Exploring New Orleans with Kids: French Quarter, Garden District, and More
Whether you’re visiting New Orleans for the first time or returning to soak up more of its magic, there’s always something new to discover. From the iconic St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square to the scenic Mississippi River Walk and family-friendly attractions like the Audubon Aquarium, and the French Quarter which offers a mix of history, culture, and entertainment. We took our first trip to New Orleans as a last minute road trip (perks of staying home with small kids not enrolled in traditional school). My husband was needed for work so we packed up and arranged pet sitters in under 2 hours and hit the road.
While parts of the city, like Bourbon Street, are more suited for adults, we found plenty of kid-friendly activities to enjoy. We explored at a relaxed pace, stopping for beignets, wandering through historic streets, and taking in the sights and sounds of this vibrant area. If you’re planning a visit with little ones—or just looking for a well-rounded itinerary—here’s everything we loved and what to keep in mind while exploring the French Quarter and beyond.
Exploring the French Quarter
When you think of New Orleans, the French Quarter is probably the first thing that comes to mind. It’s the heart of the city, featuring unique architecture, lively streets, and plenty of shops and restaurants. While it’s easy to walk around with little ones, keep in mind that Bourbon Street (especially at night) is more of an adult scene.
Avoid driving in the French Quarter—between pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages, it can be chaotic. Instead, park in a public lot near the river and explore on foot. A compact stroller can work, but given the crowds, a baby carrier might be a better choice. We visited on a Wednesday afternoon, and it was still bustling. Our eldest walked while our youngest rode in the carrier.
Located at the entrance of the French Quarter, Jackson Square is a beautiful green space with a statue of Andrew Jackson at its center. There are benches, plaques, and smaller statues scattered throughout. We grabbed some ice cream from a nearby shop and enjoyed a relaxing break here while soaking up a bit of history.
Next to the square, St. Louis Cathedral stands tall and gorgeous. It’s free to enter, and its stunning architecture and historical significance make it well worth a visit. They do host mass and confession times; they are listed around the exterior of the cathedral. Since Catholicism has deep roots in New Orleans, you’ll also find the Old Ursuline Convent nearby, the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley. Though we didn’t have time to tour it, it’s on my list for a future visit.
The Mississippi River is wide, with a strong current and muddy waters—not exactly scenic for swimming, but incredible to see, nonetheless. A walking path runs alongside it, and there’s even a large outlet mall in one section. My husband had expected something like San Antonio’s Riverwalk or a tourist-heavy pier, but this is more understated. Still, there’s plenty to do, and the French Quarter is just steps away.
If you’re interested in a river cruise, there are several options, including the kid-friendly Creole Queen, which offers daytime and dinner tours. We decided to wait until our youngest was older, but it’s something we’ll try next time.
Located along the river near the outlet shops and Café Du Monde, the Audubon Aquarium provided a nice indoor break. The exhibits are divided by regional ecosystems, including a bayou section. Highlights for us included the butterfly garden, the Shark Discovery Touch Pool, and the large alligator exhibit. It’s a great stop for families looking to mix up their sightseeing with an engaging, air-conditioned attraction.
The Garden District was my personal favorite. It is located southeast of the French Quarter. It’s known for its lush landscapes, maintained by a dedicated committee. New Orleans’ climate allows for a stunning variety of plants, and this district showcases them beautifully. If I could stand even more humid and hot weather than Houston provides, I would dream about living in the Garden District in a home covered in ivy and jasmine.
You can take a streetcar from the French Quarter to the Garden District, stopping at Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. We drove and walked around instead. Be aware that the sidewalks aren’t very stroller-friendly due to tree roots and occasional flooding. Unfortunately, the cemetery was closed for maintenance, but even from the gates, it was impressive.
The district is full of historical homes, many dating back to before the Civil War. You can find a list online (here’s a good one), but even without a guide, you’ll spot plaques marking significant homes. The architecture is stunning, blending various influences. Inspired by our visit, I now want to plant jasmine around our home and install gas-lit lanterns. My husband enjoyed the historical details, while our boys happily explored and spotted critters along the way.
