Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in New Orleans

"Most tourists recognize the St. Louis Cathedral's triple spires as the main symbol of the French Quarter. Many have taken photos of the gleaming white facade against a clear blue sky, from across picturesque Jackson Square. Relatively few, though, have stepped inside the Cathedral – the oldest continuously active one in the US – to view its surprising interior; the stained glass windows depicting the saintly life of France's King Louis IX, the glorious murals and statuary beckoning the visitor back nearly 300 years to its founding."

"The longest continually active Roman Catholic church in the United States stands proud on the city side of Jackson Square. Dedicated to Louis IX of France (1214-1270), St. Louis Cathedral dates from 1789, although there was a church at this spot as early as 1718. The current cream-coloured Spanish Colonial building was reconstructed in 1850, and most of the architecture is from that time."

"Formerly known as "Place d'Armes" in the 18th century and later renamed as Jackson Square in honor Andrew Jackson who was a hero in the Battle of New Orleans, the historic Jackson Square is a beautiful space and popular tourist attraction in the heart of the French Quarter of New Orleans. Facing the Mississippi River and surrounded by historic buildings, including the Louisiana State Museums of the Cabildo and the Presbytere, and the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral, this famous landmark is packed with things to see and do. A favorite site for visitors and locals, the Square has shops, restaurants, cafés and coffee shops, galleries, museums and more, along with a renowned open-air artist colony who has been displaying their work on the square's iron fence for more than 50 years."

"The square is a National Historic Landmark and a natural gathering spot. The palm tree-lined square, named after Andrew Jackson, has a statue of him riding a horse in honor of his victory in the Battle of New Orleans against the British."

"Through the iron gate on St. Peters Street lies one of the world’s most respected music venues and the spiritual home of New Orleans jazz, Preservation Hall. The band “preserves” the traditions of New Orleans jazz as it was in its heyday a hundred years ago, and plays five white-hot, hour-long sets each night in front of a packed room, where benches are kicked back so people of all ages can dance. No reservations, no booze—just stand in line with everyone else and you’ll be rewarded with a little local magic."

"You might be wondering why I haven’t mentioned the iconic French Quarter jazz venue, Preservation Hall. It’s absolutely possible to see a show here (40ish minutes) and then head to Frenchmen Street. Depending on the night of the week, prepare to wait in line for up to an hour and remember with no food, drink (BYOB), or AC and the likelihood of standing during the performance, this venue isn’t right for everyone."

"If you're looking for a kid-friendly jazz venue in New Orleans, this is it. The all-ages music landmark offers sets of jazz nightly—fyi, there's no food and beverage service—with some shows starting as early as 6 p.m. Pro tip: Queue early and grab one of the benches; seating is first-come, first-served."

"In spring 2019, this treasured New Orleans institution was getting ready to move from 420 Julia Street to a high-tech and sustainable campus at City Park. The new museum grounds will cover 8.5 acres and have an interpretive wetland habitat, edible garden and an LEED-certified main building on the banks of a lagoon. Here there will be a replica grocery store and bubble studio, while the 30-metre Mighty Mississippi exhibit will explain the course of this mighty river from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico."

"If you’re bringing the kids along for the weekend trip to New Orleans, you can’t go wrong with the Louisiana Children’s Museum. Think of it as one of the world’s largest classrooms. Their brand new campus located in City Park provides more than 30,000 square feet of interactive and educational exhibits – including a climbing wall, art studio, and mock cafe."

"If you’re searching for what to do in New Orleans City Park with kids, the Louisiana Children’s Museum has to top your list. Kids will delight in playing throughout the indoor and outdoor areas. Outside, your kids can explore exhibits on the water, in the garden, and more!"

"Every day they’re open is Sundae Best at Hotel Peter & Paul in the Marigny, the sweet spot founded by ice cream whisperer Erica Buher. Situated in the hotel’s former convent space, the cozy little shop spotlights her handmade custard-style ice creams in spunky flavors like peanut crackle and jam, lemon bar, and honey and chocolate covered Zapps. There are vegan options too — a range of sorbets and best of all, homemade hot fudge."

"The last antique wooden carousel in Louisiana sits in this small amusement park in City Park. Dating to 1906 and often known as “Flying Horses”, this is one of the oldest carousels in the country, still using its original motor and beautifully carved horses, and moved to this spot in 1928. The ride was damaged during Katrina, but was carefully restored and drew national attention when it reopened."

"Open seasonally, on weekends, from February 29-May 24, the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park features 18 old-fashioned rides. There’s the Ladybug Roller Coaster, Tilt-A-Whirl, bumper cars and a Ferris wheel, but the main attraction is the ‘Flying Horses’ antique carousel. Built in 1906, the hand-carved merry-go-round is one of only 100 left in the country, and the last remaining in the state."

