Help with itinerary- rough draft

Question

Headed to NOLA end of Feb, after superbowl.

2 adults, 4 seniors, 2 kids (ages 5 and 9), staying at the Westin on Canal.

Sunday- arrive in NOLA airport at 12:37pm. Take taxi to hotel. Walk along the water. Check out the French Market. Maybe do a bus tour?

Monday- check out jackson square, Frenchman street, pharmacy museum

Tues- paddleboart cruise to check out battlefield and national park

Weds- aquarium/insectarium

Thurs- city park, maybe swamp tour?

Friday- ww2 museum

Saturday- leave for 7am flight

Food options that looked good to us (but not sure of logistics yet location wise). Po boys- Johnny's or NOLAS, Beignets- cafe du monte, shrimp and grits- ruby slippers, oysters- dragos, Jaques imos for redfish, clesi's for seafood boil, dookey chase for gumbo; central grocery for muffuletta

Answer

Your rough draft for the New Orleans itinerary looks fantastic! You've got a nice balance of sightseeing, culture, food, and family-friendly activities. Below is some detailed feedback on each day and a few additional suggestions to make the most of your time in NOLA.

Sunday: Arrival & Exploration
Your arrival time at 12:37pm gives you a good chunk of the afternoon to start exploring. Taking a taxi to the hotel and walking along the water is a great way to get acclimated to the city. The French Market is perfect for a casual stroll, with its mix of local vendors and food stands. If you're interested in a bus tour, the hop-on-hop-off tours are ideal for first-time visitors and allow you to see many of the city's highlights in a relaxed manner, though it can be a bit much with young children and seniors in the group.

Tip: If you're walking around and want to enjoy the city without too much exertion, consider a leisurely carriage ride around the French Quarter instead of a full bus tour.

Monday: Jackson Square, Frenchman Street & Pharmacy Museum
Jackson Square is a must-see in NOLA, and the kids will enjoy the open space, street performers, and artists. Frenchman Street is an iconic area with live music, and it's especially fun in the evening. The Pharmacy Museum is a quirky stop, but might be better for the adults—though older kids might find it interesting, too.

Tip: For lunch, consider a stop at the nearby Café du Monde for beignets (as you've mentioned) and some café au lait. It’s a quick, iconic stop and just a short walk from Jackson Square.
Alternative Activity: If the kids get restless, you could check out the New Orleans Musical Legends Park for live jazz performances in an outdoor setting, which is a great alternative for all ages.

Tuesday: Paddleboat Cruise & National Park
A paddleboat cruise on the Mississippi River is a fun way to see the city from the water. The kids will love the boat ride, and the views of the French Quarter from the river are stunning. The National Park is an excellent choice afterward for a bit of history and education. This is a good day for outdoor activities, but make sure to plan some downtime for the little ones and seniors.

Tip: Check the weather ahead of time, as it could be chilly in February. Bring layers for the cruise and park visit.

Wednesday: Aquarium & Insectarium
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Insectarium are both amazing, family-friendly stops. They're also close to each other, making it easy to visit both in one day. The aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine life, and the Insectarium is fun for all ages with interactive exhibits. The kids will definitely enjoy both stops, and there’s also a café at the aquarium for a convenient lunch.

Tip: The Aquarium and Insectarium can get crowded, especially on weekends, so try to visit early in the day to avoid long lines.

Thursday: City Park & Swamp Tour
City Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. and offers plenty of green space, walking trails, and attractions for families. If you're into art, be sure to check out the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) while you’re there. A swamp tour is a great choice for a bit of adventure, but consider the time it will take. Swamp tours generally last around 2-3 hours, and they’re a bit further out from the city, so it could be a long day depending on your group’s energy levels.

Tip: If you decide on a swamp tour, look for a family-friendly option that offers shorter tours, or maybe even a private tour that will allow you to customize the experience for your group.

Friday: WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum is one of the best in the country and is definitely worth spending a few hours. While it is very educational, the museum is interactive and visually engaging, so older kids and adults alike will enjoy it. Depending on the kids’ interest, you might want to take breaks to keep them engaged throughout the exhibits.

Tip: The museum is quite large, so be sure to pace yourself. You can always leave and return later in the day if you don’t finish it all in one go.

Saturday: Departure
Since your flight leaves at 7am, you’ll be departing quite early. Be sure to check out of the hotel the night before and confirm transportation to the airport, as taxis and shuttles can be limited early in the morning. You might want to grab breakfast at the hotel or somewhere nearby if you have time.

Food Recommendations:
You’ve picked some great spots for local cuisine! Here are some thoughts on logistics and additional suggestions:

Po Boys: Both Johnny’s Po-Boys and NOLA Poboys are excellent options. Johnny’s is known for its classic, casual vibe, while NOLA Poboys has more options and might be a bit more family-friendly.
Beignets: Café du Monde is iconic and absolutely worth the visit. However, be prepared for long lines, especially during weekends. If the line is too long, you can try Café Beignet, which also serves delicious beignets.
Shrimp and Grits: Ruby Slipper is a solid choice for this classic dish and also has a great breakfast menu. You might want to try their brunch options as well.
Oysters: Drago’s is famous for its charbroiled oysters, and it’s a great option for seafood lovers. You might want to try it for dinner one night after visiting the WWII Museum or City Park.
Seafood Boil: Clesi’s is an excellent choice for seafood boils. They are casual and perfect for groups, especially families with kids who want to dig into some messy, fun seafood.
Gumbo: Dooky Chase’s is a great place for authentic gumbo and Creole cuisine. If you're in the mood for a more casual experience, you might want to try Li’l Dizzy’s Café for a more relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Muffuletta: Central Grocery is the birthplace of the muffuletta sandwich. It’s a must-try, and if you can’t get there, Coop’s Place offers a fantastic muffuletta too.

Final Thoughts: Your itinerary looks fantastic for a family trip to New Orleans. Just be sure to keep a flexible pace, especially with young children and seniors, to ensure everyone has a great time without feeling rushed. Enjoy your trip!

Help with itinerary- rough draft

More New Orleans Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions