Why New Orleans Is the Perfect Summer Family Getaway
A family that plays together, stays together. And what better place and time to play than summertime in New Orleans? The days are longer, work hours are shorter, classes are out and the sun is up, so make the most of this spectacular season with a vacation fit for fun.
From the best waterpark slides to ice-cold watermelon snoballs, there are endless options to keep the entire family happy. Whether you’re traveling with teens, tweens or tots, here’s everything you need to plan the perfect summer family vacation to New Orleans.
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One of the best things about summertime are all the fun ways to keep cool and beat the heat. A favorite hotspot to cool off is Audubon Zoo’s Cool Zoo, a seasonal waterpark experience that operates each May-August. This outdoor oasis comes complete with a 750-foot lazy river with two sand beaches, an alligator water slide, spider monkey soakers, water-spitting snakes and more splash-worthy activities.
Traveling with little ones? Woldenberg Park’s splash pad is a 90-foot linear water feature that sits right outside of the Aquarium of the Americas. After a visit to the aquarium, you can bring lunch, snacks and a blanket for an impromptu picnic overlooking the riverfront.
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There’s no better way to travel the Crescent City than aboard the historic streetcar. Adored by young riders and adults alike, the streetcar makes stops near some of NOLA’s family-friendly favorites like the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, the French Market, Audubon Park and the famous New Orleans City Park.
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Ice cream is fun and shakes are satisfying, but in New Orleans, the sno-ball reigns supreme. Treat your family to an icy summer treat at one of New Orleans’ many sno-ball stands across the city. Bumble gum, sour apple, rainbow and cream of chocolate are just a few kid-friendly favorite flavors. Browse a few of our other icy summer treats fit for families.
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Sure, New Orleans is known for its late night music venues, but that doesn’t mean that live music is off limits for families with kids under 21, or even under 18. The iconic Preservation Hall is perhaps one of the most popular options for music-loving families, since their shows are not only all ages, but they offer multiple shows nightly starting at bedtime friendly-hours like 5 and 6 p.m. Three Muses and Snug Harbor on Frenchmen Street are also both solid, family-friendly favorites. Looking for more ideas? See GoNOLA’s Guide to Where to See Live Music Under 21.
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Between the Louisiana Children’s Museum, Storyland and the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, New Orleans City Park is a stomping grounds for a family fun day. Make sure to fuel up with a bite from the casual kid’s cafe, Acorn, and top the meal off with sugary beignets from City Park’s own Cafe du Monde.
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Festing is fun, and it’s even better with family. While New Orleans is filled with a lineup of amazing summer fests and events, there are a few standout events that are fit for families. The Creole Tomato Festival, Satchmo Summerfest, and Bastille Day Fete are just a few to check out during your summer family vacation.
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While a visit to the museum is always a good idea it is especially opportune during August, which marks Museum Month. Museum hop with the whole family for one flat rate membership fee all month long. History buffs can take advantage of the World War II Museum, whereas art-lovers can make their way to the New Orleans Museum of Art or the Ogden.
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Nobody does dining like New Orleans, and here, we believe food is for everyone. Family-friendly dining is about more than offering a kids menu. Barracuda, Dat Dog, Camellia Grill, The Blue Crab and Port Orleans Brewing Co. are just a few places that go above and beyond to create a family-friendly atmosphere for their diners with children.
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Carnival season may have passed, but Mardi Gras-inspired fun and history are available year-round at Mardi Gras World. Get a taste of Fat Tuesday with a tour of Kern Studios - where Mardi Gras is made. See the floats and costumes that are used for Mardi Gras, and you can even sample King Cake, a seasonal delicacy of Carnival.
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A day of play paired with an afternoon of nibbles sounds like an ideal family outing. This summer, grab the gang for an unforgettable New Orleans-style picnic featuring po-boys, crawfish, sno-balls and Zapps potato chips. Check out our favorite locations throughout the city perfect for picnicking.
