Museums are always a great idea for plans to do with kids, and New Orleans has an interesting array of options for all interests!
Home to the world-famous Mardi Gras carnival, there are many museums in New Orleans where you can have a behind-the-scenes look at this celebration. Is your kid into history? science? art? There’s a museum in New Orleans waiting to be explored!
From the captivating history and vibrant culture to the wonders of science and the beauty of art, kids will have a blast exploring the diverse exhibits in these New Orleans museums! With hands-on activities and interactive displays, learning is fun and engaging at these destinations.
Many of these places offer events, programs, and classes for kids, so stay tuned for the fun!
Great Museums for Kids in New Orleans and surrounding areas
1
City Park, 15 Henry Thomas Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
Louisiana Children's Museum
The Louisiana Children’s Museum has lots of fun things for families to do together! From exploring colorful galleries to outdoor activities, there's always something exciting happening. Kids can have a blast with art, music, and design, let their imaginations run wild with poetry and storytelling, and learn cool science and problem-solving skills with hands-on activities.2
945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
The National WW2 Museum
This fantastic museum offers lots of displays for families to discover more about World War II and how it had a big impact on the world. The exhibit rooms have cool displays and multimedia shows to make the trip both fun and informative.3
Louisiana State University, 119 Foster Hall, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
Louisiana Museum of Natural Science
Established in 1936, the Louisiana Museum of Natural Science teaches people of all ages about nature through programs and exhibits. The museum focuses on studying animals, fossils, human culture, DNA, and science education. It's a great place for families to explore and learn about Earth.4
113 North Cypress Street, Hammond, LA, USA
Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center
The Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center is a fun and educational place for kids aged from toddlers to 10 years old. It's a great spot for hands-on learning and play, with interactive exhibits like a vet clinic, rock climbing wall, theater, bubble station, shrimp boat, hot air balloon, and more.5
900 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans
The Contemporary Arts Center is dedicated to showcasing art and its importance through exhibitions and various programs. They offer engaging programs for families, such as Inter[SECTOR], Artist Residencies, Artist Resources, and Youth Programs.6
100 South River Road, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Louisiana Art & Science Museum
The Louisiana Art & Science Museum encourages learning and creativity through its programs that support exploration and analytical thinking.7
1900 Dalrymple Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
Knock Knock Children’s Museum
At Knock Knock Children’s Museum, kids have fun while learning through play! The museum offers 18 interactive learning zones in a 26,000 square foot facility, providing children with plenty of opportunities to learn and enjoy themselves.8
318 North Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
Mardi Gras Museum
The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture displays entertainer Carl Mack's private collection of carnival costumes, delving into the history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Visitors can enjoy the interactive Costume Closet, where they can try on Mardi Gras costumes and take photos.9
1531 St Philip St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Backstreet Cultural Museum
The Backstreet Cultural Museum, founded in 1999, is a non-profit organization that collects various African American artifacts from New Orleans, such as photos, memorabilia, costumes, films, and other cultural objects.10
724 Dumaine Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Voodoo Museum
If you're seeking unique and captivating experiences, don't overlook the Voodoo Museum in New Orleans. Established in 1972, this museum delves into the history and rituals of voodoo, showcasing a collection of secrets and mysteries. Visitors can choose between two guided tours: a self-guided tour focusing on voodoo practices and cultural beliefs, or the Voodoo Walking Tour, which includes visits to Marie Laveau's house and Congo Square.11
2051 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
The Great American Alligator Museum
Alligators are prominently featured at the Great American Alligator Museum, evident as soon as you enter the premises.12
925 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Since 1999, The Ogden Museum has been offering exhibitions, concerts, film screenings, and lectures to educate people about the visual arts of the American South. They also provide educational programs like Free Family Day, Homeschool Studio, Classes for Kids, and Summer Art Camps.13
1440 Moss Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
Pitot House
Since 1972, the Pitot House has been a museum that provides guided tours and educational programs within its garden surroundings.14
Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans, LA, USA
New Orleans Museum of Art
Since its establishment in 1911, the New Orleans Museum of Art has amassed a collection of nearly 50,000 artworks, showcasing its deep love and dedication to art that should be accessible to all. In addition to preserving art collections, the museum offers a range of programs such as Summer Camps to inspire creativity in young people, along with lectures, performances, and book clubs.15
400 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
New Orleans Jazz Museum
Jazz is the central focus of this cultural museum, highlighted through amazing performances at annual concerts and festivals. Visitors can explore two public archives: the New Orleans Jazz Club Collections and the Louisiana Historical Center, which house historic music artifacts, including Louis Armstrong's first cornet.16
1417 Governor Nicholls Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
African American Museum
Established in 1996, The African American Museum in New Orleans was founded to recognize the significant contributions of African Americans in the city by celebrating their art, culture, and primarily by preserving their history.17
1380 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Mardi Gras World
If you've ever been curious about how the elaborate Mardi Gras floats are created, now is your opportunity to go behind the scenes!18
514 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Pharmacy Museum
The Pharmacy Museum, established in 1950, collects and preserves pharmaceutical artifacts to document the history of medicine resources. The museum hosts various events and exhibits on both floors for visitors to explore.19
520 Royal St, New Orleans, LA, USA
The Historic New Orleans Collection
The Historic New Orleans Collection, established in 1966, is a museum and research center dedicated to safeguarding the city's diverse heritage through displays, writings, and publications.20
701 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
The Cabildo
The Cabildo, located in the historic French Quarter of New Orleans, is a State Museum in Louisiana. It provides educational programs like Scavenger Hunts, Lesson Plans, and Field Trips for students and families.21
818 Howard Avenue, New Orleans, LA, USA
Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
Families visiting the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience will discover how Jews in the American South impacted and were influenced by the unique cultural heritage of their new surroundings.22
1600 Phoenix Square, Hammond, LA, USA
Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum
The Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum's eight galleries protect and showcase African American heritage, culture, murals, artwork, and artifacts.23
751 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
The Presbytère
The Presbytère, constructed in 1791, joined the Louisiana State Museum in 1911. It now houses two permanent exhibits: Mardi Gras and The Living with Hurricanes. These exhibits aim to showcase different aspects of Louisiana's history, including its festivities and its ability to withstand challenges.New Orleans is filled with learning opportunities for the whole family!
If you are looking for more kid-friendly educational places, we’re here to help!
