Top 10 Things to Do in New Orleans for Families

steamboat-3New Orleans is one of the nation’s most popular vacation destinations. Consider these top 10 family friendly attractions while letting the good times roll in the Big Easy.

  1. The Aquarium of the Americas features aquatic life native to the Western Hemisphere. Pass through a transparent tunnel while fish swim overhead. Interactive displays allow children to learn about the undersea treasures that reside in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico as well as the Amazon and Mississippi Rivers.
  2. The Louisiana Children’s Museum is a playful experience for the whole family. The museum is 30,000-square feet of interactive, hands-on exhibits. Children and their families are invited to experience art, music, health and science. Maneuver a crane, discover how kites fly and see the world through the eyes of hawks and other animals.
  3. Mardi Gras World shows children where the parade magic is born. Visitors see artisans constructing the enormous floats as well as masks, costumes and other props. Children can dress up in carnival costumes. The self-guided tour provides a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s most famous parades.
  4. The Audubon Zoo is a cherished New Orleans institution. It is the home of some the world’s rarest and most intriguing animals. Stroll through the park to view Komodo dragons and a pair of white tigers as well as elephant and sea lions. Children will enjoy the play equipment on Monkey Hill, the petting zoo and the Cool Zoo water park.
  5. Historic Streetcar Rides provide a glimpse into a bygone era. They are the world’s oldest continuously operated streetcar system. These famous streetcars are a fun way to travel between various sites within the city.
  6. The Bayou and Swamp Adventure reveals the intriguing world of this unique environment. Experience the beauty of the Jean Lafitte National Forest while riding in a custom-designed swamp boat. See where indigenous animals like egrets and alligators nest and raise their young. Learn about the ongoing conservation efforts to protect this endangered habitat.
  7. New Orleans City Park was fully restored and updated after sustaining extensive damage during Hurricane Katrina. The 1,300-acre park has an antique carousel, bumper cars and a miniature train. Children’s stories and fairy tales come alive in the Storyland play area. Park amenities include a duck pond and a band shell for outdoor concerts.
  8. Jackson Square is the home of the state history museum as well as antique cannons and historic buildings, such as the St. Louis Cathedral and the 1850 House. It is the venue for tap dancers, jazz musicians and other street performers. Climb aboard a horse-drawn carriage for a tour of the French Quarter.
  9. The National World War II Museum enables visitors to explore the seminal event through the eyes of those who served overseas and on the home front. Hands-on exhibits enable children to solve puzzles, make propaganda posters and send messages with flags. They can learn about victory gardens and view the equipment used to fight the war.
  10. Preservation Hall is a historic building constructed in 1750. It served a variety of purposes, including a photo studio and art gallery. Today, this small concert hall is dedicated to preserving New Orleans style jazz. Children can sit on the antique wooden benches and hear the music that has entertained generations.

Posted

in

by

Tags: