2023 Guide to Fall Fun in New Orleans

The 2023 Guide to Fall Fun in New Orleans With Kids :: 75+ Things to Do With Kids in New Orleans

It is time for Fall fun in New Orleans! There are so many things to do with kids in New Orleans this Fall! Below are over 75 of our favorite ideas for entertaining kids in New Orleans. There are ideas for every family’s budget and interests. Whether you are visiting New Orleans with kids or you live in New Orleans year-round, there are tons of kid-friendly outings to choose from. Fall is also pumpkin patch season in New Orleans, and we have that covered, too!

Are you looking for a day trip from New Orleans? Check out our Lafayette and Baton Rouge guides for more Louisiana fall fun ideas! 

Let’s get ready for Fall fun in New Orleans with this ultimate guide to things to do for families! Start planning your Fall fun today!

Fall Fun in New Orleans

Special thanks to the local businesses and entities that made this Fall Fun Guide possible!

International School of Louisiana

The International School of Louisiana (ISL) is a tuition-free public charter school serving students in Kindergarten through eighth grade across three campuses: Dixon (K-2), Uptown (3-8), and Westbank (K-5). ISL offers a French and Spanish immersion experience from the students’ first day of Kindergarten through 8th grade, as well as Mandarin Chinese in middle school. Students learn a second language naturally through everyday conversation and classroom instruction. Over 80% of students enter ISL at Kindergarten from English-speaking homes and leave in 8th grade as bilingual speakers, sometimes trilingual. Visit enrollNOLAPS.com for information about seat availability.ISL Open House Louisiana

ISL’s mission is to provide a challenging education emphasizing language immersion, international awareness, the celebration of diversity, and community responsibility. Our commitment to diversity is evident in both our teacher and student populations. ISL employs over 200 staff members from 33 countries and fluent in over 26 different languages who work together to educate approximately 1200 students (43% African American, 29% White, 25% Latinx/Hispanic, 2% Asian/Pacific, and 1% American Indian).

For admissions information, please log on to isl-edu.org. Check out our Facebook Page and Instagram @islnola for a peek inside our school!

Join us November 11, 2023 from 10am-11am at the Dixon and Westbank Campus for Open House! 


The Louisiana Law Lady 

Lauren Pilié, fondly known as The Louisiana Law Lady, is a breath of fresh air in The Louisiana Law Lady a legal world traditionally dominated by the old-fashioned. Lauren is not just another attorney that views their clients as billable hours. Lauren is a wife and mom who understands both the unique challenges today’s women face and the
importance of communication.

Trying to juggle work and kids while injured? Insurance adjusters asking to
speak to your husband? Lauren gets it. She focuses on helping individuals, especially busy moms, who have been injured in car accidents. She brings a fresh, empathetic, and innovative client-oriented approach to her work that is sorely missing in the legal realm.

With more than 15 years of experience and the backing of one of the largest firms in the state, Lauren gets results. She is not only well-versed in the law, but her expertise is further enhanced by her hands-on knowledge about vehicles. Believe it or not, Lauren was a mechanic during her college days and went so far as to attend truck driving school as a lawyer to deepen her understanding of trucking-related cases.

In the wise words of Margaret Thatcher, “if you want something done, ask a woman.”

If you or a loved one have been injured in a wreck, please give Lauren a call (or text) at 504-470-3511 for a free consultation.

Stay connected with Lauren for valuable legal insights and other pertinent topics that affect you. Follow her on InstagramFacebook, or TikTok.

Need assistance? Learn more about Lauren on her website HERE. 


New Orleans Public Library 

This September, stop by any of the New Orleans Public Library’s 15 locations to participate in National Library Card Sign-up Month. Special prizes are available to anyone who signs up for or renews their NOPL Library card in person. Since This September / Fall in New Orleans is National Library Card Sign-up Month1987, the American Library Association has hosted Library Card Sign-up month to mark the beginning of the school year. During the month, libraries across the country unite in a national effort to ensure every child signs up for their own library card.

Throughout the school year, librarians and library staff will assist parents and caregivers with saving hundreds of dollars on educational resources and services for students. From free access to STEAM programs/activities, educational apps, in-person and virtual homework help, technology workshops to the expertise of librarians, a library card is one of the most cost-effective back-to-school supplies available.

Library Card Sign-up month runs through September 30. Visit nolalibrary.co/register for more information.


Tips For Visiting New Orleans With Kids!

things to do in New Orleans with kids
Photo credit (left to right) :: Audubon Zoo, VCB Photography and Jillian Marie Photography.

