Mickey Markey Park

Mickey Markey Park in the Bywater is one of those neighborhood parks that reflects its community perfectly — creative, unpretentious, genuinely mixed-age, and full of character. The Bywater neighborhood is one of New Orleans' most culturally vibrant areas, and the park shares its energy.

For families visiting New Orleans who want to experience an authentic neighborhood rather than the French Quarter tourist corridor, the Bywater offers a fascinating alternative. Mickey Markey Park is a natural anchor for this experience — playground time for kids, followed by a walk through the neighborhood with its famous art murals and independent restaurants.

The park itself has a genuine playground with equipment appropriate for ages 2-10, plus sports courts that serve older kids and teens. The open park setting near the Mississippi River levee gives it a slightly adventurous quality that families appreciate.

The Bywater restaurant scene is legitimately excellent — some of New Orleans' most interesting casual dining is in this neighborhood along St. Claude Avenue and the surrounding blocks. A park morning followed by lunch at a local spot makes for a genuinely memorable New Orleans family experience that doesn't involve standing in line at a tourist attraction.