New Orleans welcomes visitors of all ages, offering a diverse range of activities for multigenerational travellers. Whether it is a family reunion or a trip with grandparents, parents, and kids, New Orleans provides endless opportunities for a memorable group getaway for all ages.
Day One: French Quarter
Start your day in the French Quarter at none other than Café du Monde famous for their beignets, chocolate milk, and coffee. Just across the street lies Jackson Square, home to the majestic St. Louis Cathedral. After a hearty breakfast, take a stroll and pay a visit to this iconic landmark, immersing yourself in its timeless beauty and rich history.
The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Cruise is an all-ages affair. With cruises departing at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily, you will sail downriver from the French Quarter to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and the historic Chalmette Battlefield for a guided tour. With the option to include lunch for both children and adults, this 2.5-hour tour is a relaxing and educational way to spend time with the family. Food options such as red beans & rice, New Orleans-style shrimp pasta, Creole jambalaya, and bread pudding are sure to elevate the experience while taking in views of the mighty Mississippi River. A great post-cruise activity for the whole family is Vue Orleans. Located at the foot of Canal Street in the Four Seasons Hotel, take the elevator to the 33rd floor and experience the only 360° panoramic riverfront view of New Orleans. The experience also includes an outdoor observatory deck and an interactive cultural exhibit indoors.
End a busy day with dinner at Deanie’s Seafood. The family-friendly atmosphere is perfect for multigenerational groups. The Giant Seafood Platter—which comes with a bounty of fried shrimp, oysters, catfish, soft shell crab, crawfish balls, and French fries—is the best sharable platter for the family!
Day Two: Museums
New Orleans is bursting with museums that appeal to all ages, so one can customize their itinerary as per their choice of adventure catering to the whole group. Backstreet Cultural Museum is a wonderful small museum dedicated to sharing the traditions of Mardi Gras Indians. With colourful, hand-beaded suits on display, visitors young and old will marvel at the exhibit.
As the only museum of its kind in the country, The National WWII Museum, ideal for visitors of all ages, rises to the top of many travellers’ lists. Exhibits include “The Arsenal of Democracy,” “Bayou to Battlefield,” and others that showcase everyday heroes who achieve the extraordinary. Watch a 4D film in the Solomon Victory Theater, have a meal at The American Sector, or attend the immersive new outdoor attraction, Expressions of America.
Foodies will appreciate the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, which includes exhibits on the food, drink, and culture of the American South. There’s a Popeye’s exhibit, a bar, and cooking classes specifically designed for children, as well as adults. New Orleans also has several options for both demonstration and hands-on cooking classes. The Mardi Gras School of Cooking stands out because children can sign up for class alongside adults encouraging families to cook together.
Additionally, families can enjoy learning about New Orleans’ most famous cocktail, the Sazerac, at Sazerac House. Known locally as New Orleans’ greatest free attraction, guests can sign up online for visitor slots and tour three floors of cocktail history. Samples are only open to adults 21+, but children are welcome as guests of the museum.
Day Three: City Park
New Orleans City Park offers endless opportunities for entertainment and exploration. Children will love the Louisiana Children’s Museum, while others can pay a visit to the New Orleans Museum of Art or Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
For lunch, enjoy a picnic with adult- and kid-friendly bites from Acorn Café famous for hot dogs, pizzas, grain bowls, blackened fish tacos, and fried chicken sandwiches. Afterwards, let the kids burn some energy on the playground or at the park’s hidden secret: Storyland. Tweens and teens will love the New Orleans-themed mini golf course at City Putt. You can also ride the miniature train through the park, stopping by the Visitor Center for tickets. The ultimate family activity within City Park is Wheel Fun Rentals, where the family can hop on a Double Surrey and pedal their way around Big Lake.
After a busy day spent in the park, wind down in family-friendly Lakeview at Café Navarre, Reginelli’s Pizzeria, or the Velvet Cactus.
Day Four: Audubon Zoo
Enjoy a nice quiet day exploring Uptown New Orleans. Audubon Zoo is a family favourite, home to 58 acres of land and diverse wildlife, including flamingos, giraffes, and baby Roux the orangutan, thriving in their natural habitats.
Go for a ride on the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar, catch a movie at the Prytania Theater, indulge in good food and shopping along Magazine Street, and unwind in nature at Audubon Park. Families will enjoy the kid-friendly atmosphere of Dat Dog on Freret Street. Pizza Domenica is also a family favourite, especially with their happy hour from 3-5 p.m. which features half-price wood-fired pizzas, draft beer, select wines, and speciality cocktails.
For an adults-only evening, head to Tipitina’s, a hub for live music in Uptown New Orleans. Indulge in handmade pasta at Avo or hummus and lamb kofta at Saba.
Day Five: Outside the City Limits
You could spend a week in New Orleans and still not see it all but venturing outside the city limits is recommended for maximum fun. Just 30 minutes outside of the city lies Zip NOLA, one of the area’s best new attractions and perfect for a family adventure outing. Children and older adults can all participate, as long as they are between 45 and 285 lbs.
Another nearby activity perfect for a multigenerational group is swamp tours. Airboat and pedal-barge tours are also available just outside the city limits with most providing transportation from downtown New Orleans. Pick your adventure and do not be scared to pet the baby gator.
Other day trips from New Orleans include the Infinity Science Center in Pearlington and MS, the state capitol in Baton Rouge.
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