Now let’s get started, and be sure to show us YOUR New Orleans with kids outings and adventures by using the hashtag:

#NOMFALLFUN

Please note, we do recommend that you check each event/business website for the most up to date information.

Check out our event categories included below and jump straight to that section by clicking below to see all of the family friendly fall events taking place in and around New Orleans this year!

Fun for the Whole Family | Fall Fun for Littles | Fall Fun for Bigs (School Age & Beyond) | Fall MSY Love | Fall MSY Eats | Fall Outdoor Adventures | Fall Worth the Drive | Fall Learning Fun | Fall Sports & Fitness | Fall Date Night (or Day) | Fall Fun at Home


New Orleans Fall Fun for the Whole Family

  • Head to Lakeside Shopping Center where there is something for everyone :: shopping, eating, and an awesome Kids’ Castle play area for the littlest members of your family. Every Friday at 11am there are extra activities to participate in as well.
  • Peek-a-Boo at the Zoo! This family-favorite Halloween tradition is back for another year (October 20th – 22nd) of family-friendly fun. Take advantage of this great opportunity to safely celebrate Halloween with your little ghouls and goblins! The Zoo will be decorated with Spooktacular decorations to get you and your little creatures in the Halloween spirit! We’ll have extra Halloween hocus pocus for families, so join us … if you DARE!
  • Head over to Bogue Falaya Park for the Monster Mash held by the St. Tammany Parenting Center. Tickets go on sale September 29, 2023 and the event will be October 21, 2023.
  • Spend a day at City Park :: visit Storyland, the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, or play a round of miniature golf at City Putt. Rent a paddleboat for a ride across Big Lake or rent a bike from the boathouse to trek across City Park’s natural wonders. Wheel Fun Rentals has bikes available to rent including surrey bikes, cruisers and bikes with trailers. They also have different boat options including canoes, kayaks and even swan boats! And did you know you can enjoy an authentic Venetian gondola ride through City Park’s Big Lake? Check out NOLA Gondola for details! In October check out their annual Fall event, Ghost in the Oaks. There is so much to explore at City Park for every member of your family. 
  • Kids love to ride the iconic New Orleans Street Car and hop off for some shopping and dining. Some of our favorite restaurants along the Streetcar line include Camellia Grill, Superior Seafood and brunch at the Columns Hotel
  • Explore the French Quarter :: eat Beignets at Cafe Du Monde, shop at the French Market, take a tour of the Cabildo Museum while enjoying the a/c and take a family selfie in front of Jackson Square.
  • Saturday October 21, you will not want to miss this. A Halloween Sensory Spooktacular at Terrytown Playground in Gretna from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm. Register at here for sensory bottles, sensory bins and more.
  • Escape the heat by catching a movie at one of the local theaters. The Broad Theater and Prytania Theatres are open and ready for business.
  • For some more kid friendly ideas in New Orleans, make sure to check this post out.
  • Do some shopping at the French Market and enjoy the weather. For extra fun, make sure to check out their Boo Carre’ Halloween Haunt on October 21st 11:00 am – 4:00 pm.
  • Bring the kids on a French Quartour Kids Spooky History Tour! This tour is full of tricks, treats, and spells and superstitions. It is for kids 4-8 years old.
  • A family favorite, Mrs. Heather’s Farm! We break down everything you need to know about this pumpkin patch that is driving distance from New Orleans for you. It’s much more than just a pumpkin patch, make sure to head over and check out all their outdoor fun including zip lines, jumping pillow, tunnel slides and much more. Open from September 23rd – November 5th. Heads up that it’s cash only to get in!
  • Divine Mercy Parish Seafood Festival is back! From the thrilling rides to the homemade jambalaya, the energizing bands to the memories you’ll make, we hope you and your family will join us October 6-8 for a weekend full of outdoor fun.
  • Take a road trip and head out to Tabasco’s Avery Island!
  • Family Night every Thursday at Faubourg Brewing Co.! Bring the kids and enjoy a night out at Faubourg! Check their website for free live music nights as well as their fall sunset concert series!
  • NOLA Craft Culture has multiple Halloween crafts for the whole family to enjoy! Check out their calendar of events that include a headdress workshop, pumpkin glittering and more.
  • Get crafty at the Shard Shop! Class days and times vary. Reserve your spot in advance.
  • Head on over to the beautiful Longue Vue Gardens for Fall Fest on October 28th! A festive Fall evening including trick or treating. Advance tickets are required. Check out their calendar for many other fall-themed events like twilight concerts, wreath making, and harvest camp.
  • A weekend full of fun at the Washington Parish Free Fair! Rides, attractions and events for the whole family. October 18th-22nd.
  • Barktober at Pelican Park! Head to Bark Park on October 28th as we celebrate Howl-o-ween with our Furry Friends at the inaugural Barktober Fest event!
  • Catch a Tulane football game. Check out the 2023 schedule HERE.
  • Check out this NOM post for more family-friendly ideas at home and around town!
  • Head on over to the Olde Towne Pumpkin Fest on Saturday October 7 to join us for some amazing FAMILY FUN! Proceeds from the fest support East St. Tammany Rainbow Child Care Center- the only non-profit child-care center serving low-income working families, and families in crisis in St. Tammany Parish.
  • Did you know the LA Philharmonic Orchestra does not just perform for Christmas? They are hosting a Halloween Spooktacular in Luling on October 20, 2023 at 7:00pm. Details here.
  • Head over to Coquille Parks and Rec on November 11 for their Fall Festival. Register here.
  • Live on or visiting the Northshore and are not sure what you are in the mood for? Check out this fall festivals and events guide in St. Tammany list for a plethora of options.
  • Need something to do on Halloween night? Head over to the Celebration of Life/Victory Church event on October 31 from 6 – 9 pm. There will be a Bible Costume Contest, inflatables, hayrides, pony rides, games and more.
  • The HIVE on Woodland is offering several Halloween and Fall events. Click here to check out details for Boo Bash or Kid’s Night Out Halloween Party.
  • Have some wicked fun at the JAMNOLA BOO – Dat. This event for the whole family takes place on October 30 at 4:00 and 7:30 pm. Admission is $20-$29 (free for kids 2 and under). Check out details and coupon codes here.

