5 must-do’s in New Orleans with kids

Thinking of traveling to New Orleans with your kids? New Orleans, often referred to as “The Big Easy,” is a city known for its vibrant culture, unique music scene, and delectable cuisine.

New Orleans is a wonderful family destination with delicious food and so many places to discover. Check out what to do while visiting New Orleans with kids.

While it might not be the first destination that comes to mind for a family vacation, NOLA has plenty to offer for travelers of all ages, including children.

From colorful parades to interactive museums and delicious beignets, New Orleans provides a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave both kids and adults with cherished memories.

Our first family trip to New Orleans was unforgettable and so much fun. Thanks to an invitation from the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, we discovered that this city is so much more than Jazz, the French Quarter and Bourbon Street. We even went paddleboarding!

Years later, we went again and I am happy to report that the food is as stellar as always, there are great museums, and prices are not as crazy as in other cities.

We had such a great time that I highly encourage you to visit NOLA with your family. And when your children grow older, you can explore Tulane and do a college tour.

Fun Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids

Here are 5 things you must do if you’re planning a trip to NOLA with your kids:

Eat. The food in New Orleans is famous and justly so. Every single place we ate at was beyond delish. Highly recommend Meril’s (the flatbread, fried chicken salad and banana cream pie are to die for!), La Petite Grocery (don’t miss the baked macaroni and the lamb), Copper Vine and Root (the ribeye and the duck were perfection). When you look at the menus there is an obvious preference for seafood and pork, but if you have food allergies or special dietary requirements, there are tasty options everywhere. Tip: make reservations in advance, especially during the winter. Use an app or site such as OpenTable to book a table and get directions.
Savor the beignets. Speaking of food, these mouth-watering square doughnuts covered in powdered sugar are heavenly. Believe the hype and don’t dare leave New Orleans without trying them! Even if you think you’ve had wonderful beignets in other places, nothing compares to the originals. Many restaurants in NOLA serve them but go to Café du Monde, which is open 24/7. The original is at the French Quarter, but there are several other locations where you can get your café au lait (coffee with milk) and beignets fix. On a hot day, try the frozen coffee, which is sweet but so refreshing! Tip: watch how the beignets are made at Café du Monde.
Visit the World War II Museum. This is a must-do, especially if you have children. This immersive museum provides a captivating glimpse into the events of World War II through a combination of exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. While it may seem like a solemn subject for children, the museum has designed its exhibits to be engaging and informative for all ages. Kids can explore tanks, aircraft, and other military vehicles, listen to firsthand accounts of veterans, and even participate in interactive exhibits that simulate aspects of the war experience. The absolute highlight is the 4D movie Beyond All Boundaries, narrated by Tom Hanks. I don’t think it’s suitable for preschoolers, but if your child is mature enough and you are ready to answer tough questions about war and death, it’s a great educational experience. My then 11-year-old son said it was his favorite part of the trip because for the first time he didn’t feel history was boring. Tip: if you’re hungry, the museum has a great restaurant, The American Sector. My kids loved the flatbreads and milk shakes, while I had a fresh farm-to-table steak salad. The mini cookies with milk were a great ending to our museum visit.
Explore the aquarium. The New Orleans aquarium is huge, has air conditioning and has so much to explore. The walk-through tunnel offers a beautiful beginning to your visit, My kids in particular loved the penguins and being able to touch the rays, while I stared at the jellyfish without having to worry about stings. After, visit the Woldenberg Park right next to the aquarium and enjoy the view of the Mississippi river. Tip: plan your visit in advance by checking their schedule beforehand and do an online search for money-saving coupons.
Walk. There are so many lovely streets in NOLA. Aside from Bourbon Street, walk down Magazine Street and see all the art galleries, bakeries and unique shops. We also explored the French Quarter during the day and Jackson Square. Want to explore beyond downtown? You can take the streetcar or trolley and explore a certain area that interests you, like the Garden District. Tip: if you do a walking tour of the Garden District, buy or fill water bottles before your group departs.

Want to experience Mardi Gras any day of the year? You can go to Mardi Gras World from 9-5! It even offers a complimentary shuttle for people taking their tour, with stops adjacent to the French Quarter. Adult admission is $22, while children 2-12 pay $14. Tours last around an hour.

Have you visited New Orleans? Do you have any other must-do’s? Please share. I loved NOLA so much I hope to go back soon. Can’t visit for now? Discover the secrets to Emeril’s legendary banana cream pie.