Beat the Heat
The city's well-known reputation for intense, humid weather leaves plenty of visitors struggling to cope, while locals often retreat indoors most days from June through August. Now, let's add your little ones to the mix. There are so many factors that parents think about when it comes to keeping kids cool during those hot months, but sticking them in front of the air conditioner all season long just won't cut it. Luckily, there are still plenty of ways to stay cool while experiencing everything the city has to offer.
Here's your ultimate New Orleans-style list of the best kid-friendly ways to beat the heat while still soaking up everything that makes the city special.
Dive Into Cool Indoor Adventures
On days when the sun is relentless, head straight for the AC.
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is a guaranteed win. Kids can press up against glass tunnels to watch sharks glide overhead. They can explore touch pools and lose themselves in a colorful underwater world. All in all, they will stay cool for hours.
You can also take a ride over to City Park to visit the Louisiana Children's Museum, where younger kids can splash, build, and explore interactive exhibits designed just for them. It's playful, yet educational, and is a lifesaver on brutally hot afternoons.
Locals know that when it comes to those summer months, the Aquarium, Children's Museum, and the Zoo are the holy trinity of kid outings.
Let Them Run Wild in Creative Spaces
New Orleans doesn't do boring—that includes indoor activities, as well.
At JAMNOLA, kids can move freely through bright, immersive art rooms that allow them to be one with the art work. It's colorful chaos in the best way.
Older kids and tweens will love the mind-bending fun at the Museum of Illusions New Orleans, where puzzles, trick rooms, and optical illusions keep them thinking and laughing.
Burn Energy at Indoor Play Spots
Sometimes, kids just need to move and get out of the house. Sometimes, however, the brutally hot outside isn't an option.
Places such bounce houses and trampoline parks offer high-energy fun in a fully air-conditioned space. It's loud, it's active, and it's exactly what you need when cabin fever hits.
For quieter downtime, local libraries offer storytime, crafts, and a calm, cool reset. When everyone's ready to sit still, catch a daytime movie at the historic Prytania Theatre on Prytania Street. It's a classic New Orleans experience that never gets old.
Make a Splash at Water Parks & Spray Grounds
If you can't avoid the heat, embrace it.
The Cool Zoo at the Audubon Zoo is a summer must. There are lazy rivers, splash zones, and shaded cabanas for parents to relax under.
Over on the Westbank, Parc des Familles delivers a massive spray park perfect for running, playing, and cooling off.
Also, don't overlook Lafreniere Park in Metairie, where the spray park is often free and always packed with families looking to beat the heat without breaking the bank.
Find Shade in New Orleans' Beautiful Parks
Even though it's summer, the outdoors shouldn't be completely off-limits.
City Park is full of shady oak trees and kid-friendly attractions such as Storyland and playgrounds. For the uptowners, Audubon Park offers wide green spaces, shaded spots, and several playgrounds that are perfect for a laid-back afternoon. While in Audubon, you can also spend time exploring animals at the Audubon Zoo.
Lastly, don't forget to catch a cool breeze from the river while visiting the new Goldring Woldenberg Riverfront Park with loads of fun for the whole family to enjoy.
Cool Off the Sweet Way with Sno-Balls
No New Orleans summer is complete without a sno-ball.
If you decide to visit a park, you'll certainly want a tasty treat that will cool your family down. The local tradition is a summertime favorite.
The fluffy shaved ice treat allows for your kiddos to drown it in a syrup of their choice, from rainbow, wedding cake, classic strawberry, and much more. Add a little condensed milk or ice cream if you're feeling fancy.
Escape Into the Arts and History
When it's just too hot to function, go full indoor culture mode.
Catch a film at Prytania Theatres at Canal Place, or enjoy a live performance at venues such as the Saenger Theatre.
Art lovers can wander through the New Orleans Museum of Art or dive into history at the National WWII Museum. There are many museums and kid-friendly art and culture experiences that are cool, quiet, and calm.
Ride, Roll, or Tour the City (Smartly)
Early morning or evening bike rides through shady neighborhoods such as the Garden District or Mid-City can be surprisingly pleasant. You can even opt for a classic horse-drawn carriage ride through the French Quarter for a breezy, relaxed way to see the sights.
There are also many city tours that explore everything from history and culture to all things supernatural.
Pick Activities by Age
While there were many activities mentioned, remember that not all outings are created equal. Different ages require different things, so here's a handy breakdown:
Toddlers: Louisiana Children's Museum, splash pads, indoor play gyms
Elementary kids: Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, Cool Zoo, JAMNOLA
Tweens: Museum of Illusions New Orleans, theaters, arcades, interactive exhibits
Also remember that in New Orleans, summer heat is just part of the experience, but it doesn't have to slow you down. With the right mix of air-conditioned escapes, splashy adventures, shaded parks, and sweet treats, you can turn even the hottest day into something memorable. Because, here, even beating the heat is done with style, flavor, and fun.
