Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in New Orleans

"It’s also an excellent place to people watch and where a number of New Orleans’ historical landmarks like The St Louis Cathedral, The Cabildo, and The Presbytère are located (with Preservation Hall and The Historic New Orleans Collection nearby). Tons of artists, musicians, and fortune tellers hang out in Jackson Square and in the spirit of disclosure, I spent most of my time here people-watching and eating beignets. However, if you want to be a little more cultured than I was, visit one or several of the above-mentioned landmarks for even more NOLA history."

"Most tourists recognize the St. Louis Cathedral's triple spires as the main symbol of the French Quarter. Many have taken photos of the gleaming white facade against a clear blue sky, from across picturesque Jackson Square. Relatively few, though, have stepped inside the Cathedral – the oldest continuously active one in the US – to view its surprising interior; the stained glass windows depicting the saintly life of France's King Louis IX, the glorious murals and statuary beckoning the visitor back nearly 300 years to its founding."

"You can take time for quiet introspection at the St. Louis Cathedral as you admire the architecture and artwork within this historic building. Located at the center of Jackson Square, this iconic cathedral has hosted numerous weddings over the years. It’s open daily from 8:30am until 4:00pm with Daily Mass at 12:05pm."

"From here, you’ve got Jackson Square literally across the street, or if you walk out and to the right you can go to the French Market. Do both in whatever order you like then head into the center of the French Quarter. Some key points to check out in this small zone are: the artists along the street at Jackson Square, St Lous Cathedral (you can’t miss it), New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo, and shopping for antiques on Royal Street. Of course, Bourbon street is here too and always popping even in the daytime."

"Once a military parade ground at the very centre of the city Jackson Square was first laid out in 1720s in the style of Place des Vosges in Paris. After the Battle of New Orleans in 1815 the plaza was renamed in honour of the victorious General Andrew Jackson who would become the seventh president of the United States between 1829 and 1837. At the very centre of formal gardens is the equestrian statue for Jackson by sculptor Clark Mills and unveiled in 1856."

"Jackson Square is pretty famous in New Orleans, Louisiana, and tourists gravitate towards it like nobody’s business in their quest for what to do for fun while visiting. Once upon a time, Jackson Square was a ground for military parades back in the 1720s, somewhat similar to Paris’ Place des Vosges. In 1815, once the Battle of New Orleans drew to a close, the area was renamed to honor General Andrew Jackson."

"Through the iron gate on St. Peters Street lies one of the world’s most respected music venues and the spiritual home of New Orleans jazz, Preservation Hall. The band “preserves” the traditions of New Orleans jazz as it was in its heyday a hundred years ago, and plays five white-hot, hour-long sets each night in front of a packed room, where benches are kicked back so people of all ages can dance. No reservations, no booze—just stand in line with everyone else and you’ll be rewarded with a little local magic."

"Walk down St. Peters Street on any evening and you’ll likely encounter the line for Preservation Hall. With shows starting at 5:00pm, 6:00pm, 8:00pm, 9:00pm, and 10:00pm almost every night of the year, this iconic music venue has been promoting Jazz in the Crescent City for over 50 years. The cost to enter is usually $20 (cash only), the venue is tiny, and the music is acoustic."

"After dinner is sure to check out live jazz at Preservation Hall. This ended up being our favorite thing we did in New Orleans and strongly suggest you don’t miss out on this during your 3 days in New Orleans."

"If you’re searching for what to do in New Orleans City Park with kids, the Louisiana Children’s Museum has to top your list. Kids will delight in playing throughout the indoor and outdoor areas. Outside, your kids can explore exhibits on the water, in the garden, and more!"

"In the heart of City Park in New Orleans, sits the wonderful Louisiana Children’s Museum. The museum offers over 56,000 square feet of space for your little ones to run wild right alongside their imagination. There is so much for kids of all ages to discover and explore."

"Features an impressive collection of original paintings, works on paper, and sculpture by some of history’s most revered artists. Representing over five centuries of fine art, we specialize in original works from the old masters to the modern masters, as well as a select group of renowned contemporary artists."

"This 1.4-mile, 20-acre urban park on the riverfront offers landscaped gardens, a dog park, walking paths, public restrooms, swings, and panoramic downtown views. Don't miss the David Adjaye-designed Piety Street Bridge, a pedestrian walkway that rises above active railroad tracks to connect the river with the Bywater community. A post shared by BJ Knights (@bj_knights) on Sep 5, 2016 at 8:32am PDT"

"Finally, head to Crescent Park for a beautiful sunset view of the city, and after the sun goes down venture over to Frenchmen Street for some live jazz and blues. While tourists tend to visit Bourbon Street, you’ll see more locals on Frenchmen. For tonight’s live music, check out this listing by the local radio station."

