Whether you need new ideas to plan a family trip during spring break or for a weekend getaway, New Orleans offers a plethora of unique destinations to go big! Many of these venues are family-friendly, which means not only will your kid be entertained, but so will the parents!
From outdoor activities and educational but fun places to thrilling water parks and super fun indoor playgrounds, no one will be disappointed, and it will surely become the family’s next new favorite place to visit!
We’ve created the most complete guide on things to do in New Orleans with kids. So, in case you’re passing by or are a local resident but don’t know where to go, here you have all the highlights and hidden gems in and around this fascinating city!
60 Best Things to Do in New Orleans with Kids
1
City Park, 15 Henry Thomas Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
Louisiana Children's Museum
The Louisiana Children’s Museum provides a wealth of things to do in New Orleans with kids. With its vibrant and engaging galleries and a variety of outdoor adventures, there’s never a dull moment!2
6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
Audubon Nature Institute
The Audubon Nature Institute is home to many beautiful places, such as the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium, Insectarium, Parks & Athletics, and more! Even better, you’ll find many free things to do in New Orleans. Families can take advantage of these opportunities to learn about wildlife and nature while having fun together.3
11000 Lake Forest Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70128, USA
Audubon Louisiana Nature Center & Planetarium
Visit green spaces and learn about the vast universe all in one place! The Audubon Louisiana Nature Center & Planetarium has lots of educational and fun things to do with kids in New Orleans and the whole family.4
2832 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
JAMNOLA
Families who love art and music will have a great time at JAMNOLA. The place offers family-friendly exhibits, camp trips, and many events throughout the year!5
6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
Audubon Zoo
Discover exotic and endangered animals from around the world—this is a must-do in the list of fun things to do in New Orleans with kids! Experience a wonderland filled with oak trees, stunning architecture, kids’ play areas, and more.6
1 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Audubon Aquarium
At the Audubon Aquarium, families will be transported to underwater worlds featuring over 3,600 animals from more than 250 species, including endangered African penguins and rare white alligators.7
945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
The National WW2 Museum
This incredible museum features numerous exhibits that allow the whole family to learn more about World War II and its significant impact on the world. You can even enjoy some free things to do in New Orleans with kids, such as the Beyond All Boundaries 4D Film: children under 5 enter for free.8
1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA, USA
Audubon Insectarium
The Insectarium is a unique option for things to do with kids in New Orleans this weekend! Explore a butterfly garden, have fun by sampling edible insect dishes, or check out over 50 live bug exhibits! This place will soon be your family's favorite place to visit!9
6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
Audubon Park
The Audubon Park is a must-visit in New Orleans! Families can have a beautiful picnic with their loved ones, play sports, or relax while enjoying this magical green space in the middle of historic uptown. Plus, it's great if you're looking for free things to do in New Orleans with kids: the playgrounds and walking trails can be enjoyed without spending a dime!10
1380 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Mardi Gras World
Kids will love seeing how the Mardi Gras floats are made in a behind-the-scenes destination for the world’s most famous event! Mardi Gras World invites families to witness the hard work of artisans and craftsmen as they create colorful floats and props for the celebration. It is definitely one of the best things to do with kids in New Orleans!11
1417 Governor Nicholls Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
African American Museum
This unique museum honors the contributions of African Americans in New Orleans and countrywide by celebrating art, culture, and preserving history. It’s an excellent site for things to do in New Orleans with kids this weekend, especially if you are planning an educational program. Families will be amazed by one of the most impressive African American collections of textiles, costumes, musical instruments, and more!12
800 Webb St, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA
K1 Speed
Among the top places for fun things to do with kids in New Orleans, K1 Speed is at the top! Families and friends looking to race each other in a friendly competition are welcome at this indoor karting facility!13
18142 Perkins Rd E, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Blue Bayou Dixie Landin'
Blue Bayou Dixie Landin’ is a great destination for families looking for fun things to do in New Orleans with kids! It offers two places for excitement in one location. You will find something for everyone, whether it’s fun water rides or thrilling rides!14
