Multigenerational destinations and itineraries are sometimes difficult to plan due to the lack of activities that appeal to all. Luckily, New Orleans is a city that warmly welcomes visitors of all ages with a diverse blend of attractions, activities, and experiences that will keep the whole family engaged and immersed all day!
Day One: French Quarter – French Quarter is one of New Orlean’s most historic neighbourhoods and a vibrant hotspot of culture and endless multigenerational experiences.
Start your day at none other than Café du Monde, famous for the pillowy beignets, chocolate milk, and coffee. Just across the street is Jackson Square, home to the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral. Take a stroll and visit the iconic landmark after breakfast.
The Paddlewheeler Creole Queen Historic Cruise is a fun experience for all ages, with cruises sailing downriver from the French Quarter to Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and the historic Chalmette Battlefield for a guided tour. With the option to include lunch for both children and adults, this 2.5-hour tour is a relaxing and educational way to spend time with the family. Enjoy the flavours of red beans and rice, New Orleans-style shrimp pasta, Creole jambalaya, and bread pudding while taking in views of the mighty Mississippi River.
A great post-cruise activity for the whole family is Vue Orleans. Located at the foot of Canal Street in the Four Seasons Hotel, take the elevator to the 33rd floor and experience the only 360° panoramic riverfront view of New Orleans. The experience also includes an outdoor observatory deck and an interactive cultural exhibit indoors.
End a busy day with dinner at Deanie’s Seafood. The family-friendly atmosphere is perfect for multigenerational groups. The Giant Seafood Platter, which comes with a bounty of fried shrimp, oysters, catfish, soft shell crab, crawfish balls, and French fries, is the perfect shareable plate for families.
Day Two: Museums – New Orleans is bursting with museums offering a wide variety of experiences that appeal to all ages.
Backstreet Cultural Museum is a wonderful small museum dedicated to sharing the traditions of Mardi Gras Indians. With colourful, hand-beaded suits on display, visitors both young and old will marvel at the exhibit. Learn about New Orleans’ culture from culture bearers themselves at Backstreet.
As the only museum of its kind in the country, The National WWII Museum’s immersive exhibits, including “The Arsenal of Democracy,” “Bayou to Battlefield,” and others that highlight everyday men and women who found the strength and courage to accomplish the extraordinary, are worth exploring for curious minds across ages. Watch a 4D film in the Solomon Victory Theater, have a meal at The American Sector, or attend the outdoor attraction, ‘Expressions of America.’
Foodies will appreciate the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, which includes exhibits on the food, drink, and culture of the American South. There is a Popeye’s exhibit, a bar, and cooking classes designed for both adults and children.
New Orleans also has several options for both demonstration and hands-on cooking classes. The Mardi Gras School of Cooking stands out because children can sign up for class alongside adults. See what they have on the schedule and encourage the whole family to cook together and create unforgettable memories.
Families can enjoy learning about New Orleans’ most famous cocktail, the Sazerac, at Sazerac House. Known locally as New Orleans’ greatest free attraction, guests can sign up online for visitor slots and tour three floors of cocktail history. Samples are only open to adults 21+, but children are welcome as guests of the museum.
Day Three: City Park- New Orleans City Park is a destination in itself where multigenerational travellers find something of their interest in the serenity of nature.
Little ones will love the Louisiana Children’s Museum, while those with a more refined palate may prefer the New Orleans Museum of Art or Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
For lunch, enjoy a picnic with adult and kid-friendly bites from Acorn Café, such as hot dogs and pizza for the kiddos and grain bowls, blackened fish tacos, and fried chicken sandwiches for adults. Afterwards, let the kids burn some energy on the playground or at the park’s hidden secret: Storyland. Tweens and teens will love the New Orleans-themed mini golf course at City Putt. You can also ride the miniature train through the park; just stop by the Visitor Center for tickets. The ultimate family activity within City Park is Wheel Fun Rentals, where the whole family can all hop on a Double Surrey and pedal their way around Big Lake.
After a busy day spent in the park, wind down in family-friendly Lakeview at Café Navarre, Reginelli’s Pizzeria, or the Velvet Cactus.
Day Four: Uptown- From one of the best multigenerational spots in New Orleans, Audubon Zoo, to a plethora of vibrant activities like eating or shopping on Magazine Street, to adult-only night, everything is possible in this lively neighbourhood.
World-renowned Audubon Zoo is a New Orleans gem located in the Uptown neighbourhood that takes everyone on a fascinating journey through the world of flora and fauna. This family-favourite destination is home to award-winning natural habitat exhibits and a wide variety of more than 1,700 striking, rare and endangered animals representing more than 350 species from across the world. During the summer months, visit Cool Zoo, a seasonal water attraction inside Audubon Zoo, featuring a lazy river, splash zones, and water slides.
Then go for a ride on the historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar, catch a movie at the Prytania Theater, or indulge in local culinary and retail finds on Magazine Street.
Families will enjoy the kid-friendly atmosphere of Dat Dog on Freret Street. Pizza Domenica is also popular, especially with their weekday happy hour from 3-5 p.m. that features half-price wood-fired pizzas, draft beer, select wines, and specialty cocktails.
If you wish to make it a date night and have an adults-only evening, head to Tipitina’s, a hub for live music in Uptown. Later, end the night with handmade pasta at Avo or hummus and lamb kofta at Saba.
Day Five: Outside City Limits – Just outside New Orleans lies an entire network of nearby destinations, perfect for day outings, that blend adventure and exploration for everyone in the family.
30 minutes outside of the city lies Zip NOLA, one of the area’s best attractions, where children and older adults can all participate, as long as they are between 45 and 285 lbs. Strike a pose upside down while flying high above the gators.
Another nearby activity perfect for a thrilling multigenerational group is swamp tours. Airboat and pedal-barge tours are available just outside the city. Pick your adventure and don’t be scared to pet the baby gator.
Other day trips from New Orleans include the Infinity Science Center in Pearlington, Mississippi, and the Louisiana State Capitol in Baton Rouge, for more immersive experiences that further strengthen family bonds.
So, start planning your next group getaway to New Orleans for an experience of a lifetime.
