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Because my readers know that I am in the New Orleans area, I am constantly being asked questions like: What can we do in New Orleans with our family? Is it safe for the kids? I can’t bring my kids to the French Quarter can I? The misconception that New Orleans is 365 days of Mardi Gras is untrue. Traveling with your family to New Orleans is not only doable but it is a must! You know me & you have seen my family. We are like friends! Not only have I walked the French Quarter with my family numerous times, I have also been there in the evening with them AT NIGHT!! This is the part where you passed out and fainted right? In all seriousness, I normally leave the French Quarter with my 2 school aged children by 9-10p.m & we are more than safe.
Family Travel in New Orleans is very educational. The history that surrounds the city & our state is very impressive. Diversity & culture is the cornerstone of what New Orleans is about. Diversity is so important to me as you may know I have a multicultural family. So when we travel anywhere I am always looking for elements to point out that educate my school aged children and feed their curious minds. Today I am tackling some of MY top locations or ideas for an Educational New Orleans Experience
Educational New Orleans Experience
1. Audubon Nature Institute
Audubon Nature Institute consists of Audubon Zoo, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, Entergy IMAX® Theatre, Audubon Park & more. Nature is the key element of the Audubon Nature Institute which provides an educational resource to visitors through entertainment & hands on learning experiences. My children have always loved visiting the 10 museums & parks that are associated with the Audubon Nature Institute. I have yet to have my children ( 13 & 9 years old) tell me they are “too old” for the zoo or the aquarium. In fact, I notice that they gravitate to elements that they did not noticed when they were younger.
2. Eco- Swamp Tours
I know you are thinking this is so cliche’ but in truth taking your family on a swamp tour gives families an inside look to our eco-system & the importance of ecology. When I was younger, I went on a eco-tour that is still vivid in my mind. The wetlands of South Louisiana is an untouched treasure that help keep our ecosystem in order while providing additional beauty to our area.
3. City Park
Storyland & Carousel Gardens Amusement Park are perfect for younger children but don’t forget that New Orleans Museum of Art and Sculpture Garden are also located in City Park. My daughter who is now a teen adores NOMA. She recalls visiting NOMA & the botanical gardens with my mother & I many times. Now that my mother is not well, those moments of clarity are very close to her heart. Together, we would spend the afternoon in various exhibits while she gave us a long-winded interpretation of what each painting and exhibit meant to her. Once we left the New Orleans Museum of Art we would head over to enjoy a picnic lunch, play in Storyland for a bit before we rode the trolley back to our car.
4. City Tours
A great way to visit New Orleans is by participating in a city tour. Whether your family is interested in a history tour, culinary tour, riverboat tour or even haunted tour (I have older children so they would love this) you can walk your walk throughout the city, take a double decker bus, carriage ride or even a Riverboat tour away from learning how important New Orleans is to our Nation’s history.
5. Take the Beaten Path
Do your research or bring an experienced travel guide (family, friend or professional) to help locate New Orleans’s greatest travel treasures that are not in the local travel guide. Not only can you save money by spending 1-2 days by visiting the area this way but you can also unearth a gem of a learning experience. My husband loves to take the kids (especially if I am away traveling or working) to have Popeye’s a picnic lunch in attractions like Fort Pike or Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve. Costs or free or only a few dollars per person.
While you are visiting with your family, don’t forget to visit other family friendly locations like: Louisiana Children’s Museums, Steamboat Natchez, The National WWII Museum, Mardi Gras World, St. Louis Cathedral, The Cabildo, Longue Vue House and Gardens, Mahalia Jackson Theater of the Performing Arts, Fort Pike and a long list of others that I did not mention above.
Traveling with your family should be more than roller-coasters & watersides. Educational travel can leave a lasting impression on your children so make sure New Orleans is your Education Destination. What has been your most educational travel destination for your family?
Oh yes, there is a lot of history in New Orleans. I will return there with my family for them to see what a beautiful place it is. Love the parties. Great place!
I enjoyed our recent trip to the Battleship in Alabama! Lots to learn about history there!
Great list! New Orleans is on the list of the top 5 cities my family and I want to visit.
I can think of no city more beautiful or educational! Love encouraging others to come check it out.
I love NOLA! One day we’ll go back there
We have always wanted to visit New Orleans.. I definitely think we will be one of those families to talk to the people around to visit those places off the map.
Thanks for sharing, I have so many places on my “to travel” list and I love to hear about others travels.
I hope to some day visit New Orleans …… Filled with history!
I’m pinning this for later! We need to get to New Orleans with the kids soon. I’ve always wanted to go.
We’ve been to NOLA 3 times with kids (well, one time I was not there) and my husband raves about the carriage ride tour that I did not get to go on since I was not there that time! We love the aquarium and the street cars and yes, City Park too! And my children LOVE walking around the French Quarter. Plus, our favorite breakfast place, The Old Coffee Pot is right in the middle of it all.
Great post!
I love Nola! Thanks for all of your wonderful tips and advice.
There are sure of a lot of places to visit in New Orleans! I especially would love to visit the Audubon Society sites and NOMA. Maybe someday.
I love New Orleans and can’t wait to bring our kids there – naturally, I wouldn’t go to the French Quarter with them late at night, but I can’t wait to show them the cathedral, all the great places to eat, and the WWII museum (my grandfather was a WWII prisoner of war) when they get a little older. I had no idea that there was a childrens museum…I’ll have to add that to the list!
this would be a great place to travel with so many places to visit
I have no doubt that there are tons to do in New Orleans. If I were to choose, I’d love to go on the Eco-swamp tour! Quite curious about it! If you have pics I’d love to see some!
And Cafe Du Monde late at night is fun too! A different vibe late at night than by day that’s for sure! Great tips! Can’t wait to get back to NOLA!
New Orleans is on my bucket list. My husband isn’t a fan though since he spent a summer working in your city living in a trailer. Whenever I bring it up he says it’s too hot there. Perhaps your list will help me persuade him.
We have family in Louisiana, so I am bookmarking this post for next time we visit…this would be a great way to show our girls New Orleans! :)-Ashley