25 Things to Do in New Orleans with Kids (2025 Guide)

Are there fun things to do in New Orleans with kids? Mais, oui! The Big Easy is often best known for beads and Bourbon Street, but there is another side to this Louisiana city. Parents may be surprised to find a bounty of attractions and activities for families in NOLA, from powdered beignets at Café du Monde to a swamp boat tour that had my son giggling with joy. Let the good times roll with the 25 best kid-friendly things to do in New Orleans with kids in 2025!

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1. Explore the French Quarter

The oldest area of the city, the French Quarter, is so named because it was founded by French settlers in 1718. Ironically, though, much of the architecture in the French Quarter is actually Spanish Colonial in its styling. That’s due to a series of fires in the late 1800s, after which many of this neighborhood’s buildings were rebuilt under Spanish rule.

As you wander here, point out the signature lacy cast-iron details on balconies to kids of all ages. Get more out of your experience with a 2-hour French Quarter Walking and Storytelling Tour.

French Quarter Shopping

Family-friendly shopping and restaurants abound in the French Quarter. If you’re looking for fun and affordable trinkets for the kids, head to the French Market, a covered outdoor flea market.

You must stop at Little Toy Shop on Decatur Street for a delightful array of old-fashioned and new-fangled toys. Children and adults alike will get a kick out of Maskarade, a shop that sells an array of Carnival masks with feathers and sparkling details.

2. View the Joan of Arc Statue

Within walking distance of the French Market, look for a glittering golden statue of Joan of Arc. The French martyr is known as the “Maid of Orléans” and she’s the unofficial Patron Saint of the city. She even gets her own Mardi Gras parade every year in New Orleans.

3. Take a Carriage Ride

Gain a better understanding of the French Quarter aboard a narrated carriage ride. Pick your pony in Jackson Square. Then trot through New Orleans’ streets while learning about the city’s past. Book your carriage ride via GetYourGuide now!

Mules lead all the carriages here, not horses. According to our Mid-City Carriages tour guide, “They’re smarter. They’re stronger. And they handle the heat better.”

Our carriage’s mule, Ray, was smart indeed. The driver called out to him at an intersection, “Wait now, Ray. Be sure to look both ways first.” Sure enough, Ray paused and turned his head all the way to the right, and all the way to the left before proceeding.

4. Play & Learn at the Louisiana Children’s Museum

Previously located in the Warehouse District for over 30 years, a new and reimagined Louisiana Children’s Museum opened in the expansive City Park in the Lakeview District in 2019. The museum now encompasses a whopping 8.5 acres of space to play and learn. Babies and toddlers explore textures and movement in Play With Me. Nature lovers of all ages can care for pretend animals, examine bugs, and roam outdoor exhibits in Dig Into Nature and Outdoor Adventures. Below is a closer look at the museum’s most notable exhibits.

Make Your Mark

Kids get creative at Make Your Mark with music, architecture, art, and beyond. They can play musical instruments in the Jammin’ House. Or, build infrastructures with colorful bricks and tools in Build Big Dreams. Then, make crafts in the Design Studio. My son, Leo’s favorite Make Your Mark attraction, though, was the popular Bubble Studio, where visitors can create and stand inside a gigantic square bubble!

Follow That Food

Follow That Food is especially fun for the preschooler set. From growing and harvesting play crops, to shipping food along the Mississippi and shopping at a make-believe mini grocery store — little kids learn all about where their food comes from and how it gets to their dinner tables.

Move With The River

The Move With The River exhibit teaches children all about the Mississippi River. Among other water play opportunities, the centerpiece 100-foot water table lures younger kids like otters to water. Here, children explore the flow of water with toy boats and pretend levees.

Acorn Restaurant

You know how museum food is usually ho-hum? Not so at Acorn at the Louisiana Children’s Museum! It’s owned by renowned New Orleans restaurateur Dickie Brennan & Co. The restaurant offers yummy and healthy fare like salads, bowls, tacos, and sandwiches. Get a side of Sweet Potato Tots or Crispy Brussels Sprouts in Crystal Honey Sauce. Of course, there’s a children’s menu serving traditional favorites, too.

