5 Family-Friendly Activities to Do This Summer in New Orleans

While New Orleans may be known for its fine dining, live music, and entertainment, our city also prides itself on welcoming everyone at all stages of life — including children!  

With an abundance of city-wide parks and museums, spending an afternoon with your family doesn’t have to be strictly at the movie theatre. At Hotel Monteleone, we offer an approachable on-site restaurant, plus a private heated rooftop pool to keep the kids busy and amused. In addition, there are many activities within walking distance of our front door.  

Here are a few days worth of family-friendly activities to experience while on vacation in New Orleans: 

 

1. For history buffs and creative types

Mardi Gras World: 300,000 square foot working warehouse and art museum
1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130
(Located inside of Kern Studios)

When you think of New Orleans, our Carnival season is one of the most popular times of year to visit. Mardi Gras World offers an inside glimpse at how Mardi Gras parades function, giving you the Carnival experience in a comfortable environment any time of the year. Daily tours show visitors the work local artists create for floats that run in over 40 parades yearly. The best part? Each visitor also receives a free slice of king cake! Mardi Gras World provides a free shuttle service offering rides to and from the French Quarter, making this a must-see “museum” full of art and fun! 

 

2. For those seeking urban park activities

City Park: 1,300-acre public park
1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124

Photo of Cafe du Monde is from @nolajules68 via Instagram. Photo of City Putt is from @neworleanscitypark via Instagram. Photo of City Park ride is from @avidalchemy via Instagram.

With well over 1,000 acres, City Park provides walking trails, an urban forest, open space, cultural amenities, and recreation services for the whole family. Start your day with beignets at the park’s Cafe du Monde, then venture to City Putt, Carousel Gardens, or Storyland for an action-packed day. Or, simply enjoy the nature, playgrounds, fishing, and boating available. The options are endless, and you’ll love spending the day in one of the largest urban parks in the country.

 

3. For those seeking a historic cruise

Boats dock at 400 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130
(Located in Woldenberg Park)

Come aboard and enjoy New Orleans hospitality… steamboat style! The historic Steamboat Natchez and luxurious Creole Queen offer a variety of daily cruises that are a great activity for all ages. With sightseeing on the Mississippi River, one-of-a-kind dining experiences, history lessons, daytime jazz, and more, there’s something for everyone on these iconic city tours. Cruising down the beautiful Mississippi River allows you to gain a unique perspective on the history and culture of New Orleans. 

 

4. For those seeking a picturesque view of Louisiana wetlands

Guided tours through the Jean Lafitte Barataria Preserve

If you’re looking for a more hands-on experience of New Orleans rivers and swamps, an airboat tour may be an excellent excursion. An airboat tour is an ideal way to safely immerse yourself in the beauty of the New Orleans swamps. Enjoy an up-close and personal view of the creatures that inhabit our swamps, including alligators, turtles, deer, wild boar, owls, waterfowl, raccoons, and more!  

 

5. For those curious about water and wildlife

Downtown Aquarium of the Americas
1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Uptown Audubon Zoo
6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118

Photo on the upper left is by @luxdevereaux via Instagram. Photo on the upper right is by @nolamamarazzi.1percentlists
Photo on upper left is from @luxdevereaux via Instagram. Photo on the upper right is from @nolamamarazzi.1percentlists.

The Audubon Nature Institute is renowned in New Orleans for its impressive zoo, aquarium, butterfly garden, and nature center. First, walk to Canal Street to explore the Aquarium of the Americas and see the wonders of sea life. With more than 3,600 animals from more than 250 species, including endangered species, the Aquarium offers you an aquatic experience you’ll never forget. Located in historic Uptown, Audubon Zoo is consistently one of the country’s top-ranked zoos, with daily animal presentations, chats and feeds, and award-winning exhibits such as the Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle. 

 

 

Fun for the Whole Family: Enjoy a Stay at Hotel Monteleone!

At Hotel Monteleone, our prime French Quarter location makes it easy to visit top area attractions without the hassle of a car. With luxurious amenities, a convenient on-site restaurant and bar, and a refreshing rooftop pool, there’s a reason we’re the preferred choice for family vacations in New Orleans.  

Take advantage of our special rates and book a summer vacation with the kids in New Orleans. We can’t wait to be your home away from home! 

Book your family vacation in New Orleans now!

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