What to do in Nola
If you’re a first timer visiting New Orleans, our best advice is simple: Get Lost! The city finds you—through its artists, its hidden corners, its odd little shops. Wander into antique stores, slip down side alleys, stumble onto the Voodoo Museum, and build your own story.The French Quarter has enough mystery and magic to fill an entire weekend without you ever needing a plan. If you are traveling with your children, take a look at our suggestions below.
Start your morning around 9–10 a.m. in JacksonSquare, where street performers set up and kids stay entertained while adults duck into St. Louis Cathedral for a quiet moment. Grab bignets at Café du Monde right across the square, then wander onto Royal Street for a relaxed stroll past antique shops, galleries, and live musicians — an easy, classic New Orleans morning that works for everyone.
City Park is about 10 minutes from the French Quarter (1 Palm Dr). The Sculpture Garden sits beside the New Orleans Museum of Art at 1 Collins Diboll Circle and features major works by Rodin, Calder, and Louise Bourgeois. Morning Call—the beignet-and-coffee spot on Dreyfous Drive—is right next door. Easy, shaded, and perfect for kids to roam while adults caffeinate. (open from 10-6)
Street Car/ Columns Hotel
Hop on the St. Charles streetcar made famous by A Streetcar Named Desire and take a breezy 20-minute ride through oak trees and old mansions and wide grassy natural grounds. Kids love the clattering ride, adults love the slow, postcard-worthy scenery. You can hop off anywhere, but The Columns Hotel makes an easy, relaxed landing spots for a drink or a snack.
Honorable Mentions
World War II Museum
The National WWII Museum in New Orleans is a powerful journey into the key events of WWII, through exibits and interactive displays such as "Road to Berlin" and "Road to Tokyo" galleries. It offers a vivid, emotional understanding of WWII’s global impact.
​​​​​​​The Historic Carousel Gardens in City Park
​The Garden City Park is home to one of America’s oldest wooden carousels — shaded, inexpensive, and surrounded by playgrounds and gardens. It’s a quick, low-stress outing that kids love and adults actually enjoy.​
Mardis Gras World
Mardi Gras World is where the magic happens year-round, letting you wander through the massive warehouse where the iconic parade floats are designed and built.
​​​​​​​Audubon Aquarium of the Americas​​
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas immerses visitors in aquatic wonders from the Gulf of Mexico to the Caribbean, housing over 3,600 animals including penguins and rare alligators.
​​​Our Favorite Restaurants:​​​
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Tableau: Elegant French Quarter dining specializing in contemporary Creole cuisine.
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Coquette: Refined Garden District spot known for creative southern tasting menus.
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Doris Metropolitan: Upscale Israeli steakhouse offering dry-aged meats with a sophisticated Mediterranean twist.
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Bayona: French Quarter restaurant serving sophisticated, global cuisine in a historic cottage setting.
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Peche: Rustic seafood grill focusing on simple, whole Gulf fish cooked over an open fire.
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GW Fins: Premier French Quarter seafood spot famous for its daily changing menu of the freshest catches.
​​​Our Favorite Bars
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Five (for delicious oysters and an outstanding cocktails)
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Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop (late night for piano dueling)
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Spotted Cat (best swing music on the planet)
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Fritzel Jazz Bar (hands down the best New Orleans jazz experience)