Educational Opportunities NOLA

New Orleans is full of learning experiences for all types of groups. Find what suits your interests best.

From music and food to swamps and alligator farms, New Orleans is the most fun your group will ever have!  New Orleans is a magical place and with unlimited options, history, culture and musical heritage, it is the perfect setting for your youth group. 

To customize your itinerary, contact Rachel Funel at rfunel@neworleans.com or directly at
504-566-5018.

TULANE UNIVERSITY

Woldenberg Art Center, 6823 St. Charles Ave.

Newcomb Art Museum: Thomas Friel tfriel@tulane.edu,
Tours – Newcomb Art Museum

Center for K-12 STEM Education: k12stem@tulane.edu

Latin American Resource Center: crcrts@tulane.edu, 504-865-5164, 100 Jones Hall,
New Orleans, LA 70118
Latin American Resource Center | tulane

Tulane University enriches K-12 education through three dynamic campus initiatives. The Newcomb Art Museum offers free access to contemporary art exhibitions and educational programming with customizable options for school groups. The Center for K-12 STEM Education provides hands-on experiences for middle schoolers, leadership opportunities for 8th-12th grade girls, and college-credit summer courses for high-achieving 10th-12th graders. The Latin American Resource Center complements these with bilingual story hours, cultural celebrations, and family events in partnership with local organizations. These programs across Tulane's campus inspire the next generation of diverse leaders through art, science, and cultural engagement.


LOUISIANA STATE MUSEUMS

Contact: Katie Trevino
Tel: 504-568-6943
ktrevino@crt.la.gov
www.neworleans.com/listing/louisiana-state-museum/1016/

The Louisiana State Museums offer enriching field trips at five New Orleans locations: The Cabildo (701 Chartres Street), The Presbytere (751 Chartres Street), The New Orleans Jazz Museum at the Old U.S. Mint (400 Esplanade Avenue), 1850 House (523 St. Ann Street), and Louisiana Civil Rights Museum (900 Convention Center Blvd Hall A). K-12 school groups enjoy free admission, while other groups of 15 or more receive a 20% discount off regular admission prices with reservations. One free chaperone is admitted for every 5 students, with additional chaperones paying regular adult admission. Groups should book through the official Louisiana State Museum website at least two weeks in advance to secure their preferred date and time: https://louisianastatemuseum.org/education/book-a-field-trip


LOUISIANA UNIVERSITIES MARINE CONSORTIUM (LUMCON)

Contact: Murt Conover
8124 Highway 56
Chauvin, LA 70344

Tel: 985-851-2800 or 985-851-2860
education@lumcon.edu or mconover@lumcon.edu
www.lumcon.edu

LUMCON's education department engages visitors with current research, fosters awareness of marine and coastal environments, and clarifies the scientific process in environmental decision-making. Students become scientists through field and lab activities that inspire positive impacts on their environment and community. Programs include overnight and day trips for K-12 classes, organizations, home schools, and scouts, as well as various summer camps.


LOYOLA UNIVERSITY

6363 St. Charles Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70118
Contact: Brent Echols
baechols@loyno.edu
Tel: 504-865-2027
https://www.neworleans.com/listing/loyola-university/33243/

Immerse yourself in Loyola's vibrant music program by observing Musical Classes (Choral/Instrumental), attending student Recitals (based on availability), or sitting in on Rehearsals for Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Choir groups. to arrange your visit. Separately, Loyola offers the Creative Summer Experience for rising 9th-12th graders, featuring focused programs in Music Production and various creative fields. This immersive day camp runs from 9am-4pm with scholarship opportunities.


NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MUSEUM

945 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Tel: 504-528-1944 x222
teaching.learning@nationalww2museum.orghttp://www.neworleans.com/listing/the-national-wwii-museum/4002/

The National WWII Museum offers educational field trips where students explore "the war that changed the world™" through interactive exhibits, soaring aircraft, and a 4D cinematic experience. Young visitors discover history beyond textbooks using the Museum's collection of artifacts and personal oral histories – an incomparable experience guaranteed to move and educate all generations. Educational group rates available for 10+ students with self-guided tours through three themed buildings in the heart of New Orleans. Box lunches available with advance notice. Ask about group rates. Open daily!

NEW ORLEANS JAZZ NATIONAL HISTORICAL PARK

419 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA, 70130
Tel: 504-589-3882
https://www.neworleans.com/listing/the-new-orleans-jazz-national-historical-park/32453/

Only in New Orleans could there be a National Park for Jazz! Drop by their French Market visitor center to inquire about musical events around town. Attend a jazz concert or other performances at the new state of the art venue in the Old U.S. Mint. The Visitor Center is open 9:30am-4:30pm, Tuesday-Saturday. Old U.S. Mint is open daily 9:00am-4:00pm.


