Halloween in New Orleans
There are folks out there who believe that New Orleans is no place for kids, but that couldn't be further from the truth.
In fact, there are many activities for the kiddos to indulge in, and October is one of the best months for little humans to frolic in the festivities. Sure, during the month, the city is famous for a good haunt and some spooky legends, but families know Halloween in the Crescent City has a much sweeter side. There are elaborate Halloween parades and trick-or-treat trails, along with amusement park rides and decorated mansions.
New Orleans certainly knows how to celebrate the spooky season with plenty of family-friendly events. Whether your little one dreams of becoming a superhero, princess, pirate, witch, or dinosaur, just for the day, there is no shortage of festive fun waiting around every corner.
Krewe of BOO! Brings Halloween to Life
Halloween in New Orleans would not be complete without the city's official Halloween parade, the spectacular Krewe of BOO! Rolling through downtown and the French Quarter each October, this colorful celebration combines the creativity of Mardi Gras with all the fun of Halloween.
Families line the streets to watch enormous three-dimensional floats glide by while marching bands, dance groups, costumed riders, and larger-than-life characters entertain the crowd. Of course, no New Orleans parade would be complete without throws. Instead of just beads, children can catch plenty of candy and festive Halloween-themed treasures.
The parade, taking place this year on October 24, is exciting without being overly scary, making it a favorite tradition for families looking to experience New Orleans at its playful best.
Boo at the Zoo: A Family Favorite
For generations of local families, Boo at the Zoo has been one of the highlights of the Halloween season. Hosted each October at Audubon Zoo, this daytime event transforms the zoo into a cheerful Halloween playground designed especially for children up to age 12.
Kids arrive dressed in their favorite costumes and travel through trick-or-treat areas collecting candy while stopping to visit many of the zoo's amazing animals.
Unlike traditional Halloween attractions, Boo at the Zoo, running October 16 to 18 this year, focuses on smiles instead of scares. It is the perfect introduction to Halloween for toddlers and younger children while giving parents a chance to enjoy one of New Orleans' most beloved attractions.
Ghosts in the Oaks Lights Up City Park
If your family loves amusement park rides as much as candy, Ghosts in the Oaks at Carousel Gardens Amusement Park belongs at the top of your October calendar, taking place October 15 to 18 this year.
Each fall, New Orleans City Park transforms into a colorful Halloween wonderland complete with unlimited amusement rides, trick-or-treat paths, crafts, live entertainment, and beautifully decorated walkways beneath the city's famous oak trees.
One of the biggest attractions is the extended candy trail, where children fill their buckets while exploring the decorated park. Families can ride the historic carousel, enjoy classic amusement rides, and soak in a magical evening.
Boo Carré Brings Family Fun to the French Market
Families looking for daytime Halloween fun should make plans to visit Boo Carré Halloween Haunt at the historic French Market on October 24.
This lively celebration offers safe trick-or-treating along with live music, magic shows, face painting, crafts, games, and plenty of opportunities for children to show off their costumes. The festive atmosphere captures the spirit of New Orleans while remaining welcoming for even the youngest visitors.
Parents can browse local vendors while children enjoy activities designed just for them, making Boo Carré an easy addition to any October weekend itinerary.
Halloween House Hunting is a New Orleans Tradition
Some of the city's most popular Halloween attractions are not ticketed events at all. They are simply neighborhoods where residents go all out decorating their homes.
One stop that locals never miss is the Skeleton House on St. Charles Avenue. Every year, the homeowners create enormous skeleton displays that are equal parts hilarious and creative. The scenes change annually, giving families something new to discover each year.
Just a few minutes away on Magazine Street, Ghost Manor has become another must-see destination. Its elaborate electronic light display is synchronized with spooky music, creating the perfect family-friendly Halloween show.
Pumpkin Patches Add Plenty of Fall Fun
Halloween celebrations do not begin and end with candy. Throughout October, area churches, farms, and community organizations host pumpkin patches where families can choose the perfect pumpkin to carve and display on their front porch. Many also offer hayrides, seasonal games, photo opportunities, bounce houses, and delicious fall treats.
A City That Celebrates the Kids
New Orleans has always known how to throw a celebration, and Halloween is no exception. The same creativity, music, and community spirit that define Mardi Gras shine brightly throughout October in ways that are perfect for families.
One weekend, you may be catching candy during Krewe of BOO! Next, you could be riding the carousel at Ghosts in the Oaks, visiting animals at Boo at the Zoo, strolling through the Garden District, or laughing at the oversized skeletons on St. Charles Avenue.
There is something magical about seeing children experience Halloween in a city that embraces imagination wholeheartedly. So dust off those superhero capes, fairy wings, pirate hats, and tiny monster costumes. Grab your candy bucket, charge your camera, and get ready for an October filled with love, laughter, and plenty of New Orleans charm.
After all, in a city where every season feels like a celebration, Halloween is simply another chance for even our kiddos to let the good times roll, one piece of candy at a time.