400 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
New Orleans Jazz Museum
You can’t miss out on this exciting museum. Lead the way for your kids to learn all about jazz in the city where it was born! There are permanent collections of historic items like Louis Armstrong’s first cornet and much more!15
Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans, LA, USA
New Orleans Museum of Art
With one of the largest art collections, this museum is a must-see and not to be missed among the things to do in New Orleans with kids this weekend. It offers more than just art exhibits! Programs include summer camps to inspire youth creativity, as well as lectures, performances, and book clubs.16
2 Canal Street, Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
Vue Orleans Observation Deck
There’s no better place to see the entire city of New Orleans than from here. Whether you choose the outdoor deck or the indoor deck on the 33rd floor, you’ll be amazed by the 360-degree views. It’s a perfect plan for things to do in New Orleans at night with the kids (it closes at 7pm).17
3601 Saint Thomas Lane, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
BREC's Baton Rouge Zoo
This is the ultimate destination to explore and learn about the animal kingdom! At the Baton Rouge Zoo, visitors can discover a variety of animal species worldwide. The zoo provides educational opportunities for the little ones through summer camps and other programs.18
318 North Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
Mardi Gras Museum
The Mardi Gras Museum features a private collection of Mardi Gras costumes that showcase the wonderful history of this unique celebration! Enjoy the interactive costume closet for fun photo opportunities in Mardi Gras attire! The museum also offers engaging tours for children to learn about Mardi Gras through storytelling.19
5700 Citrus Drive, New Orleans, LA, USA
NOLA Kidsground
NOLA Kidsground is a place where children of all ages can play, explore, and create! Toddlers can enjoy a safe play area with soft toys, kids ages 2 to 7 can pretend with costumes, and older kids can build anything they can imagine with blocks!20
6711 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003, USA
Airline Skate Center, Inc
Plan a skating outing with your loved ones at the Airline Skate Center! Indoor skating and learning to skate are awesome options for things to do with kids in New Orleans at night and any time of the year.21
751 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
The Presbytère
The family will learn about two important sides of Louisiana’s history at The Presbytere: “Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana” and “Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond.” Both are permanent exhibits, and children under age don’t pay, so it’s a great plan when it comes to free things to do in New Orleans with kids!22
100 South River Road, Baton Rouge, LA, USA
Louisiana Art & Science Museum
The Louisiana Art & Science Museum is filled with educational but fun things to do with kids in New Orleans! It’s home to many dinosaur exhibits, interactive programs (like the STEAM Station), the Kids Lab, and more!23
13034 River Road, Destrehan, Louisiana 70047, USA
Destrehan Plantation
Learn about life on the Mississippi River before and after the Civil War! Destrehan Plantation is one of the oldest and most significant historic sites in Louisiana. It honors the memory of the enslaved women and men by preserving their legacy. Because this is considered one of the best things to do in New Orleans with kids, it can’t be missed!24
6851 Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA 70003, USA
Luv 2 Play- Metairie
Filled with slides, tunnels, and others, this indoor playground has plenty of cool areas for the little ones. Even toddlers have their own space with soft toys, sensory panels, and more!25
724 Dumaine Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Voodoo Museum
For a unique and fascinating experience, don’t miss the Voodoo Museum in the heart of New Orleans. Since 1972, this museum has captivated visitors with the secrets and mysteries surrounding the history and rituals of voodoo. Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian!26
612 Distributors Row, New Orleans, LA, USA
Sky Zone New Orleans
Sky Zone is the place for trampoline enthusiasts and parents looking for fun things to do with kids in New Orleans! The facility has many exciting attractions, including zip lines, trapeze, and more!27
901 Manhattan Blvd #901a, Harvey, LA 70058, USA
Airborne Extreme Trampoline Park Harvey
Find new ways to play at Airborne! Attractions include slam dunk, dodgeball, rock climbing, arcade games, zip line, super jump, ninja course, battle beam, ropes course, and more! For those interested in things to do with kids in New Orleans at night, this is a great place to go (it closes at 9 pm).28
Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70002, USA
Kids’ Castle at Lakeside Shopping Center
If you are visiting Lakeside Shopping Center with the kids and they need some playtime, head over to this indoor playground! Featuring a medieval theme, a climbing castle, and a hand-washing station, Kid’s Castle will surely provide hours of fun!29
7 Victory Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
Carousel Gardens Amusement Park
