The Top Family-Friendly Summer Events in New Orleans
Make the Most of Your Summer Family Vacation with These Events and Festivals
Last Updated: Monday, April 10, 2023 2:05 PM by Lauren Saizan
Last Updated: Monday, April 10, 2023 2:05 PM by Lauren Saizan
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. Summer 2023 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.
The Audubon Aquarium has been temporarily closed since November of last year. The newly renovated aquarium now includes a combined experience with the Audubon Insectarium, which will feature a butterfly pavilion and Bug Appétit, the insect tasting café. The Audubon Aquarium re-opens its doors on Thursday, June 8 for World Oceans Day, and celebrations are yet to be announced.
The 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.
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.
Beloved by children and adults alike, you had better “move-it, move-it” to the Saenger Theatre this June for the musical adaptation of Madagascar. This smash hit musical features all your favorite crack-a-lackin' friends as they escape from their home in New York's Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien's Madagascar. The show is recommended for children ages 3 and up.
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 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 4th Fest at Crescent Park.
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, included with your ticket price. This late summer festival is perfect for showing the kids a little New Orleans history.
Everyone’s favorite Australian pup comes to New Orleans in this brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® award-winning children’s television series. Join the Heelers in their first-ever live theatre show in the U.S. featuring brilliantly created puppets and sets.
Looking for a truly unique and unforgettable family vacation? Immerse yourself and your kids in the flavors, sounds, and culture of New Orleans this summer.
Whether you want to take a walk on the wild side at the zoo or tap into the past with your budding history buff, here are our favorite kid-approved attractions in NOLA.
Find bites that both kids AND adults will love at these top picks for family-friendly dining in NOLA.
Lauren Saizan is a New Orleans native raised in the Gentilly neighborhood. In addition to being the editorial and online content manager for New Orleans & Company, she is also a member of Mélange Dance Company. Lauren has performed professionally in many venues across the city, including the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, the New Orleans Museum of Art, Longue Vue House & Gardens, and Marigny Opera House. When not writing or dancing, she can be spotted sipping the Blue Eyes tea at French Truck, attending a concert downtown, or visiting a local library.