15 Epic Things to Do in New Orleans With Teens

Think New Orleans is just beads and Bourbon Street? There's a whole other side made for teen travelers. This city pulses with live music spilling from doorways, street art that begs for Instagram posts, and ghost stories that'll give your teens something to talk about for months. New Orleans is built for curious, independent-minded teenagers (and parents who want to enjoy the adventure too). From swamp tours with actual alligators to beignet taste-offs and rooftop views that stretch for miles, here's your guide to the coolest things to do in New Orleans with teens.

Why New Orleans is a Vibe for Teen Travelers

New Orleans won't leave your teens scrolling through their phones out of boredom—this city is built for explorers. Street performers pop up on every corner, jazz spills out of clubs, the food has actual flavor, and the ghost stories are legendary. It's walkable, surprisingly safe in the main areas, incredibly photogenic, and packed with history that's actually interesting (not the dry textbook kind). Plus, it's easy for parents to give teens a little independence here—the French Quarter and surrounding neighborhoods are compact and well-traveled. Check out NewOrleans.com's family travel section for more planning tips.

Top 15 Things to Do in New Orleans With Teens

Ready to dive into the best teen-friendly adventures New Orleans has to offer? These activities hit that sweet spot between cool enough for teenagers and engaging enough for the whole family.

1. Ghost Tour (Not Too Scary, Just Cool)

Location: French Quarter (tours typically start at Jackson Square or nearby)

New Orleans ghost tours blend real history with spine-tingling legends as you walk through centuries-old streets under flickering gas lamps. Professional guides share stories about voodoo queens, mysterious disappearances, and haunted buildings while keeping the experience educational rather than terrifying.

Why it's great for teens: Ghost tours in New Orleans aren't cheesy haunted house experiences—they're storytelling walks through actual historic neighborhoods with real legends. Your teens will hear about voodoo queens, mysterious disappearances, and centuries-old mysteries while exploring the atmospheric French Quarter after dark.

Pro tip: Book a family-friendly tour that starts around 7 PM, so you're not out too late. The French Quarter Phantoms tour strikes the perfect balance between spooky and educational. Bring a portable phone charger—your teens will want to document everything.

2. Vue Orleans Observation Deck (360° City Views)

Location: World Trade Center, 2 Canal Street

This 34th-floor observation deck offers panoramic views of the Mississippi River, French Quarter, and the sprawling city beyond. The elevator ride up is an experience itself, and the views are particularly stunning during sunset when the city transforms into a glittering landscape.

Why it's great for teens: Nothing beats a bird's-eye view of the city for those perfect Instagram shots. Vue Orleans sits 34 floors up and gives you panoramic views of the Mississippi River, French Quarter, and sprawling neighborhoods. It's especially stunning at sunset when the city lights start twinkling.

Pro tip: Go about an hour before sunset to catch both daylight and golden hour photos. The observation deck is located in the World Trade Center, and tickets are around $25. Your teens will love the elevator ride up—it's fast and feels like a mini adventure. Visit Vue Orleans to book ahead.

3. French Quarter Self-Guided Photo Walk

Location: French Quarter (start at Jackson Square, explore Royal Street and Chartres Street)

The French Quarter is an outdoor photography studio with wrought-iron balconies, colorful Creole cottages, and historic architecture at every turn. Street musicians add soundtrack to your photo session, while the mix of tourists and locals creates perfect candid moments.

Why it's great for teens: The French Quarter is basically an outdoor photography studio. Wrought-iron balconies, colorful Creole cottages, street musicians, and those famous gas lanterns create endless photo opportunities. Let your teens lead the way with their cameras while you soak up the architecture and atmosphere.

Pro tip: Start early morning (around 9 AM) when the light is soft and the crowds are thinner. Royal Street and Chartres Street have the most photogenic buildings. Download a self-guided walking tour app like GyPSy Guide to add some historical context to the pretty pictures.

