You may be surprised to learn that this 300-year-old city—the birthplace of jazz and the home of Mardi Gras—is an ideal destination for families with kids. As we gear up for our annual convention, which will be hosted in New Orleans June 21-24, we wanted to make sure you knew about a few of the best kid-friendly things to do in the Big Easy.
New Orleans is a dynamic city that brings your family amazing culture, food, music, and festivals, in addition to an array of child-friendly activities that you will not be able to find anywhere else. In addition to a very walkable downtown and an excellent streetcar system that will make transportation easy, New Orleans is home to one of the top zoos in the country and historic, cultural sights you won’t find anywhere else. Check out what this amazing destination can offer you and your family during your downtime at #PTACon18.
The Audubon Zoo
Audubon Zoo offers an exotic mix of animals from around the globe, engaging educational programs, hands-on animal encounters and lush gardens. It’s ranked as one of the top zoos in the country! In the summertime, it even offers a mini water park called the Cool Zoo which you can access for an additional price (not included in the admissions fee).
The New Orleans Creole Queen or The Steamboat Natchez
Ride down the Mississippi River and gaze back at New Orleans with your children on an authentic steamboat. As you ride along you will be able to better see the topography and understand how New Orleans received its nickname “The Crescent City.”
City Park
City Park features a wide variety of attractions including Storyland, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, a Sculpture Garden, the New Orleans Botanical Garden, the New Orleans Museum of Art, a train, lots of playgrounds and even Morning Call, a delicious beignet stand.
Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World
Take your kids to tour this massive warehouse where they’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at the costumes, floats and parade paraphernalia of Mardi Gras.
Jackson Square
Jackson Square is surrounded by gorgeous historic buildings located in the heart of the French Quarter. Kids love the spot for its street performers, picturesque benches (perfect for a picnic lunch), and delicious beignets at nearby Cafe du Monde.
PTA Palooza!
Check out this exciting, brand-new event during the PTA Convention in New Orleans, Saturday, June 23 from 10:15 a.m. – 2 p.m. You’ll get to meet more than 100 exhibitors in the school and family category offering hands-on activities, roaming entertainment by a stilt walker and magician, and face painting for everyone!
Want more NOLA? Here are more places for you and your family to visit:
- Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
- Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
- Audubon Park
- The Canal Street Ferry
- Big Easy Bayou Kayak Tour
- Crescent Park
- Louisiana Children’s Museum
- National World War II Museum
For even more ideas, visit Curbed New Orleans’ Family Guide to the Big Easy.
Saron Messay is a contributing writer to National PTA.
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