There are so many things to do with kids in New Orleans this summer! Below are over 100 of our favorite ideas for every budget, interest and age for entertaining kids in New Orleans. 

For the fifth year in a row, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) was recognized as the Best Large Airport in North America (5-15 million passengers) by Airport Council International Airport Service Quality awards. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport aims to provide a world-class experience to every passenger and guest who enters its doors. Passengers can enjoy local restaurants, shops, music, top-notch amenities, and convenient nonstop flights to destinations around the world.

Even if you are not traveling, you can experience all the airport has to offer with an Indulge MSY Guest Pass. This pass allows non-ticketed visitors to go through security to spend more time with traveling family and friends, to dine and shop, or just to enjoy the ramp-side views. Apply for a pass at FlyMSY.com/MSY-Guest-Pass or use the walk-up kiosk (located on Level 1 – Baggage Claim between Doors 2 and 3). Participants must scan a REAL ID or passport. Participation is contingent upon approval through approved security protocols.

At Ochsner Children’s, our expert team delivers family-centered care designed to help children stay safe, active and thriving all summer long. As kids spend more time outdoors—whether at camps, playing sports or enjoying the water—our pediatric specialists work together across primary and advanced care to support every aspect of your child’s health. We also provide families with practical advice to prevent common summertime issues, including dehydration, sunburn and sports injuries.

As you get ready for pool season, you may wonder how chlorine impacts your child’s eyes. Kefla Brown, DO, a pediatric ophthalmologist at Ochsner Children’s, explains swimmers’ eye, what causes it and how to prevent other chlorine-related injury and illness. READ MORE HERE.

We’re here to support your child’s health whenever you need us. Learn more or schedule an appointment at ochsner.org/childrens. 

New Orleans Summer 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. (The Kids’ Castle play area is open via reserved times and closes daily from 3-3:30 for deep cleaning. Please check their website to reserve play times and for more details.)
• Spend a day at City Park:: visit Storyland, the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, wander through the Couturie Forest, 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! Did you know you can enjoy an authentic Venetian gondola ride through City Park’s Big Lake? Check out NOLA Gondola for details! Don’t forget to wrap up your park visit with beignets at Cafe du Monde near the playground and Popp Bandstand. There is so much to explore at City Park for every member of your family. 
• Explore City Park’s Botanical Garden & Sculpture Garden.
• Ride the 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 the original 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. One New Orleans Mom contributor has the perfect French Quarter family day ideas here!
• Put on your bathing suit and check out one of the city’s hot spots for water fun. Cool Zoo will open for the summer from May 2nd through September 7th (Labor Day). It will be open only on the weekends until May 24th and then again from August 3rd through September 6th. The other weeks, the Cool Zoo will be open on weekdays. September 7th will be the last day to attend.
• Cool off in one of the free public pools. Check your local recreation department website for locations and hours. Goldfish Swim School hosts family swimming pool hours all year long! 
• Escape the heat by catching a movie at one of the local theaters. The Broad Theater and Prytania Theatres are two great options!
• Visit Audubon Zoo, one of the top 10 zoos in the country! See rare and endangered animals in award-winning natural habitat exhibits. Highlights include the Louisiana Swamp exhibit, lions, elephants, and orangutans. You can then enjoy a picnic on the grounds after!
• Explore the Audubon Aquarium and reach into the ocean at the Shark Discovery touch pool, see colorful fish in the Great Maya Reef tunnel, and watch a colony of African penguins play.
• Stop by and see the newly renovated Audubon Insectarium and experience the amazing animals that add beauty and diversity to our world! A must-see is the Butterfly Garden exhibit with breathtaking views of the Mississippi River and hundreds of butterflies.
• Did you know there are bowling alleys that offer free bowling for kids? Check out kidsbowlfree.com and see which bowling alleys are offering this amazing deal!
• Both adults and kids can burn some energy with classes at Crescent City Ninjas. If you’ve ever wanted to train in this ninja sport, this is your place! Check their website for more info about your first FREE class.
• For some more kid-friendly ideas in New Orleans, make sure to check this post out.
• Blue Bayou Waterpark is back for the 2026 season, starting on May 16th through September 7th! Get your tickets and season passes here!
• Grab dinner at the Blue Crab and enjoy the waterfront views as well as the live music. Check their Facebook page here for the music lineup!
• Join the Kids Skate Free Club at Airline Skate Center. Kids 13 years and younger can get a VIP Pass. Sign up here and find available skate times.
• Start a game of pickleball at NOLA Pickleplex! Check out any specials that may be offered at this new venue on their Facebook page!
• Ochsner Fitness in Elmwood is hosting several dates for their Summer Fest. Enjoy food, music, and drinks. Note: Non-members are welcome but must be accompanied by a member on 5/25 and 7/4. Fee for non-members is $40.
• The Regal Grande movie theater is offering a Summer Pass from June 1 – August 13 for $1 family movies starting at 11 am Monday – Thursday. All attendees of the Summer Movie Express will receive a coupon for $3 off a Snack Pack which includes a junior-sized drink, popcorn, and fruit gummies, and / or a cup of refreshingly cold Dippin’ Dots ice cream.

