A trip to the fascinating city of New Orleans is a fun one for the entire family. The kids will love the many things to do in the city, as much as the adults. New Orleans is one of those cities that offer year round entertainment for all.
First of all, you should find a kid-friendly motel/hotel. If your children have not been to a large city before, by all means stay at one of the lovely downtown hotels. There are many to choose from, in all price ranges. In the French Quarter, there are hotels with lovely balconies overlooking the street, even some with indoor/outdoor swimming pools, depending on the season. There are also hotels that are simple but clean. The selection of restaurants vary from fast food to sit down types. They are within easy walking distance to any downtown motel/hotel. Parking is available at most hotels with easy assess to vehicles. Most are valet parked so once you get there you don't have to worry about your car.
The first thing that the kids will enjoy is the carriage rides through the city. The horses are uniquely hatted for the occasion. Not only is this a nice ride, but the guide will fill you in on the sites and history of the city. If you do not want to take a carriage and prefer a walking tour, park rangers from the Jean LaFitte National Historic Park and Preserve conduct a 90 minute walking tour of the French Quarter. There are specialty tours available, also, such as the Haunted History Tours given through the streeets and alleys of New Orleans. If you prefer an air-conditioned bus, there are various tours available through Gray Line, such as the Swamp and Bayou tour, the super city tour, the ghosts and spirits tour.
The history of New Orleans can be found in the old homes that line the downtown district and St. Charles. Not only the old homes, but the Old U.S. Mint and other prominent historic sites are prominently marked with cornerstones, etc. so self-touring is not out of the question.
The Audubon Aquarian of the Americas is located on the banks of the Mississippi River. There you will see fine specimens of aquatic life, visit a Carribean reef, and Amazon rainforest and even the Gulf of Mexico. This is a must-see for the entire family. Another "must see" on your list is the Audubon Zoo, which houses stingrays and sea lions, new to the zoo in 2007.
A ride on the historic streetcar is another treat. These cars with wooden seats date back to the 1920s. With each crossing, the bells clang and people wave. At the end of the line, the streetcar does not turn, but the conductor merely goes to the other end of the car and returns.
On Camp Street there is Memorial Hall's Confederate Museum which displays uniforms, paintings, weapons and currency from the Civil War. The National World War II Museum is also in the city located on Magazine Street. There is also a Children's Museum locatede on Julia Street between Magazine and Tchoupitoulas Sts, which has hands-on exhibits for children.
If it is during football season that you want to visit the city, you can catch a New Orleans Saint game at the Lousiana Superdome from August to December. There are baseball and basketball opportunities duirng the seasons, also.
Picnicking can be done at the various municipal parks scattered throughout the city or on the levee of the Mississippi River. Some restaurants offer the service of packing a picnic lunch for your entire family for a nominal fee.
There is a large shopping center located in downtown New Orleans, Rivermarket Place, along with specialty stores lining the French Quarter streets. From po-boys (sub type sandwiches), red hots (sausages), all types of seafood, and delicacies such as Napoleons, crepes, etc. tempt the palates of both young and old. A trip to Cafe DuMonde for coffee, milk and beignets (a New Orleans dessert) is a Louisiana treat since 1862. Rivermarket Place is the home of the 1984 World's Fair, in the historic warehouse district.
At the Rivermarket Place there are boat rides available. The type of craft varies from Steamboat Natchez to the Creole Queen, a sightseeing vessel. The tours are narrated. Some are complete with music and food. There is one particular tour, the Aquarium/Zoo Cruise which offers a 7 mile narrated cruise along the Mississippi River between the aquarium and zoo., which would prove interesting to the younger set. Another popular water tour is the Swamp Tour offered by the New Orleans Paddlewheels.
No trip to New Orleans is complete, unless you spend an afternoon in Jackson Square. The street musicians entertain and the pigeons await a handout. The artisians present their wares, from portraits to scenes of the French Quarter. There are various food vendors. Benches provide seating for tourists and residents alike.
In Jackson Square is the Louisiana State Museum which offers different exhibits throughout the year. The St. Louis Cathedral is said to be the crown jewel of the square, and tours of the historic church are available throughout the day. Daily Mass is still offered there.
After a day in Jackson Square, enjoy the breeze on the River. There are benches along the river where you can just sit and watch the boats and barges doing their work. There are many freighters docked there from all over the world. The kids will enjoy seeing them and figuring out where they came from.
A trip on the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway, located off Interstate 10, is a treat for all. It is the world's longest overwater highway bridge which crosses 24 miles of open twater, taking one out of the sight of land for 8 miles. There are pullover spots for sightseeing.
The night time sights and sounds of the Big Easy are available for the oldsters in the evening. Most hotels offer reliable babysitting service, which allows some freetime for Mom and Dad and entertainment for the children.
Be sure and bring your camera so that you can savor the sights of New Orleans. Souvenir shops are strung throughout the French Quarter area. There is something for everyone to take home.
The entire family will enjoy their stay in New Orleans and return home with many wonderful memories of a grand trip to a town that is quaint, historic and fun for all.