When it comes to things to do in New Orleans with family, there is no shortage of options! From exploring the famous French Quarter to checking out the impressive Jefferson Memorial, there is sure to be something for everyone. More so, there are plenty of attractions and events that are perfect for family fun. From Mardi Gras celebrations to the annual St. Augustine Celebration, there is always something new and exciting to experience with your family.
And of course, there is always the option to enjoy a delicious meal at one of the city’s many delicious restaurants. From seafood to Creole cuisine, there is something for all family members to enjoy. Plus, many of the restaurants offer special deals and discounts for families. So don’t hesitate – pack your bags and head down to New Orleans!
New Orleans is a Jazz city brimming with cultural displays and historic centers. This city beckons on Jazz and history lovers and warmly opens its arms to embrace a great number of tourists pouring into the city all year round to learn and get entertained and listen to jazz.
List of 25 Things to do in New Orleans with Family
New Orleans is a city that is steeped in history and culture, and it is perfect for a family vacation. There are so many things to do in New Orleans with family that it is hard to know where to start! Amazing fun things to do with kids in New Orleans, the list is endless. Here are a few ideas to get you started: visit the French Quarter for shopping, dining, and entertainment; take a walk along the Mississippi River; go to the Audubon Zoo; visit the Children’s Museum of New Orleans; explore the world-renowned Louisiana children Museum, or enjoy jazz show at the New Orleans Jazz Museum.
There are many other festivals and events that are perfect for family fun in New Orleans, including Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and the Essence Festival. And of course, there’s always the opportunity to explore New Orleans by car or bike! So, get planning – there’s plenty to do in this beautiful city! As you learn about things to do in New Orleans with family, here is how to enjoy a vacation and make it special.
Below is a comprehensive list of fun things to do in New Orleans with Family at any time of the year:
Visit the National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum was formerly known as The National D-Day Museum. It is a museum that displays the historical events of World War 2.
It is located in New Orleans’ Central Business District and is a must-see for history buffs and families interested in learning everything. The United States Congress designated it as America’s official WWII museum. You can explore the various events and learn more about the country’s contribution with your family.
Check Out the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum was once a pharmacy. It now houses a museum with exhibits about early medicine and superstitious cures.
The Pharmacy Museum is a must-see for anyone looking for a unique experience that includes creepy nostalgia and interesting sights about New Orleans. The museum has a rich collection of 19th-century medicine, illustrated and with rich historical background.
Explore the Louisiana Children’s Museum
Family choice numero uno for most, if you’re a family touring the city and searching for a wonderful space to occupy the kids with fun and learning, you couldn’t do better than Louisiana’s Children Museum.
They have got numerous varieties of interactive activities inside for instance the Jammin’ House, Move with the River, the Design Studio, Follow That Food, etc which are very educational and entertaining for the kids. Also, you could step outside and give the adventurous ones a good time in the Dig Into Nature section. It is undoubtedly one of the top family experiences to have while in New Orleans.
Don’t Miss the New Orleans Jazz Museum
The New Orleans Jazz Museum is a must-see for any music lover! This museum is home to some of the world’s most iconic jazz instruments, as well as iconic photographs, artwork, and memorabilia from the history of jazz. The museum is located in the historic French Quarter, and it is open Monday through Saturday. There are things to do in new orleans at night with family here.
If you are a fan of jazz, then you should visit the New Orleans Jazz Museum! Not only does it have some of the world’s most iconic jazz instruments, but the museum also has a great collection of memorabilia from the history of jazz. This includes photos, artwork, and even recordings! In addition to this, the museum has a great selection of books and CD’s that you can purchase. If you are looking for a unique and engaging experience when visiting New Orleans, then the New Orleans Jazz Museum is worth a visit! Visiting this Jazz museum is one of the fun things to do with family in New Orleans.
Explore the New Orleans Museum of Art
If you are a fan of art and history, then the New Orleans Museum of Art is the place for you and your family! Located in the heart of the city, this museum is home to a vast and varied collection that spans over 2,000 years of art history. The museum has a variety of exhibits that are sure to interest both art lovers and history buffs, including exhibitions on European art, American art, and Modern art.
The museum is also home to a number of special collections, including the contemporary art collection, the photography collection, and the jazz collection. If you are looking for something special to do in New Orleans with your family, then the Museum of Art is the perfect destination- one of the things to do in New Orleans with teens!
Enjoy the Cabildo
Once known as the seat of the Spanish colonial city hall of New Orleans, today it is now called the Louisiana State Museum Cabildo. Built towards the end of the 18th century, this amazing structure has weathered war and natural disasters, preserving an important part of the city’s history.
