Best Things to Do in New Orleans, LA With Kids
New Orleans with kids works best away from Bourbon Street: the Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, a ride on the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar, a daytime Steamboat Natchez jazz cruise, and the Mardi Gras World float-warehouse tour. All five are genuinely family-friendly and none involve the French Quarter nightlife.
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1Area photo: George Bannister / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)Audubon Zoo
An Uptown zoo with a real Louisiana Swamp exhibit (alligators, a swamp tour boat replica) alongside standard zoo favorites, plus a splash pad and a small train ride. Shaded paths and a manageable size make it finishable without a meltdown.
Watch out: New Orleans summer heat and humidity are brutal by midday — go early morning or plan around the splash pad for a break. Parking can be tight; the streetcar or a rideshare is often easier than driving.
2Area photo: George Bannister / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Downtown on the riverfront, recently renovated with new penguin habitats and Gulf of Mexico exhibits. A strong indoor, air-conditioned option for the hottest part of the day or a rainy afternoon, and walkable from the French Quarter's daytime areas.
Watch out: Combo tickets with the Insectarium or Zoo can save money if visiting multiple attractions — check current bundle pricing before buying separately. Gets busy on school-break weeks; morning entry is calmer.
3Area photo: George Bannister / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)St. Charles Avenue Streetcar Ride
The oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world, running through the Garden District past oak-canopied medians and historic mansions — a genuinely scenic, cheap ride rather than a tourist prop. Riding it end to end and back is a low-cost, low-effort family activity that also doubles as real transportation.
Watch out: Cars can get crowded during commute hours; a midday ride is more comfortable with kids and strollers. Exact change or a pre-loaded fare card makes boarding faster.
4Area photo: George Bannister / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)Steamboat Natchez Daytime Jazz Cruise
A real steam-powered paddlewheeler cruises the Mississippi with calliope music and a live jazz band on board, narrated with river and city history. The daytime cruise is noticeably better suited to kids than the evening dinner cruise, which leans more adult.
Watch out: Book the daytime sailing specifically — the evening cruise has a different, more adult-oriented atmosphere and later timing. Outdoor deck seating is best for views but exposed to summer heat.
5Area photo: George Bannister / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)Mardi Gras World Tour
A working warehouse where actual Mardi Gras parade floats are built and stored year-round — kids walk among giant sculpted figures and learn how the parades actually come together, capped with a free slice of king cake. A genuinely different, behind-the-scenes look at the city's biggest tradition, with none of the parade-day crowds or chaos.
Watch out: It's a working studio, so exact floats on display vary by visit and parade season — expect variety, not a fixed exhibit. Located across the river from the Quarter; factor in a short drive or the free shuttle from the convention center area.
Frequently asked
Is New Orleans a good family destination, given the Bourbon Street reputation?
Yes, if you plan around it — the zoo, aquarium, streetcar, Natchez cruise, and Mardi Gras World are all genuinely family-oriented and don't require going near Bourbon Street's nightlife at all, especially in daytime hours.
What is the best rainy-day activity in New Orleans with kids?
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas — fully indoor, air-conditioned, and substantial enough to fill a couple of hours without repetition.
Is the Steamboat Natchez cruise appropriate for young kids?
The daytime cruise, yes — it's family-oriented with live music and narration. Stick to the daytime sailing specifically; the evening dinner cruise is a different, more adult atmosphere.
How do we get around New Orleans with kids without driving everywhere?
The streetcar lines (St. Charles and Canal Street) cover a lot of the useful family routes cheaply, and rideshares fill in the gaps. Parking downtown and in the Quarter is limited and pricier than it looks.
Same destination, where to stay
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Activity days work best when your resort is the right launch pad. Our New Orleans family-resort guide ranks the whole-family-experience winners.
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