Family-Friendly Itinerary for New Orleans: 4 Days of Fun, Food, and Culture

When you think of New Orleans, your mind might immediately go to Mardi Gras but did you know that it’s also an incredible destination for families? From colorful streetcars to hands-on museums, this vibrant city has so much to offer for kids and grownups alike. Here’s a 3-day family-friendly itinerary for New Orleans that will help you soak up the culture, flavors, and magic of this unique city—with activities everyone will enjoy.

Day 1: The French Quarter (Family-Style!)

Morning:
Start your trip with breakfast at Café du Monde for their famous beignets and café au lait (get chocolate milk for the kids!). Grab a table outside to enjoy some street performances while you eat. We opted to skip the line here though and try the famous beignets at City Park instead.

Next, wander over to Jackson Square, where artists and musicians set up daily. Kids will love watching street performers and looking at the bright paintings. From there, take a short stroll to the St. Louis Cathedral—the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral in the U.S. (Bonus: It’s right next to a great open space for kids to run around). Wander the old streets and explore, the French Quarter is SO charming.

Afternoon:
Head to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, located right on the riverfront. The immersive exhibits—like the walk-through tunnel and Gulf of Mexico tank—will captivate kids of all ages. Afterward, take a scenic walk along the Mississippi River at Woldenberg Park, where you can watch steamboats and maybe even catch a street band.

Evening:
Book a family-friendly ghost tour and enjoy seeing the French Quarter come to life by the light of the lanterns. This was one of my favorite activities. For dinner, check out Dat Dog—a colorful, casual spot with gourmet hot dogs and kid-friendly options.

Day 2: The Garden District

Morning:
Fuel up with breakfast at The Ruby Slipper Café, known for its delicious southern-inspired menu. Afterward, spend the morning at the Audubon Zoo, one of the best in the country & probably my favorite zoo I’ve been to. Kids will love the splash pad (seasonal), the Louisiana swamp exhibit, and you’ll love the beautiful Spanish moss and historical buildings.

Afternoon:
Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 (located in the Garden District)—one of the most famous and picturesque cemeteries in New Orleans. After that you can see the mansions of the Garden District, which are amazing, and then walk down Magazine street and check out the shops. Funky Monkey is the coolest vintage shop I’ve been in, a great place to grab outfits if you’re going to be attending Mardi Gras.

Evening:
Hop on a classic New Orleans Streetcar for a fun ride (the kids will love it!). Take the St. Charles line for a scenic view of historic homes. Have a relaxed dinner at Parkway Bakery & Tavern, famous for its po’boys (grab a seat outside if the weather’s nice). Their fried shrimp and roast beef po’boys are legendary, and there are plenty of kid-friendly choices.

Day 3: Parks & History

Morning:
Head over to City Park, and grab some beignets, then explore the endless options for family fun the park has to offer. Visit the Louisiana Children's Museum—a beautifully designed, hands-on museum perfect for curious minds (and a great indoor option if it rains!). Afterward, let the kids burn off energy at the Storyland playground, where fairy tale characters come to life in giant sculptures they can climb on. The sculpture garden is also worth a visit if you have time!

Afternoon:
Head to The National WWII Museum—you might think a history museum wouldn't appeal to younger kids, but many families are surprised at how engaging this museum is, especially for older children and teens. There's a "Family Pass" available and interactive exhibits to bring the history to life. Don’t miss the submarine simulation experience it was our favorite!
For younger kids or those needing a break, nearby The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk has space to roam, grab a snack, and even do a little souvenir shopping.

Evening:
For dinner grab burgers at Bub’s NOLA—a neighborhood spot with $4 kids burgers. But be sure to save room for dessert at Angelo Brocato’s, a New Orleans tradition since 1905, has just what you need to satisfy that sweet tooth.

Day 4: Get Wild and a Sweet Goodbye

Morning:
Start with breakfast at Elizabeth’s in the Bywater neighborhood—don’t miss their praline bacon! After breakfast, take a family walk along the Crescent Park, which offers great views of the city skyline and a chance for kids to run and explore.

Afternoon:
Take a swamp tour to explore the bayou and see alligators (& other animals) in the wild! For the airboats you have to be 6+years, but they have pontoon boats that allow younger children. This was definitely a highlight for our boys. You want to make reservations in advance, but booking online through the service ups ticket prices so make sure you negotiate for them to bring the ticket prices down.

Evening:
Wrap up your New Orleans adventure with dinner at Katie’s Restaurant & Bar—a neighborhood spot with big portions and a welcoming vibe for families. If you have energy left, finish the night with a final stroll through the French Marketfor some last-minute treats and trinkets.

Bonus Tips for Visiting New Orleans with Kids:

• Where to Stay: Consider family-friendly hotels in the Warehouse District or Garden District, which are quieter but still close to attractions.

• Getting Around: Streetcars and Ubers make it easy to explore without a car, but strollers are helpful for younger kids who may get tired of walking.

• Safety: Stick to well-traveled areas, especially after dark, and check ahead for any family-focused events or festivals during your visit.

• Mardi Gras: We lucked out & were there during Mardi Gras. I was surprised at how kid-friendly it was. I’d heard stories about how wild and crazy it can be but it was fine. We only saw one set of ta-ta’s (with pasties on) and two butt cheeks haha. Everyone else was covered up and the costumes were SO COOL. Literally EVERYONE dresses up so make sure you have something fun to wear! Not all parades are family friendly though so check before hand. We did Proteus and Zulu was recommended.

New Orleans is a city full of surprises—yes, it’s famous for its nightlife, but it's also incredibly welcoming for families. With a little planning, you can soak up the city's rich history, food, and culture while making lasting memories with your kids.

Ready to start your NOLA adventure? Drop a comment below if you’ve been or are planning to go!