Best Itinerary for 3 Days in New Orleans with Kids
New Orleans has always been on my travel bucket list. The city has such an amazing vibe, is full of rich culture, and has an awesome food scene.
But is it a good place to bring kids?
Most definitely YES! Of course, we did do some research before venturing out on a road trip to Louisiana with our 2 younger children in tow.
And while there are some places that are not child-friendly (can’t that be said for many cities?), don’t let that stop you from experiencing all of NOLA’s warmth and charm.
Want to plan your own family trip to NOLA?
We have put together a three-day itinerary that will give you a taste of this awesome city and all it has to offer.
Known for its phenomenal jazz music, delicious Creole cuisine, distinct dialects, and of course, its Mardi Gras celebrations, New Orleans is considered one of the most unique cities in the US.
Three Days in New Orleans Itinerary – Quick Guide
If you are in a hurry, here’s a quick list of the best places to visit in New Orleans in three days:
- French Market – A historic open-air market where you’ll find local food, unique gifts, and live music.
- St Louis Cathedral – The oldest Catholic cathedral in the U.S., located in the heart of the French Quarter.
- Jackson Square – A popular plaza surrounded by art, performers, and historic architecture.
- Café Du Monde – The iconic spot for powdered sugar-covered beignets and chicory coffee.
- Mardi Gras World – A behind-the-scenes look at how the famous Mardi Gras floats are made.
- Audubon Aquarium – A family-friendly underwater experience featuring marine life from the Gulf and beyond.
- Cajun Encounters – A guided swamp tour to see alligators and learn about Louisiana’s wildlife.
- St. Louis #3 Cemetery – A really interesting, historic cemetery known for its intricate above-ground tombs.
3 Days in New Orleans – Map
The map shows the stops that are suggested on this three-day itinerary. We tried to group activities close enough together so that you wouldn’t be running all over the city.
Clicking on the map above will take you to Google Maps. There, you will be able to see the destinations in better detail.
What to Do in New Orleans for 3 Days
With a full three days in New Orleans, you can see and do quite a bit. But we did try and make the days a little less busy.
However, if you do find that you have some extra time, we will include some additional activities at the end of this post that you can tack onto your itinerary.
Day 1
The first of our 3 days in New Orleans was spent walking and exploring the downtown area. We had made a list of places we wanted to see, that were in and around the French Quarter so that we could experience as much as possible.
1. Café Du Monde
As requested by the kids, our first stop was Café Du Monde.
You really cannot visit New Orleans without stopping in for coffee (or hot chocolate) and their signature beignets. The line for the café was pretty long, so we decided to get our goodies to go.
And let me tell you, the beignets were AWESOME! Right there and then, we knew we would be coming back!
When people say that beignets in New Orleans taste different than anyplace else, they are right!
And since these delicious pieces of fried dough are best when eaten hot, plan to devour them immediately!
We sat in the nearby park to enjoy our treat on that first visit, but on subsequent visits (yes… we went back SEVERAL more times!), we sat inside the café. The place was always busy, but we found the lines moved well.
Just a heads up, the icing sugar is messy, and the kids were covered in it by the third bite!
2. St Louis Cathedral
A short walk from Café Du Monde, the St. Louis Cathedral is one of New Orleans’ most recognizable landmarks.
Overlooking Jackson Square, it is the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic Cathedral in the United States.
The original St. Louis Cathedral was built in 1727 however, it soon suffered a few major calamities.
A fire burned the church to the ground in 1788 and it was later rebuilt in 1793. Then, in 1849, the bell tower collapsed during renovations of the cathedral.
The Cathedral is open daily from 8:30 am until 4:00 pm, with Daily Mass being at 12:05 pm.
There is no cost to enter the Cathedral, however, self-guided brochures are available at the entrance for only a $1.00 donation.
You may also be able to get an impromptu tour from a volunteer docent when available. However, guided tours for larger groups are only available with prior reservations.
We spent a few minutes looking around, lighting a candle, and doing some photography.
3. Jackson Square
Jackson Square is located in the French Quarter, overlooking the Mississippi River.
It occupies 2.5 acres and sees over 2 million tourists and locals each year.
Not only did Jackson Square receive National Landmark status in 1960, but it has also been the backdrop to many movies and television shows.
In fact, Jackson Square is one of New Orleans’ most recognizable landmarks.
We loved sitting in the park, people-watching while enjoying a beignet little break from sightseeing.