New Orleans Fall Fun for the Littles:

  • The Kids’ Castle at Lakeside mall is the perfect place to beat the heat with your littles and it’s free! In the Fall their spooky train is usually in service, make sure to bring your little ghouls for a ride.
  •  Looking for free enrichment to enjoy with your child, then head to one of New Orleans public libraries to read some books, enjoy story time, and grab a take and make craft. Check your local branch for story time and hours of operation.
  • Let your little one reach for bubbles and take a ride on a parachute at a Gym Rompers class where they can explore childhood through both independent play and group engagement. The Fall 2023 sessions will be announced soon at both their Uptown and Metairie locations.
  • Visit The Louisiana Children’s Museum and enjoy the variety of indoor and outdoor hands-on play and learning areas. LCM is requiring timed-entry tickets that must be reserved in advance.
  • For the days when the weather isn’t sunny, head to an indoor play place like We PLAY Center, NOLA Kidsground, Luv 2 Play.
  • Head on over to the French Market for the Boo Carre Halloween Haunt. This event takes place October 21, 2023. he one-day kid-centric event encourages costumes for all ages and will feature live music, children’s activities, a Spooktacular Spooky Second Line, and trick-or-treating. Children wearing a costume are eligible to receive a free Boo Carre tote bag for trick-or-treating in the French Market District. This event is free and open to the public.
  • Catch a movie on October 13 at the Old Metairie Civic Club. Music by School of Rock and Scooby Doo is the movie playing. Please bring a non perishable food item to help local families in need.

NOLA Fall Fun for the Bigs (School Age Kids and Beyond):


New Orleans Fall MSY Love:

  • Take a stroll along Julia Street to check out the art galleries.
  • Take a Swamp Tour and see if you can spot an alligator. 
  • Shop the Crescent City Farmers Market and stock up on supplies to make your favorite New Orleans recipe. 
  • Marvel at the creativity of our locals and purchase something for yourself or loved one at the Art Market of New Orleans. The market is on second and last Saturdays of the month from 10am-4pm. Check the website for dates! 
  • Enjoy the Sculpture Garden at City Park. The garden is open and is following these guidelines.
  • The Music Box Village is made up of structures such as phone booths, houses, and Japanese pagodas that play music.  It’s a hands-on experience during public hours, and hosts musical concerts as well. Reopening weekend is September 16th.  

