5 Unforgettable Memories For Your Family Travel in New Orleans

It’s easy take the tried-and-true approach during your New Orleans family vacation time by lining up travel activities that include all your kid’s favorites such as pizza parlors, mini-golf, theme parks and zoos.  You’ll come back home with great photographs and joyful vacation moments.

Mardi Gras World Costume Try-On

 

If you’d like to step away from ordinary and create extraordinary New Orleans vacation memories – you know, the ones you talk about for years and years to come because they were so special, it pays to investigate the area you are visiting a little deeper to find the extraordinary activities featured.

The five adventures featured are ones you won’t be able to experience in your own neck o’ the woods (or at least not in the same way,) they’re the ones that will have you pulling out the photo albums again and again to share with family and friends and to remind yourself of the amazing time you had there.  Enhance your New Orleans family travel with any one (or all) of these exceptional attractions:

Butterfly Garden at Insectarium

 

Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium. Located on Canal Street in the French Quarter, the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium offers up-close-and-personal adventures with our insect friends.  If the thought makes your skin crawl a bit, push those thoughts out of your head and step inside because the exhibits will certainly have you looking at bugs in a refreshingly friendly way.  I had the chance to visit the Insectarium during a press trip and though I’m still not a huge fan of bugs, I stepped away for this experience with a new-found appreciation… and had no squeamish moments inside.

This is a terrific rainy day activity as you can easily spend the entire day exploring.  Specialty areas include the Tiny Termite Cafe which offers one-of-a-kind seating with “living” tables and a range of tasty treats, the Butterflies in Flight exhibit where you can walk among 100’s of butterflies in free-flight, and a very interesting Bug Appetit demonstration class.

Find more information at http://www.auduboninstitute.org/visit/insectarium

Kayakityat Tours

 

Kayakitiyat Tours. Experience New Orleans with a truly unique kayak ride down a historic waterway.  It’s the perfect way to start the morning with an energizing activity or to end the day with a pleasant view of historic homes and nature reserves.  Our family set out on the Bayou St. John where we found delights of West-Indies-style architecture of the late 1700’s to Frank Lloyd Wright inspired homes along with plenty of natural splendors.  An incredible two-hour journey that left us with rich insights.

Each tour is designed to accommodate first-time to advanced kayakers.  Entertaining guides offer historical and cultural information along the journey and allow you to set the pace for experiencing the “hidden” sights and community of New Orleans that few travelers ever have the opportunity to observe.

For more information, visit http://kayakitiyat.com/

Mardi Gras World Artist

 

Mardi Gras World.  It’s perpetually Mardi Gras time in New Orleans as workers are busy creating the next season’s floats from the moment the last celebration ends to the time the next one begins- and the Mardi Gras World is where the action happens.

Super easy to get to as free Mardi Gras Museum shuttles are available throughout the city, you can experience some of the magic by roaming around the foyer, the gift shop and the cafe where exhibits and costumes are free to view, but if you truly want to immerse yourself in the experience, purchasing a ticket for the tour offers a in-depth, hands-on glimpse into the world of Mardi Gras parades and floats. Plenty of photo opps and a memorable, educational experience complete with sampling of Kings Cake!

For more information, visit http://www.mardigrasworld.com/

Steamboat Natchez

 

Steamboat Natchez.  There are only two true steamboats left in operation in the U.S. and the Steamboat Natchez is one of them, making this perhaps a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to cruise on board.  A lovely breeze, a terrific view of New Orleans, smooth jazz music and historical notes from the captain offer a nice respite from a hot day or a wonderful spot to end the day on a high note.

Dining options, drinks and snacks are available along with a variety of seating options to soak in the ambiance of the steamboat or the sights of New Orleans.  Children will have fun watching the steamboat wheel and the deck hands in action during launching and docking of the ship.  My sons particularly loved visiting the engine room, too, which is open throughout the cruise.For more information, visit http://www.steamboatnatchez.com/

WWII Museum Exhibit

 

WWII Museum. It’s surprising how many people do not know the WWII Museum exists, let alone has three buildings and a restaurant chock full of WWII memorabilia.  Suitable for patrons of all ages, (though those under 4 may not get as much from the experience,) this is an educational hot-spot well worth planning to spend an entire day exploring.

Start with the “Beyond All Boundaries” movie narrated by Tom Hanks, then, take your time exploring all of the museum buildings. Each offers a unique experience with a variety of interactive exhibits. Save the Boeing Center as one of your last stops. This incredible feature houses WWII-era aircraft that can be viewed from below or above from balcony platforms and several other impressive exhibits and be sure to sign up at guest services for a tour of the WWII vintage PT-305 torpedo boat.

For more information, visit http://www.nationalww2museum.org/

Disclosure:  Though this is an editorial based on experiences during a press trip, I still feel it’s prudent to disclose that I received discounted or complimentary access to some exhibits. I’m under zero obligation to share information and voluntarily chose to as I feel these location are high quality family travel attractions in New Orleans.   

by
Barb Webb. Founder and Editor of Rural Mom, is an the author of "Getting Laid" and "Getting Baked". A sustainable living expert nesting in Appalachian Kentucky, when she’s not chasing chickens around the farm or engaging in mock Jedi battles, she’s making tea and writing about country living and artisan culture.
Nine Naturals Takes the Toxins Out of Hair and Body Care for Moms and Moms-To-Be #eco Fluffy Bunny and Cute Baby Chick Gawking at the Kentucky State Fair

Comments

    • Daisy B
    • August 29, 2013
    Reply

    These sound like fun activities. My son has never been kayaking and I bet that he would like it because of the fun way to get outside. I would love to check out the designs by Frank Lloyd Wright along the way. His work is so cool.

      • Barb Webb
      • August 29, 2013
      Reply

      New Orleans was the first time we went kayaking. Loved is so much we are talking about purchasing some for regular use. If you get the chance, do go!

    • Grace
    • August 29, 2013
    Reply

    What a great time is sounds like you had and I love finding the musuems and gardens featured in a state. Great idea to experience the pizza parlors and mini golf locations as it is always fun to experience different sites and tastes that are thought of as ‘normal’ to the locals but can really enhance a trip from a tourist.

    • Pola (Jetting Around)
    • August 29, 2013
    Reply

    Wonderful trip! There seems to be a lot more to do in NOLA that one might think of right away. The WWII museum? Who knew…

    • realityretreat
    • August 29, 2013
    Reply

    awesome thanks for sharing new Orleans is on my list to visit

    • Anonymous
    • August 29, 2013
    Reply

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    • Kristyn
    • August 29, 2013
    Reply

    this looks like such an awesome place to visit! love all the great photos 😉

    • Tough Cookie Mommy
    • August 29, 2013
    Reply

    There are so many great activities to do! You look great kayaking, Barb. I’m so glad you guys had a great time!

      • Barb Webb
      • August 29, 2013
      Reply

      Awww, thanks Maria 🙂 We truly had a wonderful experience!

    • CrazyMom
    • August 29, 2013
    Reply

    Look at all those memories… LOVE it and I feel like I was on the trip with you guys; the pictures are soo much fun and I know everyone had a blast on the trip. Thanks for sharing your tips, will come in handy on our next travels to NOLA and create our own memories

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