Kid Friendly Activities in New Orleans

While New Orleans is primarily associated with Mardi Gras, it hosts many other events as well. Many of them are kid-friendly, including some offered by the French Quarter. Enjoying New Orleans is something the whole family can do together.

Steamboat Natchez
There is nothing like seeing the Mississippi River from the Steamboat Natchez. Even kids will enjoy this cruise. It includes a tour of the boat's engine room, where the Captain issues command to his crew. The whole family can enjoy some authentic jazz performed by local musicians.

Audubon Zoo and Insectarium
Kids can learn a lot at the Audubon Zoo and its Insectarium. The zoo boasts exotic animals that other zoos don't have. White tigers are among the many animals that kids can learn more about. Hands-on encounters with many of the zoo's animals are a fun and educational experience for the whole family. Natural habitats such as Louisana swamps and vast gardens add to the experience.

The Audubon Insectarium is a great place to learn about the bugs found throughout the city. An underground experience is included with admission to the Insectarium. Kids can learn what it is like to be an insect and can even sample some of the foods they typically eat. In addition, the Japanese Butterfly Garden adds to the experience and allows visitors to relax and enjoy nature.

Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland
Kids always love the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Storyland. Attractions include Captain Hook's Pirate Ship and playing with Pinnochio in the mouth of a whale. The park also encourages a love of reading in kids by providing 25 exhibits based on storybooks.

Garden District Tour
Led by French Quarter Phantoms, the Garden District Tour shows off some of the nicest homes in the city. It includes houses that were lived in by famous authors, artists, poets, and even movie stars. The tour includes the former homes of Archie Manning, Anne Rice, and John Goodman, among others. It serves as an important history lesson that is great for kids and adults. It gives a real sense of what New Orleans is all about.