While New Orleans, Louisiana has a reputation as an adult city, what some may not realize is that it is also home to family-friendly attractions and activities. There’s even a place devoted entirely to kids and teenagers alike–the Louisiana Children’s Museum. Young ones are often filled with boundless amounts of energy and there is no shortage of places where they can burn it off in the Big Easy.

What To Do In New Orleans with Teens

Playgrounds Are Filled With Fun Things

New Orleans is home to a variety of playgrounds found at schools and parks around the city. A day at the playground is a way for young children to let loose while developing skills, such as balancing, climbing, and swinging. City Park, in the heart of the city, houses two free playgrounds.

The Stanly Ray playground is designed for children ages two to five and is wheelchair accessible. Older kids 12 and up can play at the Victory Avenue playground. For the ultimate playground experience, the park is also home to Storyland, where fairy tales come to life. Kids can play on Captain Hook’s ship or run up Jack and Jill’s hill.

Roller Skating Is One Of The Best Things To Do

Roller skating can be a way to escape the summer heat in New Orleans. The surrounding area is home to several indoor roller rinks with public skating sessions. Airline Skate Center devotes Saturday and Sunday afternoons to family skating. Skate Country Westbank, in operation for over 30 years has skating sessions for families and even devotes a time each week for small children. Both facilities offer skate rentals.

River Boat Rides Is A Great Way

New Orleans is located on the Mississippi River. Take your children on an authentic steamboat ride to experience the area’s history. Steamboat Natchez offers reduced rates for kids and teens. The harbour cruise lasts for two hours and leaves from the French Quarter. Teach the children about healthy area cuisine by dining on board on Louisiana jambalaya or eggs Natchez.

Martial Arts

If you are a resident of New Orleans, sign your teens up to learn martial arts. This heart-pumping workout builds strength and self-esteem as young ones progress through the ranks. Shaolin-Do of New Orleans runs a kid’s Kung Fu program that emphasizes self-defence, fitness, and goal setting. New Orleans Karate Club has an extensive children’s program that teaches self-discipline, ethical behaviour, and physical health as they learn the sport.

Horseback Riding For The Whole Family

At first glance, horseback riding may not appear to be a physically demanding activity, but the sport requires strength and discipline. There are several locations in and around New Orleans offering horseback riding lessons for children. Equitana Farms offers lessons in both English and Western riding styles. Cascade Stables in the city’s Garden District offers private and group lessons for children as young as four.

The Best Places To Visit With Your Teens To Have A Great Time

New Orleans is a city of mystery, magic, and history. From family-friendly outings to night life, the is “hauntingly” out of this world, there is something to entertain everyone in New Orleans.

The historic French Quarter and Bourbon Street offer some of the world’s best museums and a very fine look into the history of the Cajun flair of Louisiana. Be sure to spend time at The Cabildo in the French Quarter. Originally built (from 1795 to 1799) as the residence of the Spanish Governor, the Louisiana Purchase came into being here, and it now is home to the Louisiana State Museum.

St. Louis Cathedral And The Presbytere Is A Great Option

One of New Orleans’s major landmarks is the St. Louis Cathedral which is located in the French Quarter, in the heart of New Orleans. Destroyed twice by fires and subsequently rebuilt, it is considered to be the oldest, continuously operational church in the US and one of the oldest historic buildings. They offer free tours with a tour guide that are filled with history and some interesting facts.

Right next to this great cathedral is The Presbytere, a high-tech, interactive dynamic celebration of Mardi Gras. The building itself is a treasure, construction began in 1791 to provide a home for Capuchin monks. Today it is home to one of the best Mardi Gras museums in the area, with exhibits that trace the festival from its roots in 1699 to the present.

Cities Of The Dead Are A Great Spot For Some Ghost Stories In The Most Haunted City

The water table of the area makes underground burial impossible, so the tombs and vaults that make up the above-ground cemeteries have been given the name “Cities of the Dead”. Many of these cemeteries have become dangerous, so it is advised that visitors travel in groups or make reservations with a tour.

There are 42 cemeteries in New Orleans containing some interesting and colourful people from pirates to voodoo queens. Contact the New Orleans Police Department for tips on staying safe on a cemetery tour to the Cities of the Dead.

National World War Ii Museum And Interactive Exhibits

In 2000, the World War II museum was given the recognition of being The National D-Day museum. This outstanding museum puts forth a superb effort to illuminate the personal sacrifices voluntarily given, the extreme courage that was shown, and the high price that was paid to ensure our rights and freedoms that we so often take for granted as Americans. Every generation should tour this powerful tribute to celebrate our American heroes and recapture our American Spirit.

Royal Carriages Is One Of The Best Tourist Attractions

What better way to tour the historic sites and the history of New Orleans than in a horse-drawn carriage? The guides know their history and will educate and entertain throughout the ride. Tours are open daily and available 8:30 AM to midnight daily and leave from Jackson Square, weather permitting.

Audubon Park And Zoo Is A Great Place To See On Your Family Vacation

Located at 6500 Magazine Street, in the Garden District, is the Audubon Park. Since 1915 the Audubon zoo has been a place of relaxation and enjoyment for all who venture through. There is a world-class Zoo, an engrossing Aquarium, The Entergy Imax Theatre, and the newest addition the Insectarium. The park is a perfect place to take a break and enjoy a quiet lunch while you enjoy your day seeing all there is in this amazing collection of exhibits.

Final Thoughts

New Orleans is known as “The City that Never Sleeps”. There are bars and clubs with live music by local artists, street performers, discos, and parties with great music that continue throughout the night. From classy to Punk and Heavy Metal to Jazz come and stay awake with us in the New Orleans nighttime.

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