After sharing our guides for Charleston with kids and Palm Springs with kids, we received a lot of requests for more family travel ideas. So here’s a recap of our three-night trip to New Orleans. It was our first visit to the Big Easy, and we were pleasantly surprised by how family-friendly the city is—there’s much more to New Orleans than Bourbon Street and beads. Below we share where we stayed, what we did with our kids, and a few things we’ll try on our next visit.
The four of us—and our chihuahua—spent three nights in New Orleans in November 2022. Our kids were eight and twelve at the time, so this recap reflects activities suited to school-age children rather than toddlers. That said, younger kids would likely enjoy places like the Louisiana Children’s Museum and Storyland, which we’ve heard great things about.
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Why Vacation In New Orleans With Kids?
New Orleans is unique in the United States for its blend of French, Spanish, African, and Caribbean influences. That mix shows up in the music, food, architecture, and festivals, creating a lively atmosphere that feels almost international. Kids can enjoy street musicians, colorful architecture, parks, and family-friendly museums while parents appreciate the history and food scene. In short, it’s a city with something for every age and interest.
Now that we live closer in the Florida Panhandle, New Orleans is an easy drive for us, and recommendations from friends convinced us it was worth a visit. We were glad we added it to our list.
When To Visit New Orleans
Mardi Gras draws the biggest crowds in late winter, but for a calmer family trip we recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons. We went in November to avoid summer heat and humidity and to enjoy early holiday decorations. The weather was mostly pleasant, though one rainy, chilly day reminded us that shoulder-season conditions can vary. September or October are also great options if you prefer warmer weather without peak crowds.
If you aim to avoid crowds and high prices, plan outside of major festival weeks. Late fall and early fall give you comfortable temperatures and a more relaxed pace for exploring with kids.
Where We Stayed In New Orleans
We prefer walkable neighborhoods, so we booked an artsy Airbnb in Uptown near the Garden District, right on Magazine Street. Staying on Magazine Street put restaurants, shops, and parks within easy walking distance and left us a short streetcar or drive from the French Quarter. If you want a family-friendly, walkable base, the area between St. Charles Avenue and Magazine Street is ideal.
The Airbnb was bright and colorful, full of murals and bold wallpaper. The kids enjoyed drawing on a large hallway whiteboard and we appreciated that the place welcomed dogs. Note that the bedrooms facing Magazine Street can pick up some street noise, so a sound machine could help light sleepers. The flat is on the second floor over a shop, but we didn’t notice disruptive noise from below.
Beyond the apartment itself, the neighborhood was our favorite feature. Magazine Street, the Garden District, St. Charles Avenue, and Audubon Park were all easy to reach on foot. We loved walking the streets to admire the distinctive local architecture and historic homes.
Next time we’ll likely stay in a similar Uptown location—somewhere between St. Charles and Magazine Street—though we enjoy trying different Airbnbs to get new perspectives on a city.
What We Did In New Orleans With Kids
We travel at a relaxed pace and spent much of our time wandering between meals and small adventures. Still, we checked off several family-friendly highlights that made the trip memorable. Below are the activities we enjoyed most and a few practical notes for families planning a similar visit.
Walk & Window Shop On Magazine Street
Magazine Street is a long, walkable corridor of boutiques, cafes, and galleries. We explored a portion of it over an evening and a morning and enjoyed browsing local shops. Favorites included a colorful art supply wall that captivated our kids and an antique locksmith shop filled with historic locks and doorknobs that fascinated the whole family.
Other stops included a beloved local record shop and a thrift store that sparked our daughter’s ongoing interest in secondhand shopping. Small, unexpected discoveries like these made the strolls especially fun for kids.
A simple bin of novelty keys was a surprising hit with the kids and made for a fun souvenir moment.
Explore The Garden District
The neighborhoods near our Airbnb and St. Charles Avenue offered a pleasant mix of striking houses, leafy streets, and small local shops. We wandered in and out of cafes and bookstores and enjoyed seeing the traditional Mardi Gras parade route along St. Charles.
St. Charles reminded us of other tree-lined downtowns we’ve loved. The neutral ground between traffic lanes is commonly used by joggers and walkers, and the historic streetcar adds charm and convenience.
I went for a run along the streetcar tracks and it was one of my favorite runs ever—scenic and peaceful, with the occasional streetcar to watch for. We also enjoyed spotting a house featured on a past TV show, which was a fun pop-culture moment for us.
Visit Audubon Park
Audubon Park is a lovely green space with playgrounds, a paved path ideal for walking or biking, fountains, tennis courts, and picnic areas. The park borders the Mississippi at its southern end and sits near Audubon Zoo, which makes it a convenient one-two stop for families.
Even without visiting the zoo, the park provides plenty of space for kids to burn off energy and for families to relax under large shade trees.
Ride A Streetcar
The St. Charles streetcar is an affordable, scenic way to travel. A family ride to the French Quarter and back was inexpensive and offered a relaxed view of the city. The ride takes about 30 minutes to the turnaround at Canal Street, and tickets can be bought in cash or via the local transit app. Riding the streetcar felt like a charming, historic experience while remaining a practical way to get around.
Keep in mind it’s public transit, so be respectful of commuters who rely on it daily.
