The Top Family-Friendly Summer Events in New Orleans

New Orleans may be a playground for adults, but it’s also a tried-and-true destination for families. Between kid-friendly attractions like the Louisiana Children’s Museum, Audubon Zoo, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, there’s plenty to keep the little ones (as well as teens) entertained. We’ve even got KreweCar, a ride share service specifically for families that provides car seats for children. Summer 2024 features lots of events specific to children that you can plan a trip to New Orleans around. Check out our top reasons for visiting below.

Baby Shark's Big Broadwave Tour 

May 11-12, 2024 

Join Baby Shark and his fincredible fishy friends on an undersea adventure filled with oceans of fun and finship! This interactive show will make fans of all ages shake their tail fins. The pre-show “Baby Shark’s Fintastic Photo Op!”  is available as an add-on experience. See the show at Mahalia Jackson Theater.

Musical Storytime: On Top of Spaghetti 

May 11, 2024 

Join Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra’s Austin Richardson for an interactive story and musical adventure at City Park on May 11. The book, “On Top of Spaghetti” by Paul Brett Johnson, will be read aloud with music accompaniment featuring Richardson’s trombone. This family-friendly event is free and requires no registration.

Party for the Planet at Audubon 

June 8 and 22, 2024 

Party for the Planet is a series of family-friendly events celebrating nature across Audubon Nature Institute facilities. On Saturday, June 8, celebrate World Oceans Day at Audubon Aquarium. On Saturday, June 22, head to the Audubon Insectarium for a Pollination Celebration. Further programming will be announced here.

French Market Creole Tomato Fest

June 8-9, 2024

French Market Creole Tomato Fest is a decades-long tradition in New Orleans honoring the summertime namesake fruit. This free festival is fun for all ages, with live music and a second line, plenty of food vendors, and lots of activities just for the kiddos.

Longue Vue Family Equality Day

June 9, 2024

Family Equality Day at Longue Vue House & Gardens is a family-friendly Pride Month celebration. The celebration recognizes families of all kinds, with a special focus on the LGBTQ+ community. This outdoor event is fun for all ages, with Drag Queen Story Time, dance and drag performances, fan decorating, a community resource fair, a children’s parade, and other surprises.

NOLA Juneteenth Festival

June 19, 2024

Bring the whole family to Congo Square for the NOLA Juneteenth Festival. Live music, African drumming and dance, and delicious cuisine are all a part of this festival that takes place annually on Juneteenth itself.

Go Fourth on the River

July 4, 2024

Go Fourth on the River is a family-friendly Fourth of July celebration, with fireworks at the Historic New Orleans Riverfront. Leading up to the fireworks display is live music for the whole fam at Crescent Park.

Satchmo Summerfest

August 3-4, 2024

This festival named for New Orleans legend Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong is a celebration of food, music, and legacy in the French Quarter during the first weekend of August. People of all ages will enjoy music across two stages plus access to the New Orleans Jazz Museum, and the festival is free to attend. This late summer festival is perfect for showing the kids a little New Orleans history.