Good Park for Babies New Orleans Near Me

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The 31 best things to exercise in New Orleans with kids

A family's guide to the Big Piece of cake

Past Updated Nov 25, 2019, 12:35pm CST

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Although tourists might think of New Orleans equally a booze-soaked adult playground, locals know at that place's so much more to the Crescent City. And people who had the privilege of growing up in New Orleans realize there's no place more magical to spend the well-nigh magical time of 1's life. From Mr. Bingle to Storyland, from coffee milk to Funfair costuming, childhood traditions in New Orleans are as unique as the city itself.

Outdoorsy types will appreciate the city'southward many parks and nature-focused destinations; families can kayak in the bayou or explore a larger-than-life storybook playground. And but because you're with kiddos doesn't mean you accept to miss out on local civilization. We've identified the best cemetery tours, jazz venues, and even bookstores for the under-18 crowd.

Behold, the 31 best places in New Orleans for families and kids.

Traveling to other cities with your kiddos? Don't miss Curbed's maps of the all-time family activities in Washington, D.C. , Boston , Detroit , Atlanta , Chicago , Miami , Los Angeles , Seattle , San Francisco , New Orleans , Austin , and New York Urban center .

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one. New Orleans Historic Train Garden

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5 Victory Ave
New Orleans, LA 70119

Tucked away in a verdant corner of Urban center Park'south Botanical Garden, the New Orleans Historic Train Garden features replicas of streetcars and trains that current of air around i,300 anxiety of track. Information technology'south an informative look at New Orleans' history—all in miniature!

While the Train Garden is open during Botanical Garden hours, the trains only operate on Saturdays and Sundays. The Train Garden is as well available for altogether parties.

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7 Victory Ave
New Orleans, LA 70124

Set under a collection of gorgeous, massive live oaks, City Park's amusement park has xv rides, including a gorgeous, paw-carved historic carousel that will print even the most jaded adult.

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seven Victory Ave
New Orleans, LA 70124

Filled with 25 larger-than-life sculptures modeled after storybook characters, this unique playground boasts a dragon slide, Captain Hook'southward pirate ship, and the whale from Pinocchio.

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one Collins C. Diboll Circumvolve
New Orleans, LA 70124

With works by Picasso, Renoir, Matisse, Monet, and Georgia O'Keeffe, NOMA is an oasis of fine art that can be appreciated past both parents and children alike. Kids volition dearest story time, kid-focused art workshops, and art classes.

Courtesy of NOMA

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v. Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

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1 Collins Diboll Cir
New Orleans, LA 70124

Simply exterior NOMA's front door, find the recently expanded Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, a collection of sculptures set among City Park'south oaks and lagoons. The three-acre expansion includes 27 outdoor artworks. Admission to the sculpture garden is always free.

Photograph by R. Alokhin.

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3494 Esplanade Ave
New Orleans, LA 70119

Older kids will love paddling from neighborhood to neighborhood and learning about the history of Bayou St. John during a two-hour tour perfect for first-time kayakers. You lot might fifty-fifty see a bit of wild animals!

Courtesy of Kayak-Iti-Yat

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1116 Henriette Delille St
New Orleans, LA 70116

Get an up-shut look at colorful second-line outfits, Baby Dolls costumes and Mardi Gras Indian suits in the heart of Treme at Sylvester Francis' living tribute to African-American parading culture.

Photo by Barry Solow/Artistic Eatables

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913 Alvar St
New Orleans, LA 70117

New Orleans drag performers lead a monthly reading at the ninth Ward library, where kids and parents become an animated afternoon reading on the tertiary Saturday of every month from some of the city's celebrated elevate stars. Storytime starts at ane p.m.

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4557 Northward Rampart St
New Orleans, LA 70117

This assembly of small, shack-like houses is office art installation, part musical instrument, and function playground. Each offers interactive fun for kids and adults of all ages, and the rustic, wood-like art garden doubles as a music venue and event space. Open hours for hands-on play are 10 a.thousand.-7 p.chiliad.

Photo by Josh Brasted courtesy New Orleans Airlift

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701 N Rampart St
New Orleans, LA 70116

This 32-acre park located in the Treme neighborhood is a skillful option for kids to explore near the French Quarter. You'll find picturesque green space, a sculpture garden, and paths aplenty.

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501 Basin St
New Orleans, LA 70112

The St. Louis Cemetery was founded in 1789 and is the oldest burial basis of New Orleans' most illustrious residents. There, you'll find the gravesite of Voodoo queen Marie Laveau, likewise as actor Nicolas Cage'southward futurity tomb.

