New Orleans’ weather during the summer months is perfect to enjoy an outdoor activity with your loved ones and explore what this awesome city has in store. You can cool off at a waterpark or pool or simply take a stroll around a park. February to May temperatures are cooler and celebrations are in full swing, so there’s always something to do in the Crescent City.
We’ve created this list of our favorite outdoor activities for kids in New Orleans where children, and adults, will get to enjoy the fresh air and explore under the Louisiana sun as they have a blast!
Discover Awesome 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 in 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 option for outdoor activities for kids is the perfect opportunity to experience an extraordinary adventure!2
5 Victory Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
Storyland
Storybooks are brought to life in this one-of-a-kind, fairy-tale playground. Kids will love the 18 larger-than-life storybook sculptures, featuring classic characters from Grimm and Mother Goose nursery rhymes and trickster character-induced folktales from around the world. Also, your kids can have fun climbing aboard Captain Hook’s pirate ship or going into the mouth of Pinocchio’s whale. Storyland provides the opportunity to celebrate your events in its magical venues, full of kids outdoor activities!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 is home to many awesome options such as the Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, parks and athletic facilities, conservation programs, and more!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 offering freshly prepared food, it's the perfect place to spend the day having a blast. Your kids will discover and enjoy one of the oldest carousels in the US (known as the “Flying Horses”) alongside the Live Oak Ladybug Roller Coaster, a miniature train, a Ferris wheel, and a drop tower called the Coney Tower. Take into account that Carousel Gardens Amusement Park also hosts special events and the opportunity to celebrate your kids’ birthdays there.5
33 Dreyfous Drive, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
City Putt
Among the fun outdoor activities for kids, City Putt stands out as it is New Orleans' 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 aren’t complete without a visit to New Orleans City Park. With numerous attractions, seasonal and holiday events, and a variety of recreational and educational opportunities, there's something for everyone to enjoy!7
11000 Lake Forest Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70128, USA
Audubon Louisiana Nature Center & Planetarium
At Audubon Louisiana Nature Center & Planetarium, you’ll find fantastic outdoor summer activities for kids and adults, nature enthusiasts and young animal lovers! Among the programs offered, the week-long summer camp is a fantastic adventure for kids interested in nature. This is a fantastic opportunity for outdoor, educational fun.8
6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
Audubon Park
Audubon Park is a must if you’re looking for outdoor activities for kids in New Orleans! Located in historic Uptown, Audubon Park is home to parks, recreation opportunities, and 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 country's largest free-roaming wildlife preserves? The Global Wildlife Center in Folsom, Louisiana, hosts over 2,000 exotic, endangered, and threatened animals from across the globe.10
3601 Saint Thomas Lane, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
There are also educational kids outdoor activities in New Orleans and surrounding areas like BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo, where you and your family can explore and learn about the diverse animal kingdom. Visitors can discover a wide array of animal species from around the globe. 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 seeking adrenaline and fun, Blue Bayou Dixie Landin' is your ultimate destination with two spots for double the enjoyment! If we talk about outdoor activities for kids in New Orleans, we can’t leave this gem out!12
17160 Chef Menteur Highway, New Orleans, LA 70129, USA
Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge
Bayou Sauvage Urban National Wildlife Refuge in New Orleans preserves marsh areas left by Lakes Pontchartrain and Borgne. It offers diverse habitats including lagoons, hardwood forests, canals, and natural bayous. Enjoy activities like bird-watching, 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 outdoor kids 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 surrounded by nature, breathing fresh air, and exploring hiking trails while observing the local wildlife with your family.15
111 Lobdell Ave, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
BREC's Liberty Lagoon
When looking for outdoor kids activities, you shouldn’t miss BREC's Liberty Lagoon. This vibrant water park is perfect for families looking to beat the summer heat. Liberty Lagoon offers a range of attractions for all ages, from thrilling rides like the Shockwave and Bowl Slide to a dedicated children’s play area and an interactive splash pad.
Too cold or too hot to be outside? Not a problem in New Orleans! Visit these awesome indoor playgrounds where kids can play for hours, or these cool laser tag and arcades where the whole family can have fun!