I'm taking my teen age kids to New Orleans in July. I know it's not a good time, but that's the school vacation. Is the French Quarter too "hot" for a family? Any hints for day trips? Places to avoid?
Anne

Here we go again...

I'll preface this by saying I Love New Orleans...

New Orleans is a dangerous city if you don't stay within the confines of the tourist areas. The hotels will usually be able to tell you where the boundaries are.

Weather will be very humid, but I was there during the month of August (visiting relatives) and survived.

Bourbon Street isn't that bad.

Otherwise, there are many things to do in New Orleans.

Definitely plan a trip to the aquarium- great for the heat of the day. Ride the trolley through the Garden District. The French Quarter during the day is a good place to stroll- go to Jackson Square. While I've not been to the zoo, other posters on this board have recommended it. Scroll through past posts on this board or do a search on "New Orleans"- you'll get several good recommendations. Have fun!

bourbon street for teens...depends on your teens. It's tacky, drunken and ranges from bawdy to tawdry. It can teach lessons from either end of the spectrum.... Other than Bourbon St., however, NO is terrific! Your kids will doubtless enjoy the endless 'people show' at ....(i'm going blank here..help! someone, the main square with all the street performers, etc...?)...DO be sure to partake of an evening at Preservation Hall...the time we were there, the musicians were chatty during breaks. A few sentences shared there can be an eye-opener for your youngsters. There's a Civil War museum that's of interest...and the recently opened D Day Museum that Stephen Ambrose spear-headed. Enough to do for teens? Yep, and then some!

Jackson Square!!

Jackson Square!