New Orleans Fall MSY Eats:


New Orleans Fall Outdoor Adventures:

  • Get moving at a favorite local park :: team favorites include Audubon Park, Lafreniere Park and City Park
  • New Orleans Fall Garden Festival is October 7th and 8th at the New Orleans Botanical Gardens includes kid friendly events, music, and art.
  • Get up close and personal with the wildlife at the Audubon Zoo
  • Float down the Bogue Chitto River. At the Bogue Chitto Tubing Center, you can choose your means of transportation- tube, canoe, or kayak. 
  • Rent a kayak for some water adventure with Bayou Paddle Sports in Mid-City or Canoe and Trail Adventures on the Northshore. 
  • Go fishing. You can catch and release in City Park or rent a boat from one of the many local fishing charters.
  • The Barataria Preserve offers a taste of Louisiana’s wild wetlands. Take a self-guided tour on their boardwalks and dirt trails or enjoy the exhibits in their visitor center.
  • Bring a picnic dinner and catch a gorgeous Louisiana sunset at The Fly on the Southshore or Sunset Point from the Northshore.
  • Go camping at a park, or have a backyard camp-out at home.
  • Spend the day at Fontainebleau State Park and enjoy their trails, beach or explore the lake on kayaks or canoes. You could even rent a cabin or reserve a camp site and stay the night. Check out their upcoming events for the month of October, too. 
  • Explore 10 acres of cultivated gardens at The New Orleans Botanical Gardens
  • Magnolia Ridge Adventure Park: The Largest Zipline Park in Louisiana! Magnolia Ridge Adventure Park is perfect for outdoors lovers, adventure seekers, family outings and reunions, field trips, and so much more! We have had zip-liners for ages 6 through 80! During your adventure, you’ll experience the largest zipline park in Louisiana with over 32 acres of fun, adventurous activities! This zipline course is extremely safe, as it uses patented Vertical Trek technologies, so guests are always secured with a safety line! You’ll wrap up your experience soaring along the LONGEST zip line in the state of Louisiana. Spanning almost 900 feet long and 50 feet high! Want to make your weekend perfect? Every Saturday and Sunday, Magnolia Ridge Adventure Park offers an Encounter Tour and Zipline Bundle where you can experience the entire zipline adventure experience AND take a guided, educational tour around Barn Hill Preserve where you’ll see over 50 species of animals. At the end of your tour, you’ll even feed a two-toed sloth! Book your adventure today!

New Orleans Fall Worth the Drive:

  • Take a day trip to Avery Island home of Tabasco! Check out our experience here. Visit the factory or restaurant. Take a guided bird tour or take a self guided tour through the Jungle Gardens. Are you a foodie? Then sign up for one of their cooking classes or guided culinary tours through Cajun country. 
  • Take a drive to Mississippi to visit the Infinity Science Center and tour the Stennis Space Center. 
  • Enjoy an animal encounter at Global Wildlife. This wildlife sanctuary, located in Folsom, LA, includes zebras, giraffes, camels, and more! Feed these free-roaming animals located on over 900 acres of farmland from your own guided wagon ride. 
  • Looking for something to do in the Hammond area, then take a look at our handy guide.
  • Located a short ferry ride from Mississippi’s coast, you can find some of the last undeveloped barrier islands in America at Ship Island. Check out one NOLA mom’s experience here. Now booking Dolphin Cruises
  • Pack the family up and take the short trip out to Sugar Roots Farm to pet the animals, ride horses, and taste some of the deliciousness produced on the farm. (The farm is currently open.)
  • Scale the colossal Climbing structure at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center
  • Knock Knock Children’s Museum in Baton Rouge was named “Louisiana Museum of the Year” last year. 
  • The 32nd Annual Wooden Boat Festival on the banks of the beautiful Tchefuncte River. This family friendly event attracts over one hundred classic boats as well as music enthusiasts for this two-day celebration. Come enjoy the great food, live music, children’s activities (10 AM-6 PM), arts and crafts and don’t miss the Quick’n Dirty Boat Building Contest on Sunday! October 14th and 15th.
  • Explore the Louisiana Cane Syrup Heritage Expo, at the Blevins building in downtown Franklin. The event takes place on October 28, 2023 – fun for young and old.
  • The Corn Maze at Burden in Baton Rouge includes all kinds of quintessential fall activities including: sunflower fields, a pumpkin patch, petting farm, a hay mountain, fall food trucks, and of course, the corn maze! This takes place every Saturday of October and you must purchase tickets in advance.
  • Looking for another Fall Fest with a plethora of select dates? Look no further than the CM Farms Annual Fall Festival. Select dates September 30 through November 26.