4. Swamp Tour With Gators (Flatboat or Airboat)

Location: Various departure points 30-60 minutes from New Orleans (Honey Island Swamp, Jean Lafitte National Park)

Louisiana's wetlands come alive during guided boat tours through cypress swamps where alligators, birds, and other wildlife live in their natural habitat. Experienced guides share knowledge about the ecosystem while safely navigating through moss-draped waterways that look like something from a nature documentary.

Why it's great for teens: Real alligators in their natural habitat? Your teens will be glued to the boat rails. Swamp tours take you into Louisiana's wetlands where you'll spot gators, birds, and maybe even a snake or two. It's nature documentary stuff, but you're living it.

Pro tip: Book a morning tour when animals are more active, and choose a smaller boat for better views. Honey Island Swamp Tours offers educational tours about 45 minutes from the city. Bring sunscreen, bug spray, and a good camera with zoom. If you're staying at Hotel Perle, their concierge can help arrange transportation to tour departure points.

5. Street Art & Mural Hunt (Bywater or Magazine Street)

Location: Bywater neighborhood (Royal Street and Dauphine Street) and Magazine Street

New Orleans' street art scene goes far beyond tourist trinkets, with local and international artists creating colorful murals on buildings throughout these hip neighborhoods. The art changes regularly, so there's always something new to discover, from large-scale murals to smaller hidden gems tucked into alleyways.

Why it's great for teens: New Orleans has an incredible street art scene that goes way beyond tourist trinkets. The Bywater neighborhood and Magazine Street are packed with colorful murals, creative installations, and local artist studios. It's like a treasure hunt for cool art.

Pro tip: Start in the Bywater around Royal Street and Dauphine Street, then work your way toward Magazine Street. Many murals change regularly, so you'll see fresh art even if you've been before. Check out Street Art NOLA for a map of current murals and artist info.

6. Catch Live Jazz at Frenchmen Street (Before 9pm)

Location: Frenchmen Street (between Decatur Street and Esplanade Avenue)

Frenchmen Street is where locals go for authentic live music, with multiple venues hosting everything from traditional jazz to funk and blues. The street itself becomes part of the show, with music spilling from doorways and street performers adding to the electric atmosphere.

Why it's great for teens: Frenchmen Street is where locals go for live music, and it's way more authentic than the touristy spots. Your teens can experience real New Orleans jazz in intimate venues where musicians have been playing for decades. The energy is infectious, and the music is world-class.

Pro tip: Hit Frenchmen Street between 6-8 PM for the best family-friendly experience. The Spotted Cat Music Club and d.b.a. often have early shows. Most venues are 21+ after 9 PM, so timing matters. Grab dinner nearby and make it a whole evening experience.

7. WWII Museum (Actually Interesting)

Location: 945 Magazine Street, Warehouse District

The National WWII Museum brings history to life through immersive exhibits, personal stories, and interactive experiences that go far beyond typical museum displays. The 4D theater experience and restored aircraft make this feel more like a movie set than a traditional museum.

Why it's great for teens: This isn't your typical dusty museum—it's an immersive experience with interactive exhibits, personal stories, and artifacts that bring history to life. The 4D theater experience and submarine exhibit are particularly engaging for teens who might normally zone out during history lessons.

Pro tip: Plan for at least 3-4 hours, and consider the Beyond All Boundaries 4D film experience. Student discounts are available with ID. The museum can be overwhelming, so let your teens pick which exhibits interest them most.

8. Ride the St. Charles Streetcar (Front Seat = Best Seat)

Location: St. Charles Avenue line (board at Canal Street, ride to Carrollton Avenue)

The historic St. Charles streetcar has been running since 1835, taking passengers through some of New Orleans' most beautiful neighborhoods past massive oak trees and stunning mansions. The vintage wooden seats and brass fixtures make you feel like you're traveling back in time while the scenery outside constantly changes.

Why it's great for teens: The St. Charles streetcar isn't just transportation—it's a moving tour through some of New Orleans' most beautiful neighborhoods. Your teens will love the vintage feel of the wooden seats and brass fixtures, plus the views of massive oak trees and historic mansions.

Pro tip: Board at Canal Street and ride all the way to the end at Carrollton Avenue, then ride back. The front seats give you the best views and photo opportunities. It costs $1.25 each way, and you can pay with exact change or a mobile app. The whole round trip takes about 90 minutes.