"Located in the French Market District/ Bywater the Crescent Park is another park that people go to. It spans 1.4 miles and has 20 acres of land. It is located near the French market."

"A post shared by The Fudgery (@thefudgery) on Sep 21, 2014 at 4:23pm PDT. The Fudgery offers a large selection of flavors for your ice cream, fudge, shakes, smoothies, candy apples, and other delicious sweet treats. The moment you step into the shop, you will be greeted by the divine aroma of fudge and bright smiles by its charming employees."

"Warehouse DistrictFounded in 1976 with a mission focused on the cutting edge of art and performance, operated by artists and performers, the CAC has become an important institution in the New Orleans art world, with a focus not just on visual and performing arts, but also on arts education as well. Basically, it’s pretty great. And, if you happen to have a Louisiana state ID, you can check it all out on Sundays for no charge."

"Right next door to The National WWII Museum is the Contemporary Arts Center, known to locals as the CAC. This artistic hub hosts a variety of exciting contemporary art exhibits and events. To open the 2018 season, the CAC is presenting “Constructing the Break,” their annual open call exhibition of 29 regional artists."

"Take in cutting-edge exhibits, featuring both local artists and the work of national and international talent, at this cornerstone of…"

"Take the famous St. Charles Streetcar to Central City to visit the McKenna Museum of African American Art. The museum’s mission is to make African Diasporan fine art available and accessible to visitors of all ages. They work to preserve the culture of the African American community in Louisiana."

"The McKenna Museum is a fine art institution with a direct focus on African Diasporan pieces. In addition to their collection, McKenna offers a range of diverse programming such as guest speakers, workshops and book readings to further their mission and work."

"Escape to the south of France at this incredibly charming Bywater restaurant that features a delicious sake-cured salmon and goat cheese tartine, duck a l’orange, and a wine list that’s far from mainstream. Pro tip: N7’s only dessert option is a cheese plate, so expect to go elsewhere for dessert if your sweetie likes sweets. 1117 Montegut St.; an establishment so French there’s no phone number listed"

"BywaterSeafood, cocktails, and natural shine at this hidden gemThis is the kind of place where it feels like you’re making a discovery every time you eat here. From its nondescript entrance to the cozy indoor seating and the menu of natural wines, you’ll find something new to enjoy. Hopefully your dining partner feels the same way."

"For an awesome fusion of French and Japanese cuisine, check out N7!. The perfect mix of classy and casual, and their outdoor dining area is one of the cutest in New Orleans!. Try their squid and you’ll want to return in no time at all!"

"On a rainy afternoon in New Orleans, there's no better place to be than the balcony of the historic Prytania Theatre, cooking up some honest to goodness Hollywood romance with your real-life love interest. Opened in 1915, this charming theater is the oldest in the city and the only single-screen left in Louisiana. Couples can share gelato or a freshly made cappuccino during daytime favorites like Citizen Kane or Some Like It Hot or cuddle up for midnight screenings of cult classics like Rocky Horror Picture Show."

"At more than 100 years old, the single-screen theater in Uptown is a step back in time, with red velvet ropes, balcony seating and family-friendly screenings of hand-picked classic films."

"The Orpheum is an immaculately renovated historic theater with just over 1,400 seats to accommodate concerts, films, and private events. Originally built in 1918, the performance art theatre recently celebrated “100 Years on Stage” (1921-2021)."

"The acoustically-pure Beaux-Arts theater has been fully restored following damage from Hurricane Katrina. Location: 129 Roosevelt WayArchitect: G. Albert Lansburgh (restored by Eskew+Dumez+Ripple)Date: 1921Contact: https://orpheumnola.com/"

"Through the iron gate on St. Peters Street lies one of the world’s most respected music venues and the spiritual home of New Orleans jazz, Preservation Hall. The band “preserves” the traditions of New Orleans jazz as it was in its heyday a hundred years ago, and plays five white-hot, hour-long sets each night in front of a packed room, where benches are kicked back so people of all ages can dance. No reservations, no booze—just stand in line with everyone else and you’ll be rewarded with a little local magic."

"Walk down St. Peters Street on any evening and you’ll likely encounter the line for Preservation Hall. With shows starting at 5:00pm, 6:00pm, 8:00pm, 9:00pm, and 10:00pm almost every night of the year, this iconic music venue has been promoting Jazz in the Crescent City for over 50 years. The cost to enter is usually $20 (cash only), the venue is tiny, and the music is acoustic."

"After dinner is sure to check out live jazz at Preservation Hall. This ended up being our favorite thing we did in New Orleans and strongly suggest you don’t miss out on this during your 3 days in New Orleans."