A Family-Friendly Guide to City Park in New Orleans
If you’re looking for a family-friendly park in New Orleans, this spot is a must-visit. With scenic walking trails, a beautiful botanical garden, a playground for kids, and even a Café Du Monde on-site, there’s something for everyone. This is a great space to burn some energy and enjoy the outdoors (with some indoor options as well!). I spent half a day here with my two sons as dad worked, we could have easily spent even more time in the area. Looking for an overview of visiting New Orleans with young children? Read my post HERE.
We spent the day exploring, spotting turtles, and enjoying some delicious beignets and hot chocolate. Whether you’re visiting New Orleans with kids or just looking for a relaxing outdoor escape, here’s a guide to the best attractions in the park.
Top Things to Do at City Park:
1. Walk the Scenic Trails & Playgrounds
The park’s paved walking paths wind around small bodies of water, making it a great spot for a family walk. We loved spotting turtles, birds, and other local wildlife along the way. With plenty of green space, it's also perfect for a picnic or letting the kids run around. There are some playground structures, in case your kids are like mine and can’t go two days without some playground time.
A highlight of our visit was the New Orleans Botanical Garden, which was absolutely stunning in early April. The paths were stroller-friendly, and we had a lovely conversation with an employee, who even shared some plant clippings and seeds for me to take home. Thanks, Seth!
For my almost four-year-old, the real highlight was the miniature train exhibit, featuring a model of New Orleans. We also met the garden’s resident mouser cat, which was a favorite for both kids.
Tip: Spring and early fall are the best times to visit, as everything is in bloom and the weather is pleasant.
3. Explore Storyland – A Fairytale-Themed Playground
Right next to the botanical gardens, Storyland is an enchanting area filled with storybook scenes from classics like Alice in Wonderland, Jack and Jill, and The Old Lady Who Lived in a Shoe.
While we didn’t walk through it this time (my son made a beeline for the nearby playground instead), you can see many of the whimsical displays from the Botanical Garden. If your kids love interactive play spaces, this is a great spot to explore.
4. Ride the Attractions at Carousel Gardens Amusement Park
This classic New Orleans amusement park is packed with kid-friendly rides, but one important note: It’s only open on Saturdays and Sundays.
We learned this the hard way, as Google showed it as “open,” but the official website had the correct hours, so be sure to double-check before planning your visit.
Minimum 48″ (or 42″ with a paid adult)
Bumper Cars
Minimum 46″ (or 36″ with a paid adult)
Tilt-A-Whirl
Minimum 48″
Ferris Wheel (or 36″ with a paid adult)
Scrambler (or 36″ with a paid adult)
Train (under 48″ must ride with a paid adult)
Minimum 52″ (or 40″ with a paid adult)
Ladybug Roller Coaster
Minimum 52″ (or 48″ with a paid adult)
Musik Express
Rides for all ages:
Infants & Toddlers (Under 36") – Train and Carousel
Minimum 36″ (unless accompanied by a paid adult)
Construction Zone
Slime Buckets
Minimum 36″, Maximum 52″
Monkey Jump
Red Baron
Umbrella Cars
Minimum 42″ (or 36″ with a paid adult)
Fun Slide
Rockin’ Tug
Whirly Bird
Minimum 42″
Carousel (under 42″ must ride with a paid adult)
Coney Tower
If your kids love carnival rides, this is a must-visit spot when it’s open.
5. Play Mini Golf at City Putt
This New Orleans mini golf course looked like a lot of fun. We didn’t get to play this time, but if you’re interested, keep in mind that City Putt is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Check their official website for current hours before heading out.
6. Visit the Louisiana Children’s Museum
If you’re visiting New Orleans with toddlers or young kids, this interactive children’s museum is a fantastic option. We opted for the aquarium instead, but in hindsight, I think both of my boys would have had more fun here.
Highlights include:
A dig center
A unique water table experience
An infant/toddler play space for younger kids
Since most of the exhibits are indoors, this is a great activity for rainy days in New Orleans or when you need a break from the heat.
7. Enjoy Art & Outdoor Sculptures
If you’re an art lover, the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) is located within the park. However, if you’re traveling with younger kids, I’d recommend skipping the museum and exploring the nearby sculpture garden instead.
The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is free to enter and features stunning outdoor sculptures in a peaceful setting. It’s a great way to experience art while letting the kids explore the outdoors.
Final Thoughts: Why This Park is a Must-Visit in New Orleans
This family-friendly park in New Orleans offers the perfect mix of nature, art, and fun activities for kids. Whether you’re looking to take a relaxing walk, explore a botanical garden, or let the little ones loose on a playground, there’s plenty to see and do.
The area is stroller friendly and I felt perfectly safe alone with our two boys. There were a lot of people around on a Wednesday morning and we even made some new friends along the way!
With a Café Du Monde inside the park, you can always take a break for some classic New Orleans beignets and coffee.
Have you visited this park? What was your favorite attraction? Let me know in the comments.