This majestic city situated along the banks of the Mississippi River is one of the most widely visited tourist hotspots in the world. Known for its eclectic mix of attractions that range from its opulent nightlife, vibrant live music, exotic cuisines, and colourful architecture- this city is a festive paradise that will satiate your wanderlust. New Orleans is an amalgamation of colour; a cesspool of lights and celebration, and the people here know how to live ‘la vie en rose’!
Walking through the city lanes, one can feel the power of this historic site in the air. This city finds the roots of its origins buried deep in history. Borrowing from different ethnicities, New Orleans is a melting pot of French, African and American cultures. Indeed, the allure of this city also rightfully earned it the #1 spot on TripAdvisor’s list of the “7 Best Family Getaways in America” in 2016.
With places such as the imperial Antebellum mansions, the cast-iron galleries of the French Quarter, the jazzy cobbled roads of Bourbon Street, and the oak-lined boulevards of the Garden District; the splendour of this city is on full display for everyone to take in. Moreover, it is home to one of the topmost zoos in the country, as well as boasts a phenomenal aquarium, making it a great family destination.
Children can also indulge in their chocolatey fantasies through local breakfast delicacies such as beignets and follow that up with a traditional steamboat or a streetcar ride. Maybe the reason kids love this city, is because it is unlike any other. So, don’t wait any longer! Come down to the Crescent City and gift your children the best vacation of their lives.
Bring your children to New Orleans and experience 300 years’ worth of stories, celebrations, and culture. Build yourself a treasure trove of memories here!
Top 10 Things to Do in New Orleans with Teenagers:
Café du Monde 
Starting off this list is one of the most iconic cafés not just in New Orleans, but rather around the world! Café du Monde (which is French for “The People’s Café”) is a renowned open-air barista located on Decatur Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans. But this café isn’t just an ordinary tourist spot- it is an emotion!
This quaint little café first opened its doors to the public all the way back in 1862, and almost instantly shot to fame due to its exquisite café au laits and beignets (pronounced ‘ben-yay’). Beignets serve as a savoury version of the English fritters, chicory-laced, and light as air. These deep-fried choux pastries will be the perfect start to your exciting day!
Get Directions To Café du Monde
The Audubon Insectarium and Zoo
After a hearty lips-smacking breakfast, venture down to the Audubon Insectarium and Zoo to thrill your kids! The Audubon Zoo is home to some of the most exotic animals found on the planet, from features the likes of unique babirusas, indigenous cougars, regal red-tailed hawks, and even some extremely rare white alligators and Komodo dragons. You can roam around the grounds with your children and let them explore the animals’ natural habitats. In fact, you even have the option to touch and pet some animals as well. After you are done touring the Zoo, you can take your kids to view the Insectarium.
Not for the faint-hearted, here your kids can have an up-close-and-personal experience with all kinds of insects here. The Insectarium is located in the historic United States Custom House on Canal Street in downtown New Orleans.
In a guided tour, they’ll get to learn about the elaborate history of New Orleans and its insects, including its insect customs from the yesteryears, the unique story of termites and they will even show them the latest technologies that are used to preserve and protect these insects. Moreover, they will also be taken underground where the gigantic insect mannequins will give your children a taste as to what life would be like if they were to be shrunk down to the size of insects. And last but not least, you can also try some exotic insect cuisines. Withal, this place is certain to put the ‘chill’ in your children!
Get Directions To The Audubon Insectarium and Zoo
Louisiana Children’s Museum
The infamous Louisiana Children’s Museum, or as parents sometimes call it- ‘Much Needed Break’, is paradise for both children as well as parents! Here, you can leave your kids for hours on end and never have to worry about them. Built for all age groups right from toddlers to teenagers, this exhibit is 30,000 square-feet of pure unbridled fun.
There are a plethora of different activities to do here to give children of all ages a holistic and entertaining, albeit educational experience while at the same time housing a quiet café for parents to relax and destress. With over 100 different activities, the Louisiana Children’s Museum encourages hands-on learning for children, has an array of creative construction games, myriads of role-playing activities (that involve parents and other children to build social skills), and of course, a free play pit for kids to make merry. There are also different life-sized Mr. Bones figurines where children can see the human anatomy and where the organs fit. The Simple Machines section of the museum displays different pulleys and levers for children to test their strength.