Enjoy this museum as it showcases the rich and colorful history of New Orleans and has the whole state of Louisiana reflected through more than 500 changes as well as permanent exhibits.
Mardi Gras World
Mardi Gras World is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city and even in the state. Here, the guests have the opportunity to tour the massive 300,000 square foot functional warehouse wherein colorful floats are made for the annual Mardi Gras parade/festival in New Orleans.
Make sure to take photos as you learn about the many traditions surrounding the (Fat Tuesday) Mardi Gras parade, the music, and the meticulous process of float design and construction as you witness all the different masterpieces and creations by the locals.
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Visit the Studio Be
Studio Be is a unique dance studio that offers an amazing experience for visitors. With its beautiful architecture and state-of-the-art equipment, it is a perfect place to learn dance or take your dance skills to the next level. In addition to dance classes, Studio Be also offers theater programs, pilates classes, and more.
The studio is located in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans, so it is easy to get to. It also offers a variety of events and activities, including live performances, workshops, and demonstrations. If you are looking for an amazing place to learn or train your dance skills, then visit Studio Be! It houses some of the most amazing fun things to New Orleans with family.
Lunch at Café du Monde
Anyone who’s ever been to New Orleans knows that lunch at Café du Monde is a must-do. This iconic restaurant is famous for its beignets – deep-fried doughnuts that are drenched in sugar and cinnamon. But Café du Monde is much more than just beignets. In fact, it’s a great place to enjoy a meal any time of the day.
The menu features classic Louisiana dishes like jambalaya, red beans and rice, and gumbo. But there are also some more eclectic options, like the chicken liver mousse with figs and cognac. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can order up a sacré plate like the alligator po-boy or the snail gumbo.
No matter what you order, make sure to save room for the café au lait – a delicious classic drink made with milk and coffee. It’s the perfect way to end your meal and start your day off right. This location gives you the chance to explore many varieties with your family.
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Tour the Celebration Distillation
Founded by the artist James Michalopoulos (1995), Celebration Distillation is among the best distilleries in the city.
It is one of the oldest and most functional craft rum distilleries in the whole country featuring a variety of alcoholic beverages. It offers its visitors a delightful time to learn about the various processes of making the drinks that both locals and tourists know and enjoy. It’s a fantastic destination for the whole family to go to and have some fun.
Dance and Bowl at Rock ‘N’ Bowl
The original Mid-City New Orleans bowling alley was a casual place to play. It has evolved into a popular bowl and dance spot. Rock ‘N Bowl offers a wide range of activities, from bar/rail-equipped lanes for bowling to live music and performances by New Orleans celebrities.
Get out there and enjoy some rock n bowl with your family. Enjoy exciting bowling and dancing, while enjoying delicious food options like burgers, pizzas and shrimp remoulade.
Vibe to Live Music at Tipitina’s
Tipitina’s is a music venue that is nestled right at the corner of Napoleon Avenue and Tchoupitoulas Street in Uptown New Orleans.
Otherwise known as Tip’s, since opening its doors back in 1977 it has played host to the city’s music legends, with icons like Dr. John and the Neville Brothers. You don’t need one of New Orleans’ diviners or fortune tellers to tell you that the best things to do in New Orleans, Louisiana will always include some form of music, and listening to Tip’s is a recommended experience to have.
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Visit Preservation Hall
Preservation Hall, New Orleans is the perfect place to experience the rich history and music of the Big Easy! This iconic jazz venue is home to some of the best live jazz in the country, and it is popular with both tourists and New Orleanians alike.
Preservation Hall was originally a church. It was later used as a warehouse, a cinema, and a dance hall before it became a jazz venue in the 1950s. Over the years, Preservation Hall has hosted some of the biggest names in jazz, including Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, and Billie Holiday. The venue has a rich history and is a must-visit for jazz fans of all levels.
Not only is the music awesome, but the atmosphere is unforgettable. The building is stunningly decorated in classic New Orleans style, and the stage is perfectly set for some amazing performances. If you’re looking for fun things to do in New Orleans with family, here is a location you must visit.
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Visit the Mercedes-Benz Superdome
This is also known as the Superdome and it is an exhibition and sports venue that is located in New Orleans’ Central Business District.
It is well-known for hosting major events such as the Super Bowls and Final Fours. Book your tickets now and you and your family can enjoy the games and music, as well as enjoy the beautiful dome’s musical concerts and other events.
