(More) Places to Take Children in New Orleans Tuesday, Sep 11 2007 

Children and New Orleans nannylauren 3:36 pm

I ran out of time yesterday when posting, so I’ve decided to continue posting on the top places to take children in New Orleans… if you are a local, be sure to check all of these out– they are some of the GREAT places that I grew up visiting and that I visit now with children of all ages!

The first four have detailed descriptions in yesterday’s post… but #5 on is all the new stuff! :)

  1. Audubon Zoo
  2. Storyland at City Park
  3. Cafe Luna
  4.  Swamp Boat Tour
  5. Aquarium of the Americas- A definite Must-See!  Tons of exhibits including an aquatic tunnel filled with fish, sting-rays, and sharks of the Caribbean Reef!  Adventure Island is a NEW play-zone featuring lots of exhibits to climb on, in, under, and over!  The best part of Adventure Island is definitely the sting-ray pool, designed to let visitors get up close and personal with sting rays by touching and feeding them!  The sea otters exhibit will also be a big hit with children!  The Aquarium of the Americas is located in the Historic French Quarter, so make a day of it by taking a ride on the John James Audubon river boat or the Canal Street streetcar, walking a few blocks to Cafe du Monde for beginets, or just walking through the Quarter!
  6. Mule-Drawn Carriage Ride- A great way to experience the French Quarter for the first time!  Royal Carriages was started in 1941 and is still a family-owned business.  Your carriage will pick you up at Jackson Square on Decatur Street in the French Quarter and will take you for a half-hour tour of the Quater for $50.00.  Children will enjoy the wonderful sights, sounds, and SMELLS of the French Quarter!  It’s unlike anything they see on a regular basis!
  7. Cafe du Monde- This historic French Quarter location will always be near and dear to my heart.  I can remember visiting as a child with my parents and enjoying the powdered sugar covered treats!  I can also remember blowing powdered sugar all over my sister– oh wait, I still do that! :)   Makes a great cheap dessert or breakfast, with all of the French Quarter charm.  Located at 800 Decatur Street, it’s right next to Jackson Square.  If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a local musician or band playing jazz music right in the street!
  8. Steamboat/Riverboat Cruise- This New Orleans steamboat company offers two riverboat cruises on the Mississippi River.  The Natchez offers dinner cruises and harbor cruises, the latter being more fun and less sit-down for children.  The John James Audubon offers a seven mile river cruise between the Audubon Zoo and the Aquarium of the Americas!  Make a day of it and start at the Zoo, cruise to the Aquarium, and take the streetcar back!

Well, that’s all for now… I’ll continue to add more as I have time!

 

Top Things to do with Kids in New Orleans Tuesday, Sep 11 2007 

Children and New Orleans nannylauren 1:03 am

Well… I thought I’d make a list of the best, most child-friendly places in New Orleans.  If you’re new to the city, visiting, or even a seasoned local, be sure to visit these wonderful places with your children!  These are spots that I have loved as a child and even now, enjoy as a nanny!

  1. Audubon Zoo- I know, I know… It’s such a typical attraction, but really, the Audubon Zoo is a GREAT zoo with a wonderful calendar of events year-round!  Coming up in October, one of my personal favorites, Boo at the Zoo.  Seriously… you can’t ask for better good-clean-family-fun than this one!  If you’re in town… Check it out!!
  2. Storyland at City Park- This is such a fun place, especially for children who know all the classic fairytales!  Storyland is a charming fairytale playground featuring 20+ large fairytale sculptures, it is currently only open on the weekends. Storyland is located at Victory Ave., New Orleans, La 70112.
  3. Cafe Luna- Cafe Luna is a wonderful uptown coffee house/cheap eats place with a kids cafe, free wi-fi, lending library, and large front porch.  Cafe Luna accepts credit cards (whoo hoo!), and is a wonderful place to just relax!
  4. Swamp Boat Tour- a 2-hour paddleboat ride through southern Louisiana swamplands.  A Louisiana local guide drives the boat and gives the tour. A great way to show children the natural wonders of Louisiana, and a personal favorite pastime.  Jean Lafitte Swamp Tours also offers transportation to/from local hotels.  See website for more information on pickups, prices, and other information!

Alright… more to come!