Book with Save Our Cemeteries to take an upwards shut and personal look at an array of wall vaults and tombs just steps from the French Quarter—and don't forget the sunscreen.

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1008 N Peters St
New Orleans, LA 70116

This 1.iv-mile, 20-acre urban park on the riverfront offers landscaped gardens, a domestic dog park, walking paths, public restrooms, swings, and panoramic downtown views.

Don't miss the David Adjaye-designed Piety Street Span, a pedestrian walkway that rises to a higher place agile railroad tracks to connect the river with the Bywater community.

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French Quarter
New Orleans, LA

Families with kids ages iv to 18 tin have an interactive tour of the neighborhood with French Quarter Kids and larn about ghosts, music, and local history.

Courtesy of French Quarter Kids

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726 Saint Peter St
New Orleans, LA 70116

If you lot're looking for a kid-friendly jazz venue in New Orleans, this is information technology. The all-ages music landmark offers sets of jazz nightly—fyi, in that location'due south no food and drink service—with some shows starting as early every bit 6 p.m.

Pro tip: Queue early and take hold of 1 of the benches; seating is beginning-come, kickoff-served.

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624 Pirates Aly
New Orleans, LA 70116

Tucked off an alley behind Jackson Foursquare in the French Quarter, this ambrosial bookstore sells new and used books and has a small simply well-stocked children's section.

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745 Decatur St.
New Orleans, LA 70116

Located in the centre of the French Quarter, Jackson Square is surrounded by gorgeous historic buildings, like the St. Louis Cathedral and Pontalba apartments. Kids love the spot for its street performers, people-watching, and delicious beignets at nearby Cafe du Monde.

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17. Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Civilisation

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1010 Conti St
New Orleans, LA 70112

Installations throughout Carl Mack'due south Funfair museum in the French Quarter highlight dissimilar parts of parade civilization, from costume displays of past krewe royalty to Cajun Mardi Gras and walking groups and social aid and pleasance clubs. Play dress up in a rotating costume closet total of Funfair must-haves and fun finds. The museum is open daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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400 Toulouse Street Wharf
New Orleans, LA 70130

This two-60 minutes prowl along the Mississippi River uses a real steam-powered sternwheeler and provides great views of the metropolis. Teachers tin can organize field trips geared toward younger and older students using the company's resources, which include worksheets on topics ranging from the construction of a riverboat to local history.

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101 Morgan St
New Orleans, LA 70114

Twice an hour, this ferry takes a 10-infinitesimal trip across the Mississippi River from the Central Business organisation District to Algiers Point, and the $2 ride offers groovy views of the New Orleans skyline.

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445 Pelican
New Orleans, LA

If you need to accept a break in between exploring some of the historic architecture in Algiers Point, this unique community-centered playground is perfect for kids between two to five years old.

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21. Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium

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423 Canal St
New Orleans, LA 70130

This 23,000-square-human foot museum is the largest insectarium in the United states. Don't miss the butterfly garden, where a colorful butterfly might land on your child's shoulder.

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22. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

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1 Canal St
New Orleans, LA 70130

With iv major body of water life habitats to explore—the Amazon, the Mississippi River, the Gulf Coast, and the Caribbean—this aquarium offers easily-on aquatic fun for kids of all ages.

Check out the penguins, Parakeet Bay, and the popular 2,600-gallon touch pool where kids can touch cownose rays.

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420 Julia St
New Orleans, LA 70130

The museum moved from its longtime Julia Street dwelling into a new $47.5 million campus in City Park, featuring 5 interactive exhibits exploring the land'south natural environment, music, and culture. The new campus includes old favorites similar the chimera wands and grocery store as well as new additions similar a classroom floating higher up a lagoon and a fog sculpture by Fujiko Nakaya.

Photo by Webb Bland via Mithun

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945 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70130

Older kids and adults will find this exemplary museum worth exploring. Exhibits examine America'south contribution to the Centrolineal victory in World War 2, with a multi-sensory cinematic feature produced and narrated by Tom Hanks playing at the 4D Solomon Victory Theater.

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925 Camp St
New Orleans, LA 70130

Located in the Warehouse Art District, the Ogden Museum showcases the art, history, and civilization of the American South and has a few fine art projects and resources designed specifically for families. It likewise hosts a serial of artsy summertime camps for kids of all ages.

