Thinking about visiting New Orleans with kids? Three words: Just. Do. It.
Seriously. Don’t overthink it like me. Checking out New Orleans with kids recently was a fantastic experience with my family. It really is like visiting another country, except it is within a 7-hour drive from Atlanta. And everyone speaks English. Basically.
The food is different, unique, spicy and fresh. The people are refreshingly friendly and seemed genuinely happy to welcome tourists to their city. And the history! Oh, the history! I love the centuries of history that are embedded in this city. In the French Quarter alone, you could spend a full day walking around reading the interesting stories of these buildings!
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What to do in New Orleans With Kids
1. Vue Orleans
2 Canal Street (in the Four Seasons Hotel)
Vue Orleans is a brand-new attraction is a cultural and history lesson about New Orleans as well as offering a fabulous 360-degree view of the Crescent City. This was the best way to start our vacation and help the kids learn a little too. I was especially pleased to see all the colors, flavors, races and ethnicities present in New Orleans represented here. The staff was so knowledgeable and it felt like we were being welcomed into their home, not just ushered into another tourist attraction.
2. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
1 Canal Street
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is about a block away from Vue Orleans, overlooking the Mississippi River. I wondered if it would be good to go to back-to-back attractions but it worked out really well. This aquarium is the perfect size in my opinion. It’s big enough for families to explore but not so big that kids will start complaining. I especially liked the giant alligators in the Gulf of Mexico region and the super cute penguins! Oh and the thrill of petting a stingray never gets old!
3. Audubon Zoo
6500 Magazine Street at Audubon Park
Get up close and personal at the Audubon Zoo, aptly named for the man who is synonymous with preserving wildlife. Located in historic Uptown New Orleans Audubon Zoo is consistently on the list of top zoos in the country. Though it may be small, compared to other zoos, it is engaging, hands-on and offers unique animal opportunities rarely found. Peek into natural habitats such as the Louisiana Swamp and Jaguar Jungle showcase and don’t miss the daily animal presentations of highly endangered whooping cranes, Amur leopards, orangutans and the zoo’s mysterious white alligators.
4. National World War II Museum
945 Magazine Street, Warehouse District
You could explore the vast National WWII Museum all day, multiple days. It is both educational and entertaining, though in an honest, no-punches-pulled way. I suggest seeing the 4-D “Beyond All Boundaries” movie to get an unbelievably immersive overview of WWII. Be aware that the movie (and some exhibits) are graphic and may be hard to absorb for younger or sensitive viewers.
My kids, ages 9 to 14, seemed a little overwhelmed by the information, but in a good way. They learned freedom isn’t free. It comes with immense costs. If you don’t know much about WWII (or it has been a long time since high school World History class) this museum is a fantastic cinematic way to educate yourself, including both the horrors and honors of war. Since no one wants to repeat this history, it is important we learn from it. This is the number one tourist attraction in New Orleans for a reason!
5. Louisiana Children’s Museum
There are 56,000 sq. ft. and two floors of interactive exhibits at the Louisiana Children’s Museum that are designed for kids big and small! Kids can scamper up a climbing wall, get creative in the art studio and play “adult” in the mock cafe. I love that they also have an outdoor go-explore-nature area with beautiful scenery and local wildlife. Want to tire kids out? Bring them here! Plus, parking at City Park is free!
6. Shopping/Sightseeing
There are many things to do here in New Orleans. So much so that you may be overzealous like me and plan too much. While the attractions are awesome, also be sure to leave time to meander down Royal Street, pop into the numerous locally owned gift shops and appreciate the history of this amazing city. There always seems to be a parade popping up, a street performer ready to wow you or a beautiful sight to appreciate.
Where To Stay In New Orleans With Kids: The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
130 Roosevelt Way, Central Business District
Saying The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans is luxurious is not enough. It boasts a prime location near the French Quarter but not in the middle of all the debauchery on Bourbon Street. From the opulent lobby to delicious restaurants to the spacious, super comfortable rooms, we were blown away.
The elegant decor, glittering chandeliers and smooth marble floors impress you as soon as you walk into the lobby. Perks like nightly turn-down service, a well-maintained rooftop pool and friendly, helpful staff members all helped to make our visit unforgettable.
The rooftop pool and hot tub was a treat for my kids. 
What a view! The 14th floor suite had impressive city and pool views. 
The hotel rooms were bright, airy and spacious. 
Behind me is the living room of the suite we stayed in. 
This double queen room was perfect for the kids. 
High-end toiletries were a nice bonus. 
The chocolate chip pancakes were such a hit we ordered them each morning. 
The unique, deep, claw-foot bathtub was a lovely touch. 
The lobby of The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans is oppulent. 
It was refreshing to see the fully-stocked glassware and coffee ammenities.
