Timeless Goodies

Take a tour. Explore the historic Garden District on foot with Nola Tour Guy. These local experts know the city best and take you on a journey through a neighborhood rich with history and legend. You’ll see the former homes of Jefferson Davis and author Anne Rice, the mansions where Mark Twain partied, and the famous setting where "American Horror Story" was filmed. You’ll also visit Commander’s Palace, where two famous chefs, Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse, started their culinary journeys. These walking tours are free, though tips are welcome.

Catch live street performances with your kids to experience a long-standing New Orleans tradition. You’ll find vibrant brass bands and magicians in Jackson Square, traditional jazz on Royal Street, and hip-hop artists on Frenchmen Street. These impromptu acts perform on street corners and stoops throughout the city, offering wonderful entertainment that easily fits your budget.

Discover one of the city’s rarest gems at Music Box Village. New Orleans artists created this interactive collection of small musical houses using found materials. You and your children can touch a wall, window, or railing to hear a unique whistle, groan, or chirp. This creative performance platform also hosts public hours for families to explore, and performers regularly bring the quirky structures to life under the stars. Admission is free, so check the online calendar before your visit.

Family Fun

Line up with local families at Hansen’s Sno-Bliz on Tchoupitoulas Street for a historic treat. This 85-year New Orleans tradition serves fluffy ice layered with homemade syrups. You can choose from more than 37 custom flavors to create a refreshing taste adventure you’ll dream about long after you head home.

Make your children’s dreams come true at City Park’s Storyland. This enchanted outdoor playground features dozens of sculpted fairytale characters under a canopy of majestic oak trees. Your little ones can spend hours setting sail on Captain Hook’s pirate ship or climbing Jack’s beanstalk.

Tour Mardi Gras World to see the magical workshop where carnival floats come together. The artists’ll show you how they design and build these massive creations from the ground up. Your kids’ll go crazy trying on authentic Mardi Gras costumes for a memorable family photo, and you can sample king cake during your visit regardless of the season.

Let The Good Times Roll

Watch your kids play at Monkey Hill, a historic favorite for generations of local families. This popular area inside the Audubon Zoo features a five-level treehouse, bronze lion sculptures, and wading pools. It’s the perfect spot for your family to cool off before exploring the rest of the zoo exhibits.

Bring your mini chefs to the New Orleans School of Cooking for an entertaining family demonstration. Cajun and Creole experts share the basics of Louisiana cooking through history, trivia, and storytelling. You’ll learn how to make authentic gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines, and your family gets to eat the finished dishes.

End your day of sightseeing by watching the moving mural in the lobby of the New Orleans Resort. This vibrant display comes alive with music, color, and motion at the top of every hour.

Big family fun doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag, and these activities are just the beginning of your priceless vacation memories.