New Orleans Summer Fun for the Littles:

• Ready to learn how to swim? Here’s our handy guide to swim lessons.
• The Kids’ Castle at Lakeside Mall is the perfect place to beat the heat with your littles, and it’s free! (The Kids’ Castle play area is open via reserved times and closes daily from 3-3:30 for deep cleaning. Please check their website to reserve play times and for more details.)
• Looking for free enrichment to enjoy with your child? Head to any New Orleans public libraries to read some books and enjoy story time. Many libraries have a schedule of activities for children. Check your local branch for story time and hours of operation. 
• Visit The Louisiana Children’s Museum and enjoy the variety of indoor and outdoor hands-on play and learning areas. Timed-entry tickets are suggested for guaranteed entry, especially on busy days. Open hours are Wednesday – Saturday, 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• For the really hot weeks, head to an indoor play place like NOLA Kidsground (requires an advanced reservation to play). 
• Make a summer “bucket list” of different playgrounds in your area to play on! Try to get to a new one each week and let your kids “rate” their favorite elements of each playground.
• Grab your little one and head to the Magnolia Play Cafe, where your child can play, learn, and meet other families. You can join as a member or enjoy open play. Check out their options here!
• Head to Rivertown in Kenner and explore your creative side at Wren Works Art Studio.
• Head over to Posh Paint Pottery to paint your own pottery!
• On Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, take your kiddo to Life on Its Side Studios for children’s art classes.
• Goldfish Swim School is the perfect choice for your swim lessons! They offer a confidence-based curriculum, flexible class times, safety skills, and so much more! Enjoy their family swimming pool hours!
• Head over to Bubblegum Tree Playhouse! They offer interactive classes for children aged 6 months to 4 years. During each class, they incorporate age-appropriate activities that allow children to develop cognitive, social, and physical skills, all while they play. Check out their website for more information about open play classes and their summer sessions.
• Take part in a free workshop at Home Depot or Lowe’s. Check their websites for monthly dates and read this NOLA Mom’s experience here.

