Explore New Orleans

Things to Do With Kids in New Orleans

High-fiving stingrays at the Audubon Aquarium.

(Jeff Strout/Audubon Nature Institute)

Douglas Brantley
May 21, 2019

Bourbon Street is known worldwide as an adult playground. But what is there for kids to do in New Orleans? Plenty. Here we’ve compiled a fun-filled hit list of eight great family-friendly destinations—from make-believe fantasy worlds to real-life animal safaris—for Crescent City visitors with grown-ups in tow.

No one stimulates a child’s wild side quite like the Audubon Nature Institute, which operates numerous kid-centric attractions throughout the city, in addition to Uptown’s Audubon Park and Woldenberg Park in the French Quarter. Tickets may be purchased individually for each venue, or bundled in a thrifty “Audubon Experience” package that allows entry to all and is valid for 30 days following your initial visit.

Audubon Zoo

Home to more than 1,800 animals, the renowned Audubon Zoo is one of the finest zoos in the U.S. $22.95 adults, $19.95 seniors, $17.95 ages 2-12. A free shuttle departs from St. Charles streetcar stop 36. Open daily at 10 am; call for closing hours.

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Located on the Mississippi River adjacent to the French Quarter, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is consistently top ranked, voted as one of the top five in the country in the USA Today "10Best" reader poll and ranked as one of the top things to do in New Orleans.

Louisiana Children's Museum

Children learn through a “bajillion” hands-on activities, both indoors and out, at this award-winning museum. Its sprawling new space in City Park offers a variety of interactive exhibits geared to ages 8 and under, along with a kid-friendly café. Open Tu-Sa, 9:30 am-4:30 pm; Su, 11:30 am-4:30 pm.

Mardi Gras World

It’s Carnival time all year long inside the workshops of Kern Studios, the world’s largest float builder. The tour features a video on the history of Mardi Gras. $22 adults/children, $17 seniors/students with college ID, $14 ages 11-2. Tours daily, 9:30 am-4 pm.

City Park

Abundant live oaks provide a lush canopy for this 1,300-acre outdoor oasis, larger even than New York’s Central Park.

French Quartour Kids

These guided walks take children on a journey back in time through the streets of the historic Vieux Carré. Tours offered daily and by appointment; check website for current schedule. Call for reservations and locations.