Just outside the square, you can catch a horse-drawn carriage or listen to some wonderful music from street performers.
Jackson Square is also the location of an open-air artist colony, where artists display their work by hanging it on the iron fence.
4. French Market
Located right off Jackson Square, the French Market is within walking distance of any location in the French Quarter.
Very similar to some of the markets we have seen in Europe, the French Market includes five blocks of open-air shopping, dining, music and local tradition.
During our visit to New Orleans, we came back to the Market several times! This is where we spent some time browsing for souvenirs and grabbing a bite for lunch.
A Gator Bite, that is! That’s right! The kids decided that they wanted to try alligator!
The ‘World Famous N’awlins Cafe & Spice Emporium’, was a stand in the Market that served Cajun-spiced Gator Bites.
They were a little on the spicy side (I’m not good with spice), but the kids devoured them! After all… gator does taste like chicken! LOL
Treats
Gator wasn’t the only thing we sampled in the French Market. The sweet aroma of freshly made Pralines enticed us into several shops.
This traditional southern treat is made from almonds and caramelized sugar, and is Deeelicious! I won’t say how many packages we left with… but it was a lot (so many types after all)!
And the last treat that the kids talked us into trying while in the French Market, was a Snowball.
A Snowball is a cool treat made with a mound of shaved ice, flavoured with sweet syrups and topped or stuffed with a number of mix-ins and add-ons.
Not to be confused with Snow Cones, the ice of a Snowball is fine and fluffy; while a snow cone’s ice is coarse and granular.
As a result, the flavoured syrup in a snow cone sinks to the bottom of the cup; while in a Snowball, the ice absorbs the syrup.
The Snowballs were nice on a hot day, but we didn’t find them to be spectacular.
And to be quite honest, they were far too sweet to be very refreshing. When the kids don’t finish a treat, it usually means it’s not a winner.
🦀 Interested in doing a New Orleans food tour? We have put together a list of the 8 best tours in the city here.
5. Riverwalk
The New Orleans Riverwalk is a waterfront promenade that offers awesome views of the Mississippi River. You can access the walkway right behind the French Market.
As we walked along this paved path, we had gorgeous views of the city as well as the riverboats on the Mississippi.
The Riverwalk Marketplace is filled with stores, from cute little boutiques to shops offering local foods or even handicrafts. You will also find a variety of restaurants serving everything from classic Creole dishes to quick snacks.
We found the Riverwalk to be a great spot to take a leisurely stroll, shop, or grab a bite to eat.
Deanie’s Seafood Restaurant
Our first day in New Orleans ended with a delicious dinner at Deanie’s Seafood.
The place was pretty busy, which meant a bit of a wait. But it was definitely worth it!
Deanie’s Seafood is located in the French Quarter and is considered by the locals to be one of the best restaurants in New Orleans for seafood.
Deanie’s menu includes fried seafood, charbroiled oysters, raw oysters, boiled crawfish, shrimp gumbo and more.
Their claim to fame, however, is their Giant Seafood Platter! This is a huge amount of food!
We definitely enjoyed our meal at Deanie’s. I had the Crab Quartet which gave me my first-ever experience with soft-shell crab.
Everything was delicious, including my appetizer of charbroiled oysters.
The kid’s menu had the usual items (burgers, hot dogs, mac and cheese), but also included some seafood (incredibly, a kid’s portion of fried oysters!).
The food, staff and ambiance of the restaurant were awesome and family-friendly.
With several locations to choose from, we would definitely recommend Deanie’s if you are in New Orleans with kids.
Day 2
6. St. Charles Streetcar
Our second of 3 days in New Orleans started out with a ride on one of Louisiana’s famous trolleys.
🚋 Fun Fact: Did you know that much of the fame of the New Orleans streetcar, comes from its association with the 1947 Tennessee Williams play, A Streetcar Named Desire?
The real Desire Streetcar used to run through the French Quarter, making its way in and out of the now Bywater neighbourhood.
However, the line has since been replaced by buses.
Today, the St. Charles Avenue Streetcar is the oldest continuously operated streetcar line in the world.
You instantly feel the old-world charm and nostalgia, when sitting on the mahogany seats. It is definitely like taking a ride in a history museum on wheels.
With several lines to choose from, you can get to many of the popular attractions, restaurants, shops and neighbourhoods onboard the streetcar.
In our case, we were headed to the Garden District for a walking tour.
