Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids | Visiting New Orleans On A Budget

Jan 8, 2025

Last Updated on: Oct 31, 2025

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Tourism in New Orleans, Louisiana, is growing. We have the latest data from the Louisiana Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. The data says that in September 2024, the hotel occupancy in Louisiana was 2.1% more than in September 2023. 

Now, the places to visit and activities here have always helped tourism to this part of the world. If you are aware, New Orleans is a melting pot of jazz music, historic architecture, Cajun cuisine, brass bands, and so much more!

However, traveling to New Orleans has always been a little expensive, and we often overlook it as a tourist destination for kids. So, when someone thinks of a kid-friendly destination or traveling on a budget, New Orleans is probably not the first choice.

So, with this Tour and Travel guide of free things to do in New Orleans with kids, we want to bridge that gap. Here, you will discover New Orleans as a budget-friendly tourist destination for kids.

Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids | Traveling On A Shoestring | Traveling Like A Local

Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids

January to March is the best time if you want to explore the free things to do in New Orleans with kids. The average temperature in these months ranges between 45-70 degrees F. Further, these months are the season of festivity in New Orleans. 

Of course, you have the New Year celebrations. However, a friend of mine there says that Tet is the festival you must attend in New Orleans. An important festival for the Vietnamese population in the city, it demonstrates the perfect fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. 

Furthermore, the Carnival Season in New Orleans begins on 6th January. The last day of the festival, Mardi Gras is in mid-February or early March. Moreover, the city celebrates Black History Month with great sincerity. The Black History Month will be celebrated from 1st February to 1st March 2025. 

So, if you explore the free things to do in New Orleans with kids during this time, they will learn about the history and culture of the city from these festivities. 

The Economic Modeling Specialist International or EMSI data shows how inclusive New Orleans is as a city. According to the 2021 data from EMSI, 59% of the population in the city is black. 
In the other 41%, the city has white Latinos, non-white Latinos and Asians. 
So, visiting New Orleans can be a great thing to learn about inclusivity for a child with a sensitive heart and an impressionable mind. 

Let’s check out what more the city has in store for them.

1. Visit The Audubon Nature Center

Location: 11000 Lake Forest Blvd. New Orleans

Contact Number: (504) 861-2537

Hours Open: 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM (Sunday Closed)

Entry Fees: Free Entrance to the Interpretative Center and Nature Center Walking Trails (Tickets Needed For Entry to the Zoo and Aquarium)

Your to-do list of the free things to do in New Orleans with kids starts with a visit to the Audubon Nature Center. The aquarium, insectarium, and zoo are the prime attractions here. However, these three attractions do not allow free entry. 

It is smart if you opt for a combo ticket. The combo ticket costs “$49.95 Adult / $44.95 Youth​ / $44.95 Seniors.” 

Moreover, if your little one is interested in stargazing or astrotourism, you must visit the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center Planetarium and Nature Dome Theater. It is temporarily closed. However, it will resume its operations from February with new films and content. 

2. Visit A New Orleans Public Library Branch | Best Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids

Main Library Location: 219 Loyola Avenue. New Orleans

Contact Number: (504) 596-2610

Hours Open: 10 AM to 7 PM

If your little one loves to read, a visit to any branch of the New Orleans Public Library will be fulfilling to them. However, I especially recommend visiting the Children’s Resource Center Library. 

The Children’s Resource Center Library is located at 913 Napoleon Avenue. You can reach out to them at (504) 596-2628. The library remains open from 10 AM  to 7 PM. Further, it hosts regular events like Storytime, Craft and Lit, and Tween Chess Club. 

I was exploring their Instagram page, and it’s so much fun! Particularly, one post drew my attention. It was a poster from a 2019 event where drag Queen Ariel Androgyny had a story-reading session. Further, the poster said that the event was about celebrating diversity. 

Events like these are great for teaching diversity and inclusivity to the children. 

3. Explore Arnaud’s Mardi Gras Museum

Location: 813 Bienville Street, New Orleans

Contact Number:  (504) 523-5433 And Toll Free: (866) 230-8895

If your kid is eager to know about the history and true spirit of New Orleans, a visit to the Mardi Gras Museum at Arnaud’s Restaurant will be great. 

It has two dozen Mardi Gras costume collections of Germaine Cazanave Wells. These are the costumes worn by queens during this high society extravaganza. 

So, take your kids to the Arnaud’s Mardi Gras Museum and let them cherish their moments of fantasy and wonder. 

4. Plan A Tour Of The Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve

Location: 419 Decatur Street, New Orleans

Contact Number: (504) 589-3882

Hours Open: 24 Hours 

Do your little ones want some adventure, and you are looking for free things to do in New Orleans with kids? Take them to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve. At this historical park, they will meet the native snakes and alligators. 

Further, the Barataria Preserve is at the epicenter of a visit to the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park & Preserve. This preserve consists of  26,000 acres of Louisiana Wetlands. 

Other points of attraction in the park are Chalmette Battlefield, French Quarter Visitor Center, Prairie Acadian Cultural Center, etc. 

5. A Visit To The LA Children’s Museum

Address: 15 Henry Thomas Dr., City Park, New Orleans

Contact Number: (504) 523-1357

Entry Fee: Free Entry On The Second Sunday Every Other Month (11 AM to 4:30 PM)

Hours Open: Wednesday to Saturday (9:30 AM to 4:30 PM), Sunday (11:30 AM – 4:30 PM), Monday and Tuesday Closed

The Louisiana Children’s Museum has fun programs to boost the creativity of your children. Your little one can be a part of the camps. These camps offer interactive learning experiences in math, science, and nature. 

