Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Toddlers
New Orleans isn't the first place people think of when they're planning a family vacation, but the Big Easy's wild reputation is the version of the story told by a loud, little handful. Check out New Orleans for yourself, and you'll realize there's more to it than partying on Bourbon Street. In fact, New Orleans is an excellent place to take the young ones. Full of rich history and culture, there's plenty of free things to do with toddlers.
Explore City Park. This 1500-acre park features all kinds of family-fun activities including paddle-boating, fishing, and hiking between the large oak trees. Kids will be mesmerized by the two miniature trains that tour the park's perimeter. Be sure to take your tiny tots to Storyland. The area features 26 different nursery rhyme exhibits to help stimulate young minds. Here you will also notice an amusement park featuring a fully restored antique wooden carousel (a.k.a. Flying Horses), one of only 100 left in the country. Don't forget to pack a picnic, and bring some extra bread for the ducks!
Experience the Louisiana State Museum - at The Presbytere. Located at Jackson Square, this National Historic Landmark features an inside museum that is absolutely free for children 12 and under to explore. Kids will express special interest in the Mardi Gras section, where they can pretend to ride a parade float. This is the place to see elaborate parade costumes as well. The museum hosts plenty of special exhibits, including "100 Years of Zulu," offering interesting tidbits about the famous African-American parade krewe.
Speaking of Mardi Gras, don't hesitate to take the family to New Orleans during this fabulous celebration! A number of sections of the Mardi Gras parade routes are all family-oriented. Children will get a kick out of the costumed pet parade known as Barkus. Music, floats, food, masks and more, it's all waiting for your family at Mardi Gras. The Carnival Season begins on or after Epiphany and lasts until Fat Tuesday (usually in late February and early March).
The Louisiana Children's Museum features Target Free Sundays every third Sunday of the month. Bring your curious toddlers to explore 30,000 square feet of hands-on fun, including interactive exhibits and engaging programs for all ages. The sky's not even the limit at the Louisiana Children's Museum. Come and pilot a towboat down the Mississippi, stand inside a giant bubble, trap your shadow and much, much more. The museum is located at 420 Julia Street. For more information, call 504-586-0725 ext. 210.
Check out the landmark French Market District, encompassing six blocks of the Lower French Quarter. The area features more than 20 unique retail shops, performance venues, restaurants, cafes, a flea market and a farmers market, great for toddlers to appreciate with their parents at little to no cost. The district provides ample recreational shopping opportunities and ongoing free special events, but is also home to historical monuments like the Washington Artillery Park and New Place de France . The French Market District is a great place to check out public art and scenic walkways with the ones you love. Visit the French Market on your next trip to New Orleans and let you kids pick out a souvenir or two to remember the trip!