4 New Orleans Tours Where Kids Rule

French QuarTour Kids (Photo: Joshua Brasted)

You’ve planned the perfect family vacation, but at every stop the kids complain that they’re bored. Beat boredom to the punch with these four New Orleans activities made just for kids.

1. The New Orleans Museum of Art’s Studio KIDS! Class. Budding artists from 5–10 years old have the chance to explore the city’s oldest fine arts institution for inspiration, then create their own mixed media works of art. Students can be dropped off at 10 a.m. and picked up at noon with new artwork in hand! While the little Michelangelos are creating, parents can peruse the museum’s impressive collection, enjoy the adjoining world-class Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, or hit Café NOMA by Ralph Brennan for brunch.
   The details: The class is $30 per child. Saturday classes are limited to 12 students, so advance registration is crucial. Call (504) 658-4128 or email education@noma.org for details.
2. Louisiana Children’s Museum (LCM). As the name suggests, this museum is for the children. With 30,000 square feet of interactive exhibits include a climbing wall, tugboat, science exhibits, and a mock cafe it’s the perfect place for kids to work off excess energy. There are even interactive exhibits for toddlers that are designed to expand the youngest of minds.
   The details: The LCM is open Tuesday through Sunday, and admission is $8.50 for adults and children, and free for infants under 1.
3. French Quartour Kids. Let your little ones walk back in time to the 1830s and explore life for children in New Orleans. The brainchild of licensed guide Jill Dresser, the 90-minute tour features maps, props, and historic sites that teach kids about 19th century medical practices, gender roles, and more. “The tour is fun for adults as well, as our Tripadvisor reviews indicate,” she explains. “I try to make it engaging for the kids while informative for the adults. We’re truly family-friendly.” For children ages 4 to 7, Dresser has a treasure hunt complete with pirates and costumes.
   The details: Daily tours are $25 per child. One chaperone per 4 children is required, at $25 each. Children under 4 are admitted free with older siblings.
4. Specialty Tours From Dependable Child Care. Schedule a customized outing for the kids through the most concierge-recommended service in New Orleans. The Audubon program offers a wide variety of family entertainment in the zoo, aquarium, and insectarium.
   The details: Prices vary depending on the number of children and tours selected.