It’s Family Time! Here are Some Fun Things to Do in New Orleans with Kids

Nicknamed the “Big Easy,” near the Gulf of Mexico, and on the Mississippi River is New Orleans, the place in Louisiana to visit. With its penchant for late nights, extremely good music, and annual festivities, it’s no wonder why this city is one of the country’s most famous. 

Now you may be asking yourself, “since New Orleans seems like such a ‘party town’ – what can I do with my kids there?” Well worry not! As we are here to bring you a list of things to do in New Orleans with kids that cover everything from your food and entertainment! In the past we’ve looked at many different avenues to explore in New Orleans so we thought this time we’d look through things that are kid-friendly. Step back and relax as we take you through a list of truly wonderful spots to enjoy.

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1. Audubon Nature Institute

A non-profit zoo, aquarium, nature center, and park all wrapped in one!

📍 6500 Magazine St | New Orleans | audubonnatureinstitute.org

There’s so many fun activities at the Audubon Nature Institute to explore for kids both older and younger. From their zoo and aquarium, to the nature center, planetarium, and multiple parks, this place has got a little something for everyone. 

• Their zoo cares for animals from all around the globe, has educational programs, and hands-on activities. Includes their award-winning Louisiana Swamp, Jaguar Jungle Showcase, and daily animal presentations.
• The nature center has trails, a botany center, and classroom pavilions. Explore the planetarium and Nature Dome shows to see wondrous marvels.
• And their aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top five aquariums in the USA Today “10 Best” poll. The aquarium transports visitors to the underwater world of the Caribbean, Amazon Rainforest, the Mississippi River, and the Gulf of Mexico. Plenty of fun things to do in New Orleans with the kids here.

The Audubon Nature Institute also has four separate parks to walk through, including the main Audubon Park, Riverview Park, Woldenberg Park, and the Wilderness Park.

“Great place to bring the family. Lots to see and do. Definitely bring walking shoes and money. Lol. It is kinda pricey for admission. But it's probably the nicest zoo in the state. The reptile exhibit was me and my daughters favorites. There are so many cool reptiles I've seen before.” -Google Review

2. Carousel Gardens Amusement Park

A seasonally operated park with lots of rides and fun things to do in New Orleans with kids!

📍 7 Victory Ave | New Orleans | neworleanscitypark.com

Going to an amusement park is a timely tradition for all kids and at Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, you and the kids will be able to experience lots of laughs and squeals of delight. 

With rides that will have you spinning, twisting, turning, and whirling like the Bumper Cars, Tilt-A-Whirl, 40-foot fun slide, Ferris Wheel, Umbrella Cars, and more- you won’t find a better place to go than this park. You can easily spend the whole day here creating fun new experiences and thrills for the whole family.

And if you’re visiting Carousel Gardens, look to New Orleans City Park which is conveniently connected right next to it; and there you can go on the “flying horses” which have been around since 1906. It’s only one of hundred wooden carousels left in the country, and the only one left in Louisiana!

“We went Christmas night to Celebration in the Oaks. We had a wonderful time, both the kids and adults! Definitely recommend getting walking tickets to enjoy all the rides.” -Google Review

3. New Orleans City Park

Visit this free park that hosts activities all throughout the year!

📍 New Orleans, LA | neworleanscitypark.org

Speaking of New Orleans City Park we couldn’t very well not dive a little deeper into the place as it’s free to visit with the whole family. Spanning 1,300 acres, this popular NOLA destination sees a lot of foot traffic throughout the year thanks to its vastness and the many attractions attached. Walk across the grass around the many different lakes and find the perfect spot for your picnic basket. Or look at the official New Orleans City Park website’s Calendar where upcoming events are posted so you can see if there is anything kid-friendly in the works. 

“Went during Christmas week and it's was simply such a beautiful place and amazing time. Lots of fun rides for both, adults and children and a great atmosphere. Definitely would recommend to anyone visiting NOLA during the holidays season.” -Google Review

4. City Putt Miniature Golf Course

Who doesn’t love mini-golf? Head out to NOLA’s “One and Only Mini-Golf Complex”

📍 33 Dreyfous Dr | New Orleans | neworleanscitypark.org

Just like Carousel Gardens Amusement Park is connected directly through New Orleans City Park, so is the City Putt Miniature Golf Course! As we said above, City Putt Miniature Golf Course is the “one and only mini-golf complex” in New Orleans. The complex itself has two 18-putt courses to explore and it’s all NOLA and Louisiana themed so as you’re battling out to get the least amount of strokes, you can take in the fun decor and “fact plaques” scattered around the greens. You can book birthday parties here and enjoy the snack bar they have on-site should you need some food after all that putting.

“Lots of fun was had as a family! We played 18 holes and laughed so much! The course was very clean, the employees were incredibly nice and helpful, and the prices were fair!” -Google Review

5. Storyland at City Park

A colorful outdoor spot full of imagination and storybook characters!

📍 5 Victory Ave | New Orleans | neworleanscitypark.com

It’s time to dive into the world of your children’s favorite bedtime stories at Storyland! Storyland is the place for imagination, creativity, and the love of fairy tales. Face and climb aboard Captain Hook’s ship, look to the skies to see Mother Goose, spot all of your favorite storybook characters throughout the park, and slide down the breath of a dragon.

Storyland is the place for children to see their fairy tales go from being pictures and words on the page, to being able to take a peek and walk through their world. Storyland hosts birthday parties and private events too which is great if you need a good venue with plenty of things to do for the kids.

“It's a cool park for younger kids. The park was cool but it's really only for young kids. Probably six maybe seven years and younger. They had sanitizer at the start and at the jack and beanstalk attraction. If you have little kids I recommend going there.” -Yelp Review

6. Acorn: A Dickie Brennan & Co. Cafe

Go for a bite to eat or sign-up for one of their Kid’s Table Cooking Series classes!