When in New Orleans, don’t forget to visit the Mercedes-Benz Superdome! This incredible stadium is home to the New Orleans Saints and is a must-see destination for any football fan. Not only is the Superdome a great place to watch a game, but it is also home to some of the world’s best concerts. From Taylor Swift to Beyoncé, there is always something interesting happening here. And don’t forget to check out the luxury shops that are located within the stadium!
Tour the St. Louis Cathedral
St. Louis Cathedral, a.k.a The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis, is one of the tallest and most recognizable structures in the French Quarter. It is quite the architectural icon the city has got to boast of, and also happens to be the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of the city.
Take a stroll and admire the magnificent designs and history of the building and that of the Roman Catholic faith in New Orleans
Chill at the Garden District
One of the most relaxing attractions in the city, the garden district has beautiful pieces of infrastructure and gorgeous landscapes for lovers of both, and nature as well.
There are also many buildings in the neighborhood, of various designs and sizes to admire while sightseeing.
Stroll Through Frenchmen Street
Here’s a vibrant location for those who love the outdoors, catchy music, and shiny neon lights. Crowds gather here both tourists and locals alike to listen to fantastic music from the street side performers. It’s a must-see destination that promises an entertaining time for the whole family or a group of friends.
Visit the French Quarter
This is the oldest neighborhood of the city and is also known as the Crown Jewel of New Orleans as some of the best things to see in the city are in this area.
There are so many activities to indulge the whole family in ranging from some souvenir shopping at the various shops like the Little Toy Shop on Decatur Street where you can find a litany of delightful old-fashioned toys, fine dining at some of its many restaurants, to the 2-hour French Quarter Walking and Storytelling Tour.
Figure out your Future at Jackson Square
Built right in the middle of the French Quarter in the mid-18th century, Jackson Square is one of New Orleans’ most popular landmarks as it serves both historical and national recognition and tourist attraction purposes.
With millions of visitors coming here every year, it offers a wide variety of fun activities, events, and celebrations. It’s home to some of New Orleans’ famous fortune-tellers, numerous street artists and musicians, and various assortments of entertainers. Wander around the square with family and be sure to take advantage of all the fun that Jackson Square has to offer.
Experience Nature at City Park
Unlike Jackson Square, the City Park was not built for another hundred years but it is still one of the oldest parks in the country.
From the beautiful green grass and moss plants to the massive iconic oak trees lined up all around the park, if you are thinking of a morning jog or an evening stroll with loved ones, the city park has got just the ambiance you need to give you a satisfying experience with nature.
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Sightseeing at Audubon Zoo
Talk about a typical family experience destination – the zoo! And New Orleans has got one of the best zoos in the country.
Ran by the Audubon Institute, it features a variety of immersive exhibits and attractions including a spectacular recreation of the Louisiana Swamp which allows visitors the chance to see alligators, water snakes, and a host of other animals, giving a view into the daily lives of those who rely on the swap for a living.
Get to see the different animals, engage in the various activities available, and also learn about the goals of the institution.
Visit the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
This is another location that every family will love to visit.
Babies, Toddlers, and even the bigger ones (pre-teens and above) will enjoy the experience as they get up close and personal to see all the various aquatic animals on display in their natural habitat displaying their natural behavior.
Airboat Adventures Swamp Tour
Still keeping up with the wild side of things, go deeper into the many secluded areas of Southern Louisiana’s swamplands by gliding in high-speed airboats to see the different animals that live in the vast swamp area.
Take in the beauty of the cypress swamps and the bayous of the city alongside the sights of alligators, herons, and so much more.
Board the Steamboat NATCHEZ
The Mississippi, New Orleans’ only steamboat, is situated on the longest river on North American continent.
This riverboat adventure will give you and your family an authentic experience and combine two of New Orleans’ most popular things: Jazz music and great food.
Enjoy a rare visit to the engine room and see the operation of 100-year-old steam engines. You’ll also enjoy the Mississippi River view as the Steamboats’ own live band, Stompers Jazz Band. A tableside lunch/optional buffet will be provided so that you can sample the delicious local delicacies and specialties. The entire sailing trip lasts approximately 2 hours.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that New Orleans can be an amazing destination for a family vacation. With so much to see and do, it’s hard to decide where to start. Whether you’re looking for a day at the theme parks, a day at the casino, a day at the beach, or a day of exploring the historic neighborhoods, this guide has you covered! We’ve explored the most fun things to do In New Orleans with family. Plus, each activity has been grouped by age range so you can choose the perfect things to do with your kids in New Orleans. So what are you waiting for? Bring the whole family down to New Orleans and have fun!
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