"Set under a collection of gorgeous, massive live oaks, City Park’s amusement park has 15 rides, including a gorgeous, hand-carved historic carousel that will impress even the most jaded adult. A post shared by Jennifer_Twirl Photography (@twirlphotography) on Jun 26, 2017 at 9:51am PDT"

"There are no shortcuts to quality” reads a sign on the cinderblock wall of the city’s most beloved shaver of ice and maker of syrups. Which means you are likely to wait for the pleasure of a creamy-textured snowball, made using a contraption developed in the 1930s by Ernest Hansen and based on sweeteners created by his wife, Mary. Flavors run from old-fashioned cream of nectar to trendy ginger-cayenne."

"Hansen’s was started in 1939 by Ernest Hansen, who engineered a loud, homemade machine that shaves the ice to a fineness that many argue is unmatched across the city. (Oh, and they will argue.) The shop is still run with considerable care and..."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Infrogmation of N... used under CC BY-SA 4.0. On a sweltering day in the heat of New Orleans, there is nothing better than a stop at Hansen’s Sno-Bliz for their famous flavored snowballs and shaved ice."

"If you’re down in the CBD or headed toward the French Quarter, one small church lies hidden on Rampart Street. Peering through the doors, you see a rather simple sanctuary and some of the homeless asleep on the pews. The real beauty is to either side of the altar: the shrines to St. Jude and Our Lady of Guadalupe."

"This Jefferson Parish favorite has a bunch of locations, all of which seem to have that proto-diner essence down pat. The Kenner location is open 24 hours, meaning even is she's not ya mama, Dot can in fact make you "feel at home" any time of day. The blue plate specials include a country fried steak and a catfish plate, neither of which will set you back $10."

"Dot’s Diner is a 24/7 Diner that prides itself on serving home-cooked meals, always made fresh. Established in 1996, Dot’s has now grown to operating 4 locations in Louisiana. Their buttermilk pancakes are fluffy, slightly savory and always fresh."

"3325 St. Claude Ave., (504) 459-4571; www.pollysbywatercafe.com. Corned beef hash is topped with two eggs and served with a biscuit."

"Pontchartrain Hotel, 2031 St. Charles Ave., (504) 323-1455; www.silverwhistlecafe.com. A pimiento cheese omelet is served with hash browns and hollandaise."

"1820 Dickory Ave., Suite A, Harahan, (504) 533-9515; www.headsandtailsrestaurant.com. Blackened or sauteed redfish is topped with crabmeat and lemon beurre blanc and served with mashed potatoes and asparagus."

"Jason Siether’s Cajun country roots mean he knows his way around a crawfish pot, but Fieri found the chef/owner just as deft with his newfangled daily specials. Take The Volcano, an upside-down taco salad of ahi tuna, crab and shrimp, or Seither’s towering Totem Pole, built around crab stuffing, soft-shell crab, fried eggplant and a shrimp kabob."

"279 Hickory Ave., Harahan, (504) 738-1116; www.seithersseafood.com. Delacroix nachos feature blackened Gulf fish, boiled shrimp, salsa, avocado and spicy mayonnaise over chips. Reservations accepted for large parties."

"126 Lake Drive, Covington, (985) 327-7111; 4801 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie, (504) 889-1550; www.donsseafoodonline.com. Char-broiled Jacked-Up oysters are topped with bacon, jalapenos and pepper Jack cheese. Reservations accepted for large parties."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. The perfect Domenica trifecta: Lasagne, Calabrese, & Squid Ink Tagliolini. Remember, we have happy hour until 5pm and dinner is served until 9pm!"

"A traditional Neopolitan-style Italian eatery located in the heart of New Orlean’s Central Business District (CBD), Domenica has become a favorite among both locals and critics sin..."

"The Roosevelt New Orleans, 123 Baronne St., (504) 648-6020; www.domenicarestaurant.com. Tortellini is served with wild mushrooms, asparagus and robiola cheese. Reservations accepted."

"GQ's Golden Dish Award for Eggs Sardou, Commander’s Palace’s legacy speaks for itself. Located in the Garden District, Commander’s Palace is thought to be the original spot for a jazz brunch and patio dining. For contemporary Louisiana food and alfresco dining, look no further than Commander’s Palace."

"A favorite for visitors and locals alike, Commander's Palace is a New Orleans landmark known for its award-winning Creole fare and elegant jazz brunch. MoreCallReserveStart Your ReservationWebsite"

"The fish of the day is a pan-seared fillet served with rainbow fingerling potatoes, grilled asparagus, citrus-ponzu glaze, vegetables, edible flowers and house-pickled red onion. Reservations recommended. Dinner Mon.-Sat., late-night Fri.-Sat., brunch Sat.-Sun."