9 Family-Friendly Things To Do in New Orleans

Visiting the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is one of the top things to do with kids in New Orleans, and there's something to discover here for all ages. Check out the bayou exhibit to learn about the creatures that call this part of Louisiana home, and walk through an underwater tunnel as moray eels and parrotfish swim overhead. Then, head next door to the Audubon Insectarium, where you can see hundreds of butterflies flitting about in the butterfly garden and even sample some bug-topped snacks—if you dare!

It's not always possible to visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras, but you can enjoy a taste of the celebration year-round with a stop at Mardi Gras World. Walk through this massive warehouse to marvel at giant floats and flamboyant parades costumes, and even sample some King Cake—a classic sweet treat enjoyed during the annual celebrations.

Did you know?: A tiny plastic baby is traditionally baked into King Cake, and whoever finds it is said to receive luck and good fortune for the coming year.

One of the best ways to get kids to try new flavors is on a food tour—one of the top family-friendly activities in New Orleans. Many tours take you to some of the city’s most famous areas, including the French Quarter and Bourbon Street, where you’ll hear some New Orleans lore as you sample local specialties, such as jambalaya, po'boys, and gumbo. Some excursions even add a stop at a chocolate shop so you can end your tour with a sweet treat.

Related: Food in New Orleans: 9 Quintessentially New Orleans Dishes and Where To Eat Them

It might seem strange to include a cemetery visit in a family New Orleans travel guide, but the cemeteries in New Orleans justify a visit. You'll find daytime history tours that visit St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, or choose a spooky nighttime ghost tour if you have some brave teens in your crew. Discover the resting places of notable residents, plus learn why all New Orleans graves are above ground.

An afternoon spent walking through the Bywater and St. Roch districts is a fun New Orleans activity for children. First, you can swing by JAMNOLA for an immersive art experience with tons of opportunities for wacky photos. Next, join a street art tour to discover the area’s larger-than-life murals and learn about the artists who created them. If you're a fan of retro fun, Sea Cave is an arcade bar in Bywater that offers family-friendly daytime hours, perfect for Tetris and Pac-Man fans.

The Steamboat Natchez is one of the best family attractions in New Orleans, and you can hop aboard for a ride down the Mississippi River on this historic vessel. Depending on your family's interests, choose between sunset cruises with a meal, jazz brunches, and daytime sailing trips that are fun for all ages.

Insider tip: If you can't make it out on the water, head to the Vue Orleans observation deck, where kids can try out a simulator experience, during which they'll navigate a ship along the Mississippi River.

While museums might not seem like an obvious top family destination in New Orleans, the city has quite a few that kids will enjoy. To see what life was like in the antebellum era, visit the 1850 House in Jackson Square, then head to the Presbytère to check out exhibits on Mardi Gras and Hurricane Katrina. New Orleans is home to the National WWII Museum, where you’ll find artifacts, fighter planes, and plenty of interactive exhibits to engage younger visitors.

New Orleans is considered the birthplace of jazz, so it makes sense to include a performance on your itinerary. If you can get tickets to a show at Preservation Hall, that's your best bet—this cozy theater has been open since 1961 and has the intimate feeling of being in someone's living room and listening to the jazz greats perform. When you're done, you'll be in the midst of the French Quarter—perfect for a post-show meal.

Insider tip: Shows at Preservation Hall only last 45 minutes, making this an ideal option for short attention spans.

Travel an hour outside the city to reach the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, where you'll find high-speed airboat and pontoon boat tours. Cruise through the swamp to spot alligators and egrets and learn how this fascinating ecosystem supports wildlife. Airboat tours get quite fast and will be a thrill for older kids, while pontoon boats run at a more chill speed that might suit small children better. Most tours include round-trip transfers from New Orleans, so you can avoid renting a car while you're there.