You may be reading this thinking “are there things to do in New Orleans with kids or is it really just an adult’s playground?” While I do agree that there are many adult-only type activities in this city, there are definitely plenty of fun and educational things to do in New Orleans with kids. We’re going to cover the best of the best that New Orleans has to offer.
Disclaimer: There are some links in this article that are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission. This is never an extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.
New Orleans Itinerary
Mardi Gras Floats
New Orleans is synonymous with Mardi Gras. I mean that is typically the first and only thing people think of when they hear New Orleans. Mardi Gras and maybe beignets. And while yes, Mardi Gras is an adult-only activity, seeing the amazing Mardi Gras floats that are put on parade is not. At Mardi Gras World, you can see the Mardi Gras floats up close and even take pictures inside. A rarity you would not be able to do by just going to the Mardi Gras parade itself. This is a behind the scenes look at how the parade comes together. It takes you from beginning to end showcasing how the Mardi Gras floats are made and designed and the all-year preparation it takes to make them ready. One of the most colorful things to do in New Orleans with kids so make sure this stop is on your New Orleans itinerary.
New Orleans Plantation
One thing that there is no shortage of here in the deep south is plantations. There is so much history here and a New Orleans plantation is great place to explore and learn first-hand. I love visiting historical places during my travels as I mentioned in many of my other blog posts: Charleston, South Carolina, Virginia, and Jekyll Island, Georgia. Even as a child much of my travel was going to the historical places I was learning about (as mentioned on my about page). So, let a visit to one of the many New Orleans plantations be one of the educational things to do in New Orleans with kids that makes it onto your New Orleans itinerary.
New Orleans Plantation – Destrehan Plantation
Each New Orleans plantation has a different focus for their tour and so each one is a completely different learning experience. At the Destrehan Plantation, you can view an original document signed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison and learn about how it impacts the history of the state. There are places throughout the property that showcase life for the slaves as well as learning about the history of this particular New Orleans planation itself.
New Orleans Plantation – Laura Plantation
Laura Plantation is a New Orleans plantation that was a former sugar plantation. Not only are there numerous buildings on the property to explore, but there are multiple garden areas as well. You can hear about the history of all the different people who lived on the plantation from its origination in 1805 till now.
New Orleans Plantation – The Whitney and St. Joseph Plantations
Get two New Orleans plantations for the price of one. The Whitney Plantation is a Museum of Slavery and takes you into detail about the harsh realities of what slavery was like in the early 1800’s. Afterwards a visit to St. Joseph plantation takes you to the location of the movie “12 Years a Slave” and onto the still running sugar cane plantation.
New Orleans Plantation – Oak Alley Plantation
As you can imagine this is probably one of the beautiful things to do in New Orleans with kids as its name implies. Be prepared to see a stunning ¼ mile long alley of oak trees each one dating back to the late 1700’s. The most picturesque stop on your New Orleans itinerary for sure. Not only great for photo opportunities, but also still an educational stop. You can hear about all the generations of people that lived at Oak Alley Plantation as well as their different uses for the plantation throughout the years.
Other New Orleans Plantation available to see are San Francisco Plantation and Houmas House.
Airboat Tours
Michael and I went on an airboat tour in Florida before we had kids. And while it is a fun and even one of the educational things to do in New Orleans with kids, typically it’s recommended for those age 5 and up, so keep that in mind. Airboat tours are very exhilarating (and sometimes bumpy) gliding so quickly right on top of the water. The airboat tours in New Orleans have a much more interesting history and culture and probably about the same if not even more alligators and wildlife to be seen. It is the location of the reality shows like “Swamp People”. Get whisked away (literally) on one of these airboat tours, a fun addition to any New Orleans itinerary.
WW II Museum New Orleans
Another one of the educational things to do in New Orleans with kids is a visit to the World War - WW II Museum New Orleans. With numerous exhibits to choose from you can learn all about World War II here. There are several aircrafts, tanks, and trucks from WW II on display for you to see. You can purchase a movie ticket additionally as well similarly, to the Science Museum of Richmond. There are multiple buildings that house all the exhibits and movies as well as dinner theater at BB’s Stage Door Canteen (which is an additional cost). To truly appreciate all there is to learn and explore, the WW II Museum New Orleans is a full day experience, so be sure to leave enough time on your New Orleans itinerary to enjoy this.
