Family-Friendly Adventures in New Orleans!

Louis Armstrong Park

Why Visit?

Welcome to the iconic Louis Armstrong Park, a 32-acre park nestled in the historic Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, a mere stone"s throw from the French Quarter. The park is a cultural celebration, named in honor of jazz legend Louis Armstrong, and offers a delightful day out for families.

Getting There

Easily accessible by public transport, the park is a short walk from the French Quarter. You can take the Rampart-St. Claude streetcar and get off at the St. Philip Street stop, just a few blocks from the main entrance. If driving, street parking is available around the perimeter of the park.

Start Your Tour at the Entrance

Begin at the impressive arched gate at North Rampart Street. Here, capture a family photo with the iconic, arched entrance that welcomes visitors from around the world.

Explore Congo Square

Your first stop inside the park is Congo Square, a historical gathering place where enslaved Africans and free people of color congregated during the 18th and 19th centuries to market, meet, dance, and play music. Today, it continues to be a place where musicians gather and traditions live on. Don’t miss the sculptures that celebrate this rich history.

Visit the Louis Armstrong Statue

Next, make your way to the prominent statue of Louis Armstrong. Engage with the kids by discussing Armstrong"s impact on jazz and why he’s such a significant figure in New Orleans’ culture.

Relax by the Duck Pond

Midway through your visit, relax by the park’s serene duck pond—a perfect spot for a family picnic and to let the kids play around.

Attend a Performance at the Mahalia Jackson Theater

Check the schedule for family-friendly performances at the Mahalia Jackson Theater, located within the park. Enjoying a show here can be a highlight of your visit.

End with Playtime at the Playground

Lastly, let the children enjoy some playtime at the park’s playground. It’s a great way for them to expend some energy before heading back to your accommodation.

With a mix of history, music, and recreation, Louis Armstrong Park provides a rich, educational, and enjoyable experience for the entire family.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

LaLaurie Mansion

Why Visit?

Visiting the infamous LaLaurie Mansion in New Orleans can be an intriguing addition to a family vacation for those with a taste for history and mystery. Here’s a family-friendly itinerary that educates and entertains while exploring this historic site.

Morning: Arrival and Education

Begin your day in the French Quarter. LaLaurie Mansion is located at 1140 Royal Street. You can easily reach it by foot from anywhere in the French Quarter, which not only saves parking fees but also gives you a delightful view of the area’s unique architecture. Before heading to the mansion, grab a hearty breakfast at Café du Monde at 800 Decatur St. for some famous beignets and café au lait.

Mid-Morning: LaLaurie Mansion

Once at LaLaurie Mansion, start with a view from outside. Note: The mansion is a private residence and not open for public tours, but the exterior itself tells a tale. As you stand in front, share with your kids the house’s history as part of New Orleans’ lore. Built in 1832 and owned by Madame Delphine LaLaurie, this mansion is rumored to be haunted due to the cruel treatment of slaves by LaLaurie, as discovered after a fire in 1834. Discuss the architecture — a prime example of a Creole mansion from the period, notable for its cast-iron balconies and imposing structure.

Lunch

After exploring, head to The Gumbo Shop at 630 St Peter St for a taste of traditional Creole cuisine. It"s a short walk and offers dishes that appeal to both adults and children.

Afternoon: Storytelling Session

Post-lunch, join a family-friendly ghost tour that includes the LaLaurie Mansion in its itinerary. These tours often soften the darker aspects of the mansion"s history for younger audiences and focus on the ghost stories and legends surrounding the mansion. Walking tours can be found easily and typically start in the surroundings of the French Quarter.

This itinerary offers a balanced experience, blending educational historical insights with the intriguing, mysterious allure of one of New Orleans" most famous landmarks.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Jackson Square

Why Visit?

Embark on a delightful family day at Jackson Square, the historic heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans. This vibrant area is not only a feast for the eyes with its beautiful 18th-century architecture but also a hub of culture, art, and history.

Morning

Start your day at Café du Monde, just outside the northwestern edge of Jackson Square. Treat yourselves to beignets and café au lait, essentials in New Orleans’ culinary scene. After breakfast, walk into the square and marvel at the stunning St. Louis Cathedral, one of the oldest cathedrals in the United States. Take a guided tour inside to see its magnificent interior and learn about its historical significance. Tours are generally available daily and start every half hour.