Photo by Skip Bolen/Getty Images

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1429 Saint Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA 70130

As the oldest continually operating street automobile in the U.s.a., the New Orleans streetcar has been transporting locales—and thrilling children—since 1835. Head to the St. Charles line for views of the Garden Commune and New Orleans' many picturesque universities.

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1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd
New Orleans, LA 70113

The 6,600-foursquare-foot arts facility hosts theater and dance performances, drumming and trip the light fantastic classes, storytelling, music and other events highlighting the city's African-American performing arts customs. It'south also home to New Orleans Youth Open Mic performances and an art gallery.

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1380 Port of New Orleans Pl
New Orleans, LA 70130

Kids love the bout of this massive warehouse where they'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the artisans, LED-lit floats, and parade paraphernalia of Mardi Gras. Pro tip: Don't miss the clothes up costume trunks.

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5339 Prytania St
New Orleans, LA 70115

At more than 100 years erstwhile, the single-screen theater in Uptown is a pace back in fourth dimension, with red velvet ropes, balustrade seating and family-friendly screenings of hand-picked classic films.

The Prytania Theater

Photograph past Josh Brasted/Getty Images

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6500 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70118

Consistently ranked as ane of the top zoos in the country, the Audubon Zoo boasts more than than 1,300 creatures ranging from rare white alligators to a komodo dragon. Older kids shouldn't miss the Safari Simulator ride, while the younger ones will honey checking out the scenery on board the zoo'due south Swamp train.

During the warm summer months, check out Cool Zoo, a splash park with an alligator water slide, h2o spouts, and a lazy river. The splash park requires an additional ticket with your zoo access.

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31. Barataria Preserve Visitor Center

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6588 Barataria Blvd
Marrero, LA 70072

This swampy nature preserve is only a half-hour drive from downtown New Orleans, only its cypress trees, turtles, wildflowers, alligators, and 200-plus species of birds brand it experience light years away. Explore the boardwalks on your own, or have kids earn a bluecoat with the park'sJunior Ranger plan.

• Open in Google Maps

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1. New Orleans Historic Train Garden

Tucked away in a verdant corner of City Park's Botanical Garden, the New Orleans Celebrated Train Garden features replicas of streetcars and trains that current of air around ane,300 anxiety of rails. Information technology's an informative expect at New Orleans' history—all in miniature!

While the Train Garden is open during Botanical Garden hours, the trains but operate on Saturdays and Sundays. The Train Garden is also available for birthday parties.

5 Victory Ave
New Orleans, LA 70119

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two. Historic Carousel in City Park

Set under a collection of gorgeous, massive alive oaks, City Park'due south amusement park has 15 rides, including a gorgeous, hand-carved celebrated carousel that will print fifty-fifty the most jaded developed.

seven Victory Ave
New Orleans, LA 70124

• Open in Google Maps

3. Storyland in Metropolis Park

Filled with 25 larger-than-life sculptures modeled subsequently storybook characters, this unique playground boasts a dragon slide, Captain Hook'southward pirate ship, and the whale from Pinocchio.

7 Victory Ave
New Orleans, LA 70124

• Open in Google Maps

4. New Orleans Museum of Art

Courtesy of NOMA

With works by Picasso, Renoir, Matisse, Monet, and Georgia O'Keeffe, NOMA is an oasis of fine art that tin can be appreciated by both parents and children alike. Kids will dearest story time, child-focused art workshops, and art classes.

1 Collins C. Diboll Circle
New Orleans, LA 70124

• Open in Google Maps

5. Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

Photo by R. Alokhin.

Merely outside NOMA's front door, observe the recently expanded Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, a collection of sculptures set among Urban center Park's oaks and lagoons. The three-acre expansion includes 27 outdoor artworks. Admission to the sculpture garden is always free.

1 Collins Diboll Cir
New Orleans, LA 70124

• Open in Google Maps

6. Big Easy Bayou Kayak Tour

Courtesy of Kayak-Iti-Yat

Older kids will love paddling from neighborhood to neighborhood and learning nigh the history of Bayou St. John during a two-hour tour perfect for get-go-fourth dimension kayakers. Y'all might even come across a scrap of wildlife!

3494 Esplanade Ave
New Orleans, LA 70119

• Open in Google Maps

vii. Backstreet Cultural Museum

Photograph by Barry Solow/Creative Commons

Get an upwardly-shut await at colorful second-line outfits, Baby Dolls costumes and Mardi Gras Indian suits in the middle of Treme at Sylvester Francis' living tribute to African-American parading civilization.

