If you live in New Orleans with kids then you know that it rains here a lot. While there are dozens of things to do with kids in New Orleans, sometimes you specifically need an indoor idea because of the weather (or heat). Whether you are looking to cool off with a splash pad in New Orleans or simply looking for the best things to do with New Orleans kids, New Orleans Mom has you covered.
Things to Do in New Orleans When it Rains
We are often asked for a list of things you can do in New Orleans that are kid-friendly … and specifically for a list of what to do when it rains in New Orleans. Some of these are obvious choices, BUT after asking our team of 40+ moms, this list is comprised of ideas to kill the rainy-day blues in your household. Whether you are one to stay home on rainy days OR don your favorite raincoat and boots, we have ideas for you!
Action-Packed Indoor Playgrounds and Trampoline Parks in New Orleans ::
- Kid’s Castle at Lakeside Shopping Center {Book a free 25-minute playtime between 10 am – 7 pm Monday- Friday, Saturday 11 am-7 pm, & Sunday noon- 6 pm}
- NOLA Kidsground
- Adventure Quest Laser Tag
- We PLAY – Has two NOLA locations to choose from
- The Parenting Center {note that this requires a membership, which we highly recommend:: locations Uptown and in Metairie}
- Sky Zone {Special rates for Little Leapers 6 & under on Monday – Friday from open until noon}
- Visit Surge for a great time! They have activities including laser tag, bowling, an arcade, karting, mini golf, and so much more! They are a great choice since they have locations in Metairie, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette.
- Check out your rock climbing skills at New Orleans Boulder Lounge!
- Airline Skate Center
- Chuck E. Cheese
- Candyland Inflatables
- The Kids Arena
- Dave & Buster’s
- Loft18
- The Hangout NOLA
- Game On Social Hub has something for everyone from arcade games to bowling to ax throwing for the adults!
- Airborne X Adventure Park
- Crescent City Ninjas {An indoor fitness facility for all ages and skill levels!}
- The Hive on Woodland
- Magnolia Play Cafe
- Bubblegum Tree Playhouse
- We Rock the Spectrum – Northshore
- Head over to Swing Hub, New Orleans’ ultimate destination for baseball and softball enthusiasts of all ages. It features a state-of-the-art batting cages and an 80-foot pitching cage as well as the region’s only baseball simulators and HitTrax technology. They also have a full-service bar, kitchen, and concessions, making it perfect for adults and kids. Learn more about Swing Hub here!
Kid Art Activities in New Orleans ::
- The Makery 504
- Make custom jewelry at The Bead Shop!
- Posh Paint Pottery
- Art Time
- Art Launch NOLA
- Get crafty with NOLA Craft Culture! {Different class projects are offered throughout each month and an advanced reservation is required.}
- Life on Its Side Studio
- Wrenworks Art Studio
- Painting with a Twist {Locations in Metairie, Gretna, Mandeville, & coming soon to New Orleans! Also offers at-home paint kits}
- Mix It Up Art Studio
- Bellyfire NOLA
Kid-Friendly Museums / Exhibits in New Orleans ::
- NEW :: Museum of Illusions in the French Quarter
- The National WWII Museum
- Get into the Mardi Gras spirit when visiting the New Orleans Mardi Gras museum!
- Louisiana Children’s Museum
- Vue Orleans {read one local mom’s take on what to expect if you bring kids to Vue Orleans here}
- JAMNOLA
- Have a LEGO lover? Head over to Bricks and Minifigs!
- Children’s Museum of St. Tammany
- Louisiana Children’s Discovery Center
- Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
- Kenner Planetarium & MegaDome Cinema
- New Canal Lighthouse {read one local mom’s recent visit here}
- Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
- Audubon Insectarium
- Mississippi Aquarium
- Museum of Illusions
Other Ideas When It’s Raining in New Orleans ::
- Visit a pet store {to look at the fish, etc}
- Head to the movies
- Barnes and Noble {either to catch storytime OR just browse the books}
- Public Library {Check local calendars for storytimes and events! Jefferson Parish Library, New Orleans Public Library, St. Tammany Library}
- Clue Carre’ {locations in New Orleans and Metairie}
- Escapology – Northshore
- Head to the Riverwalk Outlets for Toddler Tuesdays!
- Grab lunch and a movie at Movie Tavern on the Northshore
- Tubby & Coo’s Bookstore
- Go bowling! With multiple bowling lanes throughout the New Orleans area, you have many options. During the summer make sure to check out Kids Bowl Free to see if there is a location near you! {Fulton Alley, Rock n’ Bowl, Colonial, Westside, and a few others!}
- Head over to Zero Latency to experience a total immersion VR experience like never before!
- Join the Kids Skate Free Club at Airline Skate Center. Kids 13 years and younger can get a VIP Pass. Sign up here and available skate times.
- Start a game of pickleball at NOLA Pickleplex! Check their Facebook page for current specials.
- Take a shopping trip to PokeNOLA for all things Pokemon.
When You’re Stuck At Home In New Orleans in the Rain ::
- Pom Pom Monsters
- Easy and Fun Science Experiment For Preschoolers
- Build a fort in the living room
- Kool-Aid Playdough
- Make some kid-friendly snacks
- Have Netflix? Check out a family-friendly movie that you haven’t seen before
- Have Amazon Prime? Stream a new movie for the kids {via rental OR purchase, if desired}
- Have an indoor picnic
- Make ice cream sundaes
- Family Game Night {or day} with your favorite board games
- 12 Activities for When the Weather is Crap
- 12 MORE Ideas for When the Weather is Crap
- 5 Tips to Survive Cabin Fever
- Share a classic movie with your children
- Make your own king cake – who says it has to be Carnival season?!
- 5 Activities When You’re Stuck Inside
- Look at family photo albums together; kids LOVE pictures and hearing stories
- Stock up on “rainy day surprises” from Target or the Dollar Store – keep small “treasures” hidden and pull them out for their “newness factor”
- Sign up for monthly Kiwi Co subscription boxes for all ages and interests! These are mailed directly to you and great to pull out on rainy days!
- What better time to clean closets? Get kids involved {either to try on their clothes or help decide what to keep / donate} and perhaps make money while you’re at it!
- Be Creative! Check out our Pinterest board for ideas
Is there anything that you would add? Please share!
Great list, Mary! It’s been raining here in Nashville all week too. This afternoon might be the perfect time to break out a classic movie!
I love this idea. Great job.
Im proud to be named Mary
Thanks for this great list! Bookoo Bounce has unfortunately closed permanently. Clue Carré Escape Games is a great indoor activity for older kids. We usually recommend it for 8 and up with the presence of an adult or 14 and up on their own. We have locations downtown, in Metairie by Lakeside Mall, and inside of Surge Trampoline Park!
Bad Wolf is a restaurant and game store in Belle Chasse that has a ton of fun board games available for families to play on premises. Rentals are only $3 per game but are free if you purchase food. Wednesdays kids eat half off and Thursdays they waive all board game rental fees and if you dine in they give families a free pack of Pokemon cards