5. Eat Kid-Friendly Creole Cuisine

Louisiana’s Cajun and Creole dishes are reason enough to visit New Orleans with kids. What is the difference between Cajun and Creole cuisines? Typically, Creole is known for being fancier city food, whereas Cajun is more rustic country food.

Since New Orleans is definitely a city, you’ll mostly find Creole fare here. Also, Creole dishes often include tomatoes and tomato-based sauces, but Cajun dishes do not. Creole cuisine is a distinctive blend of New Orleans’ eclectic history and populace with French, Spanish, West African, American Indian, Haitian, and Southern U.S. influences.

Creole Dishes in New Orleans for Kids

Popular Creole dishes include gumbo (a roux-based stew), étouffée (smothered shellfish served over rice), jambalaya (a rice dish often made with chicken, shrimp, andouille sausage, and vegetables like peas), red beans and rice, and shrimp and grits.

You might be worried about finding Creole cuisine for kids since food in New Orleans often comes with a spicy kick. Worry not! You can always inquire about the spice levels of various dishes. Restaurants may even be able to provide a milder version.

Plus, there are tame Creole foods that kids are likely to enjoy, like po’boy sandwiches (deep-fried shrimp, chicken, or meat served on a baguette) and crab cakes (my son’s favorite!). Additionally, many restaurants in New Orleans offer children’s menus with standard items that kids enjoy.

Not sure where to start? Book a French Quarter Food Tour. This walking tour is great for all ages. You’ll sample local favorites like beignets, gumbo, pralines, and more.

Brunch at Brennan’s

For a delectable Creole brunch, take your brood to Brennan’s. The pink and pale green dining room feels like a fairyland, with a garden trellis ceiling and early 19th-century Mardi Gras parade float paintings. When the weather is nice, opt to sit in their picturesque courtyard with a bubbling fountain and striped umbrellas for shade.

Adults will enjoy the house specialty, Eggs Hussarde, a Creole version of eggs Benedict drizzled with their sweet Marchand De Vin Sauce. Meanwhile, children 10 and younger can make their selections from a menu just for them. Parents who are so inclined can start their day with a Brennan’s Bloody Mary or Brandy Milk Punch.

6. Listen to Live Jazz with Kids

It would almost be impossible to come to New Orleans and NOT listen to live jazz! That’s because music is ever-present in Crescent City. Where can you listen to live jazz in New Orleans with kids? Below are some family-friendly options.

Preservation Hall

Welcoming all ages, Preservation Hall offers several 45-minute shows every night. The earliest starts at 5 pm. Although alcohol is not served on-premises, mom and dad can bring in daiquiris or other drinkies. This non-profit venue supports local musicians and youth. The historic building was once a tavern, which opened in 1803.

Café Beignet

Not only is Café Beignet a great place to get a powdery fried dough confection, but it also offers live jazz performances for free to guests of all ages. Look for four locations throughout the Big Easy.

Arnaud’s Jazz Bistro

If traveling with older kids or well-behaved young ones, treat your entire family to a night out at Arnaud’s. This is my favorite restaurant in New Orleans for its live music and incredible food. (You MUST get the Crawfish O’Connor!)

The dining room at Arnaud’s Restaurant is fancy. Instead, spring for the entertainment fee and book your meal at the more casual Arnaud’s Jazz Bistro. The impressive three-piece jazz band plays a few songs for the room. Then, the musicians make their way from table to table, taking song requests. Take a peek at their talented jazz trio in my video above.

Street Performers

Wander through the French Quarter long enough, and you’re sure to stumble across street musicians. Jackson Square is a good bet if you’re looking for buskers entertaining crowds for tips.

7. Sail the Mississippi River on Steamboat Natchez

Another fabulous way to get your jazz fix is aboard the Steamboat Natchez. Sail down the Mississippi while listening to the music of the Steamboat Stompers jazz band aboard New Orleans’ only authentic steamboat.

Two-hour cruise options include Sunday Brunch, Harbor Jazz with optional buffet lunch, and Dinner Jazz sailings. Expect local specialties like chicken and sausage gumbo, fried catfish, and bread pudding. Book your Steamboat Natchez Jazz Cruise now!