NEW ORLEANS MUSEUM OF ART

1 Collins Diboll Circle
New Orleans, LA 70124
Tel: 504-658-4100
education@noma.org
www.neworleans.com/listing/new-orleans-museum-of-art/550/

The New Orleans Museum of Art offers free K-12 grade student visits with guided tours, workshops, and art classes on Tuesday through Friday. Students can explore 5,000 years of art history throughout the museum's collection and the beautiful Besthoff Sculpture Garden. Educational experiences include Museum Highlights, Special Exhibitions, or customized tours that develop critical thinking skills while connecting to classroom curricula.


OAK ALLEY PLANTATION

Contact: Penny Scioneaux
3645 Highway 18
Vacherie, LA 70090
Tel: 225-265-2151
Pscioneaux@oakalleyplantation.org
www.neworleans.com/listing/oak-alley-plantation/602/

The Historic Grounds and Exhibits of this National Historic Site help tell its story and its complex history. Take a tour and learn about the people that once lived here, from the freed to the enslaved. Oak Alley Plantation offers visitors an opportunity to ruminate on the past through authentic preservation and thoughtful interpretation. The site's educational exhibits, restored structures, and documented personal accounts create a meaningful space for reflection on the painful realities of plantation life. Visitors can engage with primary source, archaeological findings, and carefully researched historical narratives that honor the full humanity of those who were enslaved here.


OGDEN MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN ART

925 Camp Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Tel: 504-539-9608
Education@ogdenmuseum.org
ogdenmuseum.org/learn/kids/

Discover the vibrant art and culture of the American South at the Ogden Museum! Students of all ages are invited to expand their artistic horizons through diverse Learning and Engagement programs. From interactive docent-guided tours and hands-on art workshops to immersive camps for both youth and adults, the Ogden Museum connects people with the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Visitors won't want to miss the Free Family Days and special events throughout the year. These programs celebrate the South's diverse cultural identities while making art accessible to everyone.


PONTCHARTRAIN CONSERVANCY: SCIENCE FOR OUR COAST

8001 Lakeshore Drive
New Orleans, LA 70124
Tel: 504-282-2134
Education@scienceforourcoast.org
scienceforourcoast.org/

The New Canal Lighthouse Museum welcomes visitors and students for engaging tours and educational experiences since 2013. Pontchartrain Conservancy offers dynamic hands-on programs across four key themes: Climate Science, Community and the Coast, Lagniapppe, and Water Quality, with tailored activities for kindergarten through high school students. At the Education Center's Lake Front Learning Lab, students can conduct real water quality tests while exploring critical socioscience issues affecting Louisiana's unique ecosystems. Young scientists can search environmental mysteries, build hurricane-resistant model towns, track pollution sources, and even operate underwater ROVs to collect scientific data. Programs are available at multiple locations including the Lighthouse, Bayou Saint John, City Park, or at your school, providing flexible options to meet your classroom's needs.


PRESERVATION HALL FOUNDATION

726 St. Peter Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
Tel: 504-522-2841
Info@preservationhall.com
www.preshallfoundation.org/kidsinthehall

Preservation Hall Foundation offers discounted one-hour private educational experiences, inclusive of a brief history of Preservation Hall, a 45-minute performance, and a 15-minute Q&A session with the band. While these concerts primarily look to provide an overview and history of New Orleans jazz, they are happy to tailor them to fit the needs of the students. They require a minimum of 15 students with a maximum capacity of 60 people. This is offered Monday – Friday 9:00am – 3:00pm.


PRESERVATION RESOURCE CENTER

Contact: Michelle Shoriak
923 Tchoupitoulas Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Tel: 504-301-5020
Mshoriak@preno.org
prco.org

The Preservation Resource Center welcomes volunteers of all ages, offering both networking opportunities for professionals and service hours for students, with perks like free event tickets. Their advocacy efforts help pass favorable legislation for historic preservation, prevent the loss of historic resources, and transform neighborhoods while creating jobs through public-private partnerships and tax credit programs. The PRC's preservation initiatives utilize local land-use and zoning laws to protect historic districts and maintain quality of life for residents.


