Exploring New Orleans With Kids: 10 Fun Things to Do!
Growing up, many of my family vacations were to New Orleans—long before saying “NOLA” was cool. It might seem like a strange family destination, but with my grandparents living in the Crescent City, I visited frequently and now love sharing it with my kids. In this guide, I’ll share 10+ fun and kid-friendly activities to make your family trip unforgettable.
So, if the idea of bringing kids to the Big Easy gives you a cold sweat, this post is here to show you it’s not all Bourbon Street and bad decisions. From vibrant culture to unique attractions, New Orleans has plenty to offer for the whole family.
In this post, I’m going to help you shake off the fear that New Orleans is sin city of the Southeast and a place to be avoided with kids unless you want to share an illustration of bad decisions and a life of regret of not pursuing education. I digress!
I’m breaking down at least 10 fun things to do with kids in the New Orleans area—from the vibrant French Quarter to relaxing rides on the streetcar lines.
Planning where to stay? We loved the New Orleans RV Resort—a great spot for families with easy access to the city. Check out our full review HERE!
TL;DR: Things to Do in New Orleans with Kids
Looking for family-friendly fun in New Orleans? Here’s a quick snapshot of must-do activities:
- French Quarter Fun: Explore Jackson Square, listen to live music, and grab beignets at Café du Monde.
- Swamp Adventures: Spot alligators and cruise the bayou on a family-friendly airboat tour.
- Historic Highlights: Visit the National WWII Museum and ride the iconic St. Charles streetcar.
- Rainy Day Ideas: Check out the Louisiana Children’s Museum or Audubon Aquarium.
Discover even more kid-friendly activities and tips for the perfect family trip—keep reading to plan your New Orleans adventure!
#1. Immerse Yourself at the National WWII Museum
Today’s World War II Museum is a true monument and memorial to the men and women who sacrificed everything to save the World from evils of hatred. Not only does Jack have a special appreciation for war history, my Grandfather served in the D-Day invasion. Fortunately for me, he was in a later wave of troops who crossed the Normandy Beaches on the mission to liberate France and Europe from the grips of Hilter! During the expansion of the museum from a D-Day Museum to the National World War II Museum he and my grandmother worked tirelessly on constructing the exhibits of the museum including a landing craft!
The National World War II Museum is a top-tier educational experience for older kids and adults alike. Its interactive exhibits and permanent exhibits provide a closer look at the war’s impact on the United States and the world.
Why This is a Must-Do:
- Experience first hand the sacrifice the United States and our Allies made to SAVE THE WORLD. NEVER FORGET!
- Perfect for older children interested in history.
- A mix of video displays and hands-on elements.
Pro Tip: Allow at least three hours for your visit. The exhibits can be intense for young children, so it’s best suited for older kids or parents traveling without little ones.
Our Experience:
This museum offered a powerful glimpse into history, and even the younger kids found parts of it engaging.
#2. Wander Through the French Quarter with a Self-Guided Audio Tour
FACT—the French Quarter is more than Bourbon Street! Taking a tour of The Quarter gives an appreciation of history that surrounds this fantastic city. Tours with kids can be expensive when you consider you have to pay per person and TIP! One easy workaround we found is DIY Self Guided walking tours by Action Tour Guides and Free Tours on Foot. While not a perfect replacement for a live tour guide who can answer questions, these self guided audio tours are 95% the same!
Pro Tip: Download the tour to your mobile phone and use a bluetooth speaker (like this JBL) to share the tour with your whole group!
Another alternate is take a Free Tour offered by NOLA Tour Guy. While the tour is “Free” he ask you “pay” what you think the tour is worth at the end…so choose the best option for your family!
The French Quarter is a vibrant hub of history, art, and culture. Walking tours allow you to explore iconic spots like Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and Royal Street at your own pace.
Why This is a Must-Do:
- A kid-friendly tour option with flexibility.
- See street performers, local musicians, and street artists showcasing their talents.
Pro Tip: Don’t miss a stop at Café du Monde for beignets and the nearby French Market for unique souvenirs.
Our Experience:
The walking tour app made it easy to navigate Decatur Street and learn fun facts (like the great fires, yellow fever, mass murders, and more) about the French Quarter.