Parks in New Orleans
Of all the parks in New Orleans, City Park has the most things to do in New Orleans with kids. Within City Park there are many different excursions including an amusement park, a mini golf course, and the Louisiana Children’s Museum. New Orleans Botanical Garden is also located within City Park which features a model train replica of historic New Orleans. Storyland is full of life-sized storybook characters, another fun stop on your New Orleans itinerary. Also in City Park is the New Orleans Museum of Art which features a sculpture garden within its grounds. In City Park, you can also find places to golf, play tennis, boat, bike, walk, take the dog out, fish, bird watch, as well as horse-back riding at the equestrian center. There is even a forest with trails within City Parks in New Orleans. The question is, is there anything City Park doesn’t have? To be honest, I don’t think there is. City Park has it all!
Things To Do in New Orleans French Quarter
Riverboat in New Orleans
All aboard the Steamboat Natchez for a tour along the Mississippi River. Relax and listen to the beautiful jazz sounds on this riverboat in New Orleans. Visit the engine room to see the inner workings of what makes this steamboat go. One of the great things to do in New Orleans French Quarter is to see it from the water.
Courtesy of Unsplash
On the steamboat Natchez you get a full uninterrupted view of the beautiful and stately houses of the French Quarter as well as the New Orleans skyline.
You can also get a close view of Cape Kennedy and Cape Knox the enormous ready reserve force ships docked there. From this vantage point, you can also see firsthand the impact that Hurricane Katrina and the like had on this area of the world. Another fun yet educational things to do in New Orleans with kids.
TV Tours
Movie Tours
We went on the Original New Orleans Movie & TV Tour, and it was the best excursion we did. Definitely a must see on your New Orleans itinerary and one of the best things to do in New Orleans with kids (especially for those with teens). The state of Louisiana (and Georgia too) gives a film tax breaks when they do their filming in the state which is why this state can now boast being the location for over 200 movie and tv shows.
And taking you on a tour to see many of them including where some of the most well-known Hollywood celebs call home is the Original New Orleans Movie and TV tour. The tour guide knows the locations for most (if not all) of the movies and tv shows currently being filmed through the New Orleans area so is able to sometimes get you celeb sightings. If not, you will still have a wonderful time on this tv tour and movie tour taking you to some of the most famous movie locations.
Like this location from the movie "Double Jeopardy" with Ashley Judd and Tommy Lee Jones
This is such a great thing to do in New Orleans French Quarter. Not only will you get to see the French Quarter, but you will see the Garden District, Warehouse District, and Central Business District as well. So, as far as tv tours and movie tours go, this is the best.
Courtesy of Unsplash
New Orleans Resorts
There are many New Orleans resorts to choose from, but as I’ve mentioned in my Montreal post, Marriott is my favorite hotel brand. They have options for any budget and plenty to choose from with 25 just in the city of New Orleans which doesn’t include any in the surrounding area. Here are some options below.
Courtyard - French Quarter
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
The Ritz Carlton New Orleans
And now with their newest off shoot, Homes and Villas, you can rest easy knowing you are getting the standard of quality synonymous with Marriott. With Homes and Villas, you can get small apartments to larger home accommodating whatever your travel party requires again for a great price. So, check all the New Orleans options for all different price ranges and size needs.
New Orleans Weekend Trip
3 Day New Orleans Itinerary
While I gave numerous options for things to do in New Orleans with kids, there are in fact even more than just the ones listed here. You can use the excursions I listed above to make a New Orleans weekend trip, or you can purchase an on and off sightseeing bus ticket to see more places in a shorter time. If you need a 3-day New Orleans itinerary there is plenty to choose from, or you can make your stay longer to be able to see all the different places this city has to offer. Don’t miss out and make sure to visit NOLA (New Orleans, Louisiana) soon.
Disclaimer: There are some links in this article that are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them, we receive a small commission. This is never an extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.
