If you ask a kid to choose between an educational activity and a fun one, the answer is obvious. What if we told you that there’s no need to choose in New Orleans?
NOLA is home to awesome places where kids, and actually the whole family, will learn new and interesting things and have a fun experience at the same time. From museums with interactive museums to zoos where they will see and learn about species from all over the world, opportunities for educational fun are endless in New Orleans.
Explore with us our top picks for educational places for kids in New Orleans, and stay tuned to this ever-changing list t that will grow as we discover new educational spots for your children in NOLA!
Awesome Educational Places for Kids in New Orleans
1
1900 Dalrymple Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
Knock Knock Children’s Museum
At Knock Knock Children’s Museum, kids discover and learn through play! Children will be thrilled with everything the museum has in store! With 18 interactive learning zones spread across a 26,000-square-foot facility, kids will have endless opportunities to learn and enjoy themselves.2
3601 Saint Thomas Lane, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
Prepare yourself for an opportunity to engage with wildlife and the wonders of the natural world through distinctive experiences, programs, and events at the Baton Rouge Zoo!3
113 North Cypress Street, Hammond, LA, USA
Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center
In Hammond, you'll find the Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center, where hands-on play meets learning for kids of all ages, from toddlers to those up to 10 years old. It's the ultimate destination for exploration and enjoyment!4
6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
Audubon Zoo
Exploring historic Uptown New Orleans wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Audubon Zoo, where families can encounter exotic and endangered animals from across the globe. It's a must-see destination in New Orleans! Nothing compares to the experience of wandering through a wonderland adorned with majestic oak trees, stunning architecture, children's play areas, and much more.5
1 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Audubon Aquarium
At the Audubon Aquarium, families are transported to an enchanting underwater world! Dive in to discover and learn about over 3,600 fascinating animals for an unforgettable experience.6
1317 Tupelo Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
House of Dance and Feathers
Since 2003, the House of Dance & Feathers has been welcoming visitors to experience and celebrate the vibrant culture of the New Orleans Mardi Gras Indians.7
1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA, USA
Audubon Insectarium
Families with children will have an amazing day at the Audubon Insectarium! From sampling edible insect cuisine to exploring a stunning garden with hundreds of free-flying butterflies overlooking the Mississippi River, and encountering over 50 displays featuring live arthropods, there are countless unique and exciting activities and exhibits to enjoy. The Insectarium is sure to become your family’s new favorite destination!8
100 South River Road, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Louisiana Art & Science Museum
The Louisiana Art & Science Museum fosters learning and creativity through its diverse programs that promote discovery and critical thinking. Bring your young ones to Kids Lab, designed for children aged 6 to 12, to join in the fun!9
City Park, 15 Henry Thomas Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
Louisiana Children's Museum
The Louisiana Children’s Museum provides numerous options for the whole family to have a blast. Whether exploring the museum's vibrant galleries or embarking on outdoor adventures, there's never a dull moment!10
318 North Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
Mardi Gras Museum
At the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture, visitors can explore entertainer Carl Mack's private carnival costumes collection while delving into the rich history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans over the years. For kids of all ages, the museum provides an interactive and entertaining tour designed to teach them more about Mardi Gras through engaging storytelling.11
900 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans
The Contemporary Arts Center is dedicated to safeguarding the significance of art by showcasing artworks and offering a variety of programs suitable for all age groups.12
Louisiana State University, 119 Foster Hall, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
Louisiana Museum of Natural Science
This is an educational hub for families and visitors of all ages, offering insights into the natural world through various programs and exhibits. Focusing on research and study spanning mammals, birds, fishes, reptiles and amphibians, fossils, early human culture, DNA, palynology, and science education, this museum is a treasure trove of knowledge.13
2051 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
The Great American Alligator Museum
The Great American Alligator Museum proudly revolves around the captivating theme of alligators, evident from the very moment you step inside.14
Oscar J. Tolmas Visitor Center, 5 Victory Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