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

• Enroll in a summer camp or program (fun for all ages, schedules, and budgets).
• Attend a Vacation Bible School at various locations throughout the greater New Orleans Area.
• If you want to be a real MVP, take your crew to Adventure Quest Laser Tag, where you can ride bumper cars, play laser tag, and battle it out in the arcade.
• Check out Game On Social Hub with bowling, an arcade, laser tag, and axe-throwing! Check out one Mom’s experience here!
• Bowl a strike at one of the city’s bowling alleys, including Colonial Lanes, Fulton Alley, Westside Lanes, and Rock N Bowl. Check to see if any of the bowling alleys near you offer free bowling for kids.
• If you’re really trying to get your energy out, then a trampoline park is a great destination, and New Orleans has lots of options. Visit SkyZone Metairie, Sky Zone New Orleans, Altitude, and Airborne Ex. Urban Air is also great, as there are locations in Covington and Denham Springs. 
• 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.
• Relive all of your best childhood memories at Airline Skate Center. 
• Make a custom piece of jewelry with your kiddo at The Bead Shop. (Some activities offered by The Bead Shop require advanced reservations; check their website for more information.)
• Get your craft on at NOLA Craft Culture and make something together! 
• Enjoy the mystery and challenge of a local escape room such as The Escape Game or Clue Carre. Clue Carre offers locations in New Orleans and Metairie. You can also head to Escapology in Covington. 
• Play some arcade games at Dave & Buster’s. 
• Have messy fun with no cleanup at The Makery 504! They have crafty projects, classes, and events for all ages. Check their calendar for all the fun.
• Tour Mardi Gras World and have some festive fun even outside of Carnival season.
• Visit the New Canal Lighthouse in Lakeview for lots of science-rich fun. The lighthouse is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am- 4 pm.
• Take a tour of the Tchefuncte River! Louisiana Tours and Adventures offers customizable boat trips along the Tchefuncte River.
• Bring the teens and tweens to The Hangout in New Orleans. They offer a private lounge space that includes pool tables, football, and more. Check out their website for hours, locations, and special events.
• Head over to Bricks and Minifigs in Old Metairie to rebuild, reuse, and reimagine LEGOs!
• For those tweens in your life who never know what they want to do, check out Vue Orleans! Vue Orleans gives both tourists and residents a chance to enhance their perspective of the Crescent City, from towering heights 34 floors above the Mississippi River.
• Check out an immersive experience through VR at Zero Latency!
• Enter the fascinating world of illusions where nothing is ever quite as it seems at the Museum of Illusions New Orleans.

New Orleans Summer MSY Love:

If you are visiting New Orleans from out of town, we have everything you need to know about visiting New Orleans with kids. Whether you are local to New Orleans and want to “play tourist” or are actually traveling to New Orleans with kids, there are a lot of “must-do” local to Louisiana attractions!

• 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, Gretna Farmers Market, or explore other local farmers markets and stock up on supplies to make your favorite New Orleans recipe. (All Crescent City Farmers Markets are offering different options for each market; please check here for more details.) 
• Enjoy the Sculpture Garden at City Park. 
• 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.
• Try your hand at glass blowing (or other creative endeavors!) at New Orleans Glassworks & Printmaking Studios.
• Early risers? Catch the sunrise from the levees of Algiers Point.
• The New Orleans African American Museum hosts a monthly event called Saturdays @ NOAAM featuring free museum admission and a diverse vendor market, live performances, a guest DJ, food, and fellowship. Check their website for more details.

New Orleans Summer MSY Eats:

• We all scream for ice cream! Our team particularly loves The Creole Creamery.
• Even the name Picnic Provisions and Whiskey screams summer. Come enjoy a casual family dinner of summertime fare and some outdoor games for entertainment. 
• Saturday mornings are made for donuts. District Donuts is currently offering takeout and delivery so you can enjoy their assortment of gourmet food and beverage options.
• You can’t let the summer pass without eating a snowball! Head to Hansen’s for a truly historic and delicious New Orleans treat. Make a “bucket list” of all the snowball stands or flavors you want to try throughout the season (and check our list of some of the best flavors!)
• Summer is synonymous with burgers, right? Check out some of our favorites:: The Company Burger and Camellia Grill. 
• Check out Monarca Ice Cream Factory, in Metairie for your next sweet treat! Open daily from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
• It’s iced coffee season! There are so many options – visit one of the New Orleans local coffee shops!
• Enjoy a beer at one of the New Orleans family-friendly breweries:: Urban South, Port Orleans, Second Line Brewing, NOLA Brewing, and Parleaux.
• End the week with a sweet treat from Laura’s Candies – New Orleans’ Oldest Candy Store. They have 2 locations: Metairie & Royal St. in New Orleans. There is an endless amount of candies, ice cream, and other sweets. 

