15 Things to Do in New Orleans With Kids: A Family Guide to the Big Easy

New Orleans has a grown-up reputation, but it's one of the most fun cities in the country to visit with kids. Look past Bourbon Street, and you'll find white alligators at the zoo, powdered-sugar beignets, streetcars that clang past Garden District mansions, and a children's museum built for hands-on play. 

This guide rounds up 15 of the best things to do in New Orleans with kids, along with where to stay, where to eat, and the practical tips that keep a family trip here running smoothly.

What to Expect When Visiting New Orleans With Kids

New Orleans welcomes families with open arms, especially in neighborhoods like the Garden District, Uptown, and the French Quarter during daytime hours. Each of the main tourist areas is a joy to explore on foot, and the historic streetcar links the ones that are farther apart, turning the trip between them into part of the adventure. The terrain is mostly flat and stroller-friendly, though the French Quarter's sidewalks can be narrow and the Garden District's are often bumpy where old oak roots have nudged them up.

Much of that streetcar magic happens along St. Charles Avenue, the grand, oak-lined avenue that runs alongside the Garden District and up through Uptown. Lined with historic mansions and with the streetcar gliding down its median, it offers easy access to Audubon Park and the Zoo, making it one of the loveliest and most practical areas for families to call home base. It's also part of the Uptown Mardi Gras parade route, so it comes alive during Carnival.

A few practical notes will keep everyone happy: pack comfortable walking shoes, plenty of water, and snacks, and maybe tuck in some noise-canceling headphones for sensitive ears, since the city can get wonderfully loud with street music and celebrations. The French Quarter also changes character as the day goes on. Mornings and early afternoons are relaxed and family-friendly, while evenings shift toward adult entertainment, so plan your Quarter time for earlier in the day, and you'll find plenty of magic without any worries.

At a Glance: 15 Kid-Friendly Activities 

Before you dive into the details, here's a quick snapshot of all 15 activities in one place. Use it to match each outing to your kids' ages, your budget, and how much time you have, whether you're mapping out a full weekend or just hunting for an air-conditioned break on a hot afternoon.

One note on the numbers below: they cover the cost to get in, ride, or take the tour itself. Food, souvenirs, parking, and tips for the street performers are extra, so pack a little spending money.

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Good to know on pricing: Kids' tickets are almost always cheaper than adults', and many attractions offer discounts. Prices reflect standard 2026 rates, fluctuate by day and demand, and are always worth confirming on the official site before you go.

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Top Kid-Friendly Activities in New Orleans

From streetcar rides and swamp tours to beignets and hands-on museums, New Orleans packs in plenty to keep kids of every age busy. Here are 15 of the best family-friendly things to do, with the ages they suit best, roughly how long to budget, and a few insider tips to make each one easier.

1. Ride the Historic St. Charles Streetcar

Best Ages: All ages (toddlers to teens)

Nothing beats the thrill of climbing aboard one of the world's oldest continuously operating streetcar lines. Kids love the open windows, the clanging bell, and watching the beautiful mansions roll by. At just $1.25 per ride, it's budget-friendly transportation that doubles as entertainment. The St. Charles line runs from downtown through the Garden District to Uptown, passing right alongside Audubon Park, which sits a short walk through the park from the Zoo.

Additional Tip: Grab a window seat for the best views of the historic homes, which line both sides of the avenue, and avoid rush hours when the cars fill up with commuters.

2. Explore Audubon Zoo

Best Ages: 2-12 years (though teens enjoy it too)

This 58-acre zoo consistently ranks among America's best, and kids go crazy for the Louisiana Swamp exhibit with its white alligators and the Cool Zoo splash park (seasonal). The Audubon Zoo is home to more than 1,700 animals across 350-plus species, including Asian elephants, lions, and a fantastic reptile collection. The train ride around the zoo is perfect for tired little legs. 

Additional Tip: Plan 3-4 hours; arrive early to beat crowds and heat. The splash park requires swimwear, so pack accordingly if visiting during warm months.