Botanical Garden - City Park Conservancy
This vibrant Botanical Garden is a marvel, boasting an extensive array of plants from across the globe. Its seeds were first planted in 1936, adding to its rich history and diversity.15
26389 Louisiana 40, Folsom, LA 70437, USA
Global Wildlife Center
The Global Wildlife Center, situated in Folsom, Louisiana, is a sanctuary for over 2,000 exotic, endangered, and threatened animals hailing from various parts of the globe.16
1380 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Mardi Gras World
Mardi Gras World welcomes families to witness the dedication of artisans and craftsmen as they create the vibrant floats and props for the iconic event. This one-of-a-kind tourist attraction offers visitors an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse into the intricate work behind the world-famous celebration!17
13034 River Road, Destrehan, Louisiana 70047, USA
Destrehan Plantation
Established in 1787, Destrehan Plantation continues to preserve its historical significance and honor the memories of the enslaved men and women who built it. Visitors can enjoy a variety of tours at this plantation, showcasing life along the Mississippi River before and after the Civil War.18
1440 Moss Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
Pitot House
The Pitot House provides guided tours and educational programs set amidst its lush garden surroundings. The field trips organized by this historic site aim to enrich children's understanding of Louisiana's diverse history and culture, encompassing art, engineering, architecture, mathematics, and social studies.19
520 Royal St, New Orleans, LA, USA
The Historic New Orleans Collection
This awesome place offers events, lectures, and concerts! These special gatherings pay homage to jazz's profound influence on the city's cultural landscape.20
1417 Governor Nicholls Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
African American Museum
The Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum boasts eight galleries dedicated to preserving African American heritage and culture, showcasing murals, artwork, and artifacts. For children, the museum offers Summer Camps aimed at fostering critical thinking and creativity through STEAM activities.21
400 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
New Orleans Jazz Museum
The museum provides educational programs tailored for music enthusiasts, including students, with offerings such as field trips, classes, and performances either at its education center or the jazz lab.22
1417 Governor Nicholls Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
African American Museum
The African American Museum was established to pay tribute to the remarkable contributions of African Americans in New Orleans, primarily by celebrating their art, culture, and most importantly, by preserving their history.23
945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
The National WW2 Museum
This incredible museum offers numerous exhibits for the entire family to delve into the history of World War II and its profound impact on the world. The galleries are brimming with captivating exhibits and multimedia displays, ensuring that the visit is both entertaining and educational for all.24
11000 Lake Forest Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70128, USA
Audubon Louisiana Nature Center & Planetarium
The Audubon Institute houses the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center & Planetarium. The Nature Center provides activities for nature enthusiasts and young animal lovers alike!25
6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
Audubon Nature Institute
The Audubon Nature Institute, a non-profit organization, is the proud home of the Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, parks & athletics, conservation programs, and much more. Operating a family of ten museums and parks, the organization is devoted to celebrating and preserving nature.26
Louisiana 36, Abita Springs, LA 70420, USA
Abita Mystery House
Over the years, the Abita Mystery House has amassed an extensive collection of antique objects, all of which are on display for visitors to enjoy.27
2 Celebration Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
Pelican Greenhouse
The Pelican Greenhouse, a component of the City Park Conservancy, showcases a diverse array of plants, including perennials, vegetables, and herbs, offering an enjoyable visit for the entire family.28
219 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA, USA
New Orleans Public Library
The New Orleans Public Library is dedicated to serving the community by offering educational programs, information resources, and extensive book collections. Its mission is to promote literacy and inspire creativity among its patrons.29
751 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
The Presbytère
The Presbytère building was built in 1791 and became a part of the Louisiana State Museum in 1911. It now has two main exhibits: "Mardi Gras" and "Living with Hurricanes." These exhibits show different parts of Louisiana’s history, its celebrations, and how it copes with hurricanes. The museum also has programs for students and families, like field trips, lesson plans, and scavenger hunts.Learning is awesome, and so is playing and running around with no worries! Visit any of these awesome parks and playgrounds in New Orleans for some fresh air. Your children will love some outdoor play!
