NEW ORLEANS
By: Cindy Roussos
Are you looking for a nice, family-friendly activity in the Big Easy? Well
New Orleans may be known for its wild times, but the Mardi Gras city has
plenty of activities that will entertain visitors of all ages. The following list
showcases 10 of the best family-friendly activities in New Orleans. So, sit
back and prepare to be introduced to an unforgettable vacation experience!
1. Is there a Jacques Cousteau inside of you? If so, then the Audubon
Aquarium of the Americas is the place for you! Located right on the
scenic River Walk, the Aquarium features interactive activities, a walk-
though aquarium, and a shark tank that is filled with dozens of sharks—
some over 10 feet long! Visitors can watch penguins, pet nurse sharks,
and even journey through a replicated Amazon rain forest! The Audubon
Aquarium of the Americas is one of those rare combinations—it’s fun and
educational.
2. Anyone up for a steamboat trip? Once you’ve finished touring the
Audubon Aquarium, hop aboard a steamboat (Natchez or the John James
Audubon) for a scenic trip that your family won’t forget. You’ll journey lazily
on the Mississippi River, and the steamboat’s captain will point out
famous landmarks along the voyage.
3. Want to go on safari? Well, how about the next best thing? Take a trip
to the New Orleans Audubon Zoo. The Audubon Zoo showcases a vast
array of wildlife: Asian elephants, Bengal Tigers, gorillas, Malayan sun
bears—the list just goes on and on! There are many interactive exhibits,
such as the Embraceable Zoo—families are actually given the opportunity
to touch endangered animals! And, if you happen to time your visit at just
the right moment, you will witness feeding time—and trust me, seeing an
alligator feeding is not something that you will forget!
4. Does your family have a big sense of adventure? If so, then another
New Orleans activity that you might want to consider is the Ripley’s
Believe It or Not! Museum. Located at 620 Decatur Street, this unusual
museum features relics from the famous Ripley’s show. Pre-teens seem
to particularly enjoy the “swirling tunnel”—are you moving—or is the
tunnel? Find out for yourself in the museum! Warning: There are a few
visually disturbing exhibits—talk to the manager before taking younger
children inside.
5. Want an inexpensive treat for your family? Then take a stroll through
Jackson Square. The Square is always full of mimes, street performers,
and artists. You can have a caricature drawn, you can watch a jazz player,
or you can just stroll through the park with your loved ones. There are
always carriages lines up at the front of the Square—for a small fee, you
can go on a ride through the Big Easy—a ride that is in true Southern
Style!
6. Does your family love to shop? A shopper’s paradise can be found
inside the New Orleans River Walk Mall. The River Walk Mall features
approximately 140 stores, including such family favorites as: Magic
Masters and Class Old Time Photos. There are plenty of restaurants
within the Mall (both expensive eateries and conservatively priced fast-
food places).
7. Rollercoasters anyone? If your family loves heart-pounding rides, then
the Six Flags theme park on the outskirts of New Orleans will be the place
for you. Drop from the Sonic Slam. Spin around on Dizzy Lizzy. Or go on
an amazing journey when you board Batman—The Ride. The park also
showcases plenty of shows—they have country acts, gospel acts, and
even rock acts to keep your family entertained.
8. Looking for a rocking good time? Then take your family to the New
Orleans Hard Rock Café. Located at 218 Peters Street, the café serves
classic American food while patrons are allowed to view the classic rock
memorabilia that decorates the restaurant. Want to see Louis Armstrong’
s trumpet? Want to see the waitress uniform that Brittney Spears wore in
Crazy (music video)? Then come to the Hard Rock Café—after all, you
never know what, or who, you will see there!
9. Are you a history buff? Then the New Orleans National D-Day Museum
is the place for you. This national World War II museum will provide your
family with a wonderful educational experience. The museum is full of
interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, artifacts, and photographs that will
make history come alive for your children.
10. Whatever you do, don’t forget the beignets! Before you leave New
Orleans, make it your mission to take the family to Café du Monde (there
are several locations—you might want to consider visiting the one in the
River Walk or the one at 800 Decatur Street). Your family will love the
delicious French doughnuts that are covered with tasty powered sugar. A
beignet is a perfect way to end your vacation!
For more Information about New Orleans:
www.neworleanscvb.com
Money-saving tips for New Orleans Hotels and
Accommodations
FAMILY TRAVEL FUN.COM
TOP TEN NEW ORLEANS ATTRACTIONS