After readers asked for more family travel ideas following our guides to Charleston with kids and Palm Springs with kids, here’s a recap of our three-night family trip to New Orleans. It was our first time in the city, and we were pleasantly surprised by how family-friendly it felt—far more than just Bourbon Street and beads. Below is what we did, where we stayed, and what we’ll save for next time. Spoiler: we’ll definitely be back.
The four of us (five if you count our chihuahua) visited New Orleans for three nights in November 2022. Our kids were 8 and 12 at the time, so this recap focuses on activities suited to that age range. Younger kids would likely enjoy spots like the Louisiana Children’s Museum and the Storyland playground in City Park as well.
Why Vacation In New Orleans With Kids?
New Orleans stands out in the U.S. for its mix of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. The city is rich in music, art, food, festivals, and history—even family-friendly ghost and voodoo tours—that combine to create a unique atmosphere. With distinctive architecture, lively street scenes, and flavors you won’t find elsewhere, New Orleans can feel like a small cultural journey that’s still easy to reach by car from the Florida Panhandle.
We’d heard great things from neighbors after moving to the Gulf Coast, and those recommendations were spot on—there’s a lot to explore with kids without sacrificing the city’s charm.
When To Visit New Orleans
Mardi Gras draws huge crowds in late winter, but for a family trip we preferred a quieter time. Visiting in November let us avoid peak heat and humidity and enjoy early holiday decorations around historic homes. The trade-off was one chilly, rainy day—so bring layers—but overall the weather swung back to shorts by the end of our stay. Early fall (September or October) would be another great window if you prefer warmer temperatures.
Where We Stayed In New Orleans
We prefer walkable cities for family vacations, so we booked an artsy Airbnb in Uptown near the Garden District on Magazine Street. That location gave us easy access to shops, restaurants, parks, and a short streetcar ride into the French Quarter—perfect for exploring without relying on a car.
The Airbnb was colorful and kid-friendly, with murals and a big whiteboard the kids loved. It was dog-friendly as well, which mattered since our pup came along. Front bedrooms face Magazine Street, so bringing a sound machine helped with street noise. The unit is above a shop but we didn’t hear much from below. The best part was being able to walk to the Garden District, St. Charles Avenue, and Audubon Park—areas we enjoyed strolling through and admiring the distinctive architecture.
Next time we’ll likely stay in a similar neighborhood between St. Charles Avenue and Magazine Street—maybe a different house, since we enjoy trying new places.
What We Did In New Orleans With Kids
We travel fairly relaxed, giving ourselves time to wander between meals and activities. Still, we hit plenty of kid-friendly highlights. Here are the places we enjoyed most and would recommend for families.
Walk & Window Shop On Magazine Street
Magazine Street stretches for miles with shops, cafés, and boutiques. We spent an evening and a morning exploring local stores—our kids loved a shop with a wall of colorful pens and a nearly 200-year-old locksmith store with fascinating antique locks and a bin of novelty keys.
We also enjoyed stops at music and secondhand shops that sparked our daughter’s interest in thrift shopping—a hobby she still enjoys.
Explore The Garden District
The neighborhoods around the Garden District and St. Charles Avenue are delightful for walking. Along the way we popped into bookstores, cafés, and admired grand homes and colorful signage. St. Charles is lined with big trees and historic houses, and the streetcar running down the center adds charm and convenience.
I went for a run along the streetcar tracks, which many locals use as a jogging path—just be mindful to step aside for passing cars. Fans of older reality-TV shows might spot a house used in a well-known series.
Visit Audubon Park
While City Park is the larger green space, Audubon Park near our neighborhood was a lovely place to spend time. It offers playgrounds, walking and biking paths, fountains, sports fields, picnic shelters, and access to the Audubon Zoo. The park’s southern edge borders the Mississippi River, so you get pleasant river views alongside open lawns and shady oaks.
Ride A Streetcar
The St. Charles streetcar is the world’s oldest continuously operated streetcar line and an affordable, scenic way to travel. A family ride to the French Quarter and back cost us only a few dollars. The roughly 30-minute ride to Canal Street is a slow, relaxing way to see neighborhoods and is also a useful transit option for locals, so be respectful of commuters.
Experience The French Quarter
The French Quarter is lively and atmospheric—artists, performers, and musicians animate many corners. We spent an afternoon there after checking out of our Airbnb, wandering streets between the river and Royal Street and enjoying live music. Jackson Square and the adjacent open-air artist market are highlights, though the fenced square itself isn’t dog-friendly. Nearby is the famed coffee-and-beignet stand and the French Market’s artisan booths.