With 18 rides, the oldest carousels in the country (known as "Flying Horses"), and other attractions for family fun, Carousel Gardens is an amazing place to enjoy things to do in New Orleans with kids this weekend!30
301 Peavine Rd #301, LaPlace, LA, USA
Zip NOLA
Zip NOLA boasts the world’s FIRST fully aquatic swamp zipline! If you’re exploring unique adventures and fun things to do in New Orleans with kids, look no further. Experience breathtaking bird’s-eye views of New Orleans’ iconic cypress swamps at Zip NOLA!31
Louisiana 36, Abita Springs, LA 70420, USA
Abita Mystery House
Both intriguing and spooky, Abita Mystery House, also known as the Unique Art and Antique Collection Museum (UCM), is home to a collection of antique objects that you won’t see anywhere else! Oddities such as a six-legged pig or curious inventions like the machine that turns hot sauce into snow will amaze both kids and adults alike!32
219 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA, USA
New Orleans Public Library
If you want to spend a different time with the family, take a break from the routine and visit the public library. There are many branches throughout New Orleans where you can visit the closest one. Surely, you will discover plenty of things to do with kids here!33
7000 Veterans Blvd, Metairie, LA, USA
Chuck E. Cheese Metairie
This is the perfect place to find things to do in New Orleans with kids, as it offers delicious pizza and indoor playgrounds with trampolines, an arcade, and much more! Let the fun begin at Chuck E. Cheese Metairie!34
5 Victory Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
Storyland
Kids love this place! This magical playground features storybook sculptures from children’s favorite books. You can even have your child’s birthday party at Storyland!35
Oscar J. Tolmas Visitor Center, 5 Victory Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
Botanical Garden - City Park Conservancy
Bring the whole family to the garden and enjoy the fresh air in the middle of the city. You'll be surrounded by greenery and nature, which you can explore on guided tours. This is a wonderful destination for free things to do in New Orleans with kids: children under 3 do not pay.36
26389 Louisiana 40, Folsom, LA 70437, USA
Global Wildlife Center
Located in Folsom, the Global Wildlife Center is well worth the drive to see and learn about more than 2,000 species from around the world. The facility also offers events and special wagon tours, so you won’t run out of things to do with kids in New Orleans this weekend!37
1200 S Clearview Pkwy 1106 suite 1106, New Orleans, LA 70123, USA
Adventure Quest Laser Tag & Fun Center
Adventure Quest has something for the whole family! Whether you are looking for the thrill of laser tag or something a little quieter like mini golf or an arcade game, this place will never disappoint!38
1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA, USA
New Orleans City Park
City Park is a perfect family destination. Some of the places you can visit here are the Carousel Gardens, City Putt, the Botanical Garden, the Oscar J. Tolmas Visitor Center, the amazing Pelican Greenhouse, Storyland, the Train Garden, and more!39
33 Dreyfous Drive, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
City Putt
City Putt is New Orleans’ exclusive 36-hole mini-golf complex, offering a unique experience for the entire family. Each hole showcases iconic themes and historic sites from across the state and city. It’s fantastic for those looking for fun things to do with kids in New Orleans!40
813 Florida St, Mandeville, LA 70448, USA
Kids & Family Arena
This place features 13 state-of-the-art inflatables, an arcade room, a toddler's corner, and a console arcade for a day of fun and games! When hunger strikes, you can also enjoy a delicious handmade pizza.41
619 N Causeway Blvd, Mandeville, Louisiana 70448, USA
Altitude Trampoline Park
Ready to jump for hours? Altitude Trampoline Park is filled with adrenaline-pumping trampolines! Other cool attractions include a battle beam, foam pit, air bags, dodgeball and more!42
1440 Moss Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
Pitot House
This historic building offers tours and educational programs in its natural gardens. Choose from one of their field trips designed for children, and the little ones will get to explore Louisiana's history, culture, art, engineering, and architecture.43
925 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
This museum focuses on providing information and educating about the visual arts of this region. Engage your kids in this educational and fun option for things to do in New Orleans for kids, filled with plenty of art exhibits and collections!44
2051 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA, USA
The Great American Alligator Museum
Learn all about the Great American Alligator at this fun museum to which the whole family is invited! Check out the Vintage Toys in this unique collection and many more freaky objects you won’t see anywhere else!45
9820 Lake Forest Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127, USA
Optimus Entertainment
Kids will love to play at Optimus Entertainment! With an indoor playground, bumper cars, arcade games and laser tag, there is plenty of fun for the little ones as well as the grown-ups! Parents can try out the pinball machines or play in the arcade to earn points and win prizes for the kids.46
400 Toulouse Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Steamboat Natchez
