Top 10 New Orleans Family Activities

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Top 10 New Orleans Family Activities
January 12, 2011
by Stefanie Fauquet
Cheap Air

For years, New Orleans has been synonymous with all night parties, crazy parades and all the other images that come with Mardi Gras. But beyond Bourbon Street, there is a different side of New Orleans…one that is full of culture and activities for the whole family to experience. Here are ten of our favorites:

Audubon Nature Institute: Discover the wonderful world of nature at the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium and Insectarium. One pass gets you access to all three attractions, plus the Entergy IMAX Theatre. Tickets are $39.95/adults, $24.95/child (2 -12).

National World War II Museum: The only museum in the US of its kind, the National World War II Museum addresses all of the "D-Days" of World War II and pays tribute to those who served. The museum houses an impressive selection of artifacts including, military uniforms, weapons, medals and personal items of the war. Tickets start at $18/adults, $9/child (5-12).

Louisiana Children's Museum: With over 30,000 square feet of hands-on, interactive fun, children will have a ball piloting a tug boat down the Mississippi or shopping in a pint-sized grocery store. The Louisiana Children’s Museum gives kids plenty of space to explore and learn. Tickets are $8 per person, adults and children.

Horse and Carriage Tour: There’s no better way to see historic New Orleans than with a horse and carriage tour. Informed guides will take your family for a leisurely ride, telling stories and pointing out landmarks, throughout the French Quarter and Jackson Square. Prices vary, usually $75/half hour for a family of 4.

Jackson Square: With the gorgeous St. Louis Cathedral as its backdrop, Jackson Square is a great outing for people watching as musicians, artists and entertainers line the streets. You’ll also find great shopping and some of the best Creole cuisine in New Orleans.

Café du Monde: No trip to New Orleans would be complete without a beignet at Café du Monde. Kids love the powdered sugar on this puffed deep-fried pastry. If the line is too long to sit, get your beignets and café au laits to-go and head towards Washington Artillery Park for a view of the Mississippi River.

French Market: If the kids want souvenirs, the French Market is your spot. Here you’ll find great deals on Mardi Gras masks and beads, pralines, knickknacks and local art.

Musée Conti Wax Museum: While this is no Madame Tussauds, the New Orleans Wax Museum takes you on an interesting journey through the history, legend and scandal of New Orleans. The wax museum is complete with a "Haunted Dungeon", that is probably best suited for older children. Tickets are $7/adults, $6/child (4-17).

Steamboat NATCHEZ: Head down the Mississippi for a two hour harbor or dinner cruise aboard the only authentic steamboat in New Orleans. You’ll experience breathtaking views of the city with live jazz by the world renowned “Dukes of Dixieland”. Tickets start at $41/adults, $20.50/child (6-12).

Family Gras (Feb. 25-27 Jefferson Parish): Who says Mardi Gras is only for adults? “Family Gras” brings everyone together for a weekend of live concerts, parades, food and fun- all in the spirit of Carnival.