8. See Butterflies & Other Bugs at Audubon Insectarium

The Audubon Insectarium fascinates kids with all things creepy-crawly. Now located inside the Audubon Aquarium, the Insectarium features new tech-driven exhibits alongside longtime favorites. Insectarium tickets include Aquarium access, which is a great value for families.

Wander through Butterfly Garden, where you can get close to real-live, free-flying butterflies and moths in an Asian garden. Discover how honey is made at the Honey Bee Exhibit. Be fascinated by the strength and organization of ants in the Large Ant Colony. Then learn about insects’ role in the Earth’s food chain in Eco-Engineers. You may even get a chance to feel a living millipede’s legs in Presentation Areas like Field Camp, where kids can ask an entomologist their most pressing insect questions.

Most memorable, though, is Bug Appétit, where bugs are on the menu. Daring kids and their parents can taste cricket cookies and spiced bug snacks. Eleven-year-old Leo said they’re pretty good! (His mom was too squeamish to try, though.)

9. View Ocean & River Creatures at Audubon Aquarium

Audubon Aquarium (formerly Aquarium of the Americas) impresses all children, but especially babies and toddlers, because they can get close to the fish and other animals. Located along the Mississippi River, this attraction is home to 3,600 animals representing 250+ species. Sharks, playful sea otters, jellyfish, and penguins are hits with kids. Don’t miss the rare leucistic white alligator—a true New Orleans icon. Admission includes access to both the Aquarium and the Audubon Insectarium, now housed under one roof.

10. Go on Rides at Carousel Gardens Amusement Park

Carousel Gardens Amusement Park sits inside the sprawling 1,300-acre City Park, a beloved green space in New Orleans. Open seasonally from March through November, this theme park caters to children ages 2 to 12, with kids under 3 getting in for free.

Families will find 18 classic rides, including the antique wooden Flying Horses Carousel, one of the oldest in the country. Other favorites include a miniature ride-on train, bumper cars, and a Ferris wheel.

The most “thrilling” ride is the Ladybug Rollercoaster. It zips through living grand oak trees laced with Spanish moss. My son and I rode this ride at least half a dozen times during our visit!

11. Read & Play at Storyland

Right next door to Carousel Gardens, families with young children will adore Storyland. This enchanted playground is also open seasonally from March through November. Designed for kids ages 2 to 8, this whimsical space features over 20 larger-than-life sculptures inspired by beloved children’s storybooks.

Little ones can climb aboard Captain Hook’s pirate ship, scamper up Jack & Jill’s hill, and slide down a dragon’s tongue. As you explore, pause to read the fairytales aloud to bring the classic fairytales to life.

12. Look for Gators on an Airboat Swamp Tour

Venture out of the city to experience Cajun country during an airboat swamp tour in the bayou. Get your heart pumping during a high-speed boat ride, pausing occasionally to look for alligators in their natural habitat. Most tours are suitable for kids ages 5 and up, with some operators allowing younger children if they meet weight and safety requirements.

Choose from an array of swamp tours with GetYourGuide. Many offer round-trip transportation from your hotel or vacation rental. Believe me—your kids will never forget a gator swamp boat tour!

13. Try Big Easy Beignets

You simply must eat beignets when in New Orleans with kids. These square-shaped deep-fried fritters are made from choux pastry or yeast dough and topped with a wealth of powdered sugar. They’re messy, sweet, and unforgettable.

Cafe du Monde is the most iconic spot, with several locations across the city. Tip: Skip the long to-go lines at the French Quarter location by grabbing a seat for table service. Our favorite, Café Beignet, is another delicious option, often with live jazz in the evenings and fewer crowds.

14. Taste Carnival Year-Round with a King Cake

Buy a few slices of king cake from a local bakery to get a taste of Mardi Gras, no matter what time of year you visit New Orleans with kids. In fact, you may want to buy a whole cake to bring home as a reminder of your adventures!

King cakes, or galettes des rois, originated in France, where they are served in January during the Festival of Epiphany to celebrate the three kings who visited the infant Jesus. The French cakes are filled with almond cream and come with a hidden miniature ceramic king baked inside.

