PEAKLIFE
05-May-2026
These are the best things see and do with kids in New Orleans
New Orleans welcomes visitors of all ages, where history, culture, and imagination come together to create unforgettable experiences. From interactive exhibits at immersive museums to exhilarating outdoor adventures, these family-friendly attractions are iconic to the city of New Orleans.
1. Audubon Aquarium, Insectarium, and Zoo
Start your family-friendly New Orleans trip at some of the city’s top attractions, the Audubon Aquarium, Audubon Insectarium, and Audubon Zoo. The Audubon Aquarium provides an immersive experience showcasing the diversity and beauty of wildlife from around the world. From special animal encounters with penguins to a 60-foot-long hands-on touch pool with sharks and stingrays, as well as fascinating behind-the-scenes access to the 450,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico exhibit, adventures are endless.
(Image Credits: the Audubon Zoo, Justen Williams, 343 Media & NewOrleans.com)
Check out The Aquarium’s Amazon Gallery, housing 60 free-flying colourful birds, and the Amazon Encounter, home to 20 animals, including an armadillo and a Linnaeus's two-toed sloth. The Audubon Insectarium, located in the same facility, is home to a captivating world of insects and a stunning butterfly garden which overlooks the Mississippi River. End your day of exploration at the Audubon Zoo, listed under USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards as the #7 most popular zoo in the US, for an incredible experience among wildlife, featuring lions, elephants, white alligators, and endangered species such as orangutans, Amur leopards, and whooping cranes. Exhibits such as Jaguar Jungle, Wings of the World, and the award-winning Louisiana Swamp offer an engaging take for both children and adults.
2. New Orleans City Park
Storyland in New Orleans City Park, a playground filled with miniature houses, life-sized animals, and storybook characters, is the perfect spot for your kids to freely explore. Located directly next to Storyland, take your family to enjoy the amusement rides at Carousel Gardens, a seasonal park featuring traditional carnival rides, a train that winds through the entire park, a historic carousel, and a ladybird-themed rollercoaster. After an exhilarating park experience, cool off by sampling sno-balls on the Great Lawn or indulging in beignets at Café du Monde. Teenagers also have the option to rent a bike and go on a scenic ride around the park or explore Big Lake on a boat.
(Image Credits: New Orleans, City Park, Rebecca Todd & New Orleans.com)
3. Louisiana Children’s Museum
Another family-friendly destination located within the lush greenery of City Park is the Louisiana Children’s Museum, where kids can learn about the Mighty Mississippi through the Move With the River exhibit or explore the LCM’s 8.5-acre Big Backyard. Wrap up the experience by grabbing lunch at Acorn, a super kid-friendly restaurant located on-site.
4. JAMNOLA
JAMNOLA is a vibrant place designed by local artists focused on representing the music, art and culture of New Orleans. Kids absolutely love the Instagram-friendly colourful space featuring immersive exhibits across topics such as Mardi Gras Indians, jazz musicians, seafood and alligators. Experience the culture of New Orleans with your family by posing in a crawfish boil pot, next to a po'boy wall, or by any exhibits for the perfect photo op.
5. Mardi Gras World
Take your family behind the scenes of New Orleans’ biggest festival at Mardi Gras World. From learning the rich history of Mardi Gras to taking a tour of the warehouse where floats are designed and decorated, kids will truly love and appreciate exploring the magic and vibrancy of Mardi Gras.
(In Image: Mardi Gras World, Rebecca Todd & New Orleans.com)
6. New Orleans Boulder Lounge
New Orleans Boulder Lounge is a space for the local climbing community and is open to both children and adults. For a challenging and rewarding activity for your active little ones, take them for a few hours of pure adrenaline rush. The facility also offers yoga classes.
7. New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
Housed in the apothecary of America’s first licensed pharmacist, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum’s collection documents and illustrates the history of medicine during the 19th century. Showcasing potions and legends, it stands as one of the most intriguing and unique museums in New Orleans, perfect for igniting curiosity in young minds.
8. New Orleans African American Museum
Located in historically Black Tremé, the New Orleans African American Museum is dedicated to protecting, preserving, and promoting the history, art, contributions, and culture of African Americans in New Orleans and the African diaspora. The museum features a diverse selection of art and cultural programmes that are reflective of the powerful history and contributions of African American people in New Orleans, as well as rotating exhibits like “Ancestral Odyssey” by Vince Fraser and a monthly market highlighting Black-owned businesses. The museum regularly hosts family-friendly events and community programming and truly comes alive during New Orleans Museum Month, typically held in August each year.
(Image Credits: The National World War II Museum, Rebecca Todd & New Orleans.com)
9. The National World War II Museum
The National WWII Museum, one of the top museums in the country, is a must on any traveller’s list, showcasing the fascinating story of the American experience during the war. The museum is home to both special and travelling exhibits, a variety of events, and a 4D theatre experience. Children can also take interactive history lessons that make learning fun. For a truly immersive stay, book the on-site hotel and explore a range of dining options.
10. New Orleans Jazz Museum
The New Orleans Jazz Museum, housed in the historic Old U.S. Mint, is another must-visit family-friendly attraction, featuring dynamic interactive exhibits, multigenerational educational programming, research facilities, and engaging musical performances in the city where jazz was born. The museum offers hands-on activities and family-friendly programmes and is a great stop for children and music lovers alike. The space, too, is most engaging during Museum Month, making it the perfect time to visit this cultural gem.
Cover Image Credits: Zack Smith Photography & NewOrleans.com
