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.

Audubon Aquarium Reopening

June 8, 2023

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.

French Market Creole Tomato Fest

June 10-11, 2023

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.

Longue Vue Family Equality Day

June 11, 2023

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.

Madagascar The Musical

June 13, 2023

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.

NOLA Juneteenth Festival

June 19, 2023

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, 2023

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 4^th Fest at Crescent Park.

Satchmo Summerfest

August 5-6, 2023

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.

Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show

August 26-27, 2023

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.