New Orleans adds its own flair to the king cake, offering a variety of flavors from cream cheese and fruit and praline. The confections are then topped with icing and colored sugar in Mardi Gras colors of purple (justice), green (faith), and gold (power).

Diners should look for a tiny plastic baby representing Jesus inside. This is meant to symbolize luck, celebration, and yes, responsiblity. Tradition says the “winner” who finds the prize must throw the next party and provide the next cake.

15. Enjoy More Big Easy Sweets

Your whole family will find an abundance of treats to tempt your sweet teeth in New Orleans.

Bread Pudding

Almost every restaurant in town offers bread pudding for dessert. This humble European dessert is served with variations in flavors and sauces in Louisiana.

Bananas Foster

Did you know that Bananas Foster was invented in New Orleans? Order it made tableside at many restaurants with a fiery finale that will impress the kids. Popular family-friendly spots to dig into this flambéed dessert include Brennan’s Restaurant and The Court of Two Sisters.

Pralines

Treat your family to praline candies–sugary, caramel-flavored goodies dotted with pecans. These melt-in-your-mouth sweets make a tasty souvenir of a great time in New Orleans with kids.

Aunt Sally’s has been hand-pouring pralines since 1935. Beyond pralines, their shops also tempt with chocolate bark, pecan brittle, and gourmet goods like hot sauces and Cajun seasonings.

16. See Amazing Parade Floats at Mardi Gras World

Carnival Season runs each year from January 6 through Fat Tuesday, the day before Lent begins. Even if you visit New Orleans with kids outside this festive period, you can still soak up the excitement and pageantry without the crazy crowds at Mardi Gras World.

Here, you’ll get an up-close look at the dazzling artistry behind the city’s iconic parade floats. During the hour-long tour, kids can dress up like float riders, peek into the prop workshop, and finish with a slice of king cake.

17. Explore Jackson Square

Jackson Square is a lively place to visit during the day or in the evening. In the center of the plaza is an equestrian statue of Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the U.S., for whom the square was named. It was erected in 1856, eleven years after his death.

Also located at Jackson Square is Cathédrale Saint-Louis. You are welcome to wander in if no services are in progress. St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in the U.S., so it’s worth taking a look.

Around the fenced garden, you’ll see local artists selling their work. Street musicians and entertainers add to the festive vibe. It’s a great spot to soak up New Orleans culture.

18. Get Your Fortunes Read

You’ll find plenty of fortune-tellers in Jackson Square. In a city where Voodoo is a practiced religion and which embraces the supernatural and fantastical, it’s fun to pull up a chair and hear your fortune.

Whether you’re a believer or not, a psychic reading is an interesting activity. Wander around a bit to find someone who seems like a good fit. Ask for pricing before committing to a reading. Your teller may use tarot cards, palm reading, or another form of fortune-telling to give insights about your past, present, or future.

19. Wander Through New Orleans Botanical Garden

After a few days in the city, your family may crave connection with nature. That’s when to head to the New Orleans Botanical Garden in City Park.

An abundance of flowers, trees, and fountains fills the 10-acre garden. Kids enjoy watching koi fish swimming in the Lily Pond outside the garden’s Conservatory. Admission includes access to the remarkable Helis Foundation Enrique Alférez Sculpture Garden, a peaceful space filled with striking art.

20. Play Miniature Golf at City Putt

Located within City Park near the New Orleans Botanical Garden sits another treat for families, the City Putt Miniature Golf Course. Choose between two 18-hole courses. One option showcases the culture and cities of Louisiana. Meanwhile, the other course focuses on historic sites and streets specifically in New Orleans. Look for educational explanations at each hole. What a fun way to get outside, play together as a family, and learn about a destination!

21. Visit Animals at the Audubon Zoo

The Audubon Zoo was named one of the best zoos in the U.S. in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice travel award contest in 2023. Set on 50 acres, the Audubon Zoo is home to 1,700 animals representing more than 350 species. Be sure to visit the Louisiana Swamp Exhibit, a one-of-a-kind urban swamp that showcases native wildlife like black bears, bobcats, red foxes, and the rare white alligator.

