New Orleans City Park

The Basics

For getting back to nature, City Park can’t be beat, from the lushly landscaped New Orleans Botanical Gardens to the world’s oldest live oak grove and the wild ecosystems of Couturie Forest. Athletes of all stripes will find plenty of space to practice at the Pepsi Tennis Center, Equest Field, the boating lake, and the multiple sports fields and stadiums. Families flock to City Park for the Louisiana Children’s Museum, Storyland theme park, City Putt mini golf, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Bikes and boats are available to rent from Wheel Fun Rentals at the Big Lake Boat House.

• For free cultural fun, stroll through the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden outside the New Orleans Museum of Art.

• Food and drink are available at Parker’s Cafe in Carousel Gardens Amusement Park and Cafe NOMA inside the New Orleans Museum of Art.

• Dogs are allowed off-leash at the City Bark dog park. Entrance requires permits and proof of vaccination.

How to Get There

City Park is located in the Lakeview District of New Orleans. Parking is available at multiple locations, and the 48-City Park/Museum streetcar services the park from Canal Street.

When to Get There

City Park is generally open from dawn to dusk, although hours vary by attraction and season. Check the City Park website for up-to-date hours. Visit the park some evenings for special events. From June to November, the weekly Thursdays at Twilight concert series is held at the Pavilion of Two Sisters, and in December, the annual Celebration in the Oaks holiday festival celebrates the season by cloaking the famous trees in more than one million sparkling lights.

Carousel Gardens Amusement Park

This seasonal theme park inside City Park is a family favorite, featuring rides such as a miniature train, Tilt-a-Whirl, fun slide, Ferris wheel, and bumper cars. The crown jewel of the park is the rare vintage carousel known for its masterfully carved flying horses. Admission to Carousel Gardens is $5, and ride tickets can be purchased individually or with an unlimited-ride wristband. A ticket also includes admission to the Storyland theme park and playground for a full day of kid-friendly fun.

Ways to explore

Spanning roughly 1,300 acres (526 hectares), New Orleans City Park boasts plenty to do: Wander through the botanical gardens, spot wildlife in Couturie Forest, admire the ancient live oaks, or visit one of its museums. Active visitors can head for the boating lake, tennis courts, sports fields, or try horseback riding at Equest Farm. Families love the Louisiana Children’s Museum, Storyland playground, City Putt mini golf, and the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. To explore beyond the park, consider joining a city sightseeing tour—such as a van tour, bus tour, or private tour—for an efficient way to visit dispersed city highlights.

Accessibility

The park’s paths are suitable for wheelchairs, and many of its attractions are wheelchairs accessible, including the Louisiana Children’s Museum, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the New Orleans Botanical Garden. Check each venue’s details if you require specific accommodations.

Age limits

None; there are many playgrounds and kid-friendly attractions in the park, as well as plenty of green space to run around.

What to pack

Picnic, bottled water, camera, sunscreen

What to wear

Weather-appropriate clothing to explore the park’s outside spaces, and comfortable shoes, as you’re likely to do a lot of walking.

Not allowed

Littering, overnight vehicle parking, feeding wildlife, drones

Amenities

Boat hire, picnic tables, cafés, restrooms, parking, bike racks, gift shop

Address

New Orleans City Park is located just north of the French Quarter and is accessible by car, rideshare, or public transportation. Visitors typically reach the park within a 15–20 minute drive from downtown.

Driving

From the French Quarter, it takes around 15 minutes if traveling by car. Either travel down Orleans Avenue or Esplanade Avenue until you reach the outskirts of the park. Free parking is available within the park’s multiple parking areas.

Public transportation

There are many public transportation stops close to the park. Options include N. Carrollton at City Park stop, which is served by buses 31 and 91, and the Museum of Art tram stop for tram 48.

Best times to visit

Arrive in the morning for a peaceful stroll before the peak afternoon crowds arrive.

Best days to visit

Mondays through Wednesdays are typically quieter, while weekends attract more families, bringing a livelier atmosphere to the park.

Best months to visit

Plan a trip for spring (March–May) or fall (October–November) to enjoy mild temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer crowds.

Special events

The park runs events throughout the year, including Twilight concerts on Thursdays in the Pavilion of Two Sisters and the Celebration of the Oaks holiday festival in December. Check the park’s online calendar for what’s upcoming.