9. Beignet Taste-Off: Café du Monde vs. The Vintage

Location: Café du Monde (800 Decatur Street, French Quarter) and The Vintage (627 Ursulines Street)

New Orleans' most famous pastry deserves a proper comparison between the tourist favorite and local alternatives. Café du Monde has been serving beignets since 1862 in their iconic open-air café, while newer spots like The Vintage offer their own takes on the powdered sugar-covered treats.

Why it's great for teens: Turn dessert into a competition. Café du Monde is the famous spot, but locals have other favorites. Your teens can judge the ultimate beignet battle while getting their sugar fix and learning about New Orleans food culture.

Pro tip: Hit Café du Monde early (before 10 AM) to avoid massive lines, then try The Vintage or Café Beignet for comparison. Bring wet wipes—powdered sugar gets everywhere, and your teens will want clean hands for photos.

10. Shop Thrift on Magazine Street (Buffalo Exchange)

Location: Magazine Street (particularly between 3000-4000 blocks in the Garden District)

Magazine Street stretches for six miles and offers everything from vintage clothing stores to local boutiques, antique shops, and record stores. The mix of chain stores and one-of-a-kind local shops means there's something for every taste and budget, plus plenty of cafés for refueling between shopping sessions.

Why it's great for teens: Magazine Street stretches for miles and is packed with unique shops, vintage stores, and local boutiques. Your teens can hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces while you browse antiques and local art. It's shopping with personality.

Pro tip: Start at the Garden District end (around 3000 Magazine Street) and work your way toward downtown. Buffalo Exchange and Funky Monkey are teen favorites. Many shops are cash-only, so hit an ATM first.

11. Mardi Gras World (Behind the Scenes of the Parade)

Location: 1380 Port of New Orleans Place, Algiers (across the river from French Quarter)

This working warehouse is where the magic of Mardi Gras happens year-round, with artists creating massive floats, sculptures, and decorations for the city's famous parades. Guided tours take you through the creative process while you can try on costumes and see works in progress.

Why it's great for teens: Ever wonder how those massive Mardi Gras floats get made? Mardi Gras World is where the magic happens year-round. Your teens can see artists creating giant sculptures, try on costumes, and learn about the traditions behind New Orleans' most famous celebration.

Pro tip: Tours run every 30 minutes and include king cake samples. It's air-conditioned, making it perfect for hot days. Mardi Gras World offers student discounts, and the gift shop has unique souvenirs you won't find anywhere else.

12. Explore City Park (Sculpture Garden + Boats)

Location: 1 Palm Drive, Mid-City (larger than Central Park in NYC)

City Park spans 1,300 acres and houses the New Orleans Museum of Art, Besthoff Sculpture Garden, and various recreational activities. The sculpture garden features works from renowned artists set among ancient oak trees, while the lagoons offer paddle boat rentals for a different perspective of the park.

Why it's great for teens: City Park is massive (bigger than Central Park) and packed with activities. The sculpture garden is free and Instagram-worthy, while the paddle boats let you explore the lagoons. It's a nice break from the urban energy of the French Quarter.

Pro tip: Rent paddle boats at the Besthoff Sculpture Garden lagoon—it's $20 for 30 minutes and surprisingly fun. The sculpture garden is free and open daily. If you're visiting during summer, the park's ancient oak trees provide much-needed shade.

13. Try Local Eats (Po'boys, Pralines, Snowballs)

Location: Various locations throughout the city (Johnny's Po-Boys on St. Louis Street, Hansen's Sno-Bliz on Tchoupitoulas Street)

New Orleans food culture goes far beyond fancy restaurants, with local specialties available at casual spots throughout the city. Po'boys are massive sandwiches that originated here, pralines are sweet pecan candies, and snowballs (shaved ice with flavored syrup) provide relief from the heat.

Why it's great for teens: New Orleans food is an adventure in itself. Po'boys are massive sandwiches that challenge even teenage appetites, pralines are sweet and addictive, and snowballs (shaved ice with flavored syrup) are perfect for cooling off between activities.

