New Orleans with kids
 

We're planning a trip to New Orleans in early August with our kids, ages 2 1/2 and 5. I'm wondering what there is we can do in New Orleans that would be entertaining to young kids. As for hotels, I can get a "preferred" room at the Monteleone for $79; how child friendly is this hotel? Also, can anyone recommend any good beaches nearby, with good water for swimming, perhaps in Mississippi near the Gulf Islands National Seashore? We'll be taking I-10 to I-65 on our way home, and we're hoping to spend a day and night at the beach before we head back home to the mountains. Thanks!

First of all, N.Orleans in August is HOT, HOT, HOT!!! Be sure you dress for the heat. You may also want to carry some water/washcloths with you to cool off the kids while you're out and about (Also, keep in mind that when you're inside under A/C, it's usually freezing...) <BR> <BR>For kids, there's a great Aquarium near the quarter. The Audubon zoo is also very good. You can take the "zoo cruise" along the Miss. from the quarter to the zoo and trolley or shuttle back when you're through. I think the street shows/musicians would also be pretty entertaining for the kids if you just feel like walking around. <BR> <BR>Been years since I've been to the Miss. coast, but don't remember being very impressed with the beaches there... I think the beaches are much, much nicer starting in Gulf Shores, Al and into the Florida panhandle, if it's not too much more out of your way.

As another person mentioned, it will be really really hot in August. I think kids would enjoy riding the streetcar - it's $1.25 you can take it up to Audobon Park on St. Charles avenue and go to the zoo.

Thanks for the advice. I've heard a bit about the aquarium, and it sounds interesting, but I wonder how interesting it would be to a 2 1/2 and 5 year old? Their attention spans are rather short...

Kristi: If you believe that your very young children are too young for the Aquarium, then I can't imagine what child-friendly activities in NO you have in mind. Realistically, children ages 2 1/2 and 5 are probably too young to get much out of this trip.

I think you should definitely take in the aquarium. Although I have never been to the one in NO, 2-1/2 and 5 are the perfect ages for a visit to any aquarium! If it's like any other aquarium I've been to there will be turtles and penguins, as well as fish and sharks of all types and sizes. The kids will be very impressed. Attention span will not be short at this place (even for the youngest). You'll be lucky to tear them away from the various displays. The zoo should be a safe bet too. <BR>I'm sure they'd also love a ride on the trolley and a boat ride - as mentioned by another poster. However, make sure you keep those rides short. I can tell you from experience with active kids and short attention spans, you don't want to get stuck on a long boat ride with bored, cranky kids! <BR>Have fun.

Stan--- Thank you for your advice. However, I'm sure there are some things to do with kids in New Orleans--- after all, there ARE kids who actually live there, and I doubt they just sit at home all day.

Kristi...I don't know where you live, but the heat and humidity in New Orleans in the summer is absolutely incredible. You will wilt, and the kids will wilt faster. <BR> <BR>We spent the first 6 years of our marriage in New Orleans, and both children were born there. Aside from what's been mentioned, I don't know that you'll find a whole lot more for them to do. City Park is a possibility...there used to be a small petting zoo there as well as a little train, but this was years ago and I don't know if they still exist. <BR> <BR>We all used to enjoy the park areas around Lake Pontchartrain and the zoo is excellent. They might be temporarily amused by some of the street musicians/mimes etc around Jackson Sq, but for the most part, the Quarter is an adult destination. <BR> <BR>At the time we lived there, the MS Gulf Coast was not a place you'd want to swim because of pollution from the Mississippi. If we wanted beaches, the closest were from Pensacola on eastward along the FL Panhandle and those beaches are absolutely beautiful, with pure white sand and crystal clear turquoise water. You might want to think about spending less time in New Orleans and more at the beach, or have the option to play it by ear and leave NO early. That is their low season, so they scramble for business. That rate for the Monteleone seems more than reasonable (!) and a reflection of price slashing in the depth of their off season. Only problem with this plan is that it's NOT low season on the FL panhandle and you should have reservations before going over.

Went to New Orleans last July with an 8 year old. The Aquarium is very good, there is also a Children's Museum that's good, too. I would also recommend the zoo, and a swamp tour. <BR> <BR>We went on the Louisiana Swamp Tour, and it was a lot of fun. Your 5 year old will LOVE it, and your 2 1/2 year old will probably like it, too. They have early morning tours, and late afternoon tours. It will be hot, but the boat has a roof, so that helps a little. <BR> <BR>Your kids (and you!) will hate the suffocating heat in New Orleans--so try to brace yourself for that.

Thanks for all the great advice. The swamp tours sound interesting--- are they on airboats like in the Florida Everglades? The park and zoo suggestions are just what I was looking for, too. Our kids are pretty good when we do adult things like shopping, touring museums, eating in restaurants, etc., but we want to make sure we plan some "kid time", as well, where they can burn some energy. We were actually in New Orleans for an afternoon last May, driving back from Houston, and the kids had a great time watching the street performers and all the activity going on around them. As for the heat, I'm not too worried. We lived in Florida up until 3 years ago, so we definitely know about heat and humidity!