Midday

After exploring the cathedral, stroll over to the adjacent Cabildo and Presbytère museums. The Cabildo, once the seat of the Spanish colonial government, now houses artifacts from Louisiana’s history including the mask of Napoleon. The Presbytère offers engaging exhibits on Mardi Gras and Hurricane Katrina - both child-friendly and educational.

Afternoon

Enjoy lunch at one of the local Creole restaurants around the square. Try the famous gumbo or jambalaya for an authentic taste of New Orleans. Post-lunch, take a leisurely carriage ride from the square, available at Decatur Street. These horse-drawn carriages offer a laid-back way to see the sights and sounds of the French Quarter with commentary from knowledgeable local guides.

Late Afternoon

Wind down your day by browsing through the works of local artists displayed on the iron fences around the square. It"s a wonderful opportunity to pick up unique souvenirs and interact with the artists.

Finish your tour with a relaxed walk along the Mississippi Riverfront, just a stone"s throw from the square, where the kids can enjoy watching the steamboats go by as the sun sets over the river.

Jackson Square is not just a destination but a vibrant journey through New Orleans" past and present. Enjoy your family adventure!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Oak Alley Plantation

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary to Oak Alley Plantain

Morning Arrival

Start your adventure by driving to Vacherie, Louisiana, where Oak Alley Plantation is located. It"s easily accessible via Highway 18, approximately an hour from New Orleans. Park in the free lot and head to the visitor center to pick up your tickets.

Touring the Big House

Begin with a guided tour of the iconic Big House, which is famous for its stunning 28 evenly spaced oak trees that are over 300 years old, forming a majestic alley leading up to the plantation home. The tours start every half hour and last about 35 minutes, providing a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century life and the history of the estate.

Exploring the Grounds

After the tour, take a self-guided walk around the plantation grounds. Visit the reconstructed slave quarters to learn about the lives of the enslaved people who worked here, providing a balanced historical perspective. Don’t miss the blacksmith shop and the sugarcane exhibit to understand the plantation’s economic background.

Lunch Break

Enjoy a relaxed lunch at the Plantation Café, where you can taste some local Louisiana cuisine such as po"boys or gumbo in a family-friendly setting.

Interactive Exhibits and Activities

Engage with the interactive Civil War exhibit to learn about the plantation"s role during the conflict. Check the daily schedule for any special children’s activities like period dress-up or craft workshops that allow kids to connect with history in a hands-on way.

End of Visit

Conclude your visit by stopping at the gift shop where you can pick up educational books and unique souvenirs to remember your journey through time at Oak Alley Plantation.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Garden District

Why Visit?

Embark on an enchanting journey through New Orleans" historic Garden District, a picturesque neighborhood brimming with Southern charm, opulent mansions, and lush gardens. Here"s a family-friendly itinerary designed to captivate both young and old.

Morning: Stroll Along Magazine Street

Begin your day at Magazine Street, renowned for its eclectic mix of antique shops, boutiques, and cozy cafes. Grab a bite at *Toast*, known for their delightful breakfasts, before diving into some shopping and art gallery exploration. Magazine Street is also perfect for enjoying a leisurely walk, soaking in the vibrant local atmosphere.

Midday: Tour the Historic Homes

Head towards the heart of the Garden District to marvel at the architectural wonders that line the streets. Hop on the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar from downtown—it"s an adventure in itself and a great way to see the area. Get off at Washington Avenue and take a guided walking tour offered by the Garden District Book Shop. As you wander, look out for the Manning House at 1420 First Street and the iconic Buckner Mansion, famous from the TV show "American Horror Story."

Afternoon: Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

Visit the historic Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, just a short walk from the main homes. Established in 1833, this cemetery tells the story of New Orleans through its unique above-ground tombs and peaceful ambiance. It"s a must-visit for history buffs and offers many teachable moments for kids about the city"s unique funeral customs.

Late Afternoon: Picnic at The Rink

Cap off your Garden District adventure with a relaxing picnic at The Rink, originally a 19th-century skating rink, now a charming hub with shops and dining options. Grab some treats from *The Garden District Coffee* nearby, and enjoy a family picnic on the lush greenery.

This itinerary offers a mix of history, architecture, and local flavor, ensuring a memorable experience for the entire family in New Orleans" Garden District.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.