DESTREHAN PLANTATION

13034 River Road
Destrehan, LA 70047
Tel: 985-764-9315
info@destrehanplantation.org or destreheritage@destrehanplantation.org
www.neworleans.com/listing/destrehan-plantation/132/

Destrehan Plantation's award-winning Heritage Education Program invites students to step back in time and experience Louisiana history through immersive, curriculum-aligned tours designed for grades K-12. Students explore the beautifully restored antebellum home and magnificent grounds featuring 200-year-old live oak trees while professional historical interpreters bring to life the complex stories of both free and enslaved residents who shaped the plantation's history. The experience includes engaging folk-life demonstrations with hands-on activities, and comprehensive educational resources including questionnaires, vocabulary lists, and suggested reading materials are provided to enhance classroom learning before and after the visit. Teachers receive access to a resource book, classroom materials, and specialized content on significant historical events like the 1811 Slave Revolt, ensuring this cornerstone of Louisiana's history becomes a meaningful educational experience. Plan at least two hours for this educational adventure and book one month in advance at destrehanplantation.org, knowing all proceeds support ongoing preservation of this significant historical site.


EDGAR DEGAS HOUSE – MUSEUM, COURTYARD AND INN

2306 Esplanade Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70119
Tel: 504-821-5009
info@degashouse.com
www.degashouse.com

https://www.neworleans.com/listing/degas-house-bed-and-breakfast/2068/

Visitors can step into the only publicly accessible home where Edgar Degas lived and worked, guided by his great grandniece. Guests enjoy hands-on art classes, an intimate tour of the historic house and studio, and discover the personal side of this French Impressionist master. The experience is perfect for groups of all sizes, with special rates for students and educational field trips with age-appropriate activities. Customization is available – contact Degas House for bookings or to add a 30–40-minute city tour stops.


GROW DAT YOUTH FARM

150 Zachary Taylor Dr.
New Orleans, LA 70124
Tel: 504-300-1132
info@growdatyouthfarm.org
https://www.neworleans.com/listing/grow-dat-youth-farm/32411/

Field trips at Grow Dat Youth Farm provide engaging hands-on experiential learning opportunities for students from Pre-K through 12th grade within their expansive seven-acre site in New Orleans City Park. The farm offers 1.5-hour interactive educational experiences where students participate in their choice of three hands-on stations, including scavenger hunts, bird watching, insect exploration, seasonal snack-making, herb walks, nature art, and bayou water sampling. Groups can also select the "History of the Land" tour option, a compelling 1.5-2-hour journey through the social and environmental history of New Orleans that explores Indigenous cultures, stories of enslavement and emancipation, and environmental impact through interactive activities. The 2.5-acre sustainable farm, produce handling facilities, and lush Birding Corridor provide perfect outdoor classrooms where experienced educators adapt content for different age groups and abilities, ensuring meaningful nature-based learning experiences. College students and adults can participate in specialized learning tours focusing on sustainable farming practices and youth leadership programs, with options to include 45 minutes of agricultural work.


HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION

520 Royal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Tel: 504-556-7661
education@hnoc.org
https://www.neworleans.com/listing/historic-new-orleans-collection/340/

The Historic New Orleans Collection's educational outreach program offers engaging experiences that bring Louisiana history to life for K-12, undergraduate, and graduate students throughout the region. Through direct classroom presentations, community programs, free field trips with HNOC transportation assistance, and professional training workshops, the education team creates customized learning experiences aligned with state standards. Beyond field trips, HNOC offers innovative programming including Museum Lab for teens, the annual Student Writing Contest, Chess Club for all ages, and Sensory-Friendly Saturdays for neurodiverse visitors. Students and educators can explore HNOC's extensive resources including lesson plans, primary sources, and grade-specific activities designed to connect meaningfully with Gulf South history at www.hnoc.org/programs/education.


LEVEE EXHIBIT HALL AND RAIN GARDEN

5000 Warrington Drive
New Orleans, LA 70122
Contact: Sandy Rosenthal
sandy@levees.org or info@levees.org
www.levees.org

Discover the truth about Hurricane Katrina's impact at the Levee Exhibit Hall and Rain Garden, featuring six museum-quality panels with forty photographs that tell the complete story of ALL levee breaches across New Orleans. Located at the east breach site of the London Avenue Canal, this educational exhibit presents scientific research that corrects common misconceptions about the 2005 flooding. The beautiful garden showcases native plants that demonstrate how natural landscaping can reduce strain on the city's drainage system. Free and open daily during daylight hours; this permanent installation offers students a meaningful connection to local history, engineering, and environmental science. Perfect for field trips, this outdoor exhibit provides young learners with an accessible way to understand both New Orleans' past challenges and innovative solutions for the future.

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Updated June 2026