The next location we planned to cover during a USA tour was New Orleans. This time, we discovered how a city with a rich culture cares so much about children.
Along with its heritage, architecture, and a culture that feels like a warm embrace, the kid-friendly activities also make this Louisiana city a popular tourist destination.
However, this time as I pen the things to do in New Orleans with kids, my heart feels heavy. A deadly terror attack on Bourbon Street and the police shoot-out following that have taken the lives of at least 14 people on 2nd January 2025.
Still, the city is on the mend, and everyone is hoping high for the stability of the tourism economy of the city. It’s difficult, considering the city has yet to recover in tourism and finances since the COVID-19 days fully.
Apologies for the grim start! However, as travelers, you cannot disassociate so easily, especially when you have just visited a place.
Nevertheless, it’s time for some cheer, and shifting focus to the best things to do in New Orleans with kids can greatly help. So, let’s discuss it.
Fun Things To Do With Kids In New Orleans | Enjoying The Graceful Embrace
December to January and February to May are the best times to try fun things to do with kids in New Orleans. And guess what! There are a lot of free activities awaiting your little ones here. I have discussed them in a different Tour and Travel guide.
Nevertheless, here, let’s focus on the unique things to do with kids in New Orleans.
Hours Open: 10 AM to 5 PM (Tuesday and Wednesday Closed)
Audubon Zoo Admission: $35 for Adults and $25 for Children
Audubon Zoo is one of the topmost family attractions in New Orleans. It is a wonderland of Audubon animals and birds. The place is filled with mammals, reptiles, and birds. From the majestic African Lions and Asians Elephants to the Aldabra Tortoise, you will find everything here.
However, for me, the most delightful creatures in the zoo are the Caribbean Flamingos. They are as colorful as their country of origin.
I also loved the Malayan Sun Bears. They are adorable with the cutest expressions. You will even find Malayan tigers here.
Furthermore, we thoroughly enjoyed The Dinosaurs at the Audubon Zoo section. I was not willing to visit the section at first. Yes, I know! I am in my thirties, and I still have my phobia!
Nonetheless, my kids insisted, and I had to take them to the section with 50 life-like dinosaurs growling and making moves. However, this special exhibit program has now ended.
Moreover, if you are in New Orleans for a long span or have plans of staying here, you can allow your kid to be a camper at the Audubon. They can become young experts in animals and they will love to spend some time with their favorite creatures.
2. A Day at Jackson Square | Best Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids
Jackson Square gets its name from Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the USA and a New Orleans battle hero. So, a visit to Jackson Square at the heart of the French Quarter is like taking a walk down memory lane.
Here, you will also find Pontalba Apartments and many other oldest buildings in the city. Rented places are easily available in these buildings.
As you appreciate the old-yet-young vibe of the space or recall the history of New Orleans, let your little one enjoy the jazz music, live performances, and entertainment events here.
Moreover, if you are lucky enough, you can be a part of the art festivals here.
A stone’s throw away from Jackson Square is the St. Louis Cathedral. It is the oldest cathedral church in North America, and its steeples watch over the French Quarter.
3. A Ghost Tour | Exciting Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids
Well, if your little one loves Halloween and everything spooky, you can definitely take them on a family-friendly ghost tour. These tours are especially popular among adventurous children in their pre-teens.
Tour Organizers like Viator, offer Spooky Family-Friendly Ghost Tour in New Orleans in the French Quarters.
Now, these ghost tours are very much ingrained in the spirit of New Orleans. The LaLaurie Mansion or the New Orleans French Quarter was infamous for the mistreatment of slaves.
Supernatural activities and the stories around them started flowing after a neighbor saw a troubling incident. The neighbor saw a lady chasing a slave girl, who jumped from the roof of the mansion as an escape.
Despite the presence of modern boutiques, quaint restaurants and a reimagined and bustling French Market, the spooky vibe simply refuses to go away!
4. Spending Time By The Mississippi River
There is something special about New Orleans. And as they say, the Mississippi River is the manifestation of the heart of New Orleans. It’s welcoming and embracing, and its culture and heritage surpass the geographical boundaries.
Further, like the Mississippi River which destroys, restores and builds the banks, New Orleans believes in making a forward move even in the toughest conditions. The recent terror attacks and the means of recuperation are burning examples.
So, if you want your little one to know about the true spirit of New Orleans, allow them to sit and relax by the Mississippi River for a while.
They will love sitting on the steps and watching the boats passing in the water. It is very close to the French Quarter, but a complete contrast in its spirit.