New Orleans Summer Outdoor Adventures:

• Get moving at a favorite local park:: team favorites include Audubon Park, Lafreniere Park, and City Park. 
• 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.
• Go berry picking all over Louisiana.
• 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. (The Preserve is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. The Visitor Center is open year-round and closed on federal holidays and Mardi Gras.) Note :: The Visitor Center and many trails at the Barataria Preserve are currently under construction. Check their website for more information. 
• Visit the Lafitte Nature Trail on the Westbank.
• Make a summer “bucket list” of different playgrounds in your area to play on! Try to get to a new one each week and let your kids “rate” their favorite elements of each playground.
• Bring a picnic dinner and catch a gorgeous Louisiana sunset at The Fly on the Southshore or the Mandeville Lakefront on the Northshore.
• Go camping at a park, or have a backyard camp-out at home.
• Spend the day at Fontainebleau State Park and enjoy its trails and beaches, or explore the lake on kayaks or canoes. 
• Want to go on a cruise close to home? Head to the Tchefuncte River Cruise.
• Explore 10 acres of cultivated gardens at The New Orleans Botanical Gardens. 
• Go geocaching (an activity similar to a worldwide scavenger hunt using coordinates!) and see where the game takes you around New Orleans!
• Visit The Batture and have a picnic! On Tuesdays, the Crescent City Farmer’s Market takes place here. For a list of other farmers’ markets in our area, check this guide out! Note: In May 2026, onsite parking will be $5 during peak hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. and during special events.
• Ochsner Fitness in Elmwood is hosting several dates for their Summer Fest. Enjoy food, music, and drinks. Note: Non-members are welcome but must be accompanied by a member on 5/25 and 7/4. Fee for non-members is $40.
• New Orleans JCC will host a two-week summer swim program to help beginners become more acclimated and comfortable in the water by working on fundamental skills, including treading, breath control, floating, and survival swimming. Multiple sessions are available throughout the summer!

New Orleans Summer Worth the Drive:

Getting sick of New Orleans? The good news for you is that several New Orleans moms have put together their best travel tips, whether you like camping, cruising, the beach, or the mountains. 

• Take a day trip to Avery Island, home of Tabasco! 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. They are open Wednesday – Saturday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. 
• 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.
• Share a day at the lake, making memories at White Sands Lake Day Beach. Enjoy an aqua park, boat rentals, volleyball, and more. (2026 SEASON STARTS MAY 2, 2026)
• Located a short ferry ride from Mississippi’s coast, you can find some of the last undeveloped barrier islands in America at Ship Island. Now booking Dolphin Cruises. 
• Spend a day at the Mississippi beaches. Choose from Waveland, Bay St. Louis, Long Beach, or Gulfport; all are within a 90-minute drive and offer your family hours of free summer fun. Each beach offers free public access complete with bathrooms, outdoor showers for rinsing off, and free parking. Pack a lunch or check out one of the restaurants in the area. 
• Go for a hike at the mini Grand Canyon, Red Bluff, in Mississippi.
• 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. 
• Want to swim with the dolphins? Pet Stingrays? Kiss a sea lion? Take a drive to Gulfport, Mississippi, to make special memories at Ocean Adventures Marine Park.
• Try out the local children’s museum in Gulfport with a day at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center. 
• Knock Knock Children’s Museum in Baton Rouge was named “Louisiana Museum of the Year” in 2020. Note: they are closed on Mondays!
• Other options for movies? Check out the Movie Tavern Summer Kids $3 Movies in Baton Rouge and Covington.
• Visit Gulf Islands Waterpark for a day of water fun in the sun. (The park re-opens for the season on May 16, 2026!)
• Plan a getaway to OWA Parks & Resort in Foley, Alabama.
• Splash and slide over to the indoor water park at the Kroc Center in Biloxi.
• Visit the Mississippi Coast Model Railroad Museum in Gulfport– great for any kids (or adults!) who love trains.
• For all of the dino lovers – check out the Prehistoric Park in Breaux Bridge! Explore towering, life-sized dinosaurs and immerse yourself in interactive exhibits that spark curiosity and ignite the imagination. Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled family day out or an educational adventure, Prehistoric Park offers a thrilling journey through time for guests of all ages.
• Spend a day shopping at Tanger Outlets in Gonzalez.
• Plan a “Reading Retreat” for you and your friends!
• Head over to the Lazy Gator Waterpark in Westlake to cool off! Don’t forget to grab lunch at their Gator Tail Grill! Heads up, they are cash only, so swing by the ATM on your way to the water slides! Check here for hours and special events. They offer Sensory Swim days and adults-only events.
• Camp Margaritaville Breaux Bridge just unveiled a NEW pool and some very cool upgrades. Check that out HERE.