7. Garden District
The Garden District, or ‘Lafayette City’, as it was once known, is one of the US’s most beautifully preserved city districts.
It was an absolutely gorgeous neighbourhood to walk through. We chose to go the guided tour route.
Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the neighbourhood; regaling us with stories of several homes, their owners, and their colourful pasts.
Located just a short distance from the French Quarter, the Garden District could not be more different!
This quaint neighbourhood is filled with an amazing mix of homes, ranging from cute little cottages to grand mansions with sprawling gardens.
Along with the gorgeous homes, you can also find trendy boutiques, antique shops, little cafes, restaurants, bars, and Lafayette Cemetery 1.
Unfortunately, the City of New Orleans closed Lafayette Cemetery 1 in September 2019 to visitors. There is no date available for when it will reopen.
8. Mardi Gras World
Since many people would not want to take their kids to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, this attraction would be the next best thing.
Mardi Gras World is where the magic of New Orleans’ most famous celebration comes to life.
This working warehouse is where many of the incredible Mardi Gras floats are designed and built.
You will get a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship, from the giant sculptures to the intricate details.
With guided tours and plenty of photo opportunities, it’s a lot of fun for the whole family.
Not to mention, it’s a unique way to learn about the history and creativity behind this iconic festival.
9. Audobon Aquarium
Located along the Mississippi River, the Audobon Aquarium is home to some awesome exhibits featuring marine life from the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and beyond.
Our kids loved the touch pools, the glass tunnel, and watching sharks glide through the massive tanks.
Of course, my favourite was the penguin encounters. You get an up close and (almost) personal look at these cute little guys!
The aquarium was a great way to get out of the heat and sun, but still add a fun and educational element to our New Orleans itinerary.
Emeril’s Delmonico Restaurant
We happened to be in New Orleans over the Father’s Day weekend, so I thought I would surprise Hubby with some fine dining.
The reservations were made ahead of time, and he had no idea where we were going until we pulled up to the restaurant!
Hubby and I have been to several of Emeril’s restaurants both in Las Vegas as well as Orlando, so I was looking forward to trying out a New Orleans location.
Of course, this restaurant is not budget-friendly and was a definite splurge for a special occasion.
We were not disappointed. Not only was the restaurant itself elegant, but the food and the service were impeccable!
It was also a nice experience for the kids. They had the opportunity to get dressed up, use their best manners, and eat a wonderfully prepared meal.
We started out with Baked Oysters (my fave). We then each had a different main course, which made it easy to try several different tasty items.
The kids finished off with warm cookies and milk, while I sampled the house-made beignets, and Hubby tried the gelato.
Everything was delicious! Definitely, an exceptional way to end our day!
Day 3
10. Cajun Encounters Swamp Tour
The final day of our 3 days in New Orleans started just outside of the city, visiting the Louisiana Bayou.
Cajun Encounters Swamp Tours takes you on a two-hour boat ride through the Honey Island Swamp, which is one of America’s most unique ecosystems.
We learned all about the swamp and its natural inhabitants from our local expert captain while riding onboard a 22-passenger flat-bottomed boat.
Not only did we get to hear all about what plants and animals call the Bayou home, but we got to meet many of them up close and personal!
We got to see several alligators, including “Brutus” who is extremely large, and apparently quite old.
We also came across a raccoon, exotic birds, and several turtles, before meeting a family of wild boars.
The kids were fascinated! Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable, interesting, and personable.
Aside from the plants and animals, we also passed many homes along the waterway.
Our guide talked about some of the families that not only make their home along the Bayou but make a living there.
All in all, this tour was an awesome experience. It was a great way to learn a lot about Louisiana’s Bayou while having a pretty relaxing afternoon.
It was a nice change after the hustle and bustle of the previous couple of days. We would definitely recommend this excursion for families.
One great thing about this company is that they also offer a shuttle service from several spots in the French Quarter. This makes it extremely convenient for people who may not have access to a car.
We had our own vehicle, so we did not make use of this service. There is also plenty of free parking on site.
🐊 Interested in booking a swamp tour? We have a list of the Best Airboat Swamp Tours in New Orleans here.
11. St. Louis Cemetery #3
I love visiting old cemeteries, so I could not pass up the opportunity to see the infamous Lafayette Cemetery 1 while in New Orleans.
However, as I mentioned earlier, this cemetery is no longer open to the public. It has been closed indefinitely for restoration.
But if you are interested in seeing one of New Orleans’ iconic cemeteries, then St. Louis Cemetery #3 certainly fits the bill.
Established in 1852, this cemetery features elaborate 19th-century marble tombs and crypts with detailed, decorative designs.
There are also a ton of different sculptures located throughout the cemetery that make this a popular spot to visit.
Located near City Park, St. Louis Cemetery #3 is less crowded than other cemeteries but just as fascinating.
Fun Fact: Several popular movies such as Interview with the Vampire and Double Jeopardy have been filmed in New Orleans cemeteries.
12. Louisiana Children’s Museum
One of the things we love to add to our itinerary whenever we travel, is a stop at a children’s museum.
Located in City Park, the Louisiana Children’s Museum is packed with hands-on activities designed for kids from toddlers to around 10 years old.
Highlights include a water play area, a mock grocery store, and an exhibit that takes kids on a journey down the Mississippi River.
With plenty of indoor and outdoor activities, it’s a way for the kids to burn off some energy during your visit.
There’s a café on-site, a fun gift shop, free parking, and plenty of opportunities for kids to learn and use their imaginations.
Daily storytime sessions, scheduled activities, and party rooms for birthdays make it a perfect destination for families with little kids in tow.
13. New Orleans City Park
New Orleans City Park is a huge green space packed with activities for the whole family.
You will find playgrounds, walking trails, and plenty of wonderful oak trees offering much-needed shade. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing.
Some of the unique features of the park include Storyland, which is a fun play area for kids, a sculpture garden, and even swan-shaped boats to paddle on the lake.
You’ll also find the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park which has several antique rides that are fun for the whole family.
Of course, there is also a Café Du Monde in City Park. And guess what? It’s a lot less busy than the one in the French Quarter!
🌳 Fun Fact: Spanning 1,300 acres, City Park in New Orleans is even larger than Central Park in New York City!
Enjoying a Louisiana Crawfish Boil with the Locals
Our last meal in New Orleans was a wonderful surprise. It was Father’s Day weekend, and our amazing hosts at our AirBnB invited us to their backyard party.
We were treated to a traditional Louisiana Crawfish Boil! Was it ever wonderful!
We were not only treated to a wonderful meal of Oysters Rockefeller and several pots of crawfish cooked with varying amounts of spice but we were treated like family. Nothing beats Southern hospitality!
The kids were even taught how to peel and eat their own crawfish, which they loved. We all had the best night ever!
New Orleans Tour Recommendations
One of the best ways to see New Orleans is on a guided tour.
Whether it’s a walking tour, bike tour, or even a food tour, a local guide will be able to show you some of the best hidden gems around the city.
Here are a few of the recommended tours:
Other Things to Do in New Orleans
If you have some extra time in your day, or you decide to stay in the city longer, here are some additional suggestions for things to do in New Orleans with kids:
Where to Stay in New Orleans
Although there are tons of great hotels throughout New Orleans, we chose to spend our 3 days in New Orleans at an Airbnb.
We like the added space, the flexibility of having our own kitchen, and the ambiance that staying in a house provides.
Our Airbnb was located in the Treme neighbourhood, which was approximately a 25-minute walk from the French Quarter.
The beautiful pied-a-terre apartment, complete with a balcony, was in a gorgeous historic mansion. We absolutely loved it!
If Airbnb or VRBO are not your thing, the good news is that the city has a pretty great variety of hotels to suit any budget.
So whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a more upscale experience, you won’t have any trouble finding the perfect accommodations in New Orleans.
Luxury Hotels
Four Seasons New Orleans
The Four Seasons Hotel in New Orleans offers luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and stunning views of the Mississippi River.
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
Offers luxurious accommodations with a spa and fine dining, located on Canal Street at the edge of the French Quarter.
Moderate Hotels
Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans
A modern hotel with spacious rooms and an outdoor pool, situated in the heart of the French Quarter.
Omni Royal Orleans
A classic hotel featuring a rooftop pool and elegant rooms, located just steps from Bourbon Street.
Budget Hotels
French Market Inn
A historic hotel offering charming rooms and a courtyard, located near Jackson Square.
Hotel Provincial
Provides comfortable accommodations with a courtyard and pool, situated in a quieter area of the French Quarter.
How to Get to New Orleans
New Orleans is located along the Mississippi River, in the southeastern region of the state of Louisiana.
Whether you’re coming in by air, train, or road, here’s how you can quickly reach this incredible city:
By Plane
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the primary airport, located about 15 miles from the French Quarter.
Many major airlines offer direct flights from cities across the U.S. and internationally. From the airport, you can take a taxi, rideshare, or an airport shuttle to your destination.
By Train
Amtrak offers service to New Orleans via the Crescent, City of New Orleans, and Sunset Limited routes.
The train station, Union Passenger Terminal, is located near the Superdome and is a short drive from downtown.
By Cruise Ship
For those arriving by sea, New Orleans is a port city and a popular stop for many cruises, particularly along the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico.
Once in the city, walking, streetcars, and rideshares are convenient ways to get around.
By Bus
Greyhound and Megabus provide budget-friendly options to New Orleans, with the bus station located close to downtown.
By Car
New Orleans is accessible via major highways, including I-10, which runs east-west, and I-55, which connects from the north.
Parking can be limited in the French Quarter, so plan ahead.
That said, New Orleans is made up of several small compact neighbourhoods, making it extremely walkable. In fact, our car remained parked at our AirBnB for pretty much our entire stay.
Getting Around New Orleans
Walking
As I mentioned earlier, the French Quarter, Garden District, and other central areas are very walkable.
We found that strolling through these neighbourhoods was one of the best ways to explore the city.
Streetcars & Public Buses
The New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) operates both the busses and the streetcars in the city.
They are a great option for getting around once you become too tired to walk!
In fact, nearly all of the city’s top attractions, such as the Garden District, City Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art, can be reached via streetcar or bus.
If you’re planning to use public transportation more than once during your visit, your best bet would be to purchase a Jazzy Pass.
The pass offers you unlimited rides on both buses and streetcars for one, three, five or 31 days.
You can purchase a Jazzy Pass online on the RTA website, or you can buy your pass at several retail locations, such as Walgreens.
Biking
New Orleans is bike-friendly, with dedicated lanes in many areas. Bike rentals are available, and cycling is a fun way to explore City Park or the Mississippi River levee.
Rideshares and Taxis
Uber and Lyft operate throughout the city, making it easy to get from one attraction to another. Taxis are also available but may require a call ahead in less busy areas.
Car Rentals
If you’re venturing outside the city, a rental car is a good option. We only used our car to get to our Swamp Tour.
Parking in downtown and the French Quarter can be limited, so we would definitely recommend public transportation over your own vehicle.
Best Time to Visit New Orleans with Kids
Spring (February to May)
Spring is peak season, with pleasant weather and major events like Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
This is when the city comes alive, and outdoor activities are at their best. It’s also when New Orleans is absolutely packed with people.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is the off-season, with hot and humid weather. That said, it’s the best time to find deals on accommodations and the attractions will also be less busy.
Festivals like the Essence Festival and plenty of indoor activities make it worth considering.
Fall (September to November)
Cooler temperatures make fall another great time to visit. Crowds are smaller than in spring, and festivals like the Voodoo Music + Arts Experience add to the fun.
Winter (December to February)
Winter is mild in New Orleans, and it’s a great time for fewer crowds and lower hotel rates. Holiday decorations and events like the Christmas New Orleans Style festival add a festive touch.
3 Days in New Orleans – FAQs
Yes, three days is enough to see the highlights of New Orleans. You can explore the French Quarter, enjoy local food, and visit popular attractions like City Park and the Garden District.
Yes, downtown New Orleans is very walkable. Many attractions, restaurants, and shops are within easy walking distance, especially in the French Quarter.
New Orleans can be affordable depending on your choices. Budget-friendly food, free attractions, and public transportation help keep costs low, but accommodations and event tickets can add up.
Some areas of New Orleans, like the French Quarter and well-lit streets, are generally safe to walk at night, but it’s best to stay alert. Avoid less populated areas, travel in groups, and use rideshares if unsure about safety.
The French Quarter is the best area to stay for first-time visitors, with its central location and iconic attractions. The Garden District is another great option for a quieter vibe and beautiful historic homes.
Final Thoughts
Our 3 days in New Orleans ended up being one of the most memorable family vacations.
Considering this was a bucket list location for me, I had a lot of high expectations before we left home. And let me tell you… New Orleans surpassed them all.
We were impressed with the beauty of the city, the warmth and resilience of the people, and of course, the incredible meals we had!
We would definitely recommend New Orleans as a family-friendly destination, and a wonderful experience to have with kids.
Have you ever been to New Orleans? Tell us what your favourite experience was!
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