10 Things To Do With Kids In New Orleans

1. Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium

Eating insects, 4D movies, arcade bee catching games and an indoor walk-through butterfly garden. The Insectarium is open 7 days and prices are $16.50 Adult, $12 Child (2 -12). You can get a package to include all parks. Its location is very convenient.

2. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Walk through tunnels abundant with fish, stingrays and sharks. An exhibit dedicated to the Louisiana swamplands, playful penguins and jumping otters. Tickets for Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is $22.50 Adult & $16 Child (2 -12). You can get a package for all 3 parks.

3. Audubon Zoo

One of the top 5 zoos in the country, you can find nearly any animal imaginable here plus Monkey Hill, which is fun for a splash around, trees to climb and playgrounds to enjoy. For an extra fee you will even find a water playground. Tickets to the Audubon Zoo are $17.50 Adult, $12 Child (2 -12).

4. Steamboat Natchez

While mainly a great afternoon for the adults, my kids had fun trying on sailor hats, dancing on the dance floor and generally running around on deck. If you get the lunch as well, you’ll get a chance to sample some of the local dishes the region is well-know for. Boarding was between 11 and 11:30am. Tickets were $38.50 per adult, children 6 - 12 $20.25 and children 2 - 5 $8.00. This includes a buffet lunch.

5. Festivals

New Orleans is known for it’s festivals and almost every weekend something is happening. It may be full of jazz and music, but that doesn’t mean kids can’t be involved. We happened upon the Bayou Boogaloo. Entrance was free and the kids had a blast climbing inflatable walls, sliding down the other side, playing musical instruments and watching rubber ducky races. Free.

6. Stanley Park

Located in City Park Is a large, well-maintained playground. Nearby is a café for buying drinks and food if you come unprepared. Free.

7. Storyland & Amusement Park

Also within City Park is Storyland. The park is a little dated, but that didn’t bother the kids. They had fun running from fairytale to fairytale to be in The Three Little Pigs House or slide down the dragon’s flame. Tickets are $3 each. Next-door is an amusement park too with plenty of rides to choose from. Tickets are $22 for all day or $3 per ride.

8. WWII Museum

This place is home to a spacious repository filled with real planes hanging in the ceiling. The kids loved ridding the lift to walk the high elevated walkways around the planes. Better yet, they have the most amazing ice cream store on the ground floor within the building. Tickets are $22, kids under 5 free.

9. Cemeteries

Sounds morbid doesn’t it? But really you can have the best hide and seek games in these giant above ground cemeteries, and take in the incredible, opulent tombs at the same time. Keep an eye on the kids at all times though. Free.