20 Things to Do in New Orleans With Teens

Wondering if New Orleans really works with teenagers? A lot of parents do. Maybe you pictured it as a place for romantic weekends or wild nights out, not a family trip, and you're not sure how to balance what you want with what your teens will actually enjoy. Here's the good news: New Orleans meets both.

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. They'll each read the place a little differently, and that's part of the fun.

Meanwhile, parents get their own version of the same trip. From swamp tours with actual alligators to beignet taste-offs and rooftop views that stretch for miles, here's your guide to the 20 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. 

Top 20 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. Take a 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. Head Up to 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 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 $29.95. Your teens will love the elevator ride up; it's fast and feels like a mini adventure.

3. Wander a 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 a 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. Browse the French Market (Snacks, Souvenirs & Local Finds)

Location: French Market, French Quarter (along Decatur Street, running from Jackson Square down to Esplanade Avenue)

The French Market is an open-air market that stretches for several blocks through the lower French Quarter. It's a mix of food stalls, produce, local crafts, jewelry, and souvenir vendors, and it's been a gathering spot in the city for generations.

Why it's great for teens: Give your teens a small budget and let them browse on their own. There's plenty to look at without much pressure to buy. They can grab a souvenir, try something new from a food stall, or just people-watch. It's contained enough that it's easy to give them a bit of independence.

Pro tip: Go in the morning when it's cooler and less crowded. Check the schedule ahead of time, since the market often has live music and pop-up markets on weekends.

5. Take a Swamp Tour With Gators (Flatboat or Airboat)

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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.

6. Hunt Street Art & Murals (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. 

7. Catch Live Jazz at Frenchmen Street

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.

8. Explore the WWII Museum (History That Holds Attention)

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: Student discounts are available with ID. The museum can be overwhelming, so let your teens pick which exhibits interest them most.

9. 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.

10. Taste Beignet: 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: Go to Café du Monde early, before 10 AM, to skip the longest lines, then head to The Vintage or Café Beignet to compare. Pack a few wet wipes, since the powdered sugar gets everywhere and your teens will want clean hands before the photos.

11. Shop Thrift on Magazine Street (Buffalo Exchange)

Location: Magazine Street (particularly between 3000 and 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.

12. Go Behind the Scenes at Mardi Gras World

Location: 1380 Port of New Orleans Place, Algiers (across the river from the 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.

13. 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 Big Lake offers 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 a swan pedal boat or kayak on Big Lake from Wheel Fun Rentals at the City Park Boat House. Boats are rented by the hour, so check the current rates before you go. The nearby Besthoff Sculpture Garden is a separate free stop worth adding, and in summer the park's old oak trees give you plenty of shade.

14. 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.

15. Stroll the Garden District

Location: Garden District (take the St. Charles streetcar; explore around Prytania Street, Coliseum Street, and St. Charles Avenue)

The Garden District is a short ride down St. Charles Avenue from the French Quarter. It's a quiet neighborhood known for its 19th-century mansions, oak-lined streets, and iron fences, and many of the homes have been used in movies and TV shows.

Why it's great for teens: It's a calmer break from the busy French Quarter, and spotting the mansions turns into a bit of a game, especially the ones teens recognize from film and TV. The streetcar ride there is part of the fun.

Pro tip: Hotel Perle sits right on St. Charles Avenue, so the Garden District is an easy trip. Catch the streetcar just outside, and you're there in a few minutes. Wear comfortable shoes, since the old sidewalks are uneven, and bring water when it's warm.

16. Visit the Audubon Aquarium, Zoo, or Insectarium

Location: Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium, 1 Canal Street (the zoo is uptown, near Audubon Park)

New Orleans has a few Audubon attractions worth a stop. The Aquarium and Insectarium share one building at the foot of Canal Street, near the river, with sea life tanks, a butterfly garden, and bug exhibits. The Audubon Zoo is a separate spot uptown, home to a range of animals, including a rare white alligator.

Why it's great for teens: These are an easy way to spend a few hours out of the heat, and they still work for older teens who think they've outgrown a zoo or aquarium. The Insectarium is a bit different from what most cities have, so it's worth a look.