Moreover, your little ones will be elated to have beignets here. You will find the best beignets at Café Du Monde Riverwalk (Contact Number: +1 504-218-7993) here. The coffee there was good and just the way I like it.
5. A Visit To The Louis Armstrong Park
Location: 835 N. Rampart St, New Orleans
Hours Open: 8 AM to 6 PM
Entry Fee: Entry is Free for a Walk in the Park
A visit to Louis Armstrong Park is not ideal for very young children. However, kids in their teens or growing up years with an interest in Jazz music will love this place. It is very close to the French Quarter, and inside the park, you will find Congo Square.
Congo Square is the place where slaves used to unite during the 1800s. Furthermore, your kids will love looking at the ducks in the pond of Louis Armstrong Park.
Moreover, the Mahalia Jackson Theater inside Louis Armstrong Park is a popular place to visit for artists and music lovers. It gets its name from Mahalia Jackson, a gospel singer of New Orleans.
Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!
With vaccines and testing becoming more easily accessible, traveling is starting to look like something we can safely do again. When traveling, there are lots of tips and tricks will to want to know.
One common place travelers will find themselves are at hotels. There are many different things you need to know when staying at hotels, especially when and how you should tip the employees.
Do you know when you should tip while staying at a hotel while traveling? Most people don’t! That’s why we’ve put together a hotel tipping guide.
Be sure to keep reading for our ultimate hotel tipping guide so you can learn more on the subject.
Tipping the Valet
Arriving at your hotel will help start to give you hotel tipping guidelines. Pulling up to your hotel and seeing a valet will mean that your hotel is upscale, and you'll want to have some money set aside to tip the employees.
Valet service will park and retrieve your car anytime you want to go anywhere. It is up to you if you want to tip when they're parking your car, but you should tip when they bring your car back. Anywhere between $2-$5 is the best hotel tipping advice for valet services.
Tipping the Concierge
Another valuable member you will meet at a hotel is the concierge. A concierge service is there to provide you with knowledgeable information about your hotel or the area.
Since a concierge is there to give you advice and recommendations, you should be tipping them anywhere between $5-$50.
A great way to prepare yourself for hotel tipping is to see what the hotel offers beforehand. Checking out a hotel's website, such as one like the death valley hotels, will provide you with information on hotel amenities and even dining options. There you can gauge who and how much you will want to tip each employee you encounter on your stay.
Tipping Housekeeping
Even if you're not staying in a luxurious resort, the number one employee you should consider tipping is the housekeeping staff. Housekeeping turns down your room throughout your stay and cleans up after you when you leave. That can be a big job, depending on how messy you are while traveling!
It can be best to leave a few dollars each day while you're out for the person that makes your bed and takes out your trash as a good gesture. Once you leave your hotel, you should leave anywhere between $2-$7 for the housekeeping staff for cleaning up after you.
The Ultimate Hotel Tipping Guide
As you can see, there is a lot that goes into whether or not you should tip while staying at a hotel. Be sure to refer to our hotel tipping guide the next time you plan to travel for business or pleasure. Remember to always stay safe while traveling!
If you’re ready to get out there and explore, you’re going to want to check out our blog first. Be sure to keep scrolling, so you can see some of the ultimate places to visit on your travels.
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Sports have been an integral aspect of the human experience for centuries, spanning across all regions of the world.
Families form strong connections via their mutual enthusiasm for certain interests. It is through attending sporting venues such as ballparks, arenas, and stadiums. Children admire their sports idols, donning their jerseys, amassing their cards, and honing their skills at home.
Cities fervently support their teams and clubs, forging a strong connection between the city's identity. Ultimately, the world of sports, resulting in an everlasting bond.
Here, we will explore the world's iconic cities for sports. Each of these cities has a unique connection to sports whether due to their exceptional achievements! You will see that there are fanbases, or prime locations for watching or betting on games.
London, England
From a strictly sporting perspective, everyone knows London for its exceptional football matches.
London, a prominent driving force in the Premier League, has generated a multitude of clubs. It is consistently contend for cup glory annually. The primary football clubs that compete in the London region are Arsenal, Fulham, Chelsea, Crystal Palace, Tottenham, and West Ham.
Every team possesses fervent supporters who rely on football to satiate their craving for sports.
London has hosted the Olympic Games on three occasions, the most recent being in 2012. The city mostly flourishes due to its soccer culture but has also ventured into hosting NFL games. The league has regularly held its games there since 2007.
The esteemed city of London, renowned for its contributions to sports such as boxing and football. Unquestionably merits inclusion on our list.
