10 Things to do in New Orleans with Kids!

New Orleans is often seen as a city for music, food, and nightlife, but it is also a wonderful place for families. If you are traveling with kids, you will find many activities that are fun, safe, and educational. From parks and museums to zoos and riverfront walks, the city has plenty to keep children entertained. In this guide, we’ll share 10 best things to do in New Orleans with kids, explaining each experience in detail so you can plan your trip with confidence.

1. Steamboat NATCHEZ Cruise

The Steamboat NATCHEZ gives visitors a two hours ride on the Mississippi River, letting them see New Orleans from the water while listening Jazz music. The boat leaves from the French Quarter and is one of the last real steamboats still working today. Guests can walk into the engine room to watch how steam power runs the boat, and before boarding they can listen to the steam calliope play music. Seating is available both inside and outside, so families can choose what feels best during the trip. Passengers may also buy meals on board, with local dishes like jambalaya and bread pudding served fresh.

2. Bayou Swamp Tours

The New Orleans Bayou Swamp Tours give visitors a close look at Louisiana’s wetlands, mixing nature, culture, and adventure in one trip. These tours last about 2 hours and take guests through bayous where they can see alligators, turtles, birds, and other wildlife living here. Local Cajun guides explain the history of the swamps, how people once lived there, and why these wetlands are important for protecting the land and water. Families often enjoy pontoon boats, which move slowly and give children a safe way to watch animals, while airboats provide a faster ride for those who want more excitement.

3. Audubon Zoo

Opened in 1914, Audubon Zoo is part of the Audubon Nature Institute, covering 58 acres with more than 2,000 animals from across the world. Families can explore themed areas such as the Louisiana Swamp, Jaguar Jungle, and African Savanna, each designed to show animals in settings that look like their natural homes. One of the newer sections, River’s Edge, while visitors often stop to see unique animals like the rare white alligator, along with giraffes, orangutans, and leopards. The zoo also offers daily feeding times and animal talks, where staff share simple and helpful information about the animals.

4. Audubon Aquarium

Opened in 1990, Audubon Aquarium is home to more than 3,600 animals from over 250 species, including sharks and stingrays. Guests can walk through a tunnel surrounded by a Caribbean reef tank, watching fish swim all around them. Exhibits also highlight the Amazon Rainforest, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Mississippi River, showing how different waters support unique plants and animals. Children and adults can touch stingrays in special pools, watch penguins play, and learn through hands‑on displays. Programs like the Penguin Party and Maya Snorkel give people a chance to get even closer to the animals.

5. Audubon Insectarium

The Audubon Insectarium gives visitors a chance to understand the world of insects and their role in nature. It has more than 50 live exhibits where visitors can see beetles, ants, stick bugs, and many other species up close. One of the highlights is the butterfly garden, filled with free‑flying butterflies and views of the river, making it a peaceful spot for families. Guests can also enjoy hands‑on displays that let them learn by touching and watching insects in action. A unique part of the museum is Bug Appétit, where visitors can try snacks made with edible insects, an experience that always sparks curiosity.

6. Jackson Square

In the center of the French Quarter, Jackson Square is a popular park, first laid out in 1721 and was called Place d’Armes during the years of French and Spanish rule. In 1803, the square became the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer, marking the moment when the United States took control of the territory. Later, it was renamed to honor Andrew Jackson, the general who led American troops in the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. Today, the square is known for its open‑air artist community, where local painters and craftspeople set up along the iron fence to share and sell their work.

7. Louisiana Children’s Museum

The Louisiana Children’s Museum gives families a place where kids can learn through play in both indoor and outdoor spaces. Spread across 8.5 acres, the museum has hands‑on exhibits focused on reading, art, health, science, and nature. Children can splash in water play areas, pretend to shop in a grocery store, build and create in activity rooms, or make music with instruments. Outside, visitors will find gardens, walking paths, and even a floating classroom that teaches about the environment. The museum also hosts birthday parties and school field trips, making it a popular spot for special events.

8. Vue Orleans Observation Deck

Nearby Four Seasons Hotel, Vue Orleans gives visitors a full 360‑degree view of New Orleans from 34 floors high. From the open‑air terrace and the indoor glass space, guests can see the Mississippi River and many city landmarks. The deck has touchscreen displays and telescopes that explain what people are looking at in simple ways. As visitors move through the exhibits, they learn easy‑to‑understand stories from interactive displays about the city’s food, music, traditions, and history. One of the most fun parts is a virtual second‑line parade, where guests can join in by dancing and listening to jazz.

9. Mardi Gras World

The Mardi Gras World let visitors to see behind‑the‑scenes look at how the big, colorful floats used in Mardi Gras parades are made. Guests walk through the working warehouse, where props and decorations are built, painted, and stored, and they learn about the artists who create them. The building is run by Kern Studios, and a guided tour includes a short film about the history of Mardi Gras and a walk through the large workshop, where visitors can see the floats up close. During the tour, guests can watch how decorations are shaped and painted, try on costumes, and take photos with props.

10. Nola Pedal Barge — Swamp Tour Party Boat

The Nola Pedal Barge is a different kind of swamp tour because it is also a party boat where guests can bring their own drinks, play music, and enjoy the ride together. The boats come with sound systems, bathrooms, and even a tiki bar, making the trip more fun and comfortable. Each tour lasts about two hours and gives passengers a chance to see the swamp, watch for wildlife like birds and sometimes alligators, and take in views of the city skyline. The boats are powered by pedals, but they also have motors, so guests can relax, dance, or just enjoy the scenery without needing to pedal the whole time.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

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