Did you Know: The fire of 1788 destroyed nearly 80% of NOLAs buildings all because the Catholic Church would not ring the church bells on Good Friday to warn the people. In a Jeff Foxworthy moment God must of have said “here’s your sign” as the Church burned in the fire. But, at least it was quiet!
#3. Take a Thrilling Ghost Tour
No trip to New Orleans is complete without exploring its haunted history. Ghost tours are a unique way to learn about the Crescent City’s spooky past, with plenty of tales to fascinate kids and adults alike.
Why This is a Must-Do:
- Entertaining and educational, with stories that bring history to life.
- Perfect for older children who love spooky stories.
Pro Tip: Book an early evening tour to keep things lighthearted for younger kids, or opt for family-friendly guides who focus on storytelling over fright.
Our Experience:
Our guide blended humor, history, and theatrics to captivate the group. We learned about the ghosts of LaLaurie Mansion, where a tragic fire revealed horrors of the past, and the creative ways locals coped with Yellow Fever. It’s a thrilling, family-friendly way to see a different side of New Orleans.
#4. Glide Through the Swamps on a Tour
A swamp tour is a must-do for families visiting Louisiana. Nothing compares to the thrill of skimming across the bayou on a flat-bottomed airboat, spotting sunbathing alligators and learning about the unique ecosystem.
Why This is a Must-Do:
- Combine adventure with education as you explore the bayou.
- Smaller airboats take you closer to shore, offering a more immersive experience.
Pro Tip: While December is cooler, experienced guides know the best spots to find wildlife. Choose a small airboat for better access and a more personal experience.
Our Experience:
Even in cooler weather, we spotted gators soaking up the sun and learned about the swamp’s rich history. Smaller boats are worth the splurge—they glide into areas larger boats can’t reach, making the experience unforgettable.
#5. Hop on the Iconic St. Charles Streetcar
New Orleans famous streetcars travel throughout the city. From Canal Street, along Decater Street (Riverwalk), to the most famous St. Charles Avenue line that travels through the heart of the Garden District! When visiting the Garden District try to find the Roman Candy Company Cart and grab some fresh taffy! We missed out this trip!
The Garden District features wonderful mansions that took the place of old plantations as the city expanded from the French Quarter. The lush trees, amazing parks, and grand avenue all lead to Audubon Park, the Audubon Zoo, Loyola and Tulane University.
Why This is a Must-Do:
- A relaxing way to explore the city.
- Stops include Audubon Park and its adjacent golf course.
Pro Tip: Combine the ride with a visit to the Audubon Zoo or Audubon Aquarium for an all-day adventure.
Our Experience:
We enjoyed our Free Tours on Foot audio tour that allowed us to learn the history of the Garden District as we rumbled past in the street car! If traveling with kids grab 2 benches. Flip one seat to face forward and the other backward and create a one of a kind ride for your family!
#6. Learn About Above-Ground Cemeteries
New Orleans average elevation is 5 feet above sea level! If graves are buried a 6 feet below ground, well you can see the problem here…burial at sea! How do you solve this problem? Well, you bury the dearly departed ABOVE ground. What!?! Crazy talk! Maybe, but not in NOLA. Above ground cemeteries are remarkably creepier than normal memorial gardens surrounded by trees and lovely flowers. Huge concrete crypts scatter these grounds and showcase the shrines of the final resting place! Since many of the cemeteries include the final address of famous people the cemeteries are closed except for guided tours or you know, funerals!
The above-ground cemeteries of New Orleans are both eerie and fascinating. Sites like Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 are popular stops for family-friendly tours.
Why This is a Must-Do:
- Learn about burial traditions unique to New Orleans.
- Perfect for older children and adults curious about history.
Pro Tip: If a cemetery is closed, try exploring nearby Magazine Street or head back to the St. Charles avenue streetcar line to ride back downtown.
Our Experience:
While our cemetery tour was cut short, we appreciated walking past the gates and viewing from a distance.
