New Orleans With Kids

Question

Visiting first time for 2 days with 11 and 13 boys. Going to WWII museum and night ghost tour. Any other suggestions? Thanks!

Answer

New Orleans is a fantastic city for family visits, and there are plenty of activities that both you and your kids will enjoy. You’ve already planned a visit to the WWII Museum, which is an excellent choice, as it’s one of the top museums in the country. The ghost tour sounds like fun, too, for an evening adventure! Here are some additional kid-friendly activities and places to explore during your two-day visit:

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas: The aquarium is a great place to visit with kids, featuring exhibits of local and exotic sea creatures. Kids especially love the interactive displays and the opportunity to see dolphins, penguins, and all sorts of colorful fish. It’s a perfect spot to learn more about marine life while having fun.
Audubon Zoo: If your kids enjoy animals, the Audubon Zoo is another great option. Located in City Park, it has a wide variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, and giraffes. The zoo also has an amazing splash park, perfect for cooling off if the weather is warm. It’s a fun, educational experience for kids of all ages.
Louisiana Children’s Museum: Located in City Park as well, this museum is designed specifically for children and offers hands-on exhibits that explore science, art, and culture. It’s perfect for younger visitors but still entertaining for your 11- and 13-year-old boys, with interactive displays and fun activities that are both entertaining and educational.
Café du Monde and Beignets: No visit to New Orleans is complete without trying a beignet, and Café du Monde is the iconic spot to grab one. Your kids will love the powdered sugar-covered pastries, and it’s a fun way to experience a bit of New Orleans history. It’s located in the French Quarter, so you can pair it with a walk around the area.
Steamboat Natchez Cruise: For a relaxing but interesting experience, consider taking a steamboat cruise along the Mississippi River. The Steamboat Natchez offers daytime and evening cruises, giving you a chance to see the city from the river while learning about New Orleans’ history. It’s a fun, scenic activity that will allow your family to take in some views of the French Quarter and the skyline from the water.
New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) and Sculpture Garden: If your kids are interested in art, NOMA in City Park has a wonderful collection of art and an impressive outdoor sculpture garden. It’s not as interactive as some other attractions, but the large sculptures in the garden can be fun for kids to explore, and the museum offers kid-friendly activities in some of the galleries.

In addition to these activities, New Orleans has some great outdoor spaces where your kids can run around and explore:

City Park: This expansive park has a little bit of everything—beautiful walking paths, playgrounds, ponds for paddle boating, and even a carousel. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, and there’s also the New Orleans Botanical Garden nearby, which is a peaceful spot for a family stroll.
The French Quarter: While it’s known for its lively atmosphere and historic buildings, the French Quarter is also full of interesting shops, street performers, and unique sights. It’s a great place to wander around and take in the local flavor. You can even check out Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, which are iconic spots in the Quarter.

With just two days, you’ll be able to enjoy a good mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities, and New Orleans is sure to leave a lasting impression on your family. Have a fantastic trip!

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