New Orleans Summer Learning Fun:

• New Orleans is home to the #2 museum in the country, according to TripAdvisor! 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. During the month of July, LA residents receive half-off admission with a state-issued photo ID. 
• Check out the Ogden Museum for art exhibits and events. 
• Take a look at the New Orleans Public Library‘s summer events.
• Instill a love of reading and literacy in your children while you sing songs and play games together in the New Orleans READ program.
• 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. 
• Learn all about marine life at the Aquarium and enter an underwater world full of penguins, stingrays, and seahorses. 
• Visit the St. Tammany Children’s Museum and build your own rollercoaster. 
• Visit the New Canal Lighthouse in Lakeview for lots of science-rich fun. The lighthouse is open Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am – 4 pm. Note: There is an admission fee; however, children 6 and under are admitted free.

New Orleans Summer Sports and Fitness:

• The New Orleans Boulder Lounge is New Orleans’s premier indoor climbing facility.  They offer kids-only hours on Sunday mornings and youth climbing teams for children aged 5-12. 
• 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, and Lacombe, and ends in Slidell. 
• Summer means slowing down and taking some time to breathe. Lolo’s Youth Yoga specializes in children’s yoga. Registration is now open for 2026 summer camps!
• Go for a run along Crescent Park, a beautiful urban park along the riverfront. 
• Test your golf skills and have fun at Loft18. They have locations in Metairie and Mandeville.
• Both adults and kids can burn some energy with classes at Crescent City Ninjas. If you’ve ever wanted to train in this ninja sport, this is your place! Check their website for more info about your first FREE class.
• JPRD and the YMCA of Greater New Orleans are partnering to bring families the JPRD/YMCA West Hurricanes Swim Team! Tryouts will take place from June 1 to August 8. Participants must be able to swim 25 yards of freestyle or breaststroke. Note: Tryouts are mandatory and do not guarantee placement on the team. Visit JPRD.org to sign up for tryouts today!
• Planet Fitness is offering their free high school summer pass for teens (ages 14-19) this summer starting June 1 – August 31. Pre-registration required.

New Orleans Summer Date Night (or Date Day): 

Summertime can be difficult to carve out one-on-one time with our partners, but it is important that we try! Set aside some time this summer to go on a date with your partner. We have you covered for nights where you just want to laugh, the Amazon order you need to make, and a list of 25 date night ideas. 

• Hit the town and enjoy a show at the 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.
• Stay a night at the Southern Hotel.
• Spend the evening painting the town at an adult class with Painting with a Twist.
• If you are 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 in Rivertown at Debbie on the Levee. 
• Spend an evening out listening to music on Frenchmen Street. (Please check individual jazz clubs for updates.)
• Grab your girlfriends for a girls’ night out on the Northshore.
• Spend time admiring the exhibits at the New Orleans Museum of Art.
• Check out this post from a fellow mom about perfect date day option in Mandeville.
• Ochsner Fitness in Elmwood is hosting several dates for their Summer Fest. Enjoy food, music, and drinks. Note: Non-members are welcome but must be accompanied by a member on 5/25 and 7/4. Fee for non-members is $40.

New Orleans Summer Fun at Home:

Do you find it too hot to leave your home? Or just need some ideas for when you are stuck inside on a rainy day? Whether you enjoy cooking, crafting, or cleaning to pass the time, we have a ton of indoor ideas to last the entire summer.

Still Need More Ideas?

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