Living with Water is another great program to learn about the survival and evolution in wetlands and wet environments. 

Moreover, the museum hosts Sensory-friendly Playtime. If your child has sensory-specific needs, they can explore the museum at their own pace without noise and crowd. 

Reaching New Orleans | Know This Travel Details Before Exploring The Free Things To Do In New Orleans With Kids 

Reaching New Orleans

New Orleans is well connected to the other states of the USA and the rest of the world thanks to the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and New Orleans Lakefront Airport.

Further, you can take the service of the Airport Shuttle New Orleans to reach your hotel or destination from the airport. Airport Shuttle New Orleans is located at 4220 Howard Avenue and you can reach out to them at +1 504-522-3500. 

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Sibashree is a travel, culture, and leisure writer who has been writing since the age of 12 and professionally since 2014. With more than a decade of travel writing experience and journeys across India and several parts of the world, she brings a deeply personal and thoughtful perspective to her work. A student of English Literature and Mass Communication, Sibashree has always viewed travel as more than movement — for her, it has been a way of understanding people, cultures, and herself. Her passion for spiritual exploration has also led her to many unusual and meaningful destinations over the years. Outside of writing, Sibashree enjoys watching European cinema, reading about global politics, and reflecting on the stories hidden within everyday places.

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Backpacking Trip: Essential Safety Supplies To Pack

BY  Sibashree Feb 3, 2024

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Is Vancouver Safe For A Traveler? Learn The Safety Tips

BY  Sibashree Mar 22, 2025

Vancouver has some iconic places that you must visit when you travel there. Still wondering whether Vancouver is safe? The city's natural beauty will draw you in, and there are plenty of outdoor activities, too. It is one of the cheapest places to travel around the world in 2025!   Be sure to consider the safety tips we share here. Whether you're visiting parks or museums, you must know the policies. Be cautious of wildlife when hiking or walking on trails in the forests around Vancouver.   The weather is a little unpredictable, so carry an umbrella and wear waterproof shoes. When you are walking or driving, be careful if conditions become too cold or if it starts snowing. Read the article for more safety tips, and enjoy your trip to Vancouver.   Want To Know If Vancouver Is Safe For A Traveler?   If you want to know whether Vancouver is safe to visit, these safety tips will help you stay aware. Knowing these tips will help you enhance your overall experience. Yes, the city has some property crime and petty theft. However, you can avoid most of them if you are careful.   Use basic personal awareness and safety tips to stay safe. If you are traveling with family, keep your children close and teach others to watch for petty crime.   However, if you are alone, it is better to store your luggage using online services. You also need to know the essential safety supplies to pack on your backpacking trip.   Safety Tips to Keep in Mind When Visiting Vancouver   Here are sometips ttokeep in mind when you first arrive in the city In Vancouver, you will be blown away by the scenic beauty, walking around and taking in the ocean views from the West End and the mountains downtown.   However, watch out for aggressive thieves or attackers. Pickpockets are not prevalent. So, if you visit crowded places like Granville Island, you might face one. m Not only that! You also need to be careful. Keep your bags close and don't leave them unattended.   When planning to visit Vancouver, research the city, its streets, and its neighborhoods. You might not feel safe in Downtown Eastside. However, other areas such as Kitsilano, Yaletown, and Downtown are perfectly safe and quite vibrant places to visit.   Safe Accommodation In Vancouver   Let me share with you some of the safest accommodation options that will keep you safe and give you the comfort you need. I will also keep your budget in mind as I mention the places you should consider when booking your accommodation.   Yaletown The waterfront views are to die for, so if you are a nature person, this is the neighborhood for you. It also has upscale vibes and is both stylish and safe for tourists.    Downtown Vancouver If you are traveling to Vancouver for the first time, I suggest booking your accommodation here. It is ideal for first-time travelers because it gives you easy access to Vancouver City Center and other major attractions. The place is well-lit and well patrolled. Thus, you can easily come and go based on your itinerary.   North Vancouver If you love the outdoors, this place is perfect for you. This neighborhood is closer to forests and the outdoors, as you can easily go skiing or hiking from here. With a wide range of outdoor activities, you will enjoy the most in this area. Keep these crucial hiking tips in mind to stay safe while hiking.   Kitsilano  The neighborhood is quite family-friendly, so you can easily book rooms here. The place is also close to the beaches, so with the laid-back atmosphere, you can relax and enjoy your trip.   Awareness of the Cultural Changes   Considering it is a different place. Vancouver is an amalgamation of several cultures. 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Also, don’t buy tickets or accept services from an untrustworthy source.   Dress Code The city is known for its unpredictable weather, so layering is key. You will see a lot of locals doing the same. Hence, casual attire is quite acceptable. But wear clothing you are comfortable in, and don't force yourself into something uncomfortable.   Vancouver has a municipal bylaw that prohibits smoking within 6 meters of a window or doorway. Do not prefer smoking cigarettes or look down upon those who do. You must not smoke in public parks because locals might raise their voices against it.   Safely Navigating the City   When you visit Vancouver, let me share some easy ways to get around safely. Explore the city safely by following these guidelines. You can also consider these smart travel solutions to help you enjoy your trip!   Try to travel mostly by public transport because it is the safest. However, try to avoid empty stations at night. 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