3. Get Hands-On at Louisiana Children's Museum

Best Ages: 1-10 years (with special toddler areas)

This interactive wonderland in City Park keeps kids engaged for hours with exhibits on the mighty Mississippi River, food and nutrition, and Louisiana culture. The Louisiana Children's Museum sits in a beautiful City Park facility that opened in 2019, with outdoor learning gardens and age-appropriate zones for toddlers through tweens. Kids can splash at a 100-foot Mississippi River water exhibit, shop a kid-sized grocery store, and explore an edible garden. 

Additional Tip: Plan 2-3 hours, and check their website for special programs and workshops that might coincide with your visit.

4. Try Beignets at Café du Monde

Best Ages: All ages

No New Orleans trip is complete without these pillowy squares of fried dough covered in powdered sugar. The original Café du Monde in the French Quarter is open daily from 7:15 a.m. to 11 p.m. (until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays) and closes only on Christmas Day. Watching your kids' faces light up with their first bite is priceless. Fair warning: they'll get messy, so bring wet wipes and embrace the chaos. 

Additional Tip: Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the longest lines. The outdoor seating lets you people-watch while enjoying café au lait (or milk for the kids).

5. Spend a Day in City Park: Storyland, Carousel Gardens & the Sculpture Garden 

Best Ages: Storyland (2-8 years), broader park (all ages)

At 1,300 acres, New Orleans City Park is one of America's largest urban parks, home to Storyland, a magical storybook playground designed for younger children. Kids can climb through fairy-tale scenes at Storyland, ride the antique carousel, have gentle rides at the neighboring Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, and explore playgrounds. The park also houses the New Orleans Museum of Art and its free sculpture garden, perfect for a cultural break. 

Additional Tip: Bring a picnic, rent pedal boats, or grab snacks from the café. The Besthoff Sculpture Garden is free and offers beautiful art in an outdoor setting.

6. Take a Family-Friendly Swamp Tour

Best Ages: 8+ years

Older kids love spotting alligators and birds and learning about Louisiana's unique ecosystem on a swamp tour. Companies like Cajun Encounters offer family-friendly trips that are educational and exciting without being scary. The boat rides typically last 1.5-2 hours and include transportation from downtown hotels.

Additional Tip: Book morning tours when animals are more active, and bring sunscreen and bug spray. Some companies have age restrictions, so check before booking.

7. Explore the National WWII Museum

Best Ages: 10+ years (history-loving families)

This world-class museum engages older kids and history-loving families with interactive exhibits, authentic artifacts, and immersive experiences. The museum's Beyond All Boundaries 4D film and submarine experience are particular hits. Plan a full day if your family loves history, or focus on specific pavilions for shorter visits.

Additional Tip: Book the 4-D film for the middle of your visit; it gives little legs a rest and re-energizes everyone for the second half.

8. Window Shop and Treat Hunt on Magazine Street

Best Ages: All ages

This six-mile stretch of local shops, cafes, and galleries offers perfect family strolling with plenty of stops for treats and bathroom breaks. Kids love the toy stores, bookshops, and frequent street art. Pop into Sucré for macarons and chocolates, or grab lunch at one of many family-friendly restaurants.

Additional Tip: The Lower Garden District section (near Washington Avenue) offers the most concentrated kid-friendly options within easy walking distance.

9. Go Behind the Scenes at Mardi Gras World

Best Ages: All ages

Even outside of Carnival season, kids are amazed by the massive floats, colorful props, and artistic process behind Mardi Gras magic. The guided tours explain how floats are built and decorated, and kids can try on costumes and take photos with giant sculptures.

Additional Tip: Tours run year-round and last about 45 minutes. The air-conditioned warehouse provides relief from heat, and the gift shop has kid-friendly souvenirs.

