Okay, okay – the penis balloons that my kids begged for on Bourbon Street were definitely a memory-maker for my troop of five as we traveled to New Orleans for an extended weekend. If you’re interested in that story click here, if you’d like to know what a family expedition to New Orleans might mean for your family, let’s begin.
Trust me, there were so many more highlights.
Where We Stayed
We found a very affordable rate at the Hilton New Orleans Riverside and found the location to be perfect. Located walking distance from numerous downtown activities, the venue was beautiful but not too-snooty for a families to enjoy themselves. An added bonus: the lobby looks over the Mississippi River where massive cargo vessels pass all day long. My younger children marveled at the ships traveling up/down river while we enjoyed a cold beverage at the lobby bar.
What We Did (mostly for FREE)
During each of our three days in New Orleans, we walked from our hotel to numerous, free outdoor attractions.
The grounds near the aquarium provided a great stop for the kids to run, play tag, watch the ships, skip rocks, or to safely take a stroll on the paved sidewalk. Additionally, there are several sculptures and a military memorial to take a look at.
A quick walk up the trail led us to Cafe Du Monde for some beignets – basically donuts, placed in a bag full powdered sugar – affordably price for less than $5 for a pack of three. My kids LOVED the beignets! He loved them so much, in fact, that he returned the next day with his own money and waited in the 30-minute line to get another taste of this sugary goodness. Pro tip: if the line is less than half a city block long, WAIT – it moves quickly. To avoid the long lines (at times over an hour), opt for a mid-afternoon beignet snack.
Bellies full, we strolled around Jackson Square – a pedestrian only combination of stores, street artists, psychics, beautiful architecture, and street performers. During our walks downtown, we watched a magician followed by a contortionist – both with pre-planned, very professional routines that had the crowd on edge. Please note that performances include adult content and language – not over-the-top, just a head’s up to warn your littles.
In writing this, I’m wondering what else we did to fill the days and, in hindsight, we did a TON of walking, watching, and soaking in a one-mile radius around the Square. For us, seeing downtown New Orleans was about taking everything in – the unique culture, the quirky brand of fun, and stopping to notice sights that you will not see anywhere else.
What We Didn’t Do (But You Could)
The New Orleans Aquarium would have been a very easy way to spend a day. Located in the shadow of our hotel, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas boosts more than 3,600 animals of 250 species on their website. During the hot summer months, if you’re looking for an indoor activity for the kids, the aquarium would be an ideal, downtown option.
In and around downtown, there are so many options for your brand of fun – from carriage rides (pulled by mules – don’t call them horses:), Mississippi River boat cruises, ghost and historical tours, tours of the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, and the Louisiana Children’s Museum. All of these options are accessible in downtown.
For adult only fun, there are numerous bars, restaurants, and a casino (Harrah’s New Orleans) nearby.
Where we ate
There are too many food options in the city to start a list. I will say, though, if you’re kids live for fast food, NOLA is not the place for you. I cannot recall seeing any traditional chain restaurants (like McD’s, Chipotle, or others). Most of the venues are bar/restaurants with a variety of options – from seafood, to Cajun, to traditional American bar food. All will be serving alcohol during all hours – even to go!
Trip Takeaways
This was my first trip to NOLA and, I have to admit, I had mixed emotions about taking my children (ages 5 to 14). I was worried about exposing them to the craziness I had heard about and nervous about their safety. I came away from the trip, though, impressed with the family friendly options that downtown had to offer.
Your kids will certainly detect the craziness of this American party city, but we never felt unsafe or unsure that we belonged. I left New Orleans believing that my kids could have experienced nothing similar in another place in America – especially the penis balloon hats (trust me, it’s a funny story here).
Have you been to _________?
Have a family centric travel spot you’re interested in?
Send me a comment – I may have been there (or might NEED to plan a trip to go)!
