Summer vacations are a tradition for many families, and our French Quarter hotel is a great choice for families visiting New Orleans. Bienville House boasts close proximity to lots of family-friendly activities. Take a look at some of our favorite kid-friendly things to do in the French Quarter:
The kids can get up close and personal with stingrays, penguins and otters at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in the French Quarter. (Photo courtesy Louisiana Travel on Flickr)
Learn About Sea Life at the Aquarium
The Mississippi River isn’t the only home to sea life in New Orleans. The Aquarium of the Americas, part of the Audubon Institute, is open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and gives kids an up-close look at aquatic animal life. The Caribbean reefs come alive in the aquarium’s walk-through tunnel, and kids will love the penguin and otter exhibits. One of the most memorable facets of the aquarium is its stingray touch pool and feeding sessions – learn more about these fascinating creatures as you touch and feed them.
Watch a Summer Blockbuster or Nature Film
Two theaters within short walking distance of one another are a great option for hot or rainy NOLA summer days. The Theaters at Canal Place meet the demands of kids and adults with sumptuous seats and full-service dining. Kids can munch on popcorn studded with peanuts, bacon, and chocolate while adults can choose from a wide selection of small plates, flatbreads, and a full list of wine/beer and cocktails.
If you’d like to treat your kids to an educational movie, the Entergy IMAX Theater is an excellent option. Operated by the Audubon Institute’s Aquarium of the Americas, the theater shows 3-D films about the secrets of the ocean, the lions, cheetahs and leopards of Africa, and other animal life.
[bctt tweet=”The #frenchquarter is always family friendly. Here’s what to do with the kiddos in #nola”]
Mardi Gras World offers family-friendly daily tours of their float-making facilities. (Photo credit: Richard Martin)
Go Behind The Scenes of Mardi Gras
Whether it’s Mardi Gras past or present you’re interested in, there are two nearby attractions which let you go behind the scenes of Carnival year-round.
Located in Jackson Square and operated by the Louisiana State Museum, the Presbytère houses a permanent display of Mardi Gras history and culture. Kids can climb over parade floats and pretend to ride in a Carnival parade while parents will enjoy the 19th century costumes and parade invitations on display.
While Mardi Gras World is located just outside of the French Quarter, this top attraction offers free shuttle rides to and from their facilities, where the artists from Kern Studios work throughout the year to create the Mardi Gras floats that roll through the city every spring. Daily tours include a free slice of king cake, the sweet delicacy which is hard to find out of season.
The Audubon Institute’s Butterfly Garden & Insectarium houses gorgeous butterflies in an open environment. (Photo courtesy Louisiana Travel on Flickr)
Admire Beautiful Butterflies
Open daily from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m., the Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium on Canal Street lets children learn about butterflies and other insect life in a fun way. The insectarium features a variety of butterfly species in an open environment (they might even land on you) plus educational activities. CNN voted the insectarium “a top museum for you and your kids” – we second that!
Shop for Back-to-School Duds
Get your back-to-school shopping finished early at the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk. Name-brand clothes at a fraction of the price are available at several outlet versions of popular stores like Neiman Marcus, Gap, Coach, Gymboree, and more. Worried your kids won’t agree? Order them some beignets (there’s a Café du Monde inside) and watch riverboats cruise down the Mississippi – the mall boasts a fantastic view of the river.
Book Your Summer Vacation Now!
Our family-friendly French Quarter hotel is located within walking distance of many popular attractions, and there are lots of great transportation options for visiting other parts of town, so you won’t need to worry about driving.
Take advantage of our special summer rates and book your family getaway today!