Boston, USA
Boston has had unparalleled professional sports success in the 21st century. From 2001 onwards, the Celtics, Bruins, Patriots, and Red Sox have achieved 12 titles together. Notably, Boston is the sole city to have secured championships in all major sports during this period.
Esteemed figures such as Tom Brady and David Ortiz epitomize the current period of Boston sports. However, the city has a long-standing tradition of winning championships. The four prominent professional teams have accumulated 38 championships. While, simultaneously establishing the status of renowned individuals such as Larry Bird, Bobby Orr, Bill Russell, and Ted Williams. In other words, with its several institutions, Boston is also a hub for NCAA football, basketball, and other collegiate sports.
Las Vegas, USA
In Las Vegas, you have the opportunity to spectate exceptional sporting events (with other teams being introduced shortly). Accordingly, you can engage in in-person sports betting. Presently, the NFL's Raiders and the NHL's Golden Knights are situated in Las Vegas. Along with speculation circulating about the Oakland Athletics potentially moving to Vegas. Additionally, an NBA expansion club being added to the city.
Las Vegas recently hosted a historic LV Grand Prix! It is renowned for its role as a venue for prominent boxing and UFC fights. In fact, UFC President Dana White hosts more MMA events in Las Vegas than any other city in the world.
Undoubtedly, Sin City is a hub for exceptional sportsbooks and the best sports betting apps globally. Notably the Circa Sports Sportsbook, which is the largest sportsbook worldwide. This establishment attracts sports aficionados from all corners of the globe. For those seeking an exceptional and unparalleled sports experience in Las Vegas, Stadium Swim® is an absolute must-visit. This pool amphitheater showcases sports events on a colossal 143-foot screen annually.
With the increasing prominence of sports and the addition of events and teams to the city. It will remain a central location for both enthusiasts and gamblers in the future.
Barcelona, Spain
To experience one of the most exquisite cities in the world, you have to be aware! It is advisable to secure your travel arrangements to Barcelona promptly.
Barcelona, a city in Spain, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. With its most notable feature being the soccer team, FC Barcelona. FC Barcelona, famous for its numerous accolades, has consistently attracted top-tier talent throughout its existence in La Liga.
Over the years, legends such as Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Diego Maradona, and Neymar have all worn the FC Barcelona fabric proudly.
In addition to soccer, the city also served as the venue for the 1992 Olympic Games. It was the year of the Dream Team, along with several other remarkable occurrences. In contrast to most host towns that see the departure of Olympic activities, Barcelona effectively utilized the funds. It is invested in the games and transformed them into a beneficial outcome.
Barcelona is one of the world's finest sports towns due to its exceptional beauty, remarkable innovation, and devoted fan base.
Tokyo, Japan
Do you associate Japan with baseball? Unlikely, yet this island nation, because to the American military presence during World War II, is among the finest and perhaps most surprising locations worldwide to witness a baseball game.
So, baseball isn’t your thing? Why not indulge in the ancient sport of sumo wrestling, which has been practiced for 1,500 years? There are six tournaments conducted annually, with each tournament spanning a duration of 15 days. Two wrestlers, each weighing around 450 pounds, are engaged in a contest to remove one another from the wrestling ring forcefully.
Due to its cultural significance, this place possesses a unique ambiance that is well worth experiencing and should be included in one's list of must-visit sporting cities.
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Huka Lodge stands against an idyllic landscape of majestic rivers, mountain vistas, lush wilderness, and crystal clear lakes - the setting for 20 Junior Lodge Suites and two Owner Cottages on its 17-acre park-like grounds.
Inside the main lodge, subtle touches of tartan and crackling fireplaces may transport you back to Scotland. And indeed, Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II has visited four times!
Huka Fall Hotels in New Zealand Are Going Luxury
Huka Fall hotels in New Zealand provide an ideal combination of luxury accommodations and style, situated in breathtaking settings with plenty of activities such as golfing and kayaking available at each property.
This Lodge has long been considered an iconic New Zealand retreat since it first opened its doors in the 1920s. Now enjoyed by some of the world's most discerning travelers and boasting an unrivaled riverside location, Huka Lodge is the best accommodation in Taupo and provides unmatched hospitality and attentiveness that rivals that of the Waikato River itself. Within 17 acres of exquisitely manicured grounds, Huka offers 25 suites - 18 Junior Lodge Suites, one Lodge Suite, as well as two exclusive cottages: Owner's Cottage (featuring four suites) and Alan Pye Cottage (2 suites).
