After readers asked for more family travel ideas following our guides to Charleston and Palm Springs with kids, here’s a long-overdue recap of our three-night trip to New Orleans. It was our first time in The Big Easy, and we were pleasantly surprised at how family-friendly the city feels. Beyond the nightlife and Bourbon Street, New Orleans offers history, music, parks, and kid-friendly museums. Below is what we did, where we stayed, and what we’ll save for next time.
We visited New Orleans in November 2022 as a family of four plus our chihuahua. Our kids were about 8 and 12 years old, so these recommendations are geared toward school-age children rather than toddlers. That said, many sites—like the Louisiana Children’s Museum or the Storyland playground—are great for younger kids as well.
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Why Vacation In New Orleans With Kids?
New Orleans stands out in the U.S. for its blend of French, Spanish, African, and Creole influences. The city’s music scene, architecture, festivals, and food create a rich cultural playground for families. From street musicians in the French Quarter to historic homes in the Garden District, there’s always something that captures kids’ imaginations—whether it’s a colorful mural, a streetcar ride, or a hands-on museum.
Now that we live on the Florida Panhandle, New Orleans is an easy drive and quickly became a “must visit” on our list. The city’s compact, walkable neighborhoods make it easy to explore with kids and minimize driving between attractions.
When To Visit New Orleans
Mardi Gras draws huge crowds in February or March, but for a calmer, family-friendly visit we chose late fall—November. Fall avoids the hottest, most humid months and often brings holiday decorations to the historic neighborhoods. Expect variable weather: we had a rainy, chilly day during our stay, followed by shorts weather by the end of the trip. September and October are also great months to aim for warmer, more consistent temperatures.
Where We Stayed In New Orleans
We prefer walkable cities, so we rented an artsy Airbnb in Uptown near the Garden District right on Magazine Street. That location put us within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and parks, with a short streetcar ride to the French Quarter. The apartment was colorful, kid-friendly, and allowed dogs.
Highlights: murals and bold wallpaper that the kids loved, a large whiteboard for drawing, and quick access to Magazine Street. Note: the unit was on the second floor facing Magazine Street, so a sound machine can help on busy evenings. Next time we’ll pick a similar neighborhood—between St. Charles Avenue and Magazine Street—because the area is lovely for walks and exploring historic houses.
What We Did In New Orleans With Kids
We travel pretty relaxed—lots of walking, eating, and stopping as things catch our eye. Over three days we combined leisurely strolls with several family favorites. Below are the highlights we recommend for families visiting New Orleans.
Walk and Window Shop on Magazine Street
Magazine Street stretches for miles with local shops, boutiques, and cafes. We spent an afternoon and the following morning exploring half of it. Kids loved stores like Lionheart Prints and a nearly 200-year-old locksmith shop that displayed antique locks and tiny novelty keys—simple finds that made for memorable stops.
Explore the Garden District
The Garden District and the blocks around St. Charles Avenue are perfect for wandering. Grand houses, towering trees, and the iconic streetcar make for a picturesque walk. The streetcar’s center median, called the “neutral ground,” is a popular spot for jogging and walking—just be mindful of oncoming cars and streetcars.
Visit Audubon Park
Audubon Park offers playgrounds, paths, sports fields, and the Audubon Zoo nearby. The paved loop is great for walking or biking, and picnic spots under large trees make a relaxing family lunch option. The park also borders the Mississippi on its southern edge, providing nice river views.
Ride a Streetcar
The St. Charles streetcar is the oldest continuously operating line in the world and an affordable, scenic way to reach the French Quarter. A round-trip on the streetcar is inexpensive and gives kids a fun, historic transit experience while you see more of the city.
Experience the French Quarter
The French Quarter is lively and unique, full of street performers, musicians, and cultural sights. We spent an afternoon exploring between the river and Royal Street, enjoyed live music, and browsed the open-air artist stalls around Jackson Square. For families, daytime visits are a good way to soak up the atmosphere without the late-night crowds.
Audubon Aquarium (Great for Rainy Days)
When a rainy afternoon forced us indoors, the Audubon Aquarium was the perfect option. It offers touch tanks and interactive exhibits that engage kids while providing insight into Louisiana’s rivers and coastal ecosystems. If you plan to visit both the zoo and aquarium, look for combined tickets to save.
Where We Ate In New Orleans
New Orleans is a food-lover’s city. We focused on approachable, family-friendly spots that still showcased local flavor. Below are the places we enjoyed most during our stay.
French Truck Coffee
A pleasant patio breakfast with great pastries and coffee aromas—perfect to start a day of exploring. Kids enjoyed waffles and outdoor seating made it easy to keep things relaxed.
Dat Dog
A funky hot-dog spot with lively outdoor dining. We visited on a chilly night, but the food was fun and flavorful—my Thanksgiving-themed special was a hit.
Cafe Beignet
We skipped the long Cafe du Monde line and enjoyed excellent beignets at Cafe Beignet instead. A streetcar hop plus warm beignets made for a memorable New Orleans treat.
Sucré, La Boulangerie, Barracuda, Empanola
For sweets and snacks on Magazine Street, we stopped at Sucré for gelato and macarons, La Boulangerie for pastries, Empanola for quick empanadas, and planned to dine at Barracuda Taco Stand (next time we’ll sit outside and enjoy the margarita garden). These spots are convenient during a day of walking and shopping.
Other Kid-Friendly Activities In New Orleans
There’s plenty we didn’t manage to fit into three days. On a future visit we’ll add a few of the following family-focused activities:
Mardi Gras World
A behind-the-scenes look at how Mardi Gras floats are built—great for kids who enjoy big, colorful art and costume-making.
City Park
City Park is vast and offers museums, a botanical garden, sculpture gardens, mini golf, and a small amusement area—plenty for a full day of family activities.
National WWII Museum
An unexpectedly family-friendly museum with interactive exhibits and excellent reviews from visitors of all ages—an engaging rainy-day option.
Riverboat Cruise, Swamp Tour, and Ghost Tour
Riverboat cruises on historic paddlewheel boats, quieter swamp tours where you might spot alligators, and family-friendly ghost tours are all popular ways to see different sides of the region.
Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids: A Summary
Quick checklist for family-friendly New Orleans highlights:
- Window-shop and snack along Magazine Street
- Walk the Garden District and ride the St. Charles streetcar
- Visit Audubon Park and the Audubon Zoo
- Explore the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and the French Market
- Spend a rainy afternoon at the Audubon Aquarium
- Try local favorites: beignets, coffee, and casual family restaurants
- Consider the National WWII Museum, City Park, Mardi Gras World, swamp tours, riverboat cruises, or a family ghost tour
Other Kid-Friendly Trips We’ve Taken
If you enjoyed this recap and are looking for other family trip ideas, we’ve also written about destinations like Palm Springs, Charleston, St. Petersburg, and several beach and international family trips.