10. Explore the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium

Best Ages: All ages

At the foot of Canal Street on the edge of the French Quarter, the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium now share one building on a single ticket. Kids can walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, explore colorful Caribbean reef and Amazon exhibits, and dip their hands in the touch tanks, then cross over to the Insectarium's butterfly garden and the Bug Appétit counter, where brave eaters can taste a cricket or two. The penguins, jellyfish gallery, and butterflies are particular kid favorites. Plan 3-4 hours, and consider combo tickets with the zoo for savings. 

Additional Tip: Audubon Aquarium's central riverfront location makes it perfect for a midday break from French Quarter walking, with nearby restaurants for lunch.

11. Ride the Algiers Ferry Across the Mississippi 

Best Ages: All ages

This free ferry ride across the Mississippi River offers stunning views of the New Orleans skyline and gives kids a thrill of being on the mighty river. The short ride takes about 5 minutes each way, and you can walk around the historic Algiers Point neighborhood.

Additional Tip: Time your ride for sunset for spectacular photos, and bring jackets, as it can get windy on the water.

12. Explore the Cabildo and Presbytère Museums

Best Ages: 8+ years

These historic buildings flanking St. Louis Cathedral house fascinating exhibits about Louisiana history, including Mardi Gras traditions and the Louisiana Purchase. Kids enjoy the interactive displays and learning about pirates, explorers, and local legends.

Additional Tip: Combo tickets save money if you plan to visit multiple Louisiana State Museum properties.

13. Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Best Ages: All ages

Kids love the clip-clop of horses through the French Quarter while learning about the city's history from knowledgeable drivers. Most tours last 30-45 minutes and cover major landmarks.

Additional Tip: Book during cooler parts of the day for comfort, and ask your driver about kid-friendly stories and legends.

14. Catch Live Music at Jackson Square 

Best Ages: All ages

The beating heart of the French Quarter, Jackson Square is a pedestrian park where kids can run off energy while the whole family takes in the scene. Street musicians, brass bands, and artists selling their work line the square, and a local poet will even tap out a custom poem on an old typewriter. Rising right behind it is St. Louis Cathedral, the oldest continuously active cathedral in the United States, which makes a striking backdrop for photos. It's free, lively, and one of the best people-watching spots in the city.

Additional Tip: Come in the morning when the square is calmer and cooler, step inside the cathedral (free outside of services), then walk a block to Café du Monde and the French Market.

15. Cruise the Mississippi on the Steamboat Natchez 

Best Ages: All ages

Climb aboard the Steamboat Natchez, an authentic steam-powered sternwheeler, for a jazz cruise on the Mississippi. Kids are wide-eyed at the giant churning paddlewheel and the live jazz band, and they can peek into the working engine room while a narrator shares the river's history along the way. The daytime cruise runs about two hours and departs from the Toulouse Street Wharf near Jackson Square.

Additional Tip: Get there early to catch the steam calliope concert on the dock before departure, a New Orleans tradition, then settle in for the ride. A daytime jazz cruise is the most kid-friendly option, so choose it over the evening dinner cruise.

Where to Stay in New Orleans With Kids

Choosing the right neighborhood makes all the difference when traveling with children. The streets along the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line offer beautiful architecture, easy access to major attractions, and a quieter, more relaxed feel than the French Quarter, while keeping you close to the action.

Hotel Perle – A Top Pick for Families Visiting New Orleans

Hotel Perle strikes the perfect balance for families wanting style, comfort, and convenience. Located on historic St. Charles Avenue, it puts you a short walk from the National WWII Museum and within easy reach of the French Quarter, with the streetcar right outside to carry you uptown toward Audubon Park and the Zoo. Its all-suite layout means multi-bedroom suites with full kitchens and living rooms, so everyone has room to spread out after busy sightseeing days.

The rooftop is a lifesaver on hot afternoons: kids can splash and cool off in the guests-only pool while parents unwind over a drink or a bite at Charles & Julia, the hotel's rooftop bar and bistro. Down at street level, the walkable neighborhood offers plenty of family-friendly restaurants and green spaces, and the historic building's charm gives kids a taste of New Orleans' architectural magic without the French Quarter's evening intensity.