Pro tip: Johnny's Po-Boys is a local institution, Aunt Sally's makes incredible pralines, and Hansen's Sno-Bliz has been serving snowballs since 1939. Let your teens order whatever sounds interesting—New Orleans food is meant to be an adventure.

14. Take a Riverboat Jazz Cruise at Sunset

Location: Departs from the Toulouse Street Wharf in the French Quarter

Historic paddle wheel steamboats offer dinner cruises along the Mississippi River with live jazz bands providing the soundtrack. The boats themselves are pieces of history, and watching the city skyline from the water as the sun sets creates a magical experience that captures the romance of old New Orleans.

Why it's great for teens: There's something magical about cruising the Mississippi River while listening to live jazz as the sun sets over New Orleans. Your teens will love the novelty of being on a paddle wheeler, and the music creates the perfect soundtrack for photos and memories.

Pro tip: Book the Steamboat Natchez evening jazz cruise, which includes dinner and live music. The sunset timing is perfect for photos, and the boat's multiple decks give everyone space to find their favorite spot. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.

15. Night Tour or Evening Photography Walk

Location: French Quarter and surrounding historic neighborhoods

New Orleans transforms after dark when gas lanterns flicker to life and the city takes on a mysterious, romantic atmosphere. Professional photography tours combine sightseeing with technical instruction, teaching participants how to capture the city's nighttime magic while exploring safely in a group.

Why it's great for teens: New Orleans transforms after dark. Gas lanterns flicker to life, music spills from doorways, and the whole city takes on a mysterious, romantic atmosphere. An evening photography walk lets your teens capture this magic while staying safe in a group.

Pro tip: Many tour companies offer evening photography tours that combine sightseeing with photo tips. Photo Tours New Orleans offers family-friendly options that focus on technique and local history. Bring a tripod or phone stabilizer for better night shots.

Where to Stay in New Orleans With Teens

Hotel Perle – The Cool, Comfortable Base for Families With Teens

When you're traveling with teenagers, location and vibe matter just as much as comfort. Hotel Perle hits all the right notes—it's stylish without being stuffy, centrally located without being chaotic, and offers the kind of authentic New Orleans experience that'll impress even hard-to-please teens.

The hotel sits right on historic St. Charles Avenue, putting you within walking distance of Magazine Street's shops and restaurants, streetcar stops that connect you to the French Quarter, and those Instagram-worthy Garden District mansions Your teens will love being close to the action—they can grab coffee at a local café, hunt for vintage finds on Magazine Street, or catch the streetcar to Frenchmen Street for live music.

Parents appreciate the peace of mind that comes with Hotel Perle's secure, well-maintained property and attentive staff who know the city inside and out. The spacious suites give everyone room to spread out, and the rooftop pool provides a perfect spot to cool off after a day of exploring the city. Plus, the hotel's concierge can help arrange everything from swamp tour transportation to restaurant reservations at teen-friendly spots.

Where to Eat When You're Rolling With Teens

Food is half the fun of any New Orleans trip, and teens have strong opinions about what they'll actually eat. Here are the spots that consistently win over teenage taste buds.

🍩 Sweet Spots Worth the Hype

Café Beignet offers a less touristy alternative to Café du Monde with the same powdered sugar magic. Sucré creates artisanal chocolates and macarons that look as good as they taste. Drip Affogato Bar serves Instagram-worthy coffee and dessert combinations that teens love to photograph and devour.

🌮 Grab-and-Go Eats

Dat Dog elevates hot dogs with local ingredients and creative toppings. Empanola serves handheld empanadas perfect for eating while walking around. Killer Po'boys puts creative spins on the classic New Orleans sandwich that even picky eaters will try.

☕ Teen-Approved Cafés

French Truck Coffee has multiple locations and serves excellent coffee in a relaxed atmosphere. The Vintage combines coffee, beignets, and vintage shopping in one cool spot. Willa Jean offers all-day breakfast and lunch options that satisfy both teens and parents.

Additional Travel Tips for Visiting With Teens

1. Let teens co-plan the trip. Give them a voice in choosing activities—whether it's ghost tours, music venues, or food spots. They'll be more engaged when they've helped create the itinerary.

