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New Orleans, LA · Guide

Things to do with kids in New Orleans

Last updated November 1, 2026 · 15 places

New Orleans offers a vibrant landscape for families, balancing historic city parks with immersive cultural learning. Whether you are exploring the expansive green spaces of the Garden District or diving into the interactive exhibits near the riverfront, the city provides a memorable backdrop for all ages.

This guide focuses on school-age children and younger, highlighting destinations that range from active outdoor play areas to educational institutions that bring local history to life. These spots prioritize engagement and movement, ensuring a balanced trip for visitors looking to combine sightseeing with classic family fun.

Good to know this fall

Fall break and early-season rain shift families toward the indoor picks on this list fast. The first wet weekend of the month is the busiest — go right at opening, and check school-holiday weeks before you drive across town.

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  1. 01

    Audubon Zoo

    4.5 (9,088)6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
    Kids' menuLivelyAll ages

    This 58-acre zoo features themed exhibits like the Swamp, home to rare white alligators, and diverse habitats for animals including lions and gorillas. The grounds are known for their extensive landscaping and tree cover.

    When to go: arrive near opening

    Parent tip · Plan to spend at least three hours to see the exhibits, and wear comfortable walking shoes.
  2. 02

    Louisiana Children's Museum

    4.5 (2,219)15 Henry Thomas Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
    Kids' menuHigh chairsLivelyBest for toddlers

    This museum offers hands-on play areas, including a mock supermarket, a water play section, and bubble stations. It features both indoor and outdoor spaces designed for active play.

    Parent tip · Bring sunscreen, as the museum features a large and popular outdoor play area.
  3. 03

    Lafreniere Park

    4.7 (4,630)3000 Downs Blvd, Metairie, LA 70003, USA
    Kids' menu likelyLivelyBest for school-age

    This large park features a revamped playground, a carousel, and a lake with a bird sanctuary. It includes various recreational facilities like bike lanes and disc golf, making it a versatile space for outdoor activity.

    Parent tip · Visit around dusk to see the local wildlife and birds when they are most active.
  4. 04

    Carousel Gardens Amusement Park

    4.6 (1,642)7 Victory Ave, New Orleans, LA 70124, USA
    Kids' menuLivelyBest for preschool

    An amusement park located in City Park offering over 20 rides, including a carousel, Ferris wheel, and train. It is designed for smaller children and provides a dedicated outdoor space for play.

    Parent tip · Check the height chart before purchasing tickets to see which rides are appropriate for your child.
  5. 05

    Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park

    4.6 (6,435)1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
    LivelyAll ages

    Located along the Mississippi River, this 16-acre park offers river views, a playground, and a misting station for hot days. It is a convenient space to relax near the French Quarter.

    Parent tip · Bring the kids to play in the misting station while you watch the riverboats pass by.
  6. 06

    Audubon Aquarium

    4.4 (16,930)1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
    LivelyBest for school-age

    An immersive aquarium featuring a walk-through butterfly atrium, a petting area for stingrays, and various marine life exhibits. It is located near the riverfront, offering a combination of animal encounters.

    Parent tip · Check the schedule for penguin feeding times or stingray interactions to time your visit.
  7. 07

    Lafayette Square

    4.5 (1,999)S Maestri St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
    CalmAll ages

    A small downtown square surrounded by historic buildings. It provides a green space for walking, cycling, or picnicking with benches and shade trees.

    Parent tip · Check if your visit coincides with community events or food truck gatherings.
  8. 08

    La Salle Park

    4.5 (824)6600 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003, USA
    CalmBest for school-age

    A community park with baseball fields, walking paths, and a small nature trail. It is a maintained outdoor space featuring a gym area and picnic facilities.

    Parent tip · The park's nature trail offers a quiet walking experience if you want a change from the athletic fields.
  9. 09

    Wally Pontiff Jr Playgrounds

    4.6 (355)1521 Palm St, Metairie, LA 70001, USA
    LivelyBest for preschool

    A fenced-in community park featuring a playground and an indoor court area. It is a neighborhood spot for outdoor play and sports activities.

    Parent tip · The southeast corner of the park is noted for having popular merry-go-round equipment.
  10. 10

    Museum of Death New Orleans

    4.1 (7,654)227 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
    Calm

    A small museum focusing on the history of death, including displays of serial killer letters and taxidermy. The content is graphic and intended for mature audiences.

    Parent tip · Be aware that exhibits are graphic and may not be suitable for young children.
  11. 11

    The National WWII Museum

    4.8 (30,759)945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
    CalmBest for school-age

    This museum offers extensive historical exhibits covering both the Pacific and European theaters of World War II. Visitors can explore a large collection of artifacts, including aircraft in the Boeing Pavilion and an interactive submarine experience.

    Parent tip · Follow an assigned soldier's story throughout the day to provide a personal perspective on the history.
  12. 12

    Audubon Park

    4.7 (8,980)6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
    CalmAll ages

    A large park featuring live oak trees, lagoons, and paved paths suitable for walking, cycling, or skating. It serves as a central hub for various attractions, including a golf course, playgrounds, and access to the Audubon Zoo.

    Parent tip · Look for the tree known as the Tree of Life for a unique local landmark.
  13. 13

    New Orleans Botanical Garden

    4.7 (1,619)5 Victory Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA
    CalmAll ages

    A historic garden within City Park that features Art Deco architecture, sculptures, and thousands of plant varieties. The space includes a greenhouse, a waterfall, and a seasonal vegetable garden.

    Parent tip · If visiting with children, time your trip for the weekend to see the miniature train set running.
  14. 14

    Crescent Park

    4.6 (1,514)Crescent Park Trail, 2300 N Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70117, USA
    CalmAll ages

    A linear park stretching along the Mississippi River, featuring walking paths, gardens, and modern pavilions. The park provides an open space for jogging or relaxing with views of the river.

    Parent tip · Visit in the early morning or late afternoon, as much of the park lacks shade.
  15. 15

    Mardi Gras World

    4.4 (5,457)1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA
    LivelyBest for school-age

    A warehouse-based attraction that provides tours of the production studio where Mardi Gras parade floats are built. Visitors can learn about the history of the festival and see artists at work.

    Parent tip · Use the free shuttle service provided from nearby hotels to simplify your commute.

Common questions

How were these things to do with kids in New Orleans chosen?

Each place starts from current local listing data for New Orleans, then is screened for family fit — things like kids' menus and high chairs, how loud it gets, the ages it suits best, and practical details like stroller room and wait times.

How current is this guide?

This guide was last updated in November 2026. FamSpots refreshes its city guides on a rolling schedule, and each page shows its own update date at the bottom.

Is FamSpots free?

Yes. Every city guide is free to read with no account. Creating a free account adds recommendations tuned to your kids' ages, interests, and dietary needs. No credit card is required.

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