What should I do with kids in New Orleans for one day?

A great one-day itinerary: start at Exposition Boulevard Playground in the morning, grab lunch at New Orleans City Park, then visit Museum of Illusions in the afternoon. 2 of these stops are free.

How much does a day in New Orleans with kids cost?

A full day with a family of four costs roughly Free + Park entry is free + Tickets ~$20-25/person + Free. Every listing on KidPaths shows family-of-4 cost estimates.

What order should I visit New Orleans attractions with kids?

Start outdoors in the morning when kids have energy and it's cooler. Do indoor attractions after lunch when it's hottest. Save easy, free activities for late afternoon when everyone's winding down.

One Day in New Orleans with Kids

The perfect family day in New Orleans, morning to evening. 4 stops picked from 37 kid-tested activities based on ratings, variety, and parent tips. 2 stops are free.

9 AM

MorningStart the day with energy

Exposition Boulevard Playground

Exposition Boulevard Playground sits along St. Charles Avenue in Uptown New Orleans, with the iconic green streetcars rolling past on the neutral ground — kids

Best for ages 1-10Free45 minutes to 1.5 hours4.9 stars

Tip: Accessible by St. Charles Avenue streetcar — no parking required

12 PM

LunchRefuel the family

New Orleans City Park

Storyland's oversized storybook sculptures turn fairy tale characters into actual climbing structures — kids scramble over a giant Captain Hook ship, through Ci

Best for all ages — something for every age groupPark entry is free2-5 hours depending on activities4.8 stars

Tip: Storyland has its own small admission fee but is well worth it for kids ages 2-8

2 PM

AfternoonThe main event

Museum of Illusions

The forced-perspective rooms create photos where kids appear to be giants or tiny compared to family members, generating endless laughter and excitement about t

Best for ages 6-16Tickets ~$20-25/person1-1.5 hours4.9 stars

Tip: Bring your phone charged — this is all about taking photos in the installations

4 PM

Late AfternoonWind down

Lafreniere Park

Lafreniere Park has pedal boats available seasonally on the park's lagoon — a feature that gives kids physical control of something on actual water, which they

Best for all agesFree1.5-3 hours4.7 stars

Tip: One of the largest and most popular parks in Metairie — 4.7 stars with 4,500+ reviews

Tips for Your Day

→ Start outdoor activities in the morning before it gets hot.
→ Pack snacks and water — saves money and avoids meltdowns.
→ Check hours before you go. Museum hours change seasonally.
→ Exposition Boulevard Playground is stroller-friendly — bring it for little ones.

Common Questions

What should I do with kids in New Orleans for one day?: A great one-day itinerary: start at Exposition Boulevard Playground in the morning, grab lunch at New Orleans City Park, then visit Museum of Illusions in the afternoon. 2 of these stops are free.
How much does a day in New Orleans with kids cost?: A full day with a family of four costs roughly Free + Park entry is free + Tickets ~$20-25/person + Free. Every listing on KidPaths shows family-of-4 cost estimates.
What order should I visit New Orleans attractions with kids?: Start outdoors in the morning when kids have energy and it's cooler. Do indoor attractions after lunch when it's hottest. Save easy, free activities for late afternoon when everyone's winding down.

More Ways to Explore New Orleans

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