Who says there aren’t actual fun things you can do with a kid in New Orleans? While OffBeat wouldn’t recommend the French Quarter as the best spot to bring a little one, there are plenty of free and/or affordable things to do with kids in the New Orleans metro area that are off-the-beaten path.

Photo of cute cow via Sugar Roots Farm Instagram

SUGAR ROOTS FARM
What kid wouldn’t love to see ponies, goats, chickens, and more farm animals galore on their trip to New Orleans? This nonprofit is located on the West Bank and boasts vegetable and herb gardens, as well as a produce market. Open Saturdays and Sundays only from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., this nonprofit will definitely produce tons of smiles for your mini-me’s visiting The Crescent City. Note: This location is not easily accessible without a car but it is only 15 minutes from downtown New Orleans. For more information, visit their site here. 

LOUISIANA AUDUBON NATURE CENTER
Cheaper than its Audubon Zoo and Aquarium (which we still love and recommend!), the Louisiana Audubon Nature Center in New Orleans East is a more wallet-friendly, and usually less crowded option. The Nature Center has hiking trails galore alongside wildlife and geological exhibits. It also has a planetarium experience that even has a special Sesame Street-themed show earlier in the day. During the month of April, the Center has various free events for families that encourage Earth Day Awareness. Open Monday-Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., the Louisiana Audubon Nature Center has tickets available here.

EXPRESSIONS OF AMERICA LIGHT SHOW AT THE WORLD WAR II MUSEUM
Education is at the heart of the National World War II Museum mission—teaching the lessons of World War II so all generations can understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn. Available on select nights, Expressions of America is an immersive, outdoor sound and light show combining cutting-edge technology with the real stories of everyday people who made a tremendous impact during a time of monumental conflict. Select nights have free admission but otherwise, tickets begin at $15. Some nights even feature a Bob Hope tribute and live performance from The Victory Belles. Click here for details about this experience and general admission. Special note: For parents who may have children and/or family members with sensory sensitivities, the museum has specially designated admission times during the mornign that can be found via this link.

The World War II Museum Expressions of America has a laser light show, Bob Hope tribute, and more

HABANA OUTPOST
Thinking about what to eat with your kids while in New Orleans just got a lot easier. Habana Outpost, brought to you by Brooklyn restauranteur Sean Meehan, has affordable menu prices (tacos range from $4-$5 each), vegan options (the $12 plantain bowl is a must), and small outdoor water activities and large sized chess and checkers games. Inside, the kids can check out the amazing tree frog exhibit and geological maps while adults may appreciate the Banksy art adorning the interior. Located at the corner of Rampart and Esplanade, just outside of the Quarter, this is a great stop for lunch. Click here for the menu and more details.

The splash pad at Habana Outpost is open (via Habana Outpost Instagram)

HORSEBACK RIDE THROUGH AUDUBON PARK
Audubon Park is special in of itself, but nothing beats a trail ride on horseback to see the park from a different view. Admittedly, prices start at $40 per person, but if you can manage to book you and your family a reservation, this is one of the most remarkable ways to digest the beauty that is New Orleans. Note: Trail rides only operate Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. via Cascade Stables. Reservations are required. Details are available via this link.

LOUISIANA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM
While loud music and cocktail-guzzling adults aren’t great sensory experiences for kids, we can assure you that this museum is 100 percent great for kids. Admission is $18 and includes 56,000 ft of interactive exhibits that showcase the Mighty Mississippi and digging adventures and much more. Located inside City Park, the museum is closed only on Mondays and Tuesdays. Information can be found here. 

CAJUN ENCOUNTERS SWAMP TOUR
Kids aren’t going to remember Lafitte’s but the whole family will cherish a visit to this spectacular swamp tour. The whole family will have the opportunity to ride a boat through the swamp and see countless birds, alligators, raccoons, and more. There are shuttles that leave from French Quarter hotels or you can drive to the location. Allegedly, the Mama Odie Tree from Disney’s Princess and the Frog was inspired by a tree in the Honey River Swamp where this boat tour traverses. (Self-transport tickets are $23.99 per kid, $34.99 per adult; tips are encouraged for swamp guides.) Check them out now.

Mama Odie’s Tree from Disney’s Princess and the Frog (still via Disney Fan Wiki)

FOR THE TWEENS: FENG CHA & STONEY CLOVER LANE ON MAGAZINE STREET

Magazine Street is fun in and of itself, but it’s also chock full of Instagrammable/TikTok-ready photo ready sites with treats for your tweens. The Studio Ghibli & KPop lovers will cherish sweet drinks at Feng Cha, a tiny boba tea shop. Stoney Clover Lane carries NOLA-centric customizable gifts as well as Disney collabs. The famous Greetings from NOLA mural is located at 2014 Magazine Street where you’ll be able to pose your family for a memorable picture.