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Thinking about a vacation in New Orleans, but wondering what activites there are for small children? You'll find New Orleans has many interesting attractions that'll please even the youngest member of the family!

1. Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World 1380 Port of New Orleans Place New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 361-7821, (800) 362-8213 www.mardigrasworld.com

It's like going to Mardi Gras, but without the crowds, hassle or safety issues. Admission includes a sample of King Cake and a bead " throw." All ages.

2. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and Entergy IMAX Theatre 1 Canal St. PO Box 4327 New Orleans, LA 70178 (504) 581-4629, (800) 774-7394 www.auduboninstitute.org

Over 600 species of aquatic life are on display here. Walk the 30 foot see-through underwater tunnel for an up close view of unusual sea life. Afterwards, take the kids to a movie at the IMAX Theatre next door. Ages 2 and up.

3. The Audubon Insectarium 423 Canal St., Custom House New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 581-4629, (800) 774-7394 www.auduboninstitute.org

What kid doesn't like bugs? At The Old New Orleans Custom House, they'll see examples of over 900,000 species of them. See fun attractions like the

Metamorphosis show, and a Cooking Show, where you'll learn tasty insect recipes with the opportunity to sample them! Ages 2 and up.

4. The Audubon Zoo 6500 Magazine St., P.O. BOX 4327 New Orleans, LA 70118 (504) 581-4629, (800) 774-7394 www.auduboninstitute.org

This 58 acre zoo is considered among the country's best. Not only can the kids see all kinds of exotic animals, they can also ride the Swamp train and carousel, and climb the rock wall. All day passes are available. Ages 2 and up.

5. The Backstreet Cultural Museum 1116 St. Claude Ave. New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 522-4806 www.backstreetmuseum.org

Once an old funeral home, this museum contains memorabilia associated with Mardi Gras, jazz funerals,and other typical traditions of New Orleans. Located in the Treme section, the oldest African-American neighborhood in the U.S. All ages.

6. New Orleans City Park 1 Palm Drive New Orleans, LA 70124 (504) 482-4888 www.neworleanscitypark.com

In this 1300 acre City Park, you'll find many different activities for the entire family; here's just a few examples. Check the website for a complete list; some attractions are available to rent for birthday parties. Call (504) 488-2896 or email cpsales@nocp.org for reservations and rental prices.

a. Hines Carousel Gardens Amusement Park features one of the only 100 remaining wooden carousels left in the U.S., and is listed on the country's National

Register of Historic Places. Under age 1 ride free with parent. Open seasonally, reopens March 7, 2009.

b. Storyland has over 25 storybook themed fun play areas for the kids.

c. The New Orleans Botanical Garden, featuring The Train Garden, has over 2000 varieties of plants from all over the world. The Train Garden features buildings made entirely of plant material, and overlooks 1300 feet of train and streetcar track. (See the website for the train schedule.)

7. Confederate Museum 929 Camp St New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 523-4522 www.confederatemuseum.com

The oldest museum in Louisiana still open to the public, the Confederate Museum houses war records, artifacts and memorabilia of the Civil War; you'll see authentic Civil War uniforms, guns and other items used by soldiers. Ages 2 and up.

8. Fort Pike 27100 Chef Menteur Hwy. New Orleans, LA 70129 (504) 662-5703, (888) 662-5703 www.laststatepark.com

A historic site on Lake Borgne, these barracks were used by General Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812. The fort is protected by a moat with a covered bridge, which visitors cross to the fort's hand built brick buildings. Free admission for children 13 and under.

9. Musee Conti Wax Museum 917 Conti St. New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 581-1993, (800) 233-5405 www.neworleanswaxmuseum.com

300 years of New Orleans history is depicted in over 150 wax figures. Considered a "must see," there's even a Haunted Dungeon! Ages 4 and up.

10. The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park 916 North Peters St., French Market New Orleans, LA 70116 (504) 589-4806 www.nps.gov

This park is committed to honoring and preserving "everything jazz" in New Orleans. Learn how the different cultures of New Orleans-the Spanish, African, American Indian, and French-all contributed to what is known as jazz music today. Free admission to the general public.

11. The New Orleans Arena 1501 Girod Street New Orleans, LA 70113 (504) 587-3663, 1-800-756-7074 www.neworleansarena.com

Here's your chance to see the New Orleans Hornets play basketball or take the kids to see their favorite group in concert! Baby changing stations in all 3 restrooms.

For Box Office information: call 504-587-3822 (Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m) Or purchase tickets at: www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, the New Orleans Arena Box Office, or charge by phone at (504) 522-5555.

12. National World War II Museum 945 Magazine St. New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 527-6012 www.ddaymuseum.org

Dedicated to the soldiers who helped win WWII, the museum has reproductions of the Higgins boat, Spitfire and Avenger aircraft, a Sherman tank and amphibious Jeep. Children under 5 admitted free.

13. Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve 419 Decatur St. New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 589-3882 www.nps.gov

Three of the six sites are in New Orleans; the Laura C. Hudson Visitor Center in the French Quarter, the Barataria Preserve, a 20,000 acre park with swamps, levees and forests 30 minutes from the business district, and The Chalmette Battlefield, about a 20 minute drive from the French District. No admission fee.

