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. The museum is also “aging up” with new teen-focused programs and a forthcoming exhibit on character development, thanks to a $2.5 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. Book your tickets online in advance for guaranteed entry. You can also grab lunch at Acorn, the super kid-friendly restaurant located on-site.
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.
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.
The New Orleans Museum of Art is home to more than 40,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of art, including photography, glass, and Japanese and African works. Older children will enjoy browsing the art and viewing the special exhibits. Next door to the museum is the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, a free garden with dozens of unique sculptures.
Part of the Louisiana State Museum system, the Presbytere is a striking French Quarter landmark that highlights the spirit and resilience of Louisiana, and brings its stories to life in a fun interactive way. Originally designed to match the Cabildo in 1791, it now houses two permanent exhibits, Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana, and The Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond. Both offer an engaging look at the state’s culture of celebration and strength in the face of adversity, a great way for families to learn and connect together!
The Tate Etienne Prevost (TEP) Center, located in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, is a renovated mixed-use facility housed in the historic McDonogh 19 Elementary School. It was purchased in 2020 by the Leona Tate Foundation for Change, Inc. and Alembix. The center promotes anti-racism and includes education, exhibition space, affordable housing for seniors, and hosts Undoing Racism workshops. Other experiences offered include TEP Talks (recounting untold stories from the Civil Rights Movement), Ringing the Bell workshops for educators, and TEP tours of the property.
Studio BE is a 30,000 sq ft warehouse in the Bywater showcasing powerful murals and installations by BMike Odums that honor Black history, culture, and activism. It partners with Eternal Seeds, a nonprofit founded by Odums to support young Black artists through education and mentorship. Also, Louisiana residents, students, and educators get in free every Wednesday. It's a must-visit for anyone who loves New Orleans.
The Southern Food & Beverage Museum in New Orleans offers a flavorful journey through the rich culinary traditions of the South. With engaging exhibits on iconic dishes, beverages, and food history, it’s a tasty experience for visitors of all ages. The museum also features interactive programming designed to inspire young chefs and food lovers, making it an enriching stop for families during Museum Month.
The Backstreet Cultural Museum, nestled in historic Tremé, preserves and celebrates New Orleans’ African American parade traditions through engaging exhibits and storytelling. Visitors can explore stunning Mardi Gras Indian suits, jazz funeral memorabilia, social aid & pleasure club artifacts, Baby Dolls regalia, and Skull & Bone Gang history. Through rotating displays, film screenings, and community programming, the museum brings to life the creativity, resilience, and cultural pride of generations.