2-Day Kid-Friendly Itinerary

Not sure how to fit it all in? Here's an easy two days: one uptown, one in the French Quarter, with plenty of snack stops and downtime so nobody melts down.

Day 1: Uptown Adventure

• Morning: Ride the St. Charles streetcar to Audubon Zoo. Let kids pick their favorite animals and grab lunch at the zoo café.
• Afternoon: Walk through Audubon Park's playgrounds and tree-lined paths. Head to Magazine Street for window shopping and treats at Sucré.
• Evening: Early dinner at Dat Dog for kid-friendly fare, then return to your hotel for pool time and rest.

Day 2: French Quarter Family Fun

• Morning: Start with beignets. Café du Monde is the classic, or try Café Beignet nearby for shorter lines. Then explore the French Quarter's street performers and artists around Jackson Square.
• Midday: Cool off at the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium, then grab lunch at a nearby café with outdoor seating. 
• Afternoon: Browse souvenir shops, listen to street musicians, and maybe catch a horse-drawn carriage ride around the Quarter. 
• Evening: Head back to your hotel area for dinner and relaxation. 

Best Time to Visit New Orleans With Kids

The best time to visit New Orleans with kids is October through April, when the weather is mild enough for comfortable days of walking, streetcar rides, and outdoor exploring.

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Note: Mardi Gras, usually in February or March, means family-friendly parades but heavy crowds and higher hotel rates, so weigh it carefully if you're traveling with young kids.

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Family-Friendly Restaurants & Treats

Eating out with kids in New Orleans is half the fun, and you don't have to choose between good food and a relaxed table. These spots all welcome families, lean casual, and serve the kind of local treats, from beignets to creative donuts, that turn a quick bite into a memory. Most sit right along Magazine Street, so they're easy to fold into a day of sightseeing.

• Sucré - Artisanal chocolates, macarons, and gelato that'll make kids (and parents) swoon. Find them on Magazine Street.
• Dat Dog - Gourmet hot dogs with creative toppings. Kids love choosing their combinations, and there are several locations around the city.
• Café Beignet - A less crowded alternative to Café du Monde, serving the same powdered sugar magic with shorter waits.
• La Boulangerie - French bakery on Magazine Street, perfect for breakfast pastries, sandwiches, and kid-friendly treats.
• Willa Jean - Upscale bakery and brunch spot in the CBD, with kid-friendly pastries and famous biscuits that even picky eaters love.
• The Vintage - Casual Magazine Street spot serving beignets, coffee, and light meals in a relaxed atmosphere that works well for families.

Free Things to Do in New Orleans With Kids

You don't need to spend much to keep kids happy in New Orleans. Beyond the free stops already covered above, like Jackson Square's street performers, the Besthoff Sculpture Garden, and window-shopping on Magazine Street, here are a few more that won't cost a thing:

• Explore Louis Armstrong Park and Congo Square in Tremé, the birthplace of the city's music traditions, with open lawns and statues to wander.
• Catch a free ranger-led jazz program at the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park in the French Quarter.
• Let the kids stretch their legs at Woldenberg Riverfront Park, a downtown green space along the Mississippi where you can watch the steamboats and barges roll by.
• Time your trip to a Mardi Gras or neighborhood second-line parade, always free to watch and a guaranteed kid magnet.

Pro Tips for Visiting New Orleans With Kids

A few things we've learned that make a family trip here go smoother:

1. Avoid Bourbon Street after dark: The daytime French Quarter is family-friendly, but Bourbon Street gets adult-oriented after sunset.
2. Pack ear protection: New Orleans gets wonderfully loud with street music and parades. Sensitive kids appreciate noise-canceling headphones.
3. Use rideshares strategically: The tourist areas are walkable on their own, but Uber or Lyft help you cover the longer distances between them and beat the heat.
4. Go early everywhere: Beat crowds and heat by starting attractions when they open. Kids are fresher, lines are shorter, and temperatures are cooler.
5. Bring the essentials: Sunscreen, refillable water bottles, snacks, and wet wipes are your best friends in New Orleans.
6. Look for kid-friendly tours: Several companies offer family-focused walking tours that engage children with stories and interactive elements.
7. Plan indoor backup activities: Sudden rainstorms and heat waves happen. Know your nearest museum, aquarium, or air-conditioned café.

