Top 10 Family-Friendly Things to Do in New Orleans

When it comes to kid-friendly activities in New Orleans, you can't beat the trifecta of Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, and Audubon Zoo. The Audubon Aquarium provides an immersive experience featuring the beauty and diversity of wildlife from around the world. Adventures include special animal encounters with penguins, a 60-foot-long hands-on touch pool with sharks and stingrays, and behind-the-scenes access to the 450,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico exhibit. The Aquarium’s Amazon Gallery houses 60 free-flying colorful birds, and the Amazon Encounter is home to 20 animals, including an armadillo and a Linnaeus’ two-toed sloth. Located in the same facility, you'll also find the Audubon Insectarium, home to all things creepy-crawly (plus a truly gorgeous butterfly garden overlooking the Mississippi River).

Audubon Zoo is an enchanting experience, featuring a pride of lions, elephants, the mysterious white alligators, and endangered wildlife such as orangutans, Amur leopards, and whooping cranes. Must-see exhibits include Jaguar Jungle, Wings of the World, and the award-winning Louisiana Swamp. USA Today 10Best Reader’s Choice Award named it the #7 most popular zoo in the US. 

Let the little ones burn off some energy at Storyland in New Orleans City Park. Children will delight in exploring the playground filled with miniature houses, life-sized animals, and storybook characters. Or enjoy the amusement rides at Carousel Gardens, located directly next to Storyland. This small-but-mighty amusement park is open seasonally and features traditional carnival rides, a train that weaves its way through the entirety of City Park, a historic carousel, and a ladybug-themed rollercoaster. Afterwards, cool off with a sno-ball flight on the Great Lawn or treat your kiddos to beignets at Café du Monde. Older children will enjoy renting a bike to ride around the park or exploring Big Lake via boat. It’s never a dull day at City Park.

Also located in the lush greenspace of City Park, the Louisiana Children’s Museum is a treat for children of all ages. Kids will love learning about the Mighty Mississippi through the Move With the River exhibit and exploring the LCM’s Big Backyard on 8.5 acres of fun. Book your tickets online in advance for guaranteed entry. You can also grab lunch at Acorn, the super kid-friendly restaurant located on-site.

Children will love this colorful, Instagram-friendly attraction. Step into a world designed by local artists focused on representing the music, art and culture of New Orleans. Mardi Gras Indians, jazz musicians, seafood and alligators all serve as inspiration for the exhibits at JAMNOLA. Wind through a variety of colorful rooms as you make your way through the experience. Pose in a crawfish boil pot, next to a po-boy wall, or by any of the exhibits for the perfect photo opp.

Go behind the scenes of the greatest free show on Earth at Mardi Gras World. Take a tour of the warehouse where many floats are designed and decorated and learn the history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Kids will love getting up close to the magic.

The New Orleans Boulder Lounge is a rock climbing space in the Bywater open to both children and adults. For a challenging and rewarding activity, take the kiddos to the boulder lounge for a couple hours. 

Frequently honored as a top museum in the country, the National WWII Museum is a must on any traveler’s list. Telling the story of the American experience during the war, the museum is home to both special and traveling exhibits, a variety of events, and a 4D theater experience. A history lesson for children, the interactive elements make learning fun. The expansive campus includes a hotel and multiple restaurants. 

Children will delight in the potions and legends of the Pharmacy Museum. Housed in the apothecary of America’s first licensed pharmacist, the museum’s collection documents and illustrates the history of medicine during the 19th century. It’s one of the most interesting and unique museums New Orleans offers.

Located in historically Black Tremé, the New Orleans African American Museum is dedicated to protecting, preserving, and promoting the history, art, contributions, and culture of African Americans in New Orleans and the African diaspora. The museum features rotating exhibits like “Ancestral Odyssey” by Vince Fraser and hosts a monthly market highlighting Black-owned businesses. With family friendly events and community programming, it’s a must-visit during Museum Month. 

Housed in the historic Old U.S. Mint, the New Orleans Jazz Museum features dynamic interactive exhibits, multigenerational educational programming, research facilities, and engaging musical performances in the city where jazz was born. With hands-on activities and family-friendly programs, it’s a great stop for kids and music lovers alike. Museum Month is the perfect time to visit this cultural gem.