Beyond Bourbon Street: NOLA with Kids

New Orleans is known for so much: Bourbon Street, open containers, beads and Mardi Gras! However, it is also one of the best places for a family. From outdoor spaces to kid friendly restaurants, plan to go beyond Bourbon street to enjoy this lovely city with a family!

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Where to stay in New Orleans

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Things to do in New Orleans

City Park

This can easily be two full days with kids. There is SO much to do!!! Start the morning by driving into the park and going to the famous Cafe du Monde. This location is less busy than the French Quarter location and within eyesight of an awesome playground and live oak climbing trees. The kids can run wild in the playground covered in powdered sugar. Once you’ve run off the sugar, go to City Putt, the putt putt course within City Park. For lunch, go to my favorite place, Acorn. This restaurant overlooks the bayou. They’ll give you free turtle feeding food to entertain the kids while you wait for lunch. They also have baskets of kids toys you can use at your table. The afternoon can be spent at the Children’s Museum (brand new location and AMAZING). If you’re up for it, head back on day two. Spend the morning at the Carousel Amusement Park and ride the mini train and all the old time amusement park rides. Go to grab pizza within the amusement park. Spend the afternoon at Storyland, a fairytale based playground before hopping into a Swan Boat on “the big lake”. If you’re still standing, walk through the Sculpture Garden.

Audubon Park and Audubon Zoo

The zoo here is amazing and is located right next to Audubon park. Head out in the morning to the zoo. The orangutans are obviously amazing, as well as the “NOLA” swamp. Kids love the train and they have tons of different animals: elephants, lions, gorillas, monkeys, etc. If you’ve had enough at the zoo, walk right out into Audubon Park. There are great trails to walk around and you can see stunning homes. There are also great playgrounds: Walnut Street and St Charles Ave playgrounds are the best ones (in my opinion).

Audubon Aquarium

If you know you’ll go to the zoo, a combo ticket is definitely the way to go! The Audubon Aquarium is on Canal street. The Amazon rainforest and penguin exhibits are super cool. There is even an “Insectarium” there if you have any creepy crawly lovers. They have daily programs to see animals.

Mardi Gras World

See Mardi Gras floats and get a tour of how they are made. This could be hard for super little kiddos, but the glitter, colors, sequins and colors are super cool. I definitely recommend it! They even have a shuttle that will take you from your hotel to the “museum.”

Street Car Rides

It is so simple, but kids love the street car and adults can enjoy seeing some absolutely stunning homes throughout New Orleans. One fun thing to do is ride it to get a “snowball,” the quintessential NOLA snow cone. Hansen’s Sno-Bliz is THE old school location.

River Boat Cruise

This is an awesome morning or afternoon activity. Enjoy the river on an old fashioned steam boat. Watch the propellers spin and see NOLA from the water. Enjoy listening to jazz music while you’re cruising.

Bayou Swamp Tours

You’ve come this far, just go a bit further into the swamp and have a thrilling ride. You’ll see alligators left and right and the “cultural” experience is worth it. If you’re terrified to put them on an airboat, the pontoon sees the same things. They’ll pick you up from the French Quarter.

Places to eat & drink in New Orleans

• Dat Dog – I love the Magazine Street location, but they are all fun and SUPER kid friendly. Indoor and outdoor spaces, kid friendly food, super fun!
• Acorn – I mentioned this in the City Park section, but it is SO kid friendly!
• Backyard – Delicious food, craft beer, kid friendly
• The Company Burger – Absolutely delicious burgers made in house. Super family friendly!