Family-Friendly Fun in New Orleans

A 30-foot tunnel takes you beneath the surface of the Maya Reef to a mysterious underwater city where exotic sea creatures swim. Piranhas, rays and an anaconda await you in the rain forest, while sharks, rays and an endangered sea turtle inhabit the giant Gulf of Mexico exhibit. Watch penguins and sea otters play and feed the budgerigars in Parakeet Pointe, and don’t miss the rare white alligator in the Mississippi River exhibit.

In this AAA GEM® attraction, you can walk through a garden where colorful butterflies float among the flowers and learn what it's like to be an insect expert in the jungle—or your own backyard. You’ll find the biggest and baddest of the insect world in the Goldring Hall of Fame. If you’re feeling brave, head over to Bug Appetit, where you can sample dishes that chefs create using insects.

This park is packed with things to do for all ages, including jogging trails, riding stables, tennis courts, a golf course, baseball and soccer fields and three playgrounds, all surrounded by stately oak trees, some more than 200 years old. Find a spot in the shade in the Riverview area, known as “The Fly,” where you can enjoy a picnic lunch with a spectacular view of the Mississippi River.

Located within Audubon Park, this attraction is home to a variety of creatures from alligators to zebras. Kids can ride the Swamp Train or a carousel, navigate a ropes course or escape the heat in the Cool Zoo splash park.

You’ll find two AAA GEM attractions—the New Orleans Museum of Art and the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden—at the entrance to City Park, but there is much more to explore here. The Botanical Garden holds a hidden treat: the Train Garden, with miniature replicas of streetcars and trains from the city’s past. Step into your favorite tales in Storyland, then ride the rides in the Carousel Garden Amusement Park. Rent a boat and paddle among the swans on Big Lake, rent bikes and explore miles of paths or wander the trails in the Couturie Forest, where you may see up to 40 species of birds.

Nature and wildlife adventures are larger than life at the Entergy Giant Screen Theater, which features a 4k digital projection system and state-of-the-art multidimensional sound. It's next door to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, so you can easily visit both in a day during your trip.

Looking for adventurous things to do? See alligators and other wildlife in their natural habitat amid the moss-draped cypress trees of the Jean Lafitte National Park and Preserve. Experienced guides will share Cajun swamp lore as you view the fascinating flora and fauna from the comfort of a swamp boat or on a thrilling airboat ride.

Located in City Park, this museum includes more than 8 acres of outdoor adventures and two floors filled with interactive indoor exhibits. Little ones can learn about food as they shop in a kid-sized grocery store, make a Louisiana recipe in the Creole Kitchen and gather produce in a garden. Outdoor fun includes tunnels, a tree stump trail and viewing the park's wildlife through binocular stations around a lagoon.

This attraction offers a kid-friendly way to experience the city's renowned festival. Learn the history of the event, see the enormous studio where artisans design amazing parade floats, try on Mardi Gras costumes and even have a taste of king cake, which isn't easy to find if you’re visiting outside of Mardi Gras season.

Travel back in time to the steamboat era aboard this authentic paddlewheel boat for a lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch cruise along the Mississippi River. The casual buffet offers something for everyone and is accompanied by live jazz music and spectacular views of the city.