The weather in New Orleans during the summer months is perfect for enjoying an outdoor activity with your loved ones and exploring what this great city has to offer. You can cool off at a water park or pool, or just take a walk in a park.
From February to May, temperatures are cooler and festivals are in full swing, so the options for family fun are endless. From a trampoline park to an indoor playground where kids and adults alike can participate in something cool, New Orleans has a little bit of everything.
But because we know that with so many options, it can be hard to know what to plan for this season, we’ve rounded up our favorite outdoor activities for kids in New Orleans. Be sure to plan ahead and pick one of the places below!
Top Outdoor Activities for Kids in New Orleans
1
301 Peavine Rd #301, LaPlace, LA, USA
Zip NOLA
One of the best outdoor activities for kids near New Orleans is Zip NOLA, the world’s first fully aquatic swamp zipline. Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the iconic cypress swamps of New Orleans. Imagine soaring over alligators, turtles, snakes, and more, all from the safety of the treetops. This unique outdoor activity option for kids is the perfect way to experience an extraordinary adventure!2
5 Victory Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
Storyland
Storybooks come to life in this unique fairytale playground. Kids will love the 18 larger-than-life storybook sculptures featuring classic characters from Grimm's and Mother Goose's fairy tales, as well as trickster characters from folk tales around the world. Kids can also climb aboard Captain Hook's pirate ship. Storyland offers the opportunity to celebrate your events in its magical locations full of fun outdoor activities for kids!3
6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
Audubon Nature Institute
When it comes to outdoor activities for kids in New Orleans, the Audubon Nature Institute offers a number of exciting options. Families can explore the Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, and Audubon Insectarium, as well as various parks and sports facilities. The Audubon Institute also offers engaging conservation programs and much more! It's an ideal destination for kids to enjoy fun outdoor summer activities!4
7 Victory Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
Carousel Gardens Amusement Park
Carousel Gardens Amusement Park is one of the most fun outdoor activities for kids in New Orleans! With 18 rides and two cafes serving freshly prepared food, it's the perfect place to spend the day having fun. Your kids will discover and enjoy one of the oldest carousels in the US, known as the "Flying Horses", as well as the Live Oak Ladybug Roller Coaster, a drop tower called Coney Tower, and more!5
33 Dreyfous Drive, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
City Putt
Among the coolest kids outdoor activities in New Orleans, City Putt stands out! It’s the only 36-hole mini-golf complex. It features two courses, the Louisiana Course and the New Orleans Course, each highlighting iconic themes and historic sites from the state and city.6
1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA, USA
New Orleans City Park
Outdoor activities for kids in New Orleans wouldn't be complete without a visit to this fantastic park! With numerous attractions, seasonal and holiday events, and a variety of recreational and educational opportunities, there's something for all ages and interests at New Orleans City Park!7
11000 Lake Forest Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70128, USA
Audubon Louisiana Nature Center & Planetarium
If you're looking for outdoor summer activities for kids in and around New Orleans, look no further than the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center & Planetarium! Every member of the family is guaranteed to enjoy this place, especially the nature enthusiasts and young animal lovers! Among the programs offered, the week-long summer camp is a fantastic adventure for kids interested in exploring the great outdoors!8
6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
Audubon Park
Audubon Park is the place to be when you're planning outdoor activities for your kids in New Orleans. Located in historic Uptown, Audubon Park is home to parks, recreational opportunities, beautiful ancient live oaks, a lagoon, and so much more!9
26389 Louisiana 40, Folsom, LA 70437, USA
Global Wildlife Center
Ready to explore one of the largest free-roaming wildlife sanctuaries in the country? The Global Wildlife Center is home to more than 2,000 exotic, endangered and threatened animals from around the world. Be sure to include this place in your list of kids outdoor activities near New Orleans!10
3601 Saint Thomas Lane, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
There are also educational and outdoor activities for kids near New Orleans, like the Baton Rouge Zoo at BREC, where you and your family can explore and learn about the diverse animal kingdom. Visitors can discover a wide variety of animal species from around the world. The zoo also offers educational programs tailored for children, including seasonal camps and other engaging activities.11
18142 Perkins Rd E, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Blue Bayou Dixie Landin'
For families looking for an adrenaline rush, Blue Bayou Dixie Landin' is your ultimate destination with two locations for double the family fun! When we talk about fun outdoor activities for kids near New Orleans, make sure to mark a trip to this thrilling place! Everyone will love it!12
17160 Chef Menteur Highway, New Orleans, LA 70129, USA
Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge
Enjoy the great outdoors while kids explore and learn about local wildlife! Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge in New Orleans preserves the wetlands left by Lakes Pontchartrain and Borgne. It offers diverse habitats including lagoons, hardwood forests, canals, and natural bayous. Outdoor activities for kids include birding, self-guided tours, hiking and more.13
New Orleans, LA, USA
Tour Big Easy
Immerse yourself in New Orleans' nature and wildlife. The view is breathtaking from the treetops during the Zipline Tour, and equally impressive during the Swamp Tours, where you can experience the flora and fauna of the swamp up close. If you’d like to find great kids outdoor activities in New Orleans, visit Tour Big Easy!14
14001 River Rd, New Orleans, LA 70131, USA
Audubon Wilderness Park
Audubon Wilderness Park offers a secluded, natural green space teeming with native wildlife and plants. Spend a day with your family surrounded by nature, breathing in fresh air and exploring trails while observing local wildlife.15
111 Lobdell Ave, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
BREC's Liberty Lagoon
When it comes to outdoor summer activities for kids, don't miss BREC's Liberty Lagoon. This thrilling water park is perfect for families looking to beat the summer heat. Liberty Lagoon offers an array of attractions for all ages, from thrilling rides like the Shockwave and Bowl Slide to a dedicated children's play area and interactive splash pad.16
6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
Cool Zoo at Audubon Zoo
Cool Zoo is a fantastic outdoor summer activity for kids looking to beat the heat and have fun! This water park features fun attractions such as splash pads, water slides and interactive play areas, making it an ideal destination for families. Kids can enjoy refreshing water activities in a safe and engaging environment, ensuring a day filled with laughter and excitement.17
3000 Downs Blvd, Metairie, LA 70003, USA
Lafreniere Park
Lafreniere Park offers 155 acres of fun and adventure in Jefferson Parish. With playgrounds, a dog park, open green space and a beautiful lake, families are sure to enjoy a variety of activities from picnics to hiking. With all these features, it's the perfect place for families looking for outdoor activities for kids in the New Orleans area.New Orleans is full of incredible places to take the family in the summer or spring! One day you can take the kids to a public park and enjoy a picnic, and another day, when the temperatures are way too hot, you can opt for an indoor venue like an arcade. These places usually have a ninja course and other cool attractions to keep the whole family entertained. Now you know where to go when looking for outdoor activities for kids in and around the city!