This popular spot is full of things to do with kids in New Orleans this weekend! Embark on the NATCHEZ steamboat for a delightful cruising experience on the Mississippi River with the entire family!47
818 Howard Avenue, New Orleans, LA, USA
Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
Families will discover how Jews in the American South influenced and were influenced by their unique cultural heritage. You’ll find all this and more at the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience!48
Louisiana State University, 119 Foster Hall, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA
Louisiana Museum of Natural Science
The museum focuses on the study and research of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fossils, DNA, palynology, and science education. It’s a perfect place if you’re looking for kids to learn about our planet.49
113 North Cypress Street, Hammond, LA, USA
Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center
A perfect destination for kids of all ages. The Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center stands out as a place that focuses on learning while playing through interactive activities and exhibits. There are tons of fun things to do with kids in New Orleans at this indoor playground, including a rock climbing wall!50
2421 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Kenner, LA 70062, USA
Game On Social Hub
It’s a great family-friendly place with lots of cool attractions to keep everyone entertained. Play arcade games with your kids and collect tons of prizes! Afterwards, grab a snack at the restaurant.51
10111 Gwenadele Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, USA
Celebration Station- Baton Rouge
This place has it all for families! Just a short drive from New Orleans, Celebration Station offers amazing things to do with kids in New Orleans at night like arcade games, batting cages, go karts, kid karts, mini golf, awesome Playland Rides and more!52
1900 Dalrymple Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
Knock Knock Children’s Museum
Kids will love everything this museum has to offer! With more than 15 interactive learning zones and a vast area of 26,000-square-foot, you’ll be amazed at the many fun things to do with kids in New Orleans!53
6401 Bluebonnet Boulevard suite #660, Baton Rouge, LA 70836, USA
Main Event Baton Rouge
Families will love this place with its many attractions like a Gravity Rope course and fun activities including laser tag, bowling, and more! It’s a great destination for fun things to do in New Orleans with kids!54
1600 Phoenix Square, Hammond, LA, USA
Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum
If you want to take your kids to learn all about the Tangipahoa African American, there is no better place to go than here. The museum has 8 galleries full of exhibits where you can see artwork, murals, artifacts and many more!55
6117 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
Lolo's Youth Yoga Studio
Want to get your child involved in yoga so they can learn to connect their breath with their mind and body? Lolo's Youth Yoga Studio offers yoga classes for all ages, mindfulness, arts and crafts, games and more!56
4606 Jones Creek Rd ste 100, Baton Rouge, LA 70816, USA
Operation Imagination
Looking for things to do with your kids in New Orleans this weekend? Operation Imagination is a play and party space for children ages 7 and up that promotes brain development and fun in an imaginative new world.57
Tumbles South Baton Rouge, 9828 Bluebonnet Blvd Suite A-10, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810, USA
Tumbles South Baton Rouge
Tumbles South Baton Rouge offers a variety of engaging programs for kids to get active and have fun in its amazing indoor playground, including fitness classes, STEAM classes, camps during school breaks, and the high-energy Tumble Zone with indoor climbing activities.58
514 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
Pharmacy Museum
This is a one-of-a-kind museum full of collections of medicines, pharmaceutical artifacts, perfumes, surgical instruments, and many more! The Pharmacy Museum is a pretty interesting place that should be included in any New Orleans trip plan!59
520 Royal St, New Orleans, LA, USA
The Historic New Orleans Collection
It’s a great educational plan for parents if you’re checking out things to do with kids in New Orleans this weekend (open Saturday and Sunday). Like other museums in the area, the Historic New Orleans Collection preserves the city’s multicultural heritage through exhibits and more!60
701 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
The Cabildo
This historic building is quite unique! What makes it special is that it dates back to 1799 when it was the city’s town hall during the viceregal. The Cabildo includes memorabilia from Pontchartrain Beach, a Mardi Gras costume, and more exhibits!New Orleans is a city rich in culture and diversity, so the options for family outings are just as plentiful. Whether you want to spend an entire day visiting museums or hiking in a park, you’ll never run out of ideas to keep the kids entertained!
Fun, educational, unique, and sometimes even mystical places create the rhythm and soul of New Orleans, much like jazz. Next time you don’t know what to do for the weekend or on a Friday night, check out all the things to do with kids in New Orleans. You’ll never be bored!
