New Orleans City Guide With Kids

Location 
New Orleans, Louisiana


Accommodation 
Airbnb is normally the most popular option for families with children. If you decide to go with them, select one that is in a central location with easy access to kids attractions. One of he best neighborhoods for exploring is the Audubon Zoo area on the streetcar line. But if you want a hotel experience with the amenities that they offer there are some good options for you as well. Staying at Parkview Guest House on St. Charles Ave. puts Audubon Park in your backyard. Homewood Suites is located close to the Superdome in downtown New Orleans. They have one and two bedroom suites with a well equipped kitchen that includes a refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and microwave. The staff will even go grocery shopping for you so that the fridge is fully stocked when you arrive. Embassy Suites Hotel New Orleans And Lofts Club Tower is a short walk from the Convention Center on the Mississippi River. All rooms in this hotel are two room suites, so you can have a separate space to relax and unwind after you get the baby to sleep. 


Activities
There are many child friendly attractions throughout the city of New Orleans. If you are staying in the uptown area around Audubon Park and lucky enough to be on the streetcar line, you are in a great position to explore the city with children. Audubon Park is a beautiful 350 acre park that is home to numerous bird species. Perfect for walking around with overstimulated little ones. About 58 acres of the park houses the Audubon Zoo one of the best zoos in the US to explore. From Audubon Park you can take the streetcar down to the Audubon Aquarium  and Insectarium all of which are run by the Audubon Institute. Next check out the New Orleans Children's Museum located on Julia St. It is full of interactive exhibits that will keep your children entertained for hours.


Food
Food alone is a reason for people to make a trip to New Orleans with or without kids. It is a very warm and family oriented city so even the smallest visitors will be welcomed into restaurants. Start your day off at one of the amazing French Quarter cafes. Cafe Amelie on Royal Street in the Quarter has a beautiful courtyard seating area and exquisite cuisine. Not far away is Croissant D'Or located on Ursulines Ave, where you can find some amazing croissants and pastries. If you are looking for a great place to grab a po-boy, check out Parkway Bakery & Tavern. You won't regret trying the golden fried golf oyster po-boy. For dinner, If you find your way to the Uptown Carrollton area, one of the best representations of New Orleans food and culture is Jacques-Imo's. Popular with both tourists and locals, it's vibrant atmosphere and amazing food will make you crave it long after you leave New Orleans.


Transportation
Visiting New Orleans with children, it would be ideal to stay in a central location near the streetcar line. From the streetcar, you can access many child friendly attractions. If you have older kids, renting bikes could be a good option. Blue Bikes has bike stations in popular neighborhoods all over the city. If you need to travel further, ride sharing programs like Uber and Lyft work well and are used by many.


Child Care 
If you are looking to have an evening out without the kids, there are options to help you find reliable care for them while you're gone. Dependable Care and A Charmed Life Child Care are two agencies in the city that have good reviews. Hotels also provide in room care if you ask. As always, do your research until you are comfortable with whoever you chose.


Medical Service
If you are in need of medical services, there are a number of hospitals and urgent care facilities throughout the New Orleans area. Children's Hospital is located steps away from Audubon Zoo at 200 Henry Clay Avenue. Ochsner Health Center for Children is another good option located at 1315 Jefferson Hwy.