Where the Cool NOLA Kids Play: The 7 Best Playgrounds in New Orleans

Playgrounds are especially precious commodities when traveling with little ones. They have a magical ability to stave off meltdowns and catastrophe. Luckily, New Orleans has no shortage of awesome play spots and kid-friendly parks.

Here are seven of the best playgrounds in New Orleans for families to enjoy. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

Audubon Park

Audubon Park is a large green space that’s on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line and near the Zoo. Here you’ll find live oak trees that are made for climbing plus two playgrounds: a larger one right on St. Charles Avenue, which features areas for younger and older children, and a smaller one that offers a little more shade for spectators.

Also located in the park: A 1.7-mile paved track for runners, walkers, skaters and bikers; a gorgeous golf course and a lagoon at the center of the park where hungry ducks are always waiting to be fed by friendly visitors.

City Park

The Canal Street streetcar line will get you to the kid-friendly City Park, which has so much to offer families visiting New Orleans. There are two public playgrounds. The smaller one on the City Park Avenue side of the park is ideal for avid climbers. The larger one near Popp Fountain has areas suitable for both younger and older children. Its views of the lagoon are lovely, plus it’s adjacent to Morning Call, a great place to stop in for a snack of café au lait and beignets. There are also bathrooms in the same building.

Another option is Storyland, a fairytale-themed playground with a very affordable admission. Complete with a pirate ship, Cinderalla’s pumpkin carriage, a NASA space shuttle, and more, this park has something for everyone. But beware of the Dragon Slide. It’s not for the faint of heart.

If your little ones aren’t worn out after all this activity, they can take their pick of any number of live oak trees to climb, fun courtesy of Mother Nature.

Cabrini Playground

Cabrini Playground in New Orleans is a lifesaver for families staying in or traveling through the French Quarter. It’s large enough for a rowdy session of play, and accessible on foot, so you can’t beat the convenience.

Danneel Playground

All hail New Orleans Saints Quarterback Drew Brees! He was the main backer and a big player in giving Danneel Playground a much-needed facelift. Its broken down walkways and scorching hot metal slides were replaced with a bright, dazzling play structure in heart of Uptown. It’s easily accessible by streetcar beneath a canopy of oaks on picturesque St. Charles Avenue.

Marsalis Harmony Park

Located at the Uptown end of the St. Charles streetcar line, Marsalis Harmony Park (previously named Palmer Park) is accessible even if you don’t have a car. Plus, an impressive art market with art, crafts, live music, food and kids’ tent is held in this same park on the last Saturday of each month.

The best part about this playground — the large cover that shades the play space. It provides welcome relief in the city heat.

Delery Playspot

In Lower 9th Ward, there is a small park that happens to be the best kept secret in the city. The park contains the Delery Playspot, a wooden network of planks, tunnels and towers that span an extensive area. The neighborhood is a little dicey and was among the hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina. The playground itself is nothing short of amazing.

Plus, the playground is located on one side of the levee. A short walk to the top of the levee reveals picturesque views of the Mighty Mississippi.

One thing to keep in mind for little ones is the park’s lack of viable bathrooms.

Cool Zoo at Audubon Zoo

The zoo offers no shortage of entertainment for children — and if you’re visiting in summer, don’t miss Cool Zoo, a splash park with an awesome array of wet and wild fun. You’ll have to pay for admission, but it includes access to the zoo and is very worth it on a hot day. Adults will appreciate shaded areas with misters to help cool off.