Top Spots for Kid's Fun Around NOLA
It's pretty much a universally acknowledged fact that kids have a lot of energy. But if you've exhausted the park or feel it's simply too hot to spend your days playing outdoors, there are plenty of fun, indoor, kid-friendly activities around New Orleans. Whether you've got a future artist or competitive athlete on your hands, the list bellow is guaranteed to have something that every kid can enjoy!
1. The Louisiana Children's Museum
15 Henry Thomas Dr., (504) 523-1357
lcm.org
Situated on an 8.5 acre facility in City Park, the Louisiana Children's Museum is new and improved whilst still being a nurturing and friendly environment for all children. The museum seeks to provide interactive and fun experiences where children can learn, grow, and connect in a safe condition. There are six galleries, each focused on a different topic or activity.
From "Follow that Food" where children can learn about New Orleans cooking, and how our ingredients make its way to our grocery stores, to "Outdoor Adventures" where kids can learn about our state's fragile wetlands, there are plenty of options! The museum also offers multiple programs and events that families can get involved in. If you're looking for an indoor activity for your kids, the Louisiana Children's Museum is guaranteed to be an exciting and entertaining experience.
2. The Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium
1 Canal St., (504) 861-2537
audubonnatureinstitute.org
Got an animal lover at home? Or maybe a bug-obsessed kid? Then the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium is a great option for you! With multiple exhibits and a diverse array of marine wildlife, there are so many animals to learn about. From South African penguins to native Louisiana Bayou species—including alligators and shelter frogs—the Aquarium has plenty of awesome activities.
Explore and befriend the butterflies at the Insectarium or pet sting-rays at the Shark Discovery Touch Pool. There are also plenty of experiences offered called "Wild Encounters," where kids can encounter penguins up close as a part of the Penguin Party or snorkel with tropical fish as a part of Maya Snorkel. This beautifully renovated museum is a fun and adventurous option for the fish-loving kids!
3. New Orleans Boulder Lounge
2360 St. Claude Ave., (504) 962-7609
climbnobl.com
One thing everybody knows about kids is how much energy they have. Climbing, dancing, signing, running—kids are always on the move! For parents whose kids are very active and crave a little adventure, the New Orleans Boulder Lounge is a fantastic option for an indoor activity. Their large facility and experienced team are guaranteed to ensure you and your family have a fun and safe experience.
Whether you want a "day-use" pass or are more inclined to sign up for a beginner class, there are plenty of opportunities to learn and get involved. Their Koala Class, which happens on Saturday mornings, is a great skill-building class where kids can learn the basics. So if your house or family is buzzing with energy, then New Orleans Boulder Lounge is the place to visit and enjoy some climbing.
4. Dave & Buster's
1200 Poydras St., (504) 226-3300
daveandbusters.com
Nowadays it seems like every kid is obsessed with the newest video game or app. Get involved in the online play or simply reminisce with your childhood arcade games at Dave & Buster's! Their indoor playground is complete with air hockey, basketball, racing games and more, that is sure to unleash your inner child and keep your kids entertained for hours.
Whilst your kids enjoy a myriad of arcade games, there is delicious food and drinks to enjoy, alongside a sports bar where fans can watch football, soccer, or hockey games on state of the art screens. Dave & Buster's is a great Friday or Saturday night treat for the whole family to enjoy!
5. Chez Clay
862 Tchoupitoulas St., (504) 723-0837
chezclay.com
An immersive and hands-on experience, Chez Clay offers classes Wednesday through Sunday where families can learn the basics of pottery. Their 90-minute sessions will ensure that you have enough time to let-loose whilst also gaining skills to become a pro-potter.
This activity is best suited for older kids, especially those who have a knack for the arts. Chez Clay also offers canvas-painting classes for those who want to try something different. If you've got a future artist at home, Chez Clay is a great stop to gain some experience and have loads of fun!
6. New Orleans Academy of Fine Art
5256 Magazine St., (504) 899-8111
noafa.org
If you've got little ones drawing all over the walls or constantly creating, taking a class at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Art might be the activity for you! Here to foster artistry, the academy offers a wide range of classes for kids of all ages. With classes such as: "Cartooning & Comics" as well as "Beginner Painting," there are plenty of opportunities for kids as young as 4 years old to have some fun.
Check out the schedule for youth classes, and find an activity that best suits your kids. Whether you've got little ones who want to be artists just like their older siblings, or you have older children who want to have their creative endeavors fostered, the New Orleans Academy of Fine Art is a great resource!
7. Sky Zone Trampoline Park
Multiple Locations
skyzone.com
If your child's dream is to be like Tarzan, then Sky Zone should be your next playdate activity. Boasting massive trampolines where kids can "touch the sky," ultimate dodgeball where you can get your game on, and trapezes and swings for the future circus acrobats, Sky Zone is a great way to get in some movement and exhaust even the most energetic of kids.
For children that consider themselves more competitive or adventurous when it comes to sports, there are plenty of activities to experience a thrill! The Drop Zone and Sky Joust will get anyone's heart racing whilst also being safe. There is always an opportunity to have fun at Sky Zone.
8. NOLA Kidsground
5700 Citrus Blvd., (504) 354-9528
nolakidsground.com
Whether it's storming or just too hot to spend an afternoon outside at the playground, NOLA Kidsground is a premier indoor playground where kids can explore, learn, connect, and play in a fun and safe environment. Their facility has an indoor play structure, toys that encourage pretend play like costumes, and a mini cash register, building blocks, and a book nook for quiet play. Children as young as 6 months are welcome!
There is open play daily, and each ticket is valid for a 90-minute timed entry spot. Reserve tickets ahead of time starting at $11 per child. Nola Kidsground is another great resource for play if the outdoor playground is not an option!
9. New Orleans Museum of Art
1 Collins C. Diboll Circle, (504) 658-4100
noma.org
The New Orleans Museum of Art has an impressive collection of art and more, with yearly rotating exhibits. Boasting a diverse collection—from Native American to Japanese—the museum has a lot to offer. Public tours happen every Wednesday and Saturday at 2 p.m.!
Check out their event calendar to see what's going on during the month. The Japan Festival, Fall Festival, and more are all fantastic ways to get involved and spend some time experiencing new cultures through art.
10. Adventure Quest Laser Tag
1200 S. Clearview Pkwy. Suite 1106, Harahan, (504) 207-4444
