A New Orleans Family Vacation

New Orleans is known as a party city, but fun and adventure for all ages can be found in the Big Easy. From boat tours and parks, to the aquarium or the zoo there’s so much more than Mardi Gras and Bourbon Street. If you're planning your family vacation to New Orleans here are some of our favorite family-friendly tours and attractions to get your itinerary started!

Audubon Nature Institute

Take the kids for a day of fun to explore Audubon Nature Institute’s three attractions. Spend some time at the Zoo where you can find beautiful exhibits that feature native and exotic animals from all around the world.

Children’s curiosity will be piqued by a visit to the insectarium where they will discover more about the bugs we see (or may not see) every day. The Audubon Insectarium is also home to a wonderful butterfly garden which will bring you into a world of enchantment.

Lovers of aquatic life will want to visit the Aquarium that sits on the banks of the Mississippi River in the French Quarter. Here you will be transported from New Orleans to the Caribbean reef, full of colorful fish and plants alike; as well as venture into the Gulf of Mexico and meet many of the various aquatic creatures found living in its warm waters.

World War II Museum

For a more educational adventure take the family to visit the National World War II Museum, the number one attraction in the city. Here you will learn about the war that changed the world, from personal stories to war tactics and equipment.

The kids will enjoy the hands on experience and the 4-D theater that features Beyond All Boundaries, an exclusive film narrated by Tom Hanks. The kids will have fun and you’ll have peace of mind knowing they are having an educational experience.

Paddlewheel River Boat Cruise

The Creole Queen Riverboat Cruise offers the entire family an experience to remember. Try the twice daily Historical Cruise for an informational yet thrilling ride down the Mississippi River. Embarking from the busiest port in America, you and the little ones will learn about the history of the Big Easy from her beginnings as a French settlement to the area's economic and cultural significance. A stop at the Chalmette Battlefield provides yet another opportunity for education with tours offered by the National Park Service.

For a more traditional experience, your family can enjoy an evening Dinner Jazz Cruise at a fantastic price! Everyone will enjoy the delicious traditional creole buffet accompanied by the sounds of a live jazz band as they ride down the Mississippi River. You’ll feel like you’ve been taken back in time thanks to the beautiful architectural details and relaxing atmosphere. After dinner mom and dad can sip a cocktail while the kids take in the views of the city, making memories to last a lifetime.

City Sightseeing Bus Tours

Spend your day exploring the city on the big red double decker tour busses! These busses have 18 stops from the French Quarter all the way to the Garden District. Hop on and off at any stop to explore, take the free guided walking tours, and never worry about transportation. Running daily from 10am to 5pm, these busses stop every 30 minutes at such famous locations as Mardi Gras World, The French Market, and Magazine Street with discounts to many local attractions.

With stops by the Hilton Riverside, Hyatt, and Sheraton hotels tourists will love the convenience of this citywide transportation. The tour guides will provide an exciting narraration of the many historical and cultural aspects of the city, as well as offer valuable advice on where to eat and drink! For the family that likes to do and see it all, the Hop On Hop Off busses are the way to go. 

Jean Lafitte Swamp Tour

For the nature lovers, take a short trip outside of the city and visit the only swamp tour that operates out of the Jean Laffite National Park and Barataria Preserve. Experience the bayous of southern Louisiana on a swamp tour or airboat adventure like no other! Located just 25 minutes from the city center, Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours also offers round-trip transportation from the city. 

July 6, 2017 | Author: Sandra Morales-Vivar