New Orleans is a super fun place to visit. I’ve visited several times for work but never with family. We decided to tag along with Randy for his work trip for the girl’s varsity basketball team in Jan and I am happy we did! We all had a blast!
Where to Stay
This is tricky, especially with kids. We went with the High school girls basketball team and also the head coach brought his family as well. We stayed a little farther out from the French Quarter and I think that was such a great Idea! We stayed at the Hampton Inn located in the heart of Elmwood Business Park. The hotel is super close and within walking distance of shopping, restaurants and a movie theater. We also stayed here because it was close to where the team had their tournament at the Alario Sports Center. It is also close to the french quarter and all the activities.
Where to Eat
There is definitely no shortage of good food when it comes to New Orleans. There is a ton of restaurants to eat at in the French Quarter and also the surrounding areas. Since we stayed about 20 minutes from the French Quarter and with a group of high school girls we ate a range of places from burger places to Chic-Fil-A. My best advice if traveling with kids is to make sure there are things they like to eat since they are picky sometimes lol.
Mothers
This is a famous restaurant that is a must when you visit New Orleans. Honestly, I just thought it was ok. It didn’t really wow me that much but I could have just been tired too lol!
Cafe Du Monde
Cafe Du Monde is famous for New Orleans Beignets and let me tell you the line is always long no matter what time you go lol! This place is famous in the French Quarter and is a must visit if you love sweet dough bread. Its kinda like a funnel cake but a bit doughier if that makes sense lol
What to Do
There isn’t a shortage of things to do either in New Orleans. Since we were just along for the ride with the team and the coaches we went with what they had planned which was actually fun and kid friendly of course. Here are a few activities you can do with your kids.
Go on a Ghost Tour
I thought Riley would be scared since we took a ghost tour when it was dark but surprisingly she wasn’t. It also wasn’t that scary. Our tour guide basically took us by historic homes in the French Quarter and told stories about each house and how they were haunted or what happened in them in the past. I caught an orb on camera lol not sure if it was just a light or actually a ghost but it did show up in my photo which is kinda cool.
The New Orleans Aquarium
The Aquarium is located on the Mississippi River adjacent to the French Quarter. The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas has so much to offer in their interactive underwater world. Our favorite part was the penguins and Southern sea otters. Something also cool about this that we got to Touch a stingray! I thought Riley would be scared but she wasn’t! This is a great activity for the entire family.
Ticket Prices:
Purchase ONLINE and save $3 per person:
Online: $25.95 (plus sales tax and $1 transaction fee): Adult
Online: $17.95 (plus sales tax and $1 transaction fee): Child (2-12)
Online: $20.95 (plus sales tax and $1 transaction fee): Senior (65+)
Price at the Gate:
$29.95 (plus sales tax): Adult
$21.95 (plus sales tax): Child (2-12)
$24.95 (plus sales tax): Senior (65+)
Tickets are valid for a year from the date of purchase until used.
Go On A Swamp Tour
If you’re visiting Louisiana, I am sure that you’ve heard about the famous mossy swamplands and swamp tours! We took just a short drive outside of the heart of New Orleans to go on a really cool swap tour! We got to see some cool sites and even some gators and other wildlife.
Explore the French Quarter
Get out and explore! There are so many restaurants and things to do in the French Quarter that you will never be bored! There are lots of places to shop and just take in the historic sites and buildings.
It was nice that we planned a ton of activities to keep the kids occupied during the trip. When you travel with your children do you plan out the activities?
Hope this guide was helpful!
