weirder trip out to the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, where you can see some medical oddities from history.
New Orleans has many attractions that can be called adults-only, but there are just as many things to see for younger visitors and teenagers on the trip.
Depending on where you go, New Orleans has a lot to offer — and you can do everything from a low-budget, laid-back vacation to a higher-budget splurge.
Unique Things to Do in New Orleans with Kids
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
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The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is the best place to go with smart, active kids who want to know more about the natural environment. Special programs and guided tours happen on most days, giving kids and adults an even more personal view of everything this great unique aquarium has to offer.
Mardi Gras World
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If you have seen the greatness of a Mardis Gras float before, take your family on a tour to the huge warehouse where these floats are put together. See some of the state’s greatest artists at work – and some of their works in progress — with a day visit to Mardi Gras World.
Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
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One of the most beautiful attractions you and the family can see in New Orleans is the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. See some of the most beautiful natural life happen right here in front of your eyes — and take the guided tour to learn more, or make your way through the exhibits at your own pace.
Things to Do in New Orleans This Weekend with Kids
Louisiana Children’s Museum
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If you have a weekend to keep kids busy on vacation, then the Louisiana Children’s Museum is one of the best attractions. The museum focuses on education and family-friendly exhibits for all ages, with special activity programs and occasional special events for groups. Check the schedule to see what’s on before you visit.
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
photo source: Wikimedia Commons
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is one-of-a-kind, and it is the place where you’ll find all sorts of pharmaceutical oddities that will feel like a step back in time to a whole other world. Admission is cheap, and the guided tour will take you through each exhibit with interesting information that is great for all ages.
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
photo source: Flckr.com Ed Bierman
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is about as New Orleans-y as a vacation stop could get, with real art from New Orleans locals that shows much of its colorful culture and history together in the same place. Admission is affordable, and some days even have reduced admission and special events.
Kid-Friendly New Orleans Restaurants
Mother’s Restaurant
Mother’s Restaurant is one of the best traditional restaurants, and here you will find a selection of comfort food that fits everyone’s tastes (and, happily, their budget). Even if you have kids who fuss about what they want on the menu, you’ll find something they’ll love — and there’s even a great dessert menu to choose from.
Oceana Grill
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The Oceana Grill is one of the most famous top-rated restaurants if anyone in the family is in the mood for seafood. Lucky for anyone who isn’t a fan of seafood, there’s plenty else on the menu to keep vegetarians, small kids, or fussy teens happy with the menu too.
Robert’s Gumbo Shop
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Robert’s Gumbo Shop is one of the best traditional eateries where you can choose to go anywhere in New Orleans. The keyword here is comfort food, and like many of New Orleans, you can experience some of the real, exciting culture of the locale right here. If you aren’t a gumbo fan, that’s not all that’s on the menu — ask about some of the desserts.
Free Things to Do in New Orleans with Kids
Jackson Square
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If you don’t have a massive budget to spend a day in New Orleans, it’s good to know that you don’t necessarily need it. Jackson Square is free to enter, and there’s usually some entertainment going on — and there’s always something to see.
Lafayette Square
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Lafayette Square is one of the most famous areas in New Orleans, where you can catch the occasional street performance or cruise through to look at some of the sights. Free to see and one of the most unforgettable things you’ll ever spot while you’re here.
Frenchmen Street
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Frenchmen Street is one of the lesser-known sights you can spot around the French Quarter, and it’s absolutely worth it for anyone who wants to see just how much culture the area of New Orleans can cram into one street. Free to see, and it’s a must.
Things to Do in New Orleans with Teens
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
photo source: Flckr.com via Jeremy Thompson
The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is one of the best museum visits for anyone who passes through the state, and it’s one of the most unique attractions that can tell you everything you’ve ever wanted to know about the great, rich history of where you are. Guided tours are recommended to see this museum, though you can also make your way through the exhibits at your own pace.
The Hermann-Grima House
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The Hermann-Grima House is one of the most famous historic houses in all of New Orleans, and it’s been converted into a museum at 820 St Louis Street that makes a great day trip out if you love getting to know architecture and history.
New Orleans Ghost Tour
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For teenagers, older kids, and adults with some imagination, there’s always the great New Orleans Ghost Tour that can take you on a trip to see more of the haunted history of New Orleans. Trips are safe (though they can get a bit creepy!), and the rate is affordable at $30 per person.
Indoor Kid Activities New Orleans
The National WWII Museum
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The National WWII Museum is located at 345 Magazine Street in New Orleans, and it’s one of the attractions recommended for you and the kids if anyone in the family is a fan of war history. Trips to the WWII Museum take you through the United States’ history and participation in the second world war, and there are many great things to see.
Guided tours are recommended, and you’ll see the most this way.
Adventure Quest New Orleans
If you have kids or teens and need to spend most of the day indoors instead, visiting Adventure Quest can be one of the best and most fun things you get to do. Laser tag is still a lot of fun – and it’s a lot less painful than the average paintball game. Games are scheduled, and families can book the room as a group.
Preservation Hall
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If anyone in the family is a jazz fan, you can’t leave New Orleans without at least one visit to the iconic Preservation Hall. Not only are some of the greatest memories in jazz history on display here, but you’ll also experience some of New Orleans’ best in jazz right here.