This park is home to the Audubon Zoo, though we didn’t visit the zoo itself. The zoo is not on the reciprocal list if you have a membership at your home zoo, so be prepared to purchase tickets at full price. The park offers walking paths, playgrounds, and views of the Mississippi River. Compared to City Park, the riverfront section isn’t as picturesque, but if you head toward the golf club, you’ll find lovely shaded walking trails beneath ancient trees.
A highlight of Audubon Park is the Tree of Life, a massive southern live oak that’s been around since 1740. Kids were climbing on its sprawling branches, and plenty of visitors were taking photos of hugging the tree. It’s a must-see if you’re in the area. It is easy to walk to or drive past.
City Park offers an abundance of family-friendly activities. My boys and I spent half a day there while my husband worked, and we could have easily stayed longer. I’ve detailed our visit in another post (here), but if you’re traveling with kids, this park should definitely be on your itinerary.
New Orleans Cuisine
New Orleans cuisine is rich and flavorful, with a strong Cajun influence. While we love beignets, seafood boils, oysters, red beans and rice, and gumbo, we found that indulging in these dishes 24/7 was a bit much. Sensitive stomachs, take note! We packed some of our favorite snacks to have on hand throughout the day, but there is an abundance of food options anywhere you are within the city.
Our almost four-year-old, on the other hand, loved everything. We ate at Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, a tourist-friendly spot with good options for kids. He declared his Alfredo pasta “the best pasta ever” and devoured the crab dip. We also enjoyed lunch at Rue Royale Antoine in the French Quarter. Delicious, plus, they offer bottomless mimosas or bloody mary’s with the purchase of an entry $20 or more.
Of course, no visit to New Orleans is complete without beignets from Café Du Monde. Their main location near the French Quarter can get crowded, but they have other smaller locations if you want to avoid the wait. Fresh, hot beignets are a must-try!
More Things to Consider
Historical Homes & Plantations – There are many to explore, but we’re saving these for a trip without the kids, as they would likely get bored after an hour or two. Would be great for older kids, or just choose one or two.
Swamp Tours – There are plenty of options, from airboats to shaded pontoon-style boats. We’re waiting until our youngest is a bit older before booking one. If you’re hoping to see lots of alligators, the hot, humid summer is the best time to visit.
Streetcars & Public Transportation – New Orleans offers great public transit options. While we mostly used our car, the streetcars are fun for kids and a convenient way to explore. Just note that they can get crowded, and strollers must be collapsed. Hop-on-hop-off tour buses are another option, though I’m unsure how stroller-friendly they are.
Arriving – New Orleans does have an international airport if you are flying in. We drove from Houston, it was an easy drive even with the two littles. Although be warned: there is a decent stretch on I-10 East that is over water ways (bayous) without accessible stops for potty breaks, but very impressive to view. Plus, we experienced witnessing alligator rode kill, a first for us.
Where to stay – We stayed at Hyatt Regency New Orleans. It was very nice and within walking distance for my husband’s work. This is located in the Business District right next to Caesars Superdome (where the Saints play). Since it was not football season this area was not too busy and we felt safe. There is not free breakfast at this hotel, but we added it through their restaurant. They had an incredible spread for the price and the employees were so great with our kids. We even had a waitress that spent time with our eldest helping him get food and tour around the space while I ate and helped our youngest. Since we were there during the week, it seemed most people were staying for business trips. There is a Homewood Suites in the Business District and in the French Quarter that would be perfect for families.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans with young kids is absolutely doable and full of rich history, beautiful sights, and delicious food. While some areas are more suited for adults, there are plenty of family-friendly attractions to keep little ones engaged. Whether you’re exploring historic districts, watching riverboats, or indulging in beignets, it’s a trip full of unforgettable moments!