1116 Henriette Delille St
New Orleans, LA 70116

• Open in Google Maps

8. Drag Queen Story Hour

New Orleans drag performers pb a monthly reading at the 9th Ward library, where kids and parents get an animated afternoon reading on the tertiary Saturday of every month from some of the metropolis'south historic drag stars. Storytime starts at 1 p.m.

913 Alvar St
New Orleans, LA 70117

• Open in Google Maps

ix. The Music Box Village

Photo by Josh Brasted courtesy New Orleans Airlift

This assembly of small, shack-like houses is part art installation, part musical musical instrument, and part playground. Each offers interactive fun for kids and adults of all ages, and the rustic, forest-like fine art garden doubles equally a music venue and event infinite. Open hours for hands-on play are 10 a.thou.-7 p.m.

4557 N Rampart St
New Orleans, LA 70117

• Open in Google Maps

10. Louis Armstrong Park

This 32-acre park located in the Treme neighborhood is a skilful pick for kids to explore near the French Quarter. You lot'll detect picturesque greenish space, a sculpture garden, and paths ample.

701 N Rampart St
New Orleans, LA 70116

• Open in Google Maps

eleven. St. Louis Cemetery No. i

The St. Louis Cemetery was founded in 1789 and is the oldest burial ground of New Orleans' most illustrious residents. There, you'll find the gravesite of Voodoo queen Marie Laveau, besides as actor Nicolas Cage's futurity tomb.

Book with Relieve Our Cemeteries to accept an upwardly close and personal look at an array of wall vaults and tombs just steps from the French Quarter—and don't forget the sunscreen.

501 Bowl St
New Orleans, LA 70112

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12. Crescent Park

This i.4-mile, 20-acre urban park on the riverfront offers landscaped gardens, a dog park, walking paths, public restrooms, swings, and panoramic downtown views.

Don't miss the David Adjaye-designed Piety Street Bridge, a pedestrian walkway that rises above active railroad tracks to connect the river with the Bywater community.

1008 N Peters St
New Orleans, LA 70116

• Open up in Google Maps

13. French Quarter Kids

Courtesy of French Quarter Kids

Families with kids ages 4 to 18 can accept an interactive tour of the neighborhood with French Quarter Kids and learn about ghosts, music, and local history.

French Quarter
New Orleans, LA

• Open in Google Maps

14. Preservation Hall

If you're looking for a kid-friendly jazz venue in New Orleans, this is information technology. The all-ages music landmark offers sets of jazz nightly—fyi, there's no nutrient and drinkable service—with some shows starting as early as 6 p.grand.

Pro tip: Queue early and take hold of one of the benches; seating is start-come, starting time-served.

726 Saint Peter St
New Orleans, LA 70116

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• Foursquare

15. Faulkner Firm Books

Tucked off an alley behind Jackson Foursquare in the French Quarter, this adorable bookstore sells new and used books and has a minor but well-stocked children's section.

624 Pirates Aly
New Orleans, LA 70116

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16. Jackson Square

Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Jackson Square is surrounded by gorgeous historic buildings, like the St. Louis Cathedral and Pontalba apartments. Kids love the spot for its street performers, people-watching, and succulent beignets at nearby Cafe du Monde.

745 Decatur St.
New Orleans, LA 70116

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17. Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture

Installations throughout Carl Mack's Carnival museum in the French Quarter highlight different parts of parade culture, from costume displays of past krewe royalty to Cajun Mardi Gras and walking groups and social aid and pleasure clubs. Play dress up in a rotating costume cupboard total of Carnival must-haves and fun finds. The museum is open daily from 10 a.one thousand.-five p.m.

1010 Conti St
New Orleans, LA 70112

• Open in Google Maps

18. Steamboat Natchez

This two-hour prowl along the Mississippi River uses a existent steam-powered sternwheeler and provides great views of the city. Teachers tin can organize field trips geared toward younger and older students using the company's resources, which include worksheets on topics ranging from the structure of a riverboat to local history.

400 Toulouse Street Wharf
New Orleans, LA 70130

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• Foursquare

19. The Canal Street Ferry

Twice an hour, this ferry takes a ten-infinitesimal trip across the Mississippi River from the Central Business District to Algiers Point, and the $two ride offers smashing views of the New Orleans skyline.

