Rain in New Orleans isn't unusual — the city gets over 60 inches a year. If your outdoor plans just got washed out, don't panic. New Orleans has enough legitimate indoor options to fill an entire day, sometimes two. Here's what actually works when the weather turns.
Best Indoor Museums and Cultural Spots
Audubon Aquarium — Start here on a rainy day. This is the most reliably excellent indoor option in the city for families. The Gulf of Mexico tunnel puts kids inside a 3D world of sharks and rays — young kids literally stop walking and stare. The touch tank runs on a schedule; check it at the entrance. Budget 2–3 hours and ~$120–130 for a family of 4 including café food and nearby parking.
Audubon Insectarium — In the same building as the Aquarium. The Bug Appetit café serves actual edible insects (chocolate-covered crickets, wax worm cookies) — kids who try them have a story they'll tell for years. The live honeybee colony behind glass is genuinely mesmerizing. Buy the Aquarium + Insectarium combo ticket for significant savings. Budget 1.5–2.5 hours and ~$100–130 for the combo.
Mardi Gras World — An indoor warehouse full of the enormous papier-mâché float figures that roll through New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Some are 20+ feet tall. Kids can try on actual Mardi Gras costumes for photos. The behind-the-scenes construction tour gives older kids a real look at how the floats get made. Adults ~$22–25, children ~$15–18, under 2 free. Family of 4: ~$75–90. Budget 1–1.5 hours. Rideshare recommended — parking near the venue is limited.
Museum of Illusions — Forced-perspective rooms, the infinity mirror tunnel, and a tilt room that makes everyone walk like they're drunk. School-age kids are obsessed with the photo opportunities where they appear to be giants or tiny people. Budget 1–1.5 hours and ~$80–100 admission for a family of 4 (no food on-site — plan lunch nearby).
The Hoot-n-Holler Inn — A small Mid-City children's venue with a personal, community feel that big commercial places can't replicate. Local families who live nearby are regulars. Check their Facebook page before visiting — hours and pricing can vary for this small independent spot. Budget 1–2 hours.
Entertainment Venues
Escape My Room New Orleans — New Orleans-themed escape rooms set inside antebellum parlors and voodoo dens. The puzzles are designed so everyone in the group contributes — kids' ideas actually help. Tickets ~$28–35/person. Family of 4: ~$112–140. Book all seats in a private room together. Budget 1–1.5 hours per room.
Adventure Quest Laser Tag — Multi-level arena with fog and black lights. The escape rooms add a second activity. Sessions ~$9–12/person per game. Family of 4 doing two rounds: ~$80–100 plus snacks. Budget 1.5–2.5 hours.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park — The Foam Zone pit is where the laughter comes from: kids hurl themselves off elevated trampolines into deep foam and spend 10 minutes trying to climb out, then do it again immediately. Jump passes $18–25/person. Grip socks ~$3/pair (bring your own). Family of 4: ~$75–105 plus snacks. Budget 1.5–2.5 hours.
Airborne X Harvey — Dedicated toddler zones with smaller trampolines and foam pits that younger kids can actually use safely. Dodgeball courts on trampolines for the older crowd. Jump passes $15–22/person. Family of 4: ~$60–90. Budget 1.5–2.5 hours.
Luv 2 Play Metairie — The multi-level soft play structure is the kind kids vanish into for extended periods. Parents get genuine sitting-down time because the enclosed design is actually safe for ages 2+. Kids $12–18, adults free or nominal. Family of 4: ~$45–65 including café food. Budget 2–3 hours.
Zero Latency New Orleans — Free-roam VR where you physically walk through a warehouse in full headset gear. Unlike seated VR, the physical movement makes it feel genuinely real. Sessions $45–55/person. Family of 4: ~$180–220. Check age requirements before booking — younger kids may not qualify. Budget 1–1.5 hours.
Game On Social Hub — Laser tag plus arcade gaming. The base-camp setup means families have a home table while kids rotate between activities. Budget $50–80 for a family of 4 for 2–3 hours including light food.
Chuck E. Cheese — Yes, it's a chain. On a desperate rainy day with kids under 8, it works. Game bundles ~$30–50 for the family. Pizza for 4: ~$25–35. Total: ~$55–85. Budget 1.5–2.5 hours.
Lower-Cost Indoor Options
NOLA Kidsground — Soft play environment for toddlers. Padded everything, child-sized café setup for imaginative play. Kids typically hit a wall after 90 minutes here — in the best way. Entry $10–14/child. Family of 4 (2 adults + 2 young kids): ~$35–50 total. Budget 1.5–2.5 hours.
The Hive on Woodland — Community indoor play space in Belle Chasse. Young-children focused; the equipment is actually sized for toddlers and infants, not as an afterthought. $10–18 per child for open play. Closed Saturdays based on current hours — verify before visiting.
The Kids Castle Play Area — Castle-themed soft play at Lakeside Shopping Center. Modest admission of $3–7 per child, adults free. The mall location means lunch at the food court and a dry walk between buildings. Total family outing: ~$40–60.
B & L Amusements and Optimus Entertainment — Local neighborhood arcade spots in Harvey and New Orleans East. Lower-key than national chains, lower prices, neighborhood energy. Call ahead to confirm current hours and pricing.
Quick Picks by Age Group
Toddlers (under 4): - NOLA Kidsground — best pure soft play, fully padded - The Hive on Woodland — small and calm - The Kids Castle Play Area — easy mall location
Big Kids (ages 6–12): - Audubon Aquarium — the shark tunnel is non-negotiable - Audubon Insectarium — especially if they're brave enough for Bug Appetit - Adventure Quest Laser Tag — multi-level arena, escape rooms - Sky Zone Trampoline Park — foam pit is the highlight
Teens: - Zero Latency New Orleans — the only truly teen-impressive option on this list - Escape My Room New Orleans — New Orleans themes, real puzzle difficulty - Mardi Gras World — more interesting than they'll admit
All Ages: - Mardi Gras World — genuinely works for everyone - Museum of Illusions — the photo ops are the whole point
A rainy day in New Orleans isn't a ruined day. The Aquarium + Insectarium combo alone can fill 4–5 hours. Add Mardi Gras World and you've covered a full day indoors without scrambling.