Final Thoughts

New Orleans surprises families with its blend of culture, adventure, and Southern charm that appeals to all ages. From spotting alligators on a swamp tour to getting powdered sugar all over their faces with beignets, your kids will collect memories that last a lifetime. Its manageable size, friendly locals, easy streetcar connections, and mix of indoor and outdoor attractions make it a surprisingly easy city for family travel. 

For the smoothest trip, consider Hotel Perle, where spacious all-suite accommodations and a spot on the historic St. Charles streetcar line create a great home base for your Big Easy adventure.

Ready to plan your family getaway? Book your stay at Hotel Perle and settle into a spacious suite with the streetcar right at your door.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting New Orleans With Kids

Is New Orleans safe to visit with kids?

Yes, New Orleans is safe for families when you stick to tourist areas during appropriate hours. The French Quarter, Garden District, and Uptown are well-patrolled and family-friendly during daytime. Avoid Bourbon Street after dark and stay aware of your surroundings like you would in any major city.

What's the best age to bring kids to New Orleans?

New Orleans works well for kids of all ages, but children 4-12 tend to get the most out of the experience. They're old enough to appreciate the culture, food, and attractions while still finding magic in street performers and carriage rides. Toddlers enjoy the sights and sounds, while teens appreciate the history and unique atmosphere.

How many days should I plan for New Orleans with kids?

Three to four days gives families enough time to see major attractions without feeling rushed. This allows for a mix of must-see spots like the zoo and aquarium, plus time for spontaneous discoveries and rest breaks that kids need.

Can I bring a stroller to New Orleans with kids?

Absolutely! Most areas are stroller-friendly, though some French Quarter sidewalks can be narrow and uneven. The streetcars accommodate strollers, and major attractions have stroller parking. Consider a lightweight, compact stroller for easier maneuvering.

What should I pack when visiting New Orleans with kids?

Pack comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, refillable water bottles, snacks, wet wipes, and a small first-aid kit. Bring layers for air-conditioned spaces and light rain gear. Don't forget swimwear if your hotel has a pool and noise-canceling headphones for sensitive ears.

Are there kid-friendly restaurants in New Orleans?

Yes! New Orleans has plenty of family-friendly dining options beyond the famous adult-oriented spots. Look for places with kids' menus, outdoor seating, and casual atmospheres. Many restaurants welcome families, especially during lunch and early dinner hours.

What's the weather like in New Orleans with kids year-round?

Winter and spring (October-April) offer the most comfortable weather for families. Summer can be extremely hot and humid, requiring more indoor activities and frequent breaks. Always check the forecast and plan accordingly, as afternoon thunderstorms are common.

What should I know about Mardi Gras season when visiting New Orleans with kids?

Family-friendly Mardi Gras parades happen throughout the season, especially on weekends. Kids love catching throws (beads, toys, cups), but crowds can be intense. Arrive early for good spots, bring folding chairs, and pack snacks and drinks. Some parades are specifically designed for families.

How do I handle the heat in New Orleans with kids?

Start early, take midday breaks in air-conditioned spaces, stay hydrated, and plan indoor activities during the hottest parts of the day (usually 11 AM - 3 PM). Many attractions like museums and the aquarium provide cool relief. Hotel pools become essential during summer visits.

Is Hotel Perle a good place to stay with kids?

Yes. It is built for group stays, which makes it an easy fit for families and even a few families traveling together, with plenty of room for everyone and a calmer, more residential feel than the French Quarter after dark. Kids and parents both get space to relax, and you are still close to the city's main family attractions.