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 2026 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.

May Events

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Longue Vue Family Equality Day

May 31, 2026

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.

an outdoor festival celebrating pride at longue vue house & gardens
Image courtesy of Longue Vue House & Gardens
LONGUE VUE FAMILY EQUALITY DAY

June Events

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French Market Creole Tomato Fest

June 6-7, 2026

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.

NOLA Juneteenth Festival

June 19, 2026

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.

French Market Creole Tomato Festival
Photographer- Paul Broussard
French Market Creole Tomato Festival

July Events

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Go Fourth on the River

July 4, 2026

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.

Kindergarten Kickoff

July 30, 2026

Through hands-on activities, story time, and informational sessions, Kindergarten Kickoff creates a fun and supportive environment that builds excitement and helps families prepare for a smooth, confident transition into kindergarten. 

X Games Championship

July 24- 26, 2026

The X Games Championship will feature more than 100 of the world’s top athletes competing in 18 competitions across skateboarding, BMX and Moto X, along with live music and fan experiences throughout the weekend.

Go Fourth on the River Fireworks
Paul Broussard
Go Fourth on the River Fireworks

August Events

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Satchmo Summerfest

August 1-2, 2026

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.

Bluey's Big Play

August 28 - 30, 2026

Bluey's Big Play brings the Emmy Award winning children’s series Bluey to life on stage with an original story by creator Joe Brumm, new music by Joff Bush, and brilliantly crafted puppets as Bluey and Bingo go on a playful adventure to get Dad off the bean bag in this fun, family-friendly live theater experience