Consequently, in the First Adventures room children can put on their thinking caps to solve witty riddles and investigate clues in a very Indiana Jones-esque storyline! There is also a Music and Art Studio, where kids can tap into their creative side. This is assured to give you a fun-filled afternoon of bonding with your children while at the same time not being too heavy on your wallet either!
Get Directions To Louisiana Children’s Museum
The Aquarium of the Americas
Coming to the next big attraction that is sure to dazzle your kids is this deep-sea wonderland! Rated one of the most advanced and diverse aquariums in the country, your kids will thank you for taking them here. The Aquarium of the Americas gives its customers a complete immersive experience through its underground tube system. You will be led on a leisurely walk underneath a vivid Caribbean reef, taken through a simulation of a lush Amazonian rainforest, and made to journey their very own artificially made Mississippi River. Some of the other highlights of this aquarium are penguins, sharks, jellyfish, sea otters, and their impressive collection of other highly rare deep-sea creatures.
They have also recently opened another exhibit room called Escape Extinction: Sharks, where children will get to experience different interactive areas filled with games and puzzles. The goal of this adventure is to save the sharks and then board the escape pod to complete the mission. They will have to solve witty clues and riddles along the way.
Get Directions To The Aquarium of the Americas
Preservation Hall 
[ryvl video_url=”https://youtu.be/vtwQRAwQTdw” auto_play=”yes”]Preservation Hall Foundation[/ryvl]
Preservation Hall has held the proverbial torch of New Orleans’ music scene aloft for more than 5 decades now. This dingy little auditorium was founded to commemorate the blues and jazz spirit of the city and serves as the beacon for all future musicians.
The interiors of this hall haven’t been changed or altered since its inception, giving it an extremely archaic and rustic feel. The air inside is heavy with history and it is almost as if you are stepping inside a time capsule. Visit the Preservation Hall and you will be exposed to some of the most tranquil, feet-tapping, hip-swaying blues and jazz music in the city.
With elite musicians performing almost every night, a visit to this place could be a perfect getaway from the hurly-burly of the hectic tourist life. Shows begin usually at 6 PM, and seating is free and on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis only. So, don’t be late!
Get Directions To Preservation Hall
New Orleans City Park
A massive hit among children and adults alike, the New Orleans City Park is a delight to cherish. This 1500-acre park is one of the oldest urban parks in all of America- and a true oasis! Being within the outer city limits, you can take a smooth Streetcar ride to reach your destination.
The iconic streetcars in New Orleans will offer you an opportunity to take in the sounds of the city- the harmony of nature, overlaid by the dull hum of distant chatter and moving traffic. Because of these reasons, streetcar rides have started being associated with introspection and a period of self-thought. And after a forty-five minute soul-searching ride, you will reach the pearly gates of City Park.
This park features nature trails, fishing, boating, and even has two miniature trains taking a tour of the perimeter of the place. However, the attraction that will steal the show for your children is Storyland.
Storyland- a storybook themed playground- will be the highlight of your children’s trip to New Orleans.Boasting an impressive array of activities that range from paddle boating, a sculpture garden, the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, a Botanical Garden, biking paths, and even the oldest grove of mature live oak trees in the world!And if this wasn’t enough, Storyland even has 25 larger-than-life sculptures of the most famous storybook characters in the world. It even has Captain Hook’s Pirate Ship from Peter Pan, a thrilling Dragon Ride, and even the Whale from Pinocchio.
Get Directions To New Orleans City Park
Mardi Gras Carnival 
You didn’t think we could end this list without this, did you?
Mardi Gras– Yes, perhaps the most iconic festival in the world. No one does carnivals like the Crescent City! Beginning on the Twelfth Night, Jan. 6, the entire city is lit up like a bride on her wedding day.
Everyone is in a festive mood, with people drinking, eating, wearing vivid costumes, and parading with increasing intensity. During Mardi Gras, New Orleans becomes a picturesque sight to behold, with colour and confetti at every corner. Tourists are spoiled to the mesmeric sights of the colossal Endymion floats and can regale in laughter at the social satire of Krewe d’Etat’s.
The parade weaves its way into the French Quarter of New Orleans and marches down historic neighbourhoods. Spectators are encouraged to participate in all the traditions, regardless of whether you are a local or tourist. You can taste delicious oysters, have a bite of the infamous King’s Cake, and even take a walk down St. Charles Avenue.
So, there you have it. These are some of the most exciting and memorizing things you can do in the Crescent City with your children to have the time of your life.
Get Directions To Mardi Gras Carnival
A city like none other, New Orleans awaits you with open arms!