Kid-Friendly Activities in New Orleans
While many people visit New Orleans for its famous nightlife, there's plenty of family fun to be had in The Big Easy
This waterfront city of bold colors, spicy foods and exotic wildlife that is as perfect for kids as it is for their parents. Whether it's climbing up a rock wall at the Louisiana Children's Museum or watching jellyfish jiggle at the Aquarium of the Americas, there’s plenty of activities in New Orleans your kids, and you, will enjoy. Explore the Animal Kingdom at Audubon Zoo Head for the Audubon Zoo and see animals from around the globe. Interact with the sheep and goats at Watoto Walk, a petting zoo disguised as an African Masai Village. Follow the Bambu Village Asian Discovery Trail and pet-friendly animals along the way. Bring your swimsuit and jump into the waters of Cool Zoo, the on-site splash park. Zip down the alligator water slide, then grab a float and head for Gator Run. That popular river ride features sandy beaches, water cannons and water curtains. Next to Cool Zoo is the Gottesman Family Endangered Species Carousel; jump on your favorite zoo animal and hang on while it spins.
Watch Fairy Tales Come to Life at Storyland
Remember the classic fairy tales like The Three Little Pigs and The Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe? Watch them come to life at Storyland. Step inside Cinderella's pumpkin carriage and then find Jonah sitting on top of a big smiley-faced whale. Pathways lead past Humpty Dumpty perched on his wall and Little Bo Peep on the lookout for her missing sheep. Next door is the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park. Climb aboard the vintage carousel or do some serious bouncing on the bumper cars. The littlest kids will get a kick out of flying their own mini airplane on the Red Baron ride. Both attractions are at City Park, in the heart of the Big Easy.
Watch Jiggling Jellies at the Aquarium of the Americas
Spend the day at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and watch jellyfish whirl and twirl in the special corner-less exhibits that keeps the jellies safe. Then head for the Living in Water exhibit and look for clownfish, lionfish and royal blue Tangs hanging out among the corals and anemones. Visit the Seahorse Gallery and discover that it's Dad that has the babies. Just outside the aquarium is Woldenberg Park, on the riverfront, with its 90-foot long dancing fountain that invites you to jump in and cool off.
Explore Away at the Louisiana Children's Museum
Ever climb a rock wall or want to ride in an emergency vehicle with sirens blaring? Do both of these and much more at the Louisiana Children's Museum. The rock wall is part of the Body Works exhibit, which shows how your body balances and flexes. Become a safety inspector for a day at the Safety Zone exhibit. Create your own piece of art at Art Trek or dress up in costume and perform on stage at the Talk and Play Center. For the littlest family members, First Adventures features games, books, toys and a pretend kitchen. It's all set up in a brightly colored, enclosed area that invites climbing, crawling and exploring.
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