14. The Louisiana Children's Museum 420 Julia Street New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 586-0725 ext 210 www.lcm.org

Fun exhibits and activities in 30,000 feet of play area. The First Adventure exhibit provides an enclosed play space for ages 0-3. Slide and tunnel, giant building blocks, a pretend kitchen, Mr. Rodger's Neighborhood and more. Strollers are welcome. All ages, under age 1 admitted free.

15. Equest Farms 1001 Filmore Ave. New Orleans, LA 70124 (504) 483-9398 www.equestfarm.com

This full service riding stable offers riding lessons for all skill levels. Parties, field trips and summer camp options are available.

16. Woldenberg Park 1 Canal St New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 565-3033 www.auduboninstitute.org

Offers the best views of the Mississippi River; a great place to walk, bike ride or just chill out.

17. Gray Line Tours 2 Canal St. Suite 2500 New Orleans, LA 70130 (504) 569-1401, (800) 535-7786 www.graylineneworleans.com

Take a sightseeing tour of New Orleans! Check out the Super City Tour and the kid friendly Cemetery and "Gris-Gris" Tour! Available Tours include: Bus Tours, Walking Tours, Haunted Tours, Riverboat Tours, and much more! Combination and value packages are available. Plan on 2 hours. For all ages; wear comfortable sneakers.

18. West Wego Swamp Boat Tours 501 Laroussini Street New Orleans, LA 70094 (800) 633-0503 www.westwegoswampadventures.co m

This 2 hour tour into Bayou Segnette costs $26 without transportation for adults, $13 for kids (under 6 are free.) Reservations must be made in advance on the website.

19. Steamboat Natchez New Orleans Steamboat Company #2 Canal Street, Suite 2500 New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-1587 (800) 233-2628 www.steamboatnatchez.com

Bring the family on an authentic steamboat trip! Adults:$48.00, kids 6 and up:$21.00, children under 6 cruise free with paid adult. Value packages available.

20. Royal Carriages 1824 North Rampart Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70116 (504) 943-8820 www.neworleanscarriages.com

Tak e a horse drawn carriage ride through the French Quarter of New Orleans! Rates: $60 for 1/2 hour with 4 people or $120 for one hour. Garden District Tours rates: One and a half hour $180.00 (up to four people-additional passengers $20 each to a maximum 8 passengers.)

21. New Orleans Museum of Art 1 Collins Diboll Circle, City Park New Orleans, LA 70124 (504) 658-4100 www.noma.org

Take the little ones to "Dreams Come True: Art of the Classic Fairy Tales from the Walt Disney Studio" November 15, 2009 - March 14, 2010. Tickets sold on a "first come, first serve" basis only. Adults: $16, children 3-17 $10, children under 3 are free.

22. Besthoff Sculpture Garden 1 Collins Diboll Circle, City Park New Orleans, LA 70124 (504) 488-2631 www.noma.org

Right next door to the Museum of Art, the Sculpture Garden sits on 5 acres of land and has over 50 pieces by famous artists. Combined with the museum's permanent pieces, the total worth is more than $25 million. Needless to say, climbing on the sculptures is not allowed! Free to the public.

23. Diboll Gallery at Loyola University 6363 St. Charles Ave., 4th floor of the Monroe Library-Loyola University New Orleans, LA 70118 (504) 861-5456 www.loyno.edu

This small museum on the beautiful campus grounds of Loyolla College, has artifacts of the Belgian Congo and other local and international exhibits. Free to general public.

24. Ride the Algiers Ferry Chalmette Lower Algiers Ferry Landing New Orleans, LA 70131 (504) 364-8100 www.algierspoint.org

The ferry runs every day from 6 a.m. till midnight, to and from Canal St, and is free of charge. Visit the website for more information.

25. The Prytania Theatre 5339 Prytania Street New Orleans, LA 70115 (504) 891-2787 www.theprytania.com

Take the kids to a movie! The oldest operating movie theater in New Orleans, the Prytania has been newly renovated with a new huge screen and state of the art sound and projection.

26. Cafe Dumonde 1039 Decatur Street New Orleans, LA 70116 (800) 772-2927 www.cafedumonde.com

New Orleans is famous for beignets, a powdered sugar sprinkled pastry; you can't visit the French Quarter without trying one!

27. Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra 1010 Common Street Suite 2120 New Orleans, LA 70112 (504) 523-6530 www.lpomusic.com

Take the kids to see a real, live philharmonic orchestra! Concert tickets are on sale through the Box Office. Order on line, at the box office, or by phone.

28. Visit Jackson Square 751 Decatur St. New Orleans, LA 70116 www.jackson-square.com www.frenchmarket.org

In the French Quarter, street musicians, mimes and clowns perform on the corners, while local artists display their work on the iron fence. Visit the French Market and buy fresh fruit, souvenirs, and hand painted Mardi Gras masks.

29. Ride the St. Charles Avenue Trolley

Located in the beautiful Garden District, the streetcars run 24 hours a day, every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends. Cost is $1.25 one-way, plus 25 cents for a transfer. Have exact change ready.

30. Riverwalk Marketplace 1 Poydras Street, Suite 101 New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-1694 (504) 522-1555 www.riverwalkmarketplace.com

A half mile of restaurants, shops and entertainment, the Marketplace was constructed on the site of the 1984 World Fair, and has beautiful views of the Mississippi River.

Who said New Orleans and kids don't mix? There's something for everyone in the Big Easy!

Learn more about this author, Debora Chaves.
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