Experience The French Quarter
The French Quarter is the city’s most famous neighborhood and feels like a destination in itself. We spent an afternoon there, popping into shops, enjoying street music, and taking in the atmosphere between the river and Royal Street. For families, daytime visits are lively and colorful; many people avoid Bourbon Street with kids and instead stick to nearby streets where the vibe is more family-friendly.
Jackson Square, the open-air artist market, and Café du Monde’s beignets are highlights. The French Market also offers local crafts and food stalls—great for browsing and picking up snacks.
Expect crowds on holiday weekends; if your family prefers quieter outings, choose a weekday or off-peak hour for a more relaxed experience.
Check Out The Audubon Aquarium
When rain forced us indoors, the Audubon Aquarium provided a fun alternative with touch tanks, exhibits about local ecosystems, and engaging displays for kids. The aquarium pairs well with a visit to the zoo and the nature-focused exhibits are enjoyable and educational for all ages. If you plan to visit both the zoo and aquarium, buy combined tickets for a discount.
Where We Ate In New Orleans
New Orleans is a culinary destination and we found plenty of family-friendly options. Below are the places our kids enjoyed and a few favorites we’d return to—great picks when traveling with young diners who appreciate casual, tasty meals.
French Truck Coffee
We loved breakfast on the patio at French Truck Coffee. The kids had waffles and the coffee shop’s aroma and casual patio made for a pleasant start to the day. It’s a relaxed spot that’s well suited for families.
Dat Dog
Dat Dog is a lively hot dog spot with outdoor seating and a fun atmosphere. We visited the Freret Street location and enjoyed seasonal specials. It’s casual and kid-friendly, and a great place to experience local flavor without formal dining constraints.
Cafe Beignet
Beignets are a New Orleans must-try. We avoided long lines at the most famous spot and enjoyed beignets at a nearby café after a streetcar ride. Warm, sugary, and easy to share, they make for a memorable snack while exploring the French Quarter.
Beyond beignets, we’ll sample gumbo, po’boys, and red beans and rice on future visits—classic dishes that showcase local cuisine.
Sucré
For a sweet treat during our Magazine Street walk, we stopped at an elegant pastry shop and shared gelato and macarons. It was a nice sugar boost between activities and the Art Deco interior made it feel special.
La Boulangerie
This French bakery on Magazine Street serves excellent bread and pastries and was a convenient stop for a light meal. Outdoor seating made it easy to enjoy a quick break while watching the neighborhood pass by.
Barracuda
We ordered takeout from a popular taco stand one night and regretted not dining in. The outdoor seating and festive atmosphere looked inviting, and their tacos and margaritas seemed perfectly suited to a lively evening out. If the weather’s pleasant, sit down and enjoy the vibe rather than bringing food back to your rental.
Empanola
For a quick bite while shopping, we enjoyed empanadas from a small shop on Magazine Street. They offer many flavorful options and make a convenient meal on the go.
Other Kid-Friendly Activities In New Orleans
There’s far more to do in New Orleans than we had time for. On future trips we’d like to add a few of these kid-friendly experiences to our itinerary:
Mardi Gras World
A behind-the-scenes look at float-building studios offers a colorful, creative peek into Mardi Gras craftsmanship without needing to visit during the festival itself.
City Park
City Park is a huge green space with museums, a botanical garden, sculpture trails, mini golf, and a small amusement area—plenty to fill a day with family activities.
National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum is expansive and highly regarded by families for its interactive exhibits. It’s an engaging rainy-day option that older kids often find fascinating and educational.
Riverboat Cruise
A paddlewheel riverboat cruise along the Mississippi, often featuring live jazz and dining, is a pleasant way to see the city from the water and enjoy a relaxed outing together.
Swamp Tour
Guided boat or kayak tours outside the city let you spot wildlife, including alligators. Tours using quieter flat-bottom boats offer a more peaceful wildlife experience and sometimes provide transport from the French Quarter.
Ghost Tour
Family-friendly ghost tours combine local lore with history in a way that’s spooky but not overwhelming—good for older children who enjoy a playful thrill.
Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids: A Summary
Here’s a concise list of the main sights and activities we recommend for families visiting New Orleans.
- Window shop and explore Magazine Street
- Stroll the Garden District and St. Charles Avenue
- Visit Audubon Park and Audubon Zoo
- Ride the historic St. Charles streetcar or take a riverboat cruise
- Experience the French Quarter, Jackson Square, and the French Market
- Visit the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
- Enjoy beignets and other local specialties
- Eat at family-friendly spots like French Truck Coffee, Dat Dog, Sucré, La Boulangerie, Barracuda, and Empanola
- Explore the National WWII Museum
- Spend time in City Park—museum, botanical garden, sculpture trails, 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 enjoy family travel recaps, we’ve written about other kid-friendly destinations that may interest you, including Palm Springs, Charleston, St. Petersburg, and more. These posts share similar tips about choosing walkable neighborhoods, kid-friendly attractions, and casual dining that works well for families.
- 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 Destination Ideas
- 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 Our (Former) Beach Town: Cape Charles, Virginia
- Our Favorite Activities, Shops, & Eats in Richmond, Virginia
- Celebrating 10 Years of Marriage in Puerto Rico
- Our Favorite Spring Break Trip Yet