#7. Catch Live Music on the Streets of the French Quarter
As the birthplace of Jazz, New Orleans is alive with music of all kinds. From blasting rock and rap on Bourbon Street to Jazz in Jackson Square the city is filled with live music. Music brings energy and smiles to all who hear it in the French Quarter. Grab a table near the French Market and enjoy a cold beverage while relaxing with the sounds of the day! Who knows maybe you’ll hear the next Louis Armstrong!
Why This is a Must-Do:
- Free entertainment for the entire family. If you like the music drop a small tip in the jar!
- Local musicians create a unique atmosphere.
Pro Tip: Check out spots near Café Beignet and Bourbon Street for the best sounds. All the locals recommended Frenchman Street. However, walking to Frenchman Street was a bit skechty…so I’d pass! Or take an Uber!
Our Experience:
The kids loved listening to the music as we enjoyed our beignets at Cafe du Monde. watching local artists play instruments on Royal Street, while we enjoyed the vibrant energy.
#8. Experience the Magic of Parades
New Orleans = Party. Parade = Party. Parade and New Orleans pretty much are the same. Every time I visit NOLA there is a parade. From the St. Patrick’s Day parade, to a wedding parade, the Sugar Bowl, Mardi Gras and more. This town brings the party.
Why This is a Must-Do:
- Exciting floats and costumes for the whole family.
- A perfect opportunity to experience local culture and old people reliving dance team glory days!
Pro Tip: Visit Mardi Gras World to see how the floats are made, learn the history of Mardi Gras, and eat some King Cake all year long.
Our Experience:
We stumbled onto the start of the Sugar Bowl Parade by accident near Frenchman Street. Naturally, we stayed to watch the bands, floats and dancers go by! Madeline immediately got into grabbing beaded necklaces…this might be a problem in about 5 years. EEK! Jack took a little longer to get in the spirit, but by the end he was all in on NOLA parades! Fill your day with music and laughter.
#9. Explore Indoor Attractions for Rainy Days
The secrete is out…it rains in New Orleans. Alot. Like every day. Okay that’s only in the summer. The rest of the year it’s like every other day. So, bring a rain jacket and don’t settle for a flimsy poncho. Those suck and will leave you drenched! When it rains it’s best to have some backup activities to stay dry. If it rains, don’t worry the rain showers usually pass over in about 20 minutes!
The New Orleans area is packed with indoor spots perfect for kids of all ages, including:
- New Orleans Museum of Art
- Louisiana Children’s Museum
Pro Tip: Pair these stops with nearby attractions to make the most of your day. Use our What to Pack Guide when visiting New Orleans with Kids to make sure you are prepared!
#10. Indulge in the Local Cuisine
Don’t plan to come to New Orleans and keep your diet super strict. Creole cuisine is a must-try in New Orleans, and there are plenty of kid-friendly options to satisfy picky eaters like Jack.
Why This is a Must-Do:
- Try local favorites like po’boys, gumbo, and beignets.
- Family-friendly eateries abound.
Pro Tip: Café du Monde and Café Beignet are two iconic spots, but explore lesser-known gems along the way.
Our Experience:
The kids couldn’t get enough of the beignets while we enjoyed a café au lait overlooking Jackson Square and listening to the street performers near the Mississippi River.
Conclusion: Exploring New Orleans with Kids!
New Orleans offers something for everyone, from vibrant street performers in the French Quarter to serene strolls through Audubon Park. Whether it’s your family’s first time or you’re seasoned travelers, you’re bound to have a great time exploring the Crescent City.Which activity are you most excited to try?
Visit our Facebook page and share your comments about New Orleans—and if you have a favorite New Orleans spot, share it with us! Don’t forget to grab our packing guide to ensure a smooth family adventure in the Big Easy.
About Us
We are Mike and Sara, and our kids and dog are exploring the US while camping in our fifth wheel! Since the late 90s we have been exploring the great outdoors one hiking trail at a time. We introduced our kids to hiking while they were young and they love exploring new places. We call Kentucky home and we find ourselves exploring the state parks, national parks, and other wildlands in our area as often as we can!
Our RV camping journey began during the COVID-19 pandemic. Waking up close to the trails we love hiking was enough for us to get hooked on the camping lifestyle! Thanks for following our adventures!
