Curator’s statement
Think New Orleans is just for grown-ups? Think again! I’ve lived here for over 30 years and have hosted friends and family of all ages—from toddlers to grandparents—and trust me, the Big Easy is perfect for a family getaway. Before you set sail from the NOLA cruise port, spend a couple of days exploring a city packed with kid-friendly fun. From IMAX shows and cooking classes at the aquarium to streetcar rides, playgrounds, putt-putt, and Storyland in City Park—there’s something for everyone. Delicious eats? Absolutely. From fresh seafood to veggie options (plus a beignet or two), NOLA keeps the whole family happy and full. No rental car needed—just grab a taxi from the airport and enjoy the ride. Make the most of your vacation before the cruise even begins!
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Things to do in New Orleans
The museum within a museum: The old US Mint inside the New Orleans Jazz Museum.
Audubon Aquarium & IMAX
Explore sea life up close, then catch a giant-screen movie at the on-site IMAX theater. Bonus: cooking classes for kids are sometimes offered here too!
(Tip: Check for combo tickets on their website.)
Audubon Zoo & Audubon Park
See exotic animals, including the unique swamp exhibit with an albino alligator, cool off at the splash pad, then stroll over to the park to feed the ducks or enjoy a shady picnic under the oaks.
(Hint: You can request a box lunch from your hotel to-go, or just eat at the zoo.)
City Park’s Storyland & Carousel Gardens
Let imaginations run wild in this storybook-themed playground and amusement park—complete with old-fashioned rides, putt-putt golf, and space to run free. City Park was built in 1854 and remains one of the largest urban parks in the USA!
(Tip: You can grab beignets by Cafe Du Monde at the Casino Building for an afternoon snack. They are the same as the French Quarter location!)
Ride the streetcar
Hop on the historic St. Charles streetcar for a scenic and fun ride past mansions, universities, and oak-lined streets—kids love it!
(Tip: Buy a 3-day Jazzy pass for $8 and it gives you unlimited rides for one person, or just pay $5 for four people—it’s only $1.25 one way! Check the website for more information.)
Louisiana Children’s Museum
Hands-on exhibits let kids learn through play, from water tables to pretend play zones—perfect for toddlers and young school-age kids. (Tip: This is a brand new facility starting in 2019!)
National WWII Museum
Surprisingly engaging for older kids and teens, this world-class museum blends powerful history with interactive exhibits and multimedia experiences. This museum is consistently in the top five attractions to visit in the USA, and sometimes it is ranked as #1! There is a reason why, so go check it out!
French Market & French Quarter Stroll
Wander the open-air market for kid-approved snacks and souvenirs, and soak in street music, performers, and the vibrant vibe of the Quarter. Such a relaxing stroll, and if you’re lucky, you might be able to find Oscar of New Orleans and have him make you some earrings.
Museums in the Arts District
Visit the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and the New Orleans Jazz Museum—both offer cool cultural experiences that are colorful, musical, and fun for curious minds.
(Tip: The ground floor of the New Orleans Jazz museum is another museum that shows the original US Mint, which the building was originally built for and produced currency until 1909!)
Places to eat & drink in New Orleans
Beignets at Cafe Du Monde in the French Quarter.
Kid-approved meals in the Big Easy. I love all of these spots!
Saba (Uptown)
Dine on award-winning Mediterranean-Israeli cuisine on the patio at this relaxed but elegant spot—perfect for adventurous eaters. Make a reservation and take an Uber, but no fancy clothes required! (The chef even has a cookbook.)
Louisiana Pizza Kitchen (French Quarter)
Right next to the French Market and Jazz Museum, this pizza joint offers fun toppings like shrimp, plus vegan options—so there’s truly something for everyone.
Sofia (CBD)
This stylish Italian spot is pasta heaven for kids and adults alike. There’s a covered patio if your crew needs space to be loud—or bring the noise indoors!
Café du Monde (French Quarter)
Beignets and milk for the kids, café au lait for the adults—it’s a classic NOLA experience. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack with powdered sugar smiles. No reservations taken, just flag down a wait staff member for a table and remember to bring some cash for this place!
Felipe’s Taqueria (French Quarter)
Customize tacos, quesadillas, or nachos just the way your littles like them—plain cheese, all the toppings, or somewhere in between. Quick, casual, and crowd-pleasing. No reservations required and open all day!
Need to know
No need to rent a car. Compare the price of a taxi vs Uber/Lyft before you decide.
Taxis are fixed-rate and are located at the airport by Doors 1 and 2. You can also reach out to me to order a private pickup. (He is a family guy with a smooth ride!)
Always be prepared for rain. Bring a rain poncho or just buy one at the local Walgreens/CVS stores nearby.
The zoo and aquarium are stroller/walker-friendly and most of the museums are stroller or walker-friendly, too. Usually details are on the website as needed, and of course I’m happy to look this up for you as well.
Travel Advisor
Swati Shah
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our New Orleans page.