Pro tip: The Aquarium and Insectarium are walkable from the French Quarter, or a short streetcar ride down Canal Street. If you want to add the zoo, plan it as a separate trip since it's uptown.

17. Take a Riverboat Jazz Cruise at Sunset

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

Historic paddlewheel 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 wheel, 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.

18. Join a 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.

19. Get Creative at JAMNOLA

Location: 940 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116

JAMNOLA (short for Joy, Art, and Music NOLA) is a walk-through art experience with more than a dozen interactive rooms built around New Orleans culture. You'll find colorful installations, mirror rooms, and photo-friendly setups throughout.

Why it's great for teens: It's made for photos, so teens tend to like it. Each room is a new setup, you go at your own pace, and it covers the city's art and music in a hands-on way rather than a sit-and-read museum way.

Pro tip: Buy tickets online ahead of time, since slots can fill up. It's on Frenchmen Street in the Marigny, a short walk or rideshare from the French Quarter, and it pairs well with an evening of live music nearby.

20. Cool Off at Hotel Perle's Rooftop Pool

Location: Hotel Perle, 757 St. Charles Avenue

After a day of walking the French Quarter or shopping on Magazine Street, the rooftop pool at Hotel Perle is a good place to cool off. It sits above St. Charles Avenue with views over the neighborhood.

Why it's great for teens: Teens get a spot to swim, relax, and have some downtime, while parents get a quiet place to rest and grab a drink at Charles & Julia, the hotel's on-site bar, before heading back out. A built-in break like this helps keep everyone in a good mood on a busy trip.

Pro tip: Plan a pool break in the mid-afternoon between your morning and evening plans. It's an easy way to get out of the heat. Since it's at the hotel, there's no travel time, and because the pool is private to guests, it's a safe, low-key spot to let teens relax on their own.

Where to Stay in New Orleans With Teens

Hotel Perle – Suites Built for Families

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Where you stay shapes the whole trip when teenagers are involved, and the thing that sets Hotel Perle apart is the rooms themselves. Instead of cramming everyone into one hotel room with two beds, the suites are multi-bedroom layouts, with options ranging from two bedrooms up to seven, so teens can have their own room and parents can have theirs.

Each suite comes with a full kitchen and dining area and a separate living room, which changes how a family trip actually works. Teens can sleep in while you grab coffee, everyone can regroup over a home-cooked breakfast instead of a rushed hotel-lobby one, and there's a shared space to land at the end of the day without being on top of each other. For a longer stay, having a kitchen also takes some pressure off eating every meal out.

The location backs this up. The hotel sits right on St. Charles Avenue, on the streetcar line and a short walk from Magazine Street, so teens have room to explore nearby while you keep a comfortable home base to return to. Back at the hotel, there's a guests-only rooftop pool for cooling off and the Charles & Julia rooftop bar where parents can unwind at the end of the day.

Book your Hotel Perle suite now, claim your spot on St. Charles Avenue, and build the kind of trip your teens will actually want to come back for.

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. Willa Jean offers all-day breakfast and lunch options that satisfy both teens and parents.

Additional Travel Tips for Visiting With Teens

A few practical tips can make a New Orleans trip with teens go a lot smoother. Keep these in mind as you plan.

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; a suite with a separate living room makes it easy to regroup between outings.

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. Save Bourbon Street for the daytime. It's fun to walk through and see while it's calm, and in the evening you'll find better spots for teens on Frenchmen Street, Magazine Street, and the surrounding neighborhoods.

6. Bring water and a portable charger. New Orleans summers run hot and humid, often in the 90s, and between photos, navigation, and streetcar apps, teens' phones won't last the day on a single charge.

Final Thoughts

New Orleans turns out to be a great fit for teenagers, even if it isn't the first city that comes to mind for a family trip. There's enough variety here that teens can find their own thing, whether that's the live music, the food, the ghost stories, or the art and history around every corner. They get some independence, and parents get a trip they enjoy just as much.

The mix of walkable neighborhoods, streetcars, and things to do within a short ride makes it an easy city to explore together. Book a stay somewhere central like Hotel Perle, give your teens a say in the plan, and you'll come home with a trip everyone remembers for the right reasons.

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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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.

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