14 Fun Things to Do in New Orleans With Kids
New Orleans knows how to throw a party, and kids are absolutely invited. The city buzzes with jazz, quirky parades, and museums that make learning feel like play.
Here are the best things to do in New Orleans with kids that keep little ones entertained (and grown-ups curious) for days.
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1. Visit Audubon Zoo With Kid-Friendly Exhibits
The Audubon Zoo sits in historic Uptown, bringing animals from all over the globe right to the heart of New Orleans.
Interactive exhibits were designed with children in mind, from playful primates to big cats that always seem to draw a crowd.
Cool Zoo Waterpark is a welcome bonus, especially when the Louisiana heat kicks in.
Why It’s a Must: Interactive animal encounters and educational programs are great for curious young minds.
2. Louisiana Children’s Museum
The Louisiana Children’s Museum sprawls across 56,000 square feet in City Park. Kids can touch, build, and create with exhibits that cover science, art, and culture.
The Talk & Play Center leans into storytelling and puppetry to build language skills, while other interactive areas lean into literacy, health, environmental topics, and STEM.
Workshops and camps add extra spark, and children under 12 months get in free (though under-18s need an adult in tow).
Why It’s a Must: Your children learn through play while exploring science, art, and nature activities.
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3. Mardi Gras World
It’s hard not to be wowed watching artists craft gigantic parade floats at this working warehouse.
Kids can snap photos with colorful characters—jesters, fairies, and all—while picking up a few secrets of papier-mâché magic.
The self-guided tours let families wander at their own pace through rooms packed with towering sculptures and carnival energy.
Why It’s a Must: Kids see real artists crafting parade floats while posing with whimsical Mardi Gras characters.
4. Steamboat Natchez Riverboat Cruise
The Steamboat Natchez is the last authentic steamboat in New Orleans, and boarding from the French Quarter feels like stepping into a living postcard.
During the two-hour cruise with live jazz, kids can poke around the museum-quality engine room and watch the paddlewheel do its thing.
Options include both daytime harbor cruises and evening dinners—something for every schedule.
Why It’s a Must: Kids love watching the paddlewheel while learning about Mississippi River history through engaging narration.
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5. Audubon Insectarium
The Audubon Insectarium on Canal Street claims the title of America’s largest bug museum.
Kids will be drawn to more than 50 displays filled with live arthropods—some creepier than others.
Brave visitors can sample edible insect treats in the Bug Appetit section. There’s also a butterfly garden overlooking the Mississippi, with hundreds of free-flying beauties.
Why It’s a Must: Kids discover amazing insects through hands-on exhibits and live displays at America’s largest bug museum.
6. New Orleans Boulder Lounge
New Orleans Boulder Lounge brings indoor rock climbing to the city. Kids can test their strength and problem-solving skills on colorful climbing walls, with options for all ages and skill levels.
The facility welcomes climbers as young as three, but kids under 15 need an adult nearby. Groups are kept small for safety and fun.
Why It’s a Must: Your active kids get an adrenaline rush while building confidence and physical strength indoors.
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7. The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is all about hands-on marine adventures. Interactive exhibits let kids touch stingrays and watch sharks glide overhead.
Colorful displays feature sharks, rays, and tropical fish in themed areas, making ocean life feel close enough to touch—sometimes literally.
Why It’s a Must: Kids get to touch marine animals while learning about ocean conservation in fun, memorable ways.
8. Walk Through the Colorful French Market
The French Market is always buzzing, with vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to spicy Creole seasonings.
Kids are usually drawn to the street performers, while adults can browse local art and quirky souvenirs.
Fresh pralines, hot beignets, and cold drinks keep everyone happy. Covered pavilions offer shade, which is a lifesaver on those muggy New Orleans days.
Why It’s a Must: Kids enjoy street performers and treats while parents discover local crafts and authentic New Orleans flavors.
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9. Kids’ Cooking Classes Featuring Local Cuisine
Little chefs can roll up their sleeves and learn classic Creole and Cajun recipes with local instructors.
Cooking classes get hands-on with gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines—so expect some sticky fingers.
Family-friendly sessions welcome kids into the city’s famous food scene. Small groups make it easy for everyone to get involved and pick up new skills.
Why It’s a Must: Kids learn authentic local recipes while having fun in interactive cooking sessions.
10. Storytime at the New Orleans Public Library
Interactive storytimes for kids and families are a staple at libraries across the city. These free events mix reading with songs, crafts, and activities—perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who can’t sit still.
The library also offers sensory-friendly programs for children who need a calmer environment.
There are even DIY storytime kits with themed books and props to bring the fun home.
Why It’s a Must: Free literacy programs that entertain kids while building reading skills in welcoming community spaces.
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11. Go on a Swamp Tour
Kids can spot alligators, raccoons, and wild hogs in Louisiana’s bayous just outside the city.
Swamp tours are a rite of passage for first-timers and offer plenty of thrills for families.
Pick between high-speed airboats for a rush or slower pontoon boats for a more relaxed wildlife safari.
Most tours are just 25 miles from downtown, smack in the middle of Cajun country.
Why It’s a Must: Kids get up-close encounters with Louisiana wildlife while learning about swamp ecosystems.
12. Ride the Historic St. Charles Avenue Streetcar
The oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world offers a breezy ride through New Orleans’ history.
For just $1.25, you’ll roll past mansions, live oaks, and some of the city’s most famous neighborhoods.
Kids love the clatter and the view from the old wooden seats. The route connects the French Quarter to the Garden District, with stops near parks and plenty of family-friendly restaurants.
Why It’s a Must: Affordable transportation that doubles as a sightseeing adventure through New Orleans’ most beautiful neighborhoods.
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13. Picnic and Play at City Park
City Park sprawls across 1,300 acres, giving families all the room they need to roam.
Pack up a picnic and settle under ancient oaks or near the Singing Oak—its wind chimes are a soundtrack you didn’t know you needed.
Playgrounds let kids burn off steam, while the historic carousel and peaceful gardens offer slower-paced fun.
Why It’s a Must: Plenty of space for kids to burn energy while families enjoy peaceful outdoor time together.
14. National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum stands out as New Orleans’ top spot for families, and it’s way more engaging than you might expect from a history museum.
Interactive exhibits pull you right into the stories of World War II—kids can get hands-on and see what life was like back then.
The John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion lets you get close to real artifacts, plus there are STEM activities that aren’t just for show.
Stepping aboard the USS Tang Submarine is a legit underwater adventure, not just a static display.
Why It’s a Must: Interactive exhibits and the submarine experience turn history into something kids actually want to learn about.