Rooms boast modern architecture and feature luxurious amenities such as flat-screen TVs with DVD/CD players and minibars; some also have private outdoor pools. Suites boast spaciousness with luxurious touches, including king-size beds, separate sitting areas, luxury toiletries, and full kitchens - not forgetting their stunning exterior views of London Bridge!
Apart from a full-service spa, this property also features an array of activities both on and off-property. Guests can indulge in watersports on stunning Lake Taupo or take an aerial tour over Tongariro National Park's volcanoes on a helicopter tour. Relaxation options such as yoga and massage services are also offered on-site for complete enjoyment.
What To Expect
Huka Lodge provides guests with a wealth of indoor and outdoor dining venues, from its wine cellar and library through the Jetty Pavilion, Orchard Room, and Orchard Terrace, as well as table d'hote dining or a la carte service, including its selection of New Zealand wines, beers, and champagne/cocktails.
Originating as a fishing lodge on New Zealand's Waikato River near cascading Huka Falls, this property has since grown into one of New Zealand's premier luxury boutique hotels. Consistently rated among the world's best, the hotel now provides adventure-rich culinary and relaxing retreats alike - complete with helicopter flights that transport guests directly into wilderness areas rich in trout-rich waters; four-wheel drive vehicles may be hired for off-roading expeditions to more distant spots; while golf, spa treatments, and skiing (in winter).
The hotel's 25 suites and two exclusive cottages spread out across 17 acres, each boasting private space and stunning vistas. Each boasts a casual yet luxurious style. Their muted tones recall traditional New Zealand homes while remaining thoroughly modern. Suites feature LCD televisions with DVD players as well as kitchens equipped with refrigerators. Room service, free Wi-Fi access, and in-room massage services are also in place.
Pet-friendly hotels like this one welcome animals, too, offering free shuttle service around town as well as an on-site fitness center and outdoor swimming pool to use during their stay. Other amenities available to guests include a tennis court, volleyball court, games room, wine cellar, and lounge bar services.
From Better to Best
Staying at this stunning boutique property nestled against the wail-thundering Waikato River is truly unforgettable and regularly ranks as one of the world's premier hotels - it is easy to see why.
Twenty-seven luxurious suites and cottages, exquisitely furnished with antiques and historical artwork, behold doors that open onto stunning views. There are private pools as well as pavilions for enjoying outdoor living in this part of New Zealand.
Suites feature deep tubs with luxurious towels, heated floors, and comfortable lounge areas designed to relax. Take in breathtaking views across manicured gardens and the river while reading. Or watch your favorite film on one of the amazing screens.
Huka Lodge stands out from the competition thanks to its outstanding service and attention to detail. For example, magically appearing magazines or treats you request before you even mention them. The staff seems to anticipate your needs before you say it out loud. This is an unparalleled level of customer care that Huka Lodge prides itself on.
The food here is equally impressive. British head chef Paul Forget provides menus inspired by seasonal produce sourced locally. He has past stints at Gidleigh Park and three Michelin-starred Bernard Loiseau en Bourgogne under his belt. Guests have an offering of over 20 romantic dining locations indoors and outdoors throughout the property. It ranges from wine cellars to jetty pavilions. No matter when or where guests decide to dine, they are sure to find an intimate spot perfect for romance!
This Huka Falls hotel is an ideal option for guests who like activities such as kayaking, golfing, and horseback riding. It is conveniently located within miles of Huka Prawn Park and Taupo DeBretts Hot Springs Water Park. It provides easy access to everything this region has to offer. The location also allows easy access. Among its features are a pool, free parking, and a spa center. There's also dining at an on-site restaurant and lounge bar.
Wrapping Up
These Huka Falls luxury accommodation has long been one of New Zealand's luxury lodges. It hosts visitors from across the globe and boasts beautiful gardens along the Waikato River. There is also the scenic Lake Taupo in Central North Island. Offering over 20 romantic indoor and outdoor private dining venues.
Virginia Fisher designed the interiors of the main lodge to offer a luxurious atmosphere that complements its magnificent natural setting. Each luxurious suite boasts king beds, fireplaces, and luxurious suite bathrooms. It is complete with deep baths and premium spa amenities for an opulent stay.
The resort's expansive grounds invite a range of leisurely pursuits, such as tennis and croquet. Strolling through its gardens is an aesthetically pleasing journey awash with vibrant flower borders and peaceful water features. Additionally, there are two relaxing pools perfect for unwinding after an active day! Anglers will appreciate nearby lakes and rivers popular for exceptional trout fly-fishing opportunities.
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