Your Trip to New Orleans: The Complete Guide SEE FULL GUIDE prev next NOLA's Best Museums Guide to Audubon Park Best Jazz Clubs Complete Guide to Mardi Gras Must-Try Food in NOLA Best Restaurants Top Bars to Visit NOLA's Craft Beer Best Time to Visit Weather & Climate Best NOLA Hotels Neighborhoods to Know Public Transportation 48 Hours in New Orleans Day Trips From NOLA NOLA's Best Tours Top Things to Do Free Things to Do Things to Do With Kids Your Trip to New Orleans: The Complete Guide close Overview United States Louisiana New Orleans Top Activities in New Orleans for Kids By Sharon Keating Sharon Keating Sharon Keating is the author of "New Orleans Then and Now," and has been a licensed tour guide for the City of New Orleans for over a decade. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 10/01/19 Fact checked by Erin Medlicott Fact checked by Erin Medlicott LinkedIn Twitter New York University Rutgers University Erin Medlicott is a fact checker and researcher with a background in lifestyle and finance. Prior to her work at TripSavvy, she did financial research for the American Express Departures Magazine as well as the Wall Street Journal. She earned a TripSavvy's fact-checking Share Pin Email Many tourists don't think of New Orleans as a place to bring the children, but there are plenty of unique family adventures waiting here in New Orleans -- just ask any of the thousands of New Orleans kids who live here year-round. Remember, Bourbon Street is only one street in the city. There are many more that lead to family fun. Read on to find the top picks tried and loved by generations of New Orleans kids. 01 of 13 The Audubon Zoo Judy Bellah/Getty Images The Audubon Zoo is a world-class facility located in Audubon Park and is easily accessible by streetcar, bus or boat. Its' Louisiana Swamp Exhibit is a popular place with locals, who flock to see alligators and nutrias up close. Watch for the Loup Garou (say "loo garoo"), a legendary Cajun swamp monster. 02 of 13 The Audubon Insectarium TripSavvy / Violet Smirnov Bugs, Bugs, and more Bugs at the Audubon Insectarium. Which kid doesn't love bugs! 03 of 13 The Cool Zoo Water Park This animal-themed water park is a big hit with kids and parents. Located in the Audubon Zoo, the Cool Zoo has three areas, with one for toddlers and younger kids. There are water slides, one is a large alligator. There is also a giant spider monkey that dumps water, water-spitting snakes, jumping water spouts and much more. There are also shaded benches for Mom and Dad. 04 of 13 The Aquarium of the Americas TripSavvy / Christopher Larson The Aquarium of the Americas, located at the foot of Canal Street on the Mississippi River, is among the five top aquariums in the nation. It showcases the aquatic life of the Americas. Don't miss the 400,000 gallon Gulf of Mexico tank. Continue to 5 of 13 below. 05 of 13 The Louisiana Children's Museum TripSavvy / Violet Smirnov The Louisiana Children's Museum is in the Arts District on Julia Street and is a favorite of the children of all ages. Here, the little ones can shop in a pint-sized grocery store or serve you lunch in the cafe. Older children can pilot a life-size tugboat on the Mighty Mississippi. 06 of 13 Preservation Hall Phil Roeder / Creative Commons via Flickr Preservation Hall, dedicated to the preservation of New Orleans Jazz has a family-friendly policy of no drinking or smoking and all ages are invited. 07 of 13 City Park TripSavvy / Violet Smirnov Easily accessible by streetcar from downtown, New Orleans City Park is a 1500-acre park that offers boating, fishing, and nature trails. Two miniature trains tour the perimeter of the park. Take younger children to Storyland, a magical play area featuring 26 nursery rhyme exhibits. You'll also find an amusement park featuring a fully restored antique wooden carousel, one of only 100 left in the country. (Sons and daughters of New Orleans of every age call carousels the "Flying Horses.") 08 of 13 River Boat Rides Edwin Remsberg/Getty Images New Orleans sits on the banks of the Mississippi River. There are several river boats that dock near the foot of Canal Street that provide a great experience for families. The Natchez is a real steamboat that has Jazz dinner cruises. The Creole Queen is a beautiful Paddlewheeler. Both riverboats offer daytime or night cruises, with or without a meal. All ages are welcome. Continue to 9 of 13 below. 09 of 13 An Outdoor Kid-Friendly Museum Imagine enjoying world-class art with your children and not worrying about whether they will touch anything. This beautiful part of New Orleans City Park may change your children's view of museums. It's a beautiful setting and accessible art is inviting, not intimidating to kids. 10 of 13 National World War II Museum TripSavvy / Christopher Larson The National World War II Museum is filled with planes, boats, and items from World War II Museum, along with special programs, make this museum something kids will love. Another museum that kids actually like is the Pharmacy Museum 11 of 13 Mardi Gras Sharon Keating What, Mardi Gras? If you're thinking, who in their right mind would take a child to Mardi Gras, you have either never been here or you've only stayed in the French Quarter when you came. It's true that the media loves to show the "exposures" for beads that go on Bourbon Street. But, there's a side of Mardi Gras few outsiders even know about and it can be one of the best vacations your family ever had. Safety Tips for Kids at Mardi Gras How to Plan a Trip to Mardi Gras 12 of 13 Have Your Own Streetcar Party Flavio~ / Flickr / CC There's a lot of fun to be had in your own streetcar. Decorate it and bring food for a great birthday celebration. This is a unique way to celebrate any special occasion. Continue to 13 of 13 below. 13 of 13 The French Quarter TripSavvy / Vincent Mercer Bourbon Street is not a street for kids. But there are other streets in the French Quarter that are great for kids during the day. Decatur and Royal don't have the strip clubs and bars that are on Bourbon Street. There are some interesting shops, one with nothing but toy soldiers, and there are street performers, artists, palm-readers all around. Take a walk around Jackson Square Take a Self-guided tour of the Mississippi Riverfront The Top 10 Museums in New Orleans Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit