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420 Julia Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 504-523-1357
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Located in the Warehouse District, this 30,000 square foot museum has more than enough to keep young minds playing and learning for hours. There are plenty of interactive exhibits here, so kids can really learn by doing. Plus, there are numerous displays that showcase New Orleans itself, so the kids will be able to get a richer understanding of the things the family is doing on the rest of their vacation. There are several special activities planned each day too, giving kids the chance to create and explore their artistic side. And, don’t worry if you have nothing but toddlers on your hands; the museum’s First Adventures section is designed especially with them in mind.
Mardi Gras World
1380 Port of New Orleans Place
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 800-362-8213
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This is the place where Mardi Gras is going on every day of the year. This lively museum has its day job as a factory for Mardi Floats, many of which are put together right here on site. As such, visitors can get up close to the floats, try on Mardi Gras costumes, and really taste the spirit of Mardi Gras, a celebration that has New Orleans written all over it!
Natchez Steamboat Cruises
Toulouse Street Wharf
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 800-233-2628
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From its earliest days, the fortunes of New Orleans have been tied to the Mississippi River, which makes a lazy horseshoe turn through town.There's no better way to get acquainted with the city than from the deck of steamboat. The Natchez is the city’s only authentic stern-wheeler, and strolling its decks is half the fun of taking this cruise. There are plenty of spots to sit out and watch the city roll by. In addition to this two-hour harbor tour, there’s also a dinner cruise in the evening featuring some of the best food and hottest jazz you’ll find anywhere.
1 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Phone: 800-774-7394
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This is one of the handful of truly world-class aquariums in the country. Open since 1990, the Aquarium of the Americas has been showcasing marine life to thousands of visitors every year. As its name suggests, the Aquarium focuses on creatures from North and South America. From the Amazon to the Caribbeanto right here in the Mississippi Delta. This great attraction took a big hit during Hurricane Katrina when it lost literally thousands of fish, but since then it’s come roaring back, and its rebirth has become a source of pride for everyone in town.
Audubon Insectarium
423 Canal Street
U.S. Custom House
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Phone: 800-774-7394
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The Insectarium opened in 2008 to rave reviews, and it’s been delighting and creeping out visitors every since. Believe it or not, insects make up 90% of all the species on this planet, so we better get used to these little guys. In the museum’s “Life Underground” exhibit, visitors get shrunk down to insect-size and get to check out what it’s like to be a bug for a while. With its vast array of insects, and family-friendly atmosphere, the Insectarium is a great way to start off your day on this side of town.
Audubon Zoo
6500 Magazine Street
New Orleans, LA 70118
Phone: 800-774-7394
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Brought to you by the same folks that are behind the Aquarium and the Insectarium, the Audubon Zoo is one of the true crown jewels of the city. This 58-acre animal park was named after the famous naturalist John James Audubon, who made New Orleans his home for a number of years back in the 19th Century. Here in the 21st century, the Audubon Zoo has become one of the top-ranked animal parks in the entire United States. In addition to the standard zoo fare of exotic animals and birds, there’s also a special swamp exhibit here at the zoo, featuring many of the critters that call Louisiana home.