The Festive Spirit of New Orleans with Kids

City Park

You want to visit New Orleans to explore its food and the ambiance of the city, but you fear that it is not appropriate for young kids? Well, let me tell you I did it with my four-year-old for Easter and it was one of the best family trips we ever did. Why? It was easy to adapt it to our needs while still being very educational. But to make the most of it, let me give you some suggestions.

Brunch at the Ruby Slipper

First, accommodation. We selected the Riverfront hotel. We were conveniently located just across from Riverwalk and between different neighborhoods within walking distance. We just had to walk along the Mississippi to reach the French Quarter or even better, take a cable car. New Orleans is very walkable, and the cable car is an activity in itself that the kiddo will love and ask for.

Pharmacy museum

Second, food. You feel like you will not be able to enjoy as much of the local food because the little one will not sit through a full meal? We did it and it went great. We tested Peche Restaurant for the fish and they had a great menu. We also went to Ralph on the Park, and even though it may be impressive and look high-end, the price is very reasonable and they are very welcoming to kids. Also I had the best creme brulee of my life there, so as a French person, it’s a good, strong recommendation. But the best trick to enjoying a very traditional Cajun meal and enjoying it without having to worry about the kids is at Mulate’s. Its big stage invites kids to dance together while you enjoy your meal keeping an eye on them. My daughter loved it and asked for it over and over again. Don’t forget that you can also get little treats during the day. Some examples include brunch at Ruby Slipper, the pastries at Croissant d’Or Patisserie, the beignets from Cafe du Monde, the crepes from the Ironwork, ice cream at Chance in Hell, or a treat at the Petit Bleu.

Mardi Gras exhibition at the Presbyterian Museum

Third, activities. New Orleans has some of the most interactive and interesting museums I brought my daughter, too. The zoo, the aquarium, and the insectarium are incredible. They have sensory-friendly areas and support, and they can even pet bugs. Most of the museums are pretty cheap and very short, so you can always just do a quick walk around and focus on only a couple of pieces, like the Mardi Gras lego display at the Presbyterian Museum or the flasks at the Sazerac House. And yes, in case you are wondering, kids are welcome a the distillery tour and they offer them one of the best lemonade they will ever taste.

The "scrap house" huricane Katrina memorial

Fourth, culture. New Orleans gives you the opportunity in one trip to explain to the little ones about the impact of tornadoes with the scrap house and the exhibition at the Presbyterian Museum. The different waves of colonization and mix of cultures looking at architectures, the history of slavery with the Oak Alley plantation tour and visit of the mansions. And if you want to make your trip even more magical, you are welcome to do some voodoo and vampire activities as some tours are offered during the daytime and you can walk around with your kids without scaring them forever.

Voodoo shop

Fifth, nature. Even within the city, you get to see some pieces of nature with the magical Spanish moss on the trees in Audubon Park and City Park, and can walk along the bayou or even see alligators on a bayou tour.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a destination that can be both exciting and entertaining for the little ones while still being culturally rich and enjoyable for the adults, NOLA is the place to go!

Gators in the Bayou

The city is very kid-friendly and I never felt in danger while walking around. Most restaurants welcome kids and offer special menus.

For more travel inspiration and insider recommendations, check out our New Orleans page.