2. Use streetcars and rideshares instead of renting a car. Parking in New Orleans is expensive and frustrating. The streetcar system is part of the experience, and Uber/Lyft are readily available.

3. Build in downtime. Even the most energetic teens need breaks. Hotel Perle's rooftop pool and comfortable common areas provide perfect spots to recharge between adventures.

4. Visit popular attractions early. Beat the crowds and heat by starting your day around 9 AM. Most teens are surprisingly adaptable to early starts when they know cool activities await.

5. Avoid Bourbon Street at night. It's not family-friendly after dark, and there are much better places to experience authentic New Orleans culture.

6. Always carry water and portable chargers. New Orleans heat is no joke, and teens need their phones for photos, maps, and staying connected.

Frequently Asked Questions About New Orleans With Teens

1. Is New Orleans safe for teenagers?

New Orleans is generally safe for families with teens when you stick to well-traveled areas like the French Quarter, Garden District, and Magazine Street during daylight hours. The key is staying aware of your surroundings and avoiding isolated areas after dark. Most tourist areas have good foot traffic and police presence, making them comfortable for teens who want a bit of independence.

2. What's the best age range for these activities?

Most of these activities work great for teens aged 13-19, though some (like ghost tours and live music venues) are better suited for older teens (15+). Younger teens might prefer the swamp tours, streetcar rides, and food adventures, while older teens will gravitate toward the photography walks, live music, and shopping on Magazine Street.

3. Can teens go to music venues in New Orleans?

Many venues on Frenchmen Street welcome all ages during early evening hours (typically before 9 PM), but most switch to 21+ after that. The Spotted Cat, d.b.a., and other popular spots often have early shows that are perfect for teens. Always check with venues ahead of time, and plan to arrive between 6-8 PM for the best family-friendly experience.

4. How much spending money should teens have?

Plan for about $30-50 per day per teen for food, drinks, and small purchases. Beignets cost around $3, po'boys range from $8-15, and most attractions are $15-25. If your teens want to shop on Magazine Street or buy souvenirs, budget an extra $20-40. Many activities like the sculpture garden and street art hunting are completely free.

5. Are ghost tours actually scary for teens?

Most family-friendly ghost tours in New Orleans focus more on history and storytelling than jump scares. They're designed to be atmospheric and interesting rather than terrifying. However, some teens might find the stories about voodoo, mysterious deaths, and haunted locations genuinely spooky. If your teen is easily frightened, consider a daytime historical tour instead.

6. What's the best way to get around with teens?

The streetcar system is fun and efficient for longer distances, while walking works great for exploring neighborhoods like the French Quarter and Magazine Street. Uber and Lyft are readily available and often more convenient than trying to park a car. Many teens enjoy the independence of navigating the streetcar system with a parent nearby.

7. Should we avoid Bourbon Street completely?

Bourbon Street during the day is fine for a quick walk-through to see the famous street, but it's not where you'll find the best New Orleans experiences for teens. The real culture, food, and music happen on Frenchmen Street, Magazine Street, and in the various neighborhoods. Save Bourbon Street for a brief daytime photo op, then head to more authentic spots.

Let Your Teens Discover the Soul of New Orleans

New Orleans is electric, bold, musical, and absolutely perfect for creating memories with teenagers. This city offers the rare combination of being fun for both generations—teens get the independence, culture, and Instagram opportunities they crave, while parents enjoy world-class food, fascinating history, and the peace of mind that comes with exploring a walkable, well-traveled destination.

From ghost stories that'll fuel conversations for months to jazz music that'll expand their musical horizons, New Orleans gives teens experiences they can't get anywhere else. The city's mix of history, culture, food, and adventure creates the perfect backdrop for family bonding and teenage exploration.

Ready to plan your New Orleans adventure with teens? Book your stay at Hotel Perle to put yourself in the heart of everything this incredible city has to offer. With its perfect location, spacious accommodations, and teen-friendly amenities, it's the ideal base for discovering why New Orleans captures hearts at every age.

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