New Orleans is known as party city for adults, but what about children who want to have fun too? Or families with kids? Don’t worry – children can party down in New Orleans too! There are plenty of family friendly activities throughout New Orleans for children to enjoy. See our suggestions below!

 

The Woldenberg Riverfront Park

 
The Audubon Nature Institute boasts multiple kid-friendly places around New Orleans. New Orlean’s Woldenberg Riverfront Park is situated on the Mississippi and is within walking distance to the Riverwalk, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, the Audubon Butterfly Garden, and the Insectarium. Families can play in the park and watch the Steamboat Natchez cruise down the Mississippi.

For more information please visit https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/woldenbergpark.

 

The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

 
At the Audubon Aquarium, your child can pet stingrays, travel through an underwater tunnel, and get a chance to feed parakeets at Parakeet Point – a fun activity for all ages. And the fun doesn’t stop there! Kids can see different types of sharks, stingrays, and they can also see dolphins at the new dolphin exhibit. Lastly, you can journey through a mock rain forest and watch birds flying around. Be sure to let your kids try to find both the owls! Need a quick break? Check out their IMAX movies about humpback whales and dolphins.

For more information please visit https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/aquarium.

 

Audubon Zoo

 
Audubon Zoo is a fantastic place to explore for all ages. It has everything from tropical birds, to mammals, to reptiles – and a petting zoo for the kids. For families who visit during the summer, cool off in the splash park. Adventurous kids can try the Kumba course, and the younger siblings can try the smaller course right next to it. Be on the lookout for the zoo’s annual events and fundraisers, such as Zoo To Do for kids and Boo to Do.
HNOLA TIP: Check out the sea lion show!

For more information please visit https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/zoo.

 

The Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium

 
If you have little ones that love insects or pretty butterflies, then head over to the The Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. Here you can observe hundreds of insects and read more about them than you want to know. For those who can handle it, there is a mini room full of gross cockroaches and – for the brave kiddos – a bug cafe where you can eat bugs.

For more information please visit https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/insectarium.

 

Louisiana Children’s Museum

 
The Louisiana Children’s Museum is a wonderful place for children to explore, learn, and have fun. The museum is broken down into different learning areas that include science, architecture, arts, cultural, math, and more. Kids can pretend in a mock grocery store to go shopping and check people out on a real register. There is a “shadow room” that is fascinating to the little ones. Your kids can even pretend to serve you and your husband as you sit in the mock cafe. And if you time it right, the museum has annual art camps and events.

For more information please visit lcm.org.

 

The Monkey Room

 
The monkey room is a fun-filled jungle gym full of exciting little things to keep children occupied. Located in the Lower Garden District, it is an ideal place for little ones. There are seats for parents to keep an eye on their children, or you can join your kids and guide them through the course. Again, this one is truly for the little tykes.

For more information please visit monkeyroom.net.

 

Carousel Gardens

 
Carousel Gardens is a perfect place for all ages. “The Amusements” (as everyone knows it) are a great way for you to have fun with your kids rather than you just watching them have all the fun! There are coasters for all ages (height requirements are enforced), and its namesake carousel is one of 100 hand-carved carousels still remaining today here in Louisiana and in the United States.
Our Favorite Coaster: The Live Oak Ladybug. But, the kids have to be 52′ to ride.

For more information please visit https://neworleanscitypark.com/in-the-park/carousel-gardens.

 

Storyland

 
Storyland is every child’s dream come true. It brings to life all of the childhood and fairy-tale characters that we grew up listening to. Kids can play with Jack and Jill, huff and puff and blow the three little pigs’ house down, or pretend to be princes and princesses. Every little girl’s dream is to be Cinderella, and in Storyland, your little girl can ride in a pumpkin carriage and pretend to go to the ball to dance with Prince Charming!

For more information please visit https://neworleanscitypark.com/in-the-park/storyland.

 

City Putt

 
City Putt is fun for all ages. There are two courses: a Louisiana-themed course with cultural aspects and cities, and a New Orleans-themed course with streets and iconic themes. City Putt has an area for people to sit and watch their kids. There are also restrooms. We recommend this on a cool, Fall day!

For more information please visit https://neworleanscitypark.com/in-the-park/cityputt.

 

Dave & Busters

 
Dave & Busters is a great place for birthday parties. From classic games to racing games to movie games, the fun never ends. You have the choice to either insert change or purchase reloadable D&B’s card. Hungry? Purchase a Play and Eat card and use it at the restaurant in Dave in Busters while you play. Kids old enough to roam alone? Go enjoy the adult games, such as bowling and billiards. Dave & Busters is located near the Superdome.

For more information please visit www.daveandbusters.com/.

 

New Orleans Museum of Art

 
The New Orleans Museum of Art is a great place to get inspired. They have many different artwork collections, including pottery and photography. The Museum offers art camps and classes during the summer.

For more information please visit NOMA.org.

 

The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

 
We recommend the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden for any day. It is a great activity to do with the entire family, and it’s free. Walk around and check out the moving and sitting sculptures, and be sure to take pictures with the kids!

For more information please visit https://noma.org/sculpture-garden/background/.

 

Wheel Fun Rentals

 
Wheel Fun Rentals is a great way to have some family fun. Choose between surreys, bikes, boats, canoes and gondolas. We recommend riding through City Park!

For more information please visit wheelfunrentals.com/la/new-orleans/city-park-new-Orleans/.

 

Mardi Gras World

 
Mardi Gras World is a neat place to go for all ages. Children will love learning how the floats are made and what they look like when they aren’t in motion.

For more information please visit https://www.mardigrasworld.com/.

 

The National World War II Museum

 
The National World War II Museum is a great place for little ones who love history, given that it has excellent walk-through galleries with history of World War II. Additionally, the museum has planes hanging all around the museum, so it’s quite the spectacle for children who love aviation. Little kids are allowed inside some of the planes and helicopters, and the children can pretend that they’re flying a real plane! Want to try flying a WW2 plane? Test your skills on the flight simulator.

For more information please visit https://www.nationalww2museum.org/.
 
 

Have fun!