There's lots of great activities and things to do which can easily be found in the "Big Easy" known as New Orleans. New Orleans is still alive and flourishing despite the events with Hurricane Katrina in 2005. There are especially plenty of activities for families and their young children, making New Orleans a wonderful family-friendly travel destination. These are the some of the top attractions which can be found for families visiting the city, and can be geared towards the infant to age 10 age groups.
1) Audubon Zoo - 6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70118, Tel: 866-ITS-AZOO or (504) 861-2537. Web address: http://www.auduboninstitute.org. The Audubon Zoo is ranked one of the top zoos in the country, with standard animals and more rare species from all over the world. A train can take visitors to various areas of the zoo. The Audubon Nature Institute also oversees the Aquarium of the Americas and its adjacent Entergy IMAX Theater, which shows films such as Ocean Wonderland 3D. There's also an insectarium, which is also managed by the institute. Kids get a chance to explore bugs up close and personally. See their website for complete details and locations.
2) Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World - 1380 Port of Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130, Tel: 800-362-8213 or (504) 362-8211. Web address: http://www.mardigrasworld.com. This attraction captures the essence of the Mardi Gras celebration. Visitors can learn how floats and carnival sculptures are created.
3) Louisiana Children's Museum - 420 Julia Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, Tel: (504) 523-1357. Web address: http://www.lcm.org. Interactive exhibits greet youngsters, where they can adopt the role of fireman or policeman, dressing up in appropriate gear Or they can captain their own ship. Children can also understand how an eye works or explore science through the plasma ball. Toddlers can join in the fun with the Sunday music program, geared towards for ages toddlers up to age five, and following the format by Music Together.
4) New Orleans City Park - 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124, Tel: (504) 482-4880. Web address: http://www.neworleanscitypark.com. An old antique carousel provides fun for various age groups, and the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park also features other rides, including a Tilt-A-Whirl, Red Baron mini-plane and miniature train ride. Storyland features 25 sotrybook exhibits, including Pinocchio and Jack and Jill. There are also free playgrounds, one geared for ages 2 through 5 and the other for ages 5 through 12.
5) Preservation Hall - 726 St. Peter Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, Tel: (504) 522-2841. Web address: http://www.preservationahll.com. Fun for all ages with jazz music programs. There is also an art gallery and photo studio.
6) River Boat Rides with New Orleans Steamboat Company - #2 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130, Tel: 800-233-2628 or (504) 586-8777. Web address: http://www.steamboatnatchez.com. Another way to explore the city of New Orleans is from the vantage of the famous Mississippi River. A tour hour tour awaits visitors on what is considered one of the best steamboat traditions in America, the Natchez. For children to be able to experience life aboard a real paddle boat, is something they can't do often, and it's a real treat and fascinating for them.
7) The National World War II Museum - 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, Tel: (504) 527-6012. Web address: http://www.ddaymuseum.org. Visitors can step back in history and learn about this period of time through exhibits, artifacts, photographs and more about World War II. There are some hands-on portions of the museum so kids can really step into the full experience. Students groups are welcome.
8) Riverwalk Marketplace - 1 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, Tel: (504) 522-1555. Web address: http://www.RiverwalkMarketPlace.com. Shopping, dining and entertainment can all be found in one place. Over 100 stores and a food court with fare such as pizza, fried chicken and ice cream await members of the family of all ages.
9) Zephyrs Baseball - Zephyr Stadium, 6000 Airline Drive, Metairie, LA 70003, Tel: (504) 734-5155. Web address: http://www.zephyrsbaseball.com. Catching a Minor League Baseball game with the Zephyrs is a fun family experience. Of course there's all the wonderful baseball fare to be enjoyed, including the stadium food and beverages, which round out the entire experience. Baseball has been a tradition in the city since 1859.
10) Horseback Riding - Cascade Stables, 535 Calhoun Street, New Orleans, LA 70118, Tel: (504) 891-2246. One of the local stables in the Garden District, where kids can enjoy a horseback ride in the city's outdoor recreation space. For all ability levels from novice to experienced.
11) Fun in the French Quarter - location varies, see website for more details: http://www.frenchquarter.com. There are varied activities in the French Quarter, New Orleans oldest neighborhood. These include carriage rides, The French Market and street entertainment. There are top attractions including the wax museum, pharmacy museum, and much more. Word of caution: particular sections of this town are more adult-geared, please exercise caution and research thoroughly to steer away from inappropriate places for children.
12) Visit to Algiers Point - for more information, see the website: http://www.algierspoint.org. This is a neighborhood tucked away in the city, which can be accessed via The Algiers Ferry. Kids always love ferry rides. There's a great park in the neighborhood known as Confetti Park.
13) St. Charles Streetcar - for more information about the streetcar, see the website: http://www.norta.com/. Another way to see New Orleans is via streetcar, and the St. Charles Streetcar is the oldest operating one in the world! The streetcar passes a number of the major city attractions, which also makes it a convenient way to travel for all ages.
14) Swamp Tours - for more information about tours, see the website: http://www.tourwithuncledave.com/swamp.htm. Why not tour the native lands of New Orleans with a local guide. "Uncle Dave" takes visitors into the Honey Island Swamp, where they can see local animals and insects and explore natural New Orleans.
15) Fort Pike Park - 27100 Chef Menteur Highway, New Orleans, LA 70129, Tel: (888) 662-5703 or (504) 662-5703. Web address: http://www.lastateparks.com
New Orleans is a city of character and fun. It's welcoming to all visitors and there's plenty to do year-round for everyone. Many of the activities listed have further things to do within their locations. For more activities, see their official tourism website: http://www.neworleansonline.com/.