📍 15 Henry Thomas Dr | New Orleans | acornnola.com

Acorn: A Dickie Brennan & Co. Cafe is a NOLA favorite and we can certainly see why! This charming cafe is located overlooking the City Park’s “Little Lake” which makes it the perfect dining location for the kids as they can see the occasional duck or two swimming along to nature’s music. 

Using local ingredients, Acorn’s food and drinks are made with a lot of heart and a lot of care. There’s a little something for everyone on the menu, they’ve got pizzas, breakfast options, a kid’s menu, sandwiches, tacos, desserts, and more. 

And if you get the timing right, Acorn hosts an event called the “Kid’s Table Cooking Series” where kids get to learn and make special dishes at the cafe. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to get out of the house.

“Wonderful cafe. Best one attached to a museum. Must try the spinach dip. It's better than a lot of restaurants. Kids friendly and delicious. Spacious for stroller families. And great view of the outside. Very scenic” -Yelp Review

7. Louisiana Children’s Museum

Interactive, fun, and educational activities here at the museum!

📍 15 Henry Thomas Dr | New Orleans | lcm.org

It’s in the name! The Louisiana Children’s Museum is definitely a fun filled activity to enjoy with your family, classroom peers, and/or friends. This museum is on a mission, and that is to make a child’s potential shine. They have created a space for kids to play, learn, have conversations, and connect to the people and world around them. A jumping off point for kids to learn who they are and what they have to offer in this world.

They have a “bajillion” paths to take through the museum and on their website to make the most of your visit. By looking into their “experience types” you can choose literacy and explore their book nooks. The environment path that explores the outdoors, STEM, arts & cultures, that explores culinary and creativity through art.

“This is such a great place to take your children!! Has so many activities for kids to do and a great place to learn about so many different things! If we lived in NOLA we would buy annual passes to come here year round for sure.” -Yelp Review

8. LOOP NOLA

Providing the space for fun, safe, outdoor adventures for kids!

📍 1031 Harrison Ave | New Orleans | loopnola.org

Ever since Smartphones and tablets became readily available, more and more kids nowadays are glued to their screens, staying inside. LOOP NOLA wants to offer time away from the screens by providing safe, “life-changing” outdoor adventures for kids. They have high-ropes courses that feature challenges for younger and older kids. You can buy half day or full day tickets for the whole family or if you are an organizer for a party of kids they have “field trip” packages with the ropes courses, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, learning survival skills, and more. Go out and enjoy the great outdoors with LOOP NOLA.

“Enroll your kids! An amazing program! Our 8 and 9-year-olds LOVE the weeklong summer camp, where they learn to camp, canoe, and identify all sorts of items in nature. Incredible staff that are caring, engaging, and very knowledgable.” -Google Review

9. Streetcars in New Orleans

Charming and convenient to see the sights and experience something new!

📍 St. Charles and Carrollton Ave | New Orleans | neworleans.com  

Have you ever wanted to see New Orleans in a fresh and interesting way that’s fun for the whole family involved? Let us introduce you to the Streetcars in New Orleans. They each start downtown, then take you through the French Quarter, and to other places you may not have been able to find if it weren’t for the street cars.

There are district lines that you can find to access the street cars, those being the Saint Charles Streetcar Line, The Canal Street Line, The Riverfront Line, the Loyola/UPT Line, and the Rampart/Saint Claude Streetcar Line.

Each of these lines offer something different to see, some through market districts, parks, museums, beautiful views, old architecture, restaurants and more! Take a look into researching each of the lines and see what they have to offer, or take a ride while you’re out on the town and see what you and your family can discover.

“When on the streetcar, overheard local people talk, "if you don't take St. Charles, you never come to the real New Orleans." The St. Charles Streetcar line is a historic scenic views line, which is the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world since its operation started in 1835.” -Yelp Review

10. A French Quarter Carriage Ride

See the French Quarter in a narrative carriage ride throughout the town!

📍 700 Decatur St | New Orleans | tripadvisor.com 

Hop aboard the narrated French Quarter Carriage Rides. Arrive at Jackson Square and then pick your carriage led by beautiful mules. You can then trot through the New Orleans streets learning about the city’s history, see the beautiful architecture, and pass by the people of New Orleans.

Along with the Streetcars, the carriages are a perfect break from the regular transportation you might be taking while visiting the city, it also allows you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the fresh air around you.

“Katy and Moon made our tour a delight!  Such a lovely way to experience New Orleans! We enjoyed the "off the beaten track" frenetic hubbub of Bourbon Street and experienced some beautiful old architectural history.  Both were shared enthusiastically and uniquely by Katy!” -Yelp Review

11. Fat Boys Pizza

Hungry? Well this place specializes in BIG pizza pies!

📍 2565 Metairie Rd | Metairie | eatfatboyspizza.com 

Ever wanted a pizza slice bigger than your own head? Welcome to Fat Boy’s Pizza! Their large pies measure 30 inches across. Just seeing it in person, you won’t believe how big and how good it is! It’s a perfect family day out meal, with all of the activities available in New Orleans, you’ll probably work up an appetite, and this pizza is sure to help your hunger. Original cheese, pepperoni, triple cheese, BBQ chicken, tomato & basil, calzones, stromboli, wings, and more. A great family meal for a great family time!

“Wow! The biggest pizza I have ever eaten! A 30-inch with all the meats! I definitely recommend it for pizza lovers when in New Orleans. Very cool place and quick, friendly service!” -Google Review

Plenty of activities for all of the family to enjoy with this list, from museums, to parks, to carriage rides, New Orleans isn’t just for the adults, it’s a city that every member of the family can enjoy!