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A father and daughter enjoying the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar together
A father and daughter enjoying the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar together
Riding the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar
Armstrong Park
Armstrong Park
Exploring Armstrong Park
Biking in the Garden District
Biking in the Garden District
Biking in the Garden District
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Family-Friendly Itineraries
in New Orleans


There’s fun to be had for all ages in New Orleans

Ask any local mom or dad you meet in town and they’ll tell you that New Orleans isn’t just for grownups. From Mardi Gras and museums to zoos and family-friendly jazz clubs, there are cultural events and attractions all over town that can show the whole family a good time. For transportation beyond the streetcar lines, check out KreweCar, a ride share service specifically for families that provides car seats for children. 

The French Quarter

Beyond its elegant architecture and rich history, the French Quarter is home to casual dining, green space, Mississippi River-based attractions, and an aquarium.

Parents and kids can both agree that Cafe du Monde is a sweet way to start off your day. Share an order of beignets, the iconic powdered pastry New Orleans is known for, paired with a cafe au lait or hot chocolate. 

Get an interactive New Orleans history lesson with an incredible view at Vue Orleans, located at the foot of Canal Street in the Four Seasons New Orleans. 

Before you can tackle the rest of your day, lunch is a must. Feast on an authentic New Orleans po-boy at Johnny’s Po-Boys

As the evening approaches, catch the sunset in Jackson Square. Your family can sightsee on a mule-drawn carriage ride, or take a walk and enjoy street buskers, performers, and artists. There’s no place quite as magical. 

Treat the family to New Orleans cuisine at Deanie's or Oceana Grill or opt for Italian at Mona Lisa before making your way to Three Muses or Preservation Hall for a live jazz set. 

Finish the day off with a twilight tour from French Quartour Kids, perfect for daring tweens and teens. French Quartour Kids also offers ghost tours for the little ones, a "sounds of New Orleans" music tour, a Creole kids living history tour, and more. 

Photographer- Rebecca Todd
The National WWII Museum

The Arts/Warehouse District

Enjoy a day of intriguing museums, amazing attractions and delicious dining in the Arts/Warehouse District that’s sure to keep the entire family happy.  

Fun for kids and adults alike, the National WWII Museum is filled with hands-on experiences and dozens of interactive and educational exhibits. 

There’s no need to travel far for lunch - The American Sector is located on the museum’s campus and serves up traditional American fare, including cheeseburgers, hotdogs, patty melts, and more.

Close out the day discovering the many other offerings of the Arts/Warehouse District. Start a family feud with a bowling competition at Fulton Alley or use your best teamwork in a session at Escape My Room.

Justen Williams, New Orleans & Co.
Audubon Zoo

Uptown/Garden District

This is a great choice for a relaxed day of nature, shopping, and of course, delicious food options.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the view of St. Charles Avenue along the historic St. Charles Streetcar. The entire family can experience a leisurely ride through the Garden District and Uptown with unlimited all day "Jazzy Pass" access for $3/person.  

Along the way, fuel up with breakfast at the iconic Camellia Grill for classic diner setting and some entertaining hospitality.

Hop back on the streetcar after breakfast and head over to Audubon Zoo. Animals from all over the world, including the rare and famous white alligator, freely roaming peacocks and their newest additions, the lion pack, will have the whole gang excited and amused. 

Have lunch at the Zoofari Cafe or grab something to go and enjoy a picnic at Audubon Park. Local favorites like Domilise’s or St. James Cheese are perfect for picnic spreads. 

The ideal way to end a day Uptown is with a summertime favorite: snoballs! Sno-LA, Hansen’s and Plum Street are some of the best in the neighborhood. 

Mid-City / Esplanade Ridge

Experience the city like a local family in and around City Park.

Kick off an exciting day at Wakin' Bakin' for traditional breakfast options just five minutes from New Orleans City Park

When the weather is nice, your family can spend an entire day in City Park. Take the kids on a tour through the Botanical Gardens or the newly expanded Sculpture Garden next to the New Orleans Museum of Art. Check out Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, which offers a variety of rides for kids of all ages. Play a game of mini-golf at City Putt, make-believe in Storyland, or enjoy an afternoon of sunshine and boating on Big Lake.

Justen Williams, New Orleans & Co.
Dining at Acorn

Mid-City is also home to the newly-remodeled Louisiana Children's Museum. Let your little ones experience specially curated exhibits, interactive activities, and ample outdoor space. After an afternoon filled with play, head over to the museum's restaurant Acorn, for a family-friendly lunch. 

If your family prefers the indoors, let them rock out to live music while bowling at Rock n’ Bowl.

Top off your evening at Katie’s Restaurant for a casual and family-friendly dining experience.

Monet Hambrick, Image courtesy of Monet Hambrick/The Traveling Child
Studio Be

Marigny/Bywater

For colorful houses and a break from the busy city, explore the Marigny and Bywater.

Named after Dorothy’s shoes from The Wizard of Oz, The Ruby Slipper Cafe is a quintessential New Orleans go-to. The kids can enjoy sweet favorites like Cinnamon Swirl Pancakes while parents indulge in their award-winning Bloody Mary. 

Explore the neighborhood's art scene with a visit to StudioBE, a 35,000 sq ft warehouse showcasing the work of Brandan “BMike” Odums that highlights Black history in New Orleans and beyond. Oversize, colorful contemporary art drapes over the massive walls and throughout the gallery. StudioBE reflects the current moment and is a must-see for those interested in Black history or current events. Nearby JamNOLA is another great pick for families–this interactive art experience showcases the city's vibrant music and art scene in a way that both kids and their parents will fully enjoy.

Crescent Park, right along the Mississippi River, is a breath of fresh air and green space in the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods. Access begins just downriver from the French Market.

Dat Dog on Frenchmen Street is a fun and colorful spot for hotdog lovers. Stick with a standard beef-dog or try an alligator or duck sausage. Enjoy the sounds of this local music stretch while eating as brass bands fill the streets daily. 

Justen Williams
Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour

Tremé/Gentilly

Explore the oldest African American neighborhood in the U.S. with a visit to Tremé. Walking tours are a popular choice for learning the history of the area, but a visit to the New Orleans African American Museum or Armstrong Park/Congo Square are great options as well. Let’s not forget the delicious Creole food that you’ll find at Dooky Chase, Lil’ Dizzy’s and a host of other restaurants in the area. Tremé connects to the residential neighborhood of Gentilly, which you can drive through to access the beautiful Lakefront. Children will love visiting the Lighthouse Museum and watching the sailboats pass by just before sunset. End your day with a kid-friendly meal at Landry’s or The Blue Crab right on the water.

Outside of NOLA

Venture outside of NOLA for a swamp tour. Many tour operating companies offer transportation from downtown New Orleans to your swamp of choice, where you can board an airboat and feed marshmallows to alligators. Also just outside of New Orleans is the Whitney Plantation, which is the only plantation museum in Louisiana with an exclusive focus on the lives of enslaved people. The tour is appropriate for all ages.