New Orleans Fall Learning Fun:

  • New Orleans is home to the #3 museum in the country according to Trip Advisor! Our WWII Museum is a must-see attraction that really can’t be missed if you live in this city. They offer children’s programming, a wonderful camp, movies in their Stage Door Canteen and volunteer opportunities for  children aged 13-17. 
  • Check out the Ogden Museum for art exhibits and events for kids, click here for their programs for kids! 
  • Instill a love of reading and literacy in your children while you sing songs and play games together in New Orleans READ program. Click here to R.E.A.D. about our experience at READ NOLA. 
  • The Backstreet Cultural Museum celebrates  New Orleans’ masking and processional traditions.  It houses a large collection of Mardi Gras Indian costumes and even gives children a chance to learn to sew the costumes themselves. 
  • Visit the St. Tammany Children’s Museum and build your own rollercoaster. 

New Orleans Fall Sports and Fitness:

  • The New Orleans Boulder Lounge is New Orleans premier indoor climbing facility.  They offer kids only hours on Sunday morning and youth climbing teams for children aged 5-18. 
  • Sign your littles up for Soccer Shots at one of their many New Orleans locations. For children ages 2-8. 
  • Take a bike ride along the scenic Tammany Trace that spans from downtown Covington, through Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe and ends in Slidell. 
  • Fall is a time to slow down and take time to breathe. Lolo’s Youth Yoga specializes in Children’s yoga. 
  • Go for a run along Crescent Park, a beautiful urban park along the riverfront. 
  • Enjoy hitting some balls at Big Easy Sportsplex
  • Do a warrior style obstacle course at NOLA Muscle Park.
  • Bring your little ninjas to Crescent City Ninjas. One mom shares her fun experience here. Please note, every Ninja will be required to take a free 30 minute intro class prior to starting any class.

New Orleans Fall Date Night (or Date Day): 

  • Hit the town and enjoy a show at Saenger Theater. 
  • Take a cooking class at the New Orleans School of Cooking. Book a demonstration class or hands-on class.
  • Go for a wine tasting at Wild Bush Farm & Vineyard. You could even make a night of it and stay at the Southern Hotel, then enjoy brunch at The Gloriette the next day. 
  • Spend the evening painting the town at an adult class with Painting with a Twist.
  • Looking for a location that gives you all the laid-back romance vibes, then Bacchanal Wine is the perfect place to spend some one on one time with your love. Good food. Good Wine. Great Ambiance. 
  • Leave your cell phone in your bag and spend the night catching up over Doberge cake, champagne, and board games at the Bakery Bar. If you are in the Metairie/Kenner area, check out their newest location in Rivertown at Debbie on the Levee
  • Spend an evening out listening to music on Frenchmen Street. (Please check individual jazz clubs for updates.)
  • Get crafty and have a date night at the Rustic Brush. Feel like staying in? They also offer DIY Home Kits!
  • For the couples who love to be scared, head over to the former House of Shock, New Orleans Nightmare. This season kicks off on Friday, September 22nd, and will be open on select nights through Saturday, November 4th. This long standing haunted tradition takes visitors through an unforgettably frightening experience with thrills around every corner. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $19.99 on select nights. Please note: This event may be too intense for children under 12.

New Orleans Fall Fun at Home:

  • Plant a vegetable garden.
  • Roast marshmallows for s’mores.
  • Build a fort in your living room.
  • Send letters or pictures to friends and family.
  • Make root beer floats.
  • Make tie dyed t-shirts.
  • Do some youtube kids exercise videos. We particularly like Cosmic Kids Yoga and Moovlee.
  • Pick up some pumpkins and get creative! You can carve, paint or decorate them however you wish!
  • 10 Boredom Busters to Prime Right Now – Have these items delivered straight to your door to provide your kids with hours of entertainment!

Still Need More Ideas?

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25 FREE {or almost free} Date Night Ideas
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Explore the Outdoors on the Northshore
The Northshore has a ton of outdoor activities to keep you and your family busy!

Play Tourist In Your Own City
Pack up the kids and go play tourist in your very own New Orleans! Here are our top tips and tricks for visiting New Orleans with kids. Have anything to add?

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Erika Lockhart
My name is Erika Lockhart and I am married to my husband, Chris. We have two children - Zane (7) and Finnley (2). We also have one 4 – legged child - Nelson a mixed breed rescue and a tarantula named Twitch. I was born and raised in Harvey, LA but now live in Metairie. I am a full time employee for a healthcare consulting company where I lead the Primary Care Provider engagement efforts from my home office here in NOLA. My husband is the owner and director of Clockwork Performance - A strength and performance gym in Kenner, LA. Odd facts about me - I love watching Judge Judy, I want to be on jury duty as much as possible, I have an obsession with mayonnaise and my dream job is to be a private investigator!

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