City Sightseeing’s 10 Best Family Tours in New Orleans

New Orleans is a city renowned for its vibrant culture, music, and history — much of which, seemingly by default, appears distinctly ‘adult.’ In reality, though, The Big Easy offers an array of family attractions that appeal to all ages and interests.

Determining what IS family friendly in a city with lots of activities that definitely are NOT, however, can be challenging. That’s why City Sightseeing New Orleans offers a variety of guided and unguided Hop-On Hop-Off Tours that combine interactive attractions, historical insights, and cultural landmarks into single excursions that have a little something for everyone. Here are City Sightseeing’s 10 best family tours in New Orleans.

Hop-On Hop-Off New Orleans Bus Tour

One of the best ways to see New Orleans — with a family or otherwise — is by purchasing a single or multi-day Hop-On Hop-Off New Orleans tour. This option allows you to visit all 19 City Sightseeing stops throughout NOLA on your own time and at your own pace. Kids in particular will love the open-air double-decker buses that provide panoramic views of the city. Each ride is accompanied by commentary, provided by a live tour guide, about the area as well as interesting historical and cultural facts.

Book Hop-On Hop-Off New Orleans Tours here.

Garden District Walking Tour

For families wanting a little more physical activity in their touring, City Sightseeing New Orleans’ Garden District Walking Tour is a great way to work out some wiggles. Home to some of the city’s most beautiful historic houses and lush gardens, the Garden District is a lovely place to visit, particularly during the more temperate months. Children and adults alike will admire the grand mansions and Southern Gothic streets. There’s also plenty to learn about the past, especially with the help of guided commentary from a City Sightseeing New Orleans tour guide. Book a 2-Day Hop-On Hop-Off & Garden District Walking Tour here.

Mardi Gras World Tour

Mardi Gras is by far the most popular event in New Orleans, but don’t worry – if you aren’t able to visit New Orleans during this festive time, Mardi Gras World gives guests a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the celebration. This attraction is particularly engaging for kids as it showcases how some of the colorful parade floats are made. Spark your imagination with these impressive creations regardless of whether you attend the actual Mardi Gras event. Book a Hop-On Hop-Off New Orleans Tour to visit Mardi Gras World here.

French Quarter Walking Tour

Immerse your family in NOLA’s rich history with a walking tour through the French Quarter. This guided excursion takes you through the heart of the city and showcases famous landmarks like Jackson Square, the Cabildo, and St. Louis Cathedral. Both informative and engaging, this tour will entertain parents and their little ones with an array of humorous, tragic, and unbelievable stories about the region.

Book a Hop-On Hop-Off New Orleans Tour and French Quarter Walking Tour here.

Haunted History Tour

If you have toddlers and elementary school students in your brood, you might consider skipping this tour. For tweens and teens, though, a Haunted History Tour can provide a perfect combination of thrills and chills, particularly if you visit the city around Halloween. Walk through New Orleans’ streets as twilight descends on the city. You’ll visit some of Louisiana’s most haunted locales and learn the eerie folklore behind their notoriety. Explore the darker side of New Orleans — just make sure you (and your kids) know what you’re getting into!

Book The Yellow Fever Ghost Tour here.

JAMNOLA

Celebrate New Orleans through its art, music, and food with the Joy Art Music New Orleans (JAMNOLA) immersive experience perfect for adults and children alike. View the city through the eyes of over 30 local artists and 17 interactive exhibits. With approximately 12 different rooms to explore, visitors are guided through impressive installations. JAMNOLA also provides a sensory playground and — always important in New Orleans — indoor air conditioning for hot summer afternoons!

Learn more about JAMNOLA here.

St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Walking Tour

Visit the final resting place of some of New Orleans’ most well-known residents with a walking tour through St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. As the oldest existing cemetery in the city, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 hosts an impressive array of above-ground tombs created for individuals like Marie Laveau and Homer Plessy. Nicolas Cage — yes THAT Nicolas Cage — even has a pyramid intended to hold his (eventual) earthly remains.

Book a 1-Day Hop-On Hop-Off Tour & St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 Tour here.

Audubon Zoo

The younger kids in your crew will love this double showing of the Audubon Zoo and Audubon Park. As one of the country’s top-ranked zoos, the Audubon Zoo features a range of exhibits and animals from around the world. Children will love exploring the different habitats and interactive activities. In the summer months, splash & explore at the Cool Zoo – featuring a lazy river, sandy beaches, lounge chairs, splash zones, water slides, and more! This family-friendly experience is plenty educational and engaging for all animal and nature lovers.

Book an Audubon Zoo Tour here.

Magazine Street Shopping and Dining

Magazine Street is New Orleans’ center for high-end shopping and fine dining that is incredibly accessible for families. Stroll down the charming sidewalks and explore the array of boutiques, antique shops, and cafes run by locals. Several family-friendly restaurants are in the area, which can be a relief for parents with young picky eaters. This casual and welcoming atmosphere is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon in the city.

Book a Hop-On Hop-Off New Orleans Tour to visit Magazine Street here.

Louisiana Children’s Museum

As the name implies, the Louisiana Children’s Museum is a must for families with children roughly between the ages of four and twelve. The museum offers a variety of interactive exhibits for burgeoning scientists, creatives, and professionals who want to try their hand at new activities in a safe and educational environment. The museum is a fantastic way for little ones to burn off some energy, which might lead to a more relaxing evening for moms and dads.

Book tickets for the Louisiana Children’s Museum here.

New Orleans is a treasure trove of things to do and places to go for both adults and children. With City Sightseeing New Orleans, your family will never lack for ideas that please family members of all ages. For more information or to book a tour with City Sightseeing New Orleans, visit our website here.

Book Your City Sightseeing Tour Today!

For visitors, these 5 events are a mere sample of the many things to do in New Orleans in May and June. With City Sightseeing New Orleans, you can take advantage of our accessible Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours to explore the city’s rich history and participate in its diverse array of events. For more information on booking a City Sightseeing Tour or transportation option, click here.