Take the stress out of traveling with a family staycation. New Orleans brings in millions of people each year to explore the history, food and culture. Gather your kiddos and explore the city you call home with amazing places to stay and exciting activities designed for everyone in the family. Enjoy your family staycation with itinerary inspiration from @kforiginalart.

Where to Stay

Settle into a weekend of comfort and relaxation at the Windsor Court Hotel. Located between the iconic French Quarter and historical Garden District, this is the perfect hotel to explore the city with ease. With a large selection of luxury rooms for any-size family and plenty of amenities on site, there’s a little something for everyone. Play and take in the sights from the rooftop pool, spend a few hours relaxing at The Spa at Windsor Court or enjoy evening jazz in the Polo Club Lounge.

What to Do

With over 300 years of history paved through its streets, a walking tour provides the perfect avenue for the family to discover the best city sites and hear the stories behind each landmark. Worried about the attention span of children? Experience the French Quarter Kids & Family Tour with Lucky Bean Tours, an interactive two-hour walking tour through the French Quarter that highlights the history behind Mardi Gras, jazz funerals, pirates and Voodoo.

Enjoy Mardi Gras early with Take Walks of New Orleans on their New Orleans Mardi Gras Tour. This half-day tour is designed to give you and your family a hands-on experience with America’s most famous street party. Learn more about the history behind the “krewes” that run parades, try on costumes at Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes, march in your own Second Line parade and get a behind the scenes look at the elaborate floats at Mardi Gras World.

If you’re looking to get out of the heat, take part in New Orleans Museum Month. Throughout the month of August, museum members can visit participating institutions within the city, free of charge. One participating museum, Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium provides the perfect family escape. You’ll be shrunk down to bug size, free to wander through a mysterious Louisiana Swamp and be captivated by thousands of butterflies in an Asian garden.

Where to Eat

For small plates and a variety of wines, Bar Frances is an excellent spot to hangout and reset after a long day of touring the city. Take part in COOLinary, a month-long culinary celebration where some of New Orleans’ best restaurants open their doors for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a specially priced prix-fixe menu. This August, pass around Bar Frances’ menu items to share or take advantage of their three-course selection for COOLinary.

If you’re on the go or simply want to drop in for a quick bite, Picnic Provisions and Whiskey is the place to eat. This corner restaurant is serving up exactly what you’d want at a picnic. This colorful and themed eatery is great for the entire family with a wide selection of provisions, salads, sandwiches and desserts. Pick from your favorites or treat yourself to a COOLinary menu option with a two-course selection for lunch or three-course selection for dinner.