101 Morgan St
New Orleans, LA 70114

• Open in Google Maps

20. Confetti Park

If you need to take a intermission in between exploring some of the historic architecture in Algiers Bespeak, this unique customs-centered playground is perfect for kids between ii to v years old.

445 Pelican
New Orleans, LA

• Open in Google Maps

21. Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium

This 23,000-square-foot museum is the largest insectarium in the U.s.a.. Don't miss the butterfly garden, where a colorful butterfly might state on your child's shoulder.

423 Canal St
New Orleans, LA 70130

• Open up in Google Maps

22. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

With four major ocean life habitats to explore—the Amazon, the Mississippi River, the Gulf Declension, and the Caribbean—this aquarium offers hands-on aquatic fun for kids of all ages.

Bank check out the penguins, Parakeet Bay, and the popular 2,600-gallon touch pool where kids can touch cownose rays.

1 Culvert St
New Orleans, LA 70130

• Open in Google Maps

23. Louisiana Children'south Museum

Photo by Webb Bland via Mithun

The museum moved from its longtime Julia Street dwelling into a new $47.5 1000000 campus in City Park, featuring 5 interactive exhibits exploring the state'south natural environment, music, and culture. The new campus includes onetime favorites like the bubble wands and grocery shop as well as new additions like a classroom floating above a lagoon and a fog sculpture by Fujiko Nakaya.

420 Julia St
New Orleans, LA 70130

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24. National World War II Museum

Older kids and adults volition find this exemplary museum worth exploring. Exhibits examine America's contribution to the Allied victory in World State of war Ii, with a multi-sensory cinematic feature produced and narrated past Tom Hanks playing at the 4D Solomon Victory Theater.

945 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70130

• Open up in Google Maps

25. Ogden Museum of Southern Art

Photo past Skip Bolen/Getty Images

Located in the Warehouse Art District, the Ogden Museum showcases the art, history, and culture of the American South and has a few fine art projects and resources designed specifically for families. It as well hosts a serial of cocked summer camps for kids of all ages.

925 Campsite St
New Orleans, LA 70130

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• Foursquare

26. St Charles Avenue streetcar

As the oldest continually operating street car in the U.s.a., the New Orleans streetcar has been transporting locales—and thrilling children—since 1835. Caput to the St. Charles line for views of the Garden Commune and New Orleans' many picturesque universities.

1429 Saint Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA 70130

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27. Ashé Cultural Arts Center

The 6,600-square-foot arts facility hosts theater and trip the light fantastic toe performances, drumming and dance classes, storytelling, music and other events highlighting the urban center's African-American performing arts community. It's also abode to New Orleans Youth Open up Mic performances and an art gallery.

1712 Oretha Castle Haley Blvd
New Orleans, LA 70113

• Open in Google Maps

28. Blaine Kern'south Mardi Gras Globe

Kids love the tour of this massive warehouse where they'll get a behind-the-scenes look at the artisans, LED-lit floats, and parade paraphernalia of Mardi Gras. Pro tip: Don't miss the apparel up costume trunks.

1380 Port of New Orleans Pl
New Orleans, LA 70130

• Open up in Google Maps

29. Prytania Theatre

The Prytania Theater

Photo by Josh Brasted/Getty Images

At more than 100 years onetime, the unmarried-screen theater in Uptown is a footstep dorsum in time, with red velvet ropes, balcony seating and family-friendly screenings of paw-picked classic films.

5339 Prytania St
New Orleans, LA 70115

• Open in Google Maps

30. Audubon Zoo

Consistently ranked as 1 of the pinnacle zoos in the country, the Audubon Zoo boasts more than 1,300 creatures ranging from rare white alligators to a komodo dragon. Older kids shouldn't miss the Safari Simulator ride, while the younger ones will love checking out the scenery on board the zoo's Swamp train.

During the warm summertime months, check out Absurd Zoo, a splash park with an alligator h2o slide, water spouts, and a lazy river. The splash park requires an additional ticket with your zoo admission.

6500 Magazine St
New Orleans, LA 70118

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31. Barataria Preserve Company Centre

This swampy nature preserve is just a half-hr drive from downtown New Orleans, but its cypress trees, turtles, wildflowers, alligators, and 200-plus species of birds go far feel low-cal years away. Explore the boardwalks on your ain, or have kids earn a badge with the park'sJunior Ranger program.

6588 Barataria Blvd
Marrero, LA 70072

• Open up in Google Maps

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