Beyond the animal encounters, kids love the multiple playgrounds, the Endangered Species Carousel, and the Cool Zoo splash park, featuring the 750-foot-long Gator Run lazy river.

22. Gain Insight into New Orleans at The Presbytère Museum

Families will gain insight into New Orleans’ resilience and celebration at The Presbytère Museum. It’s located in a beautiful Spanish Colonial building on Jackson Square. Originally built in the late 1700s on the site of a Capuchin monastery, it later served as a courthouse before becoming part of the Louisiana State Museum in 1911.

Today, the museum features two small but powerful permanent exhibits that make for a quick and educational visit. Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana celebrates the vibrant traditions of Mardi Gras with dazzling costumes, parade floats, and music. Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond explores the impact of Hurricane Katrina through personal stories and interactive displays that highlight the city’s fortitude and perseverance.

23. Learn History at the National WWII Museum

Family travel blogger Jason Carlton visited the National WWII Museum on a business trip—and immediately knew he had to return with his family. “It’s full of historical artifacts and personal stories from those who fought in the war,” he says. “There’s information about the battles in Europe and the Pacific, but it also includes stories of the challenges faced on the home front.”

“There are a lot of great activities in New Orleans, but I would return with my family just for this museum alone.”

Jason Carlton, family travel blogger

Jason calls it “a top-notch destination for history lovers” and a great all-weather option for families with school-age kids. “There are a lot of great activities in New Orleans, but I would return with my family just for this museum alone.”

I’ve heard glowing reviews from other travelers, too. Sadly, we couldn’t fit it into this trip, which may have been a mistake. Looks like we’ll need to plan another New Orleans family vacation!

24. Book The Escape Game New Orleans

Add a dose of competitive fun to your Crescent City itinerary with The Escape Game New Orleans in the French Quarter. Choose from four options: Prison Break, The Heist, Playground, and Special OPs: Mystery Market.

Escape rooms are a great bonding activity for older children, teens, and adults. Gameplay is recommended for ages 13+, though younger players can join with adult supervision. Want to know what to expect? Read my full The Escape Game review before you go.

25. Stay at a Kid-Friendly Hotel in New Orleans

For some destinations, the accommodations are simply somewhere to sleep. New Orleans, however, is not one of those places! It’s essential to choose a hotel that reflects the city’s charm and welcomes families with Louisiana hospitality.

Jung Hotel & Residences

My son and I stayed at the hip Jung Hotel & Residences during our mother-son New Orleans trip. It has a modern mid-luxury feel, with fun touches like a self-playing piano in the lobby. An on-site restaurant and lobby bar add to the appeal. The best part? Jung’s stylish rooftop pool!

Our Deluxe Room with two queen beds and a mini-fridge worked well for us. Larger families will appreciate Executive Rooms with a washer/dryer, living area, and kitchenette. For even more space, book a One-Bedroom Suite.

The hotel’s location just outside the French Quarter makes the pricing surprisingly affordable, too. Drive eight minutes or walk 20 minutes from the Jung Hotel to reach the Quarter. The Canal Street Streetcar stop is right out front, which drops off at popular New Orleans attractions like the Mississippi Riverfront, Audubon Aquarium, City Park, and French Market.

Read more and book your stay via Hotels.com now!

Explore More of New Orleans and the Southern U.S.

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For an affordable and fun beach holiday, book a trip to the Mississippi Gulf Coast with kids.

Renowned for its Grand Strand beach boardwalk and abundance of themed miniature golf courses, enjoy plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Myrtle Beach.

Save the Best Things to Do in New Orleans with Kids

Considering a family vacation to Crescent City? Be sure to save this list of 25 fun things to do in New Orleans with kids! Just pin the image below to Pinterest. Follow Colleen Travels Between on Pinterest while you’re at it!

Have you ever visited New Orleans with kids or without? Share your tips or questions in the comments below!

A Note from Colleen: Thank you to New Orleans & Company for hosting our mom-son New Orleans vacation. I received compensation related to this story. All opinions are mine, as always. I meticulously update this article annually to ensure all information is accurate and helpful for traveling families.

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