New Orleans with Kids

Get Out and Play

City Park. There's plenty to do here for the younger set, including two free playgrounds: one with swings near the Peristyle, and a new playground for older kids, just off Marconi Drive, that has more challenging things to clamber on. Storyland, a fairy tale theme park, is open on weekends year-round, and features a number of sculptures created by Blaine Kern Studios, the maker of Mardi Gras floats. Adjacent Carousel Gardens Amusement Park has low-impact rides, a miniature train that tours the park, and a beautiful 100-year-old carousel as a centerpiece. It's open weekends from March through December.

Barataria Preserve. Let the kids burn off some excess energy on the trails in this swamp outpost of the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park, about 15 mi from the French Quarter. Come when it's warm and you'll see lots of creepy-crawlies, including alligators.

Animals Everywhere!

Audubon Insectarium. The latest achievement by the Audubon Institute, this amazing attraction features insects for everyone—from a beautiful exhibit on butterflies to gross-out fun with the bug chef.

Audubon Zoo. A well-designed showcase for animals from all over the world, the zoo also has a hands-on area for kids—where young volunteers show off real live zoo residents—and a petting zoo with docile goats, among other beasts.

Aquarium of the Americas. Loads of exotic sea creatures, a penguin exhibit, and an interactive area where kids can get their hands wet make the aquarium a favorite family destination. There's a fun museum shop and an IMAX theater next door.

Kiddie Culture

Louisiana Children's Museum. The Warehouse District museum tries to sneak in a little education while giving kids a place to romp, role-play, and dabble in the arts.

Rivertown. This 16-block historic district is packed full of kid-friendly fun. It's a bit of a haul out to Kenner, near the airport, but worth the effort to catch a Saturday-afternoon performance in the Children's Castle or to visit the Louisiana Toy Train Museum.

Summer Stages Children's Theater. This drama school for young actors stages kid-friendly fare in summer and a holiday program.

For Kids of All Ages

Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World at Kern Studios. The city's most famous float-building family offers tours of their company's vast studio, where kids can try on costumes and watch the artists at work. The studio recently moved to new digs in the Robin Street Wharf behind the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. The new space is five times larger than the old Algiers site.

Streetcars. You can't leave New Orleans without taking the kids for a ride in a streetcar, which you can also use to get to several of the sites listed here, including City Park (on the Canal Street line) and Audubon Park (St. Charles Avenue).