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You might be surprised the learn that families are flocking to New Orleans, Louisiana as a family travel destination. With numerous kid-friendly attractions I can see why. Although I might be a bit biased, families with children from teens to toddlers can fall in love with food, family fun and more. Over the years I have written about New Orleans multiple times and share my love for New Orleans with others. TripAdvisor has recently ranked New Orleans #10 in their 2013 Travelers Choice Award listings. Our New Orleans Family Travel Guide offers outdoor recreation, hands on education and cultural attraction options.
Visiting historical landmarks is a great way to add education to any travel experience. The city of New Orleans has a very diverse history lesson your family can appreciate. Chalmette Battlefield and Fort Pike are two historical sites that are perfect for families visiting New Orleans this summer. Aside from the history lesson these sites provide, the two attractions are also budget friendly. Chalmette Battlefield is free of charge. Admission to Fort Pike is $4.00 for Adults and free of charge for children and seniors.
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 and parks that are associated with the Audubon Nature Institute. If you are planning a visit any of the above location you can purchase a bundle pass which allows entrance to all Audubon locations at a combined discounted price.
Are you a sports family? The New Orleans area is known for being huge fans. In 1970 Tulane Stadium held New Orleans’s first NFL Super Bowl. Since then a total of 10 Super Bowls have been held in New Orleans. In addition 5 NCAA Final Four Basketball Games have been held in New Orleans. Your budding sports fan will love the variety of sporting events our area has to offer. From Pro & AFL football teams to an official PGA golf facility: TPC Louisiana, the New Orleans area is your winning city for sporting events.
New Orleans is well known for cultural experiences. From music, art to local restaurants you will not find a better reason to escape to New Orleans for a few days. You can take your family to various children’s museum or take your family on a short ride to Baton Rouge where they can visit the Louisiana State Capitol and other local museums. If music if their forte, how about brunch at the House of Blues. Your family can enjoy a delectable brunch while listening to New Orleans Gospel Music. Make sure to stop by the House of Blues for lunch so you can sample their new Crossroads menu created by The Food Network celebrity chef, Aaron Sanchez.
Does your family enjoy the outdoors? Your family will enjoy a scenic riverboat cruise aboard The Steamboat Natchez. The New Orleans classic has been operating since 1975. The iconic riverboat experience gives travelers the best view of New Orleans, from the Mississippi River. The 2 hour Steamboat Natchez cruise offers guests a Jazz Buffet, Calliope concert and a traditional live Jazz band. The harbor buffet is filling and offers traditional New Orleans cuisine like red beans and rice, jambalaya, fried catfish and New Orleans style bread pudding.
If you prefer nature trails your family will enjoy the short drive to the Northshore. Camp Salmen Nature Park spans 130 acres that originated in 1921. Legend has it that in 1921 an unknown boy scout shared an umbrella with Fitz Salmen of Salmen Brick and Lumber Company that in lieu of a tip, Fitz donated 72.5 acres of land on Bayou Liberty for use of a scouting camp. In 1956, his son donated another 35 acres which adjoined Camp Salmen. Camp Salmen Lodge is the sole structure that remains today at Camp Salmen which was used by New Orleans area Boy Scouts. Today the nature park offer free admission and provides a scene backdrop for locals and tourist.
Summer & Spring travel is ideal but the heat can be challenging. From indoor to outdoor museums and attractions, New Orleans can offer families a combination of history, culture and outdoor family fun. Although this is a small snippet of family attractions in New Orleans, be sure to read an additional post regarding educational travel in New Orleans.
Which New Orleans attraction do you think your family might enjoy?
New Orleans has been on my travel bucket list for years. I keep saying I will get there one of these days.
I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans and I don’t know why I haven’t! Now I really want to go!
We have always wanted to visit New Orleans as a family, thanks for this, this will be great for planning our trip.
I would love to visit the battlefield. I love historical attractions.
My Mom is from New Orleans, and I haven’t been since I was a kid. I really need to visit with my own family soon.
I really enjoyed my visit to New Orleans and I would love to go back to explore further.