The French Quarter can be busy, especially around holidays, so plan accordingly if crowds are a concern for your family.
Check Out The Audubon Aquarium
When rain cut our plans short, we visited the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas. Even before later renovations, the aquarium offered touch tanks and interactive exhibits that appealed to kids and adults alike. It’s also a great companion to a zoo visit—buying tickets together can save money.
Where We Ate In New Orleans
New Orleans delivers on food, and we found plenty of family-friendly options. Below are the spots we tried and liked—simple, kid-approved choices that still showcase local flavors.
French Truck Coffee
We enjoyed a patio breakfast here—waffles for the kids and tempting coffee aromas all around. It’s a relaxed morning stop with good options for families.
Dat Dog
Dat Dog is a lively hot dog spot with outdoor seating and creative menu options. We visited the Freret Street location and enjoyed a seasonal special—definitely a fun, casual family meal.
Cafe Beignet
Beignets are a must. We skipped the long line at the most famous spot and grabbed delicious beignets at a nearby cafe after a streetcar ride—simple, sweet, and satisfying.
Sucré
Sucré’s gelato and macarons were a perfect treat while walking Magazine Street—an art-deco interior and sweet pick-me-up the kids loved.
La Boulangerie
This French bakery on Magazine Street served up excellent breads and pastries—another easy stop for breakfast or a snack while shopping.
Barracuda
We ordered takeout from Barracuda Taco Stand one chilly night and regretted not dining in. The restaurant has a lively outdoor setup—next visit we’ll sit in and enjoy the atmosphere along with the food.
Empanola
For a quick bite while shopping, Empanola on Magazine Street offered a variety of warm, flavorful empanadas—easy, tasty, and kid-friendly.
Other Kid-Friendly Activities In New Orleans
There’s a lot we didn’t get to on this trip, so here are activities we’ll try next time or recommend for families who want more options:
Mardi Gras World
A behind-the-scenes look at float-building studios offers a peek into Mardi Gras artistry without visiting during the busy festival week.
City Park
City Park is enormous—bigger than many urban parks—and includes an art museum, botanical and sculpture gardens, mini golf, and a small amusement area, making it a full-day destination for families.
National WWII Museum
Surprisingly family-friendly, the National WWII Museum offers interactive and educational exhibits that appeal to older kids and adults, and it’s a strong rainy-day alternative.
Riverboat Cruise
Paddlewheel riverboat cruises with live jazz and dinner are a charming way to see the city from the Mississippi.
Swamp Tour
Guided boat or kayak tours outside the city let you spot wildlife like alligators. Flat-bottom boat tours are calmer and less noisy than airboat trips and often include transport from the French Quarter.
Ghost Tour
Family-friendly ghost tours balance spooky stories with local history, offering an entertaining way to learn about New Orleans’ past without scaring younger children.
Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids: A Summary
For quick planning, here’s a concise list of the family-friendly activities we enjoyed and recommend:
- Window shop along Magazine Street
- Explore the Garden District and St. Charles Avenue
- Visit Audubon Park and the Audubon Zoo
- Ride the historic St. Charles streetcar or take a riverboat cruise
- Experience the French Quarter and the French Market
- Visit the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
- Enjoy beignets and local specialties
- Try family-friendly eateries like French Truck Coffee, Dat Dog, Sucré, La Boulangerie, Barracuda, and Empanola
- Explore the National WWII Museum
- Spend time in City Park’s gardens, museum, and amusement area
- Take a swamp tour or a family-friendly ghost tour
- Go behind the scenes at Mardi Gras World
Other Kid-Friendly Trips We’ve Taken
If you’re planning other family trips, we’ve shared recaps from destinations like Palm Springs, Charleston, St. Petersburg, and more that may help inspire your next getaway.
- Palm Springs, California with kids
- A Weekend in Charleston, South Carolina with kids
- 2 Days in St. Petersburg, Florida with kids
- Our trip to Mexico with kids (and a dog)
- Unique spring break ideas for families
- Things to do in Pigeon Forge, TN
- A daddy-daughter trip to South Dakota
- Costa Rica with kids
- Hawaii with a toddler
- A guide to Cape Charles, Virginia
- Favorite activities, shops, and eats in Richmond, Virginia
- Celebrating 10 years of marriage in Puerto Rico
- Our favorite spring break trip yet