New Orleans City Guide: Attractions

National World War II Museum
945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA
(504) 528-1944
www.nationalww2museum.org/index.html
Hours: 9am-5pm (daily)
Price: Children (K-12th Grade): $12, College Student: $12, Adult: $21, Senior (age 65+): $18
Age Range: Baby, Toddler, Preschooler, Elementary, Tween, Teen

It was considered the war that changed the world, and now your family can experience why and what it means today. Founded in 2000 by historian and author of the bestseller Band of Brothers, Stephen Ambrose, the National World War II Museum showcases large artifacts from the war, the music and entertainment from that time, and even a soda shop. 

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
1 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA
www.auduboninstitute.org/visit/aquarium
Price: Children (ages 2-12): $14, Adults (ages 13-64): $21, Senior (ages 65+): $17
Hours: 10am-5pm (daily)
Age Range: Baby, Toddler, Preschooler, Elementary, Tween, Teen

New Orleans has an amazing connection to its waters, which is why a trip to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas to witness the gigantic shark, sting ray and tarpon - as part of the Aquarium’s famous, Gulf of Mexico Exhibit - makes it all complete. There are also sea turtles through the facility as part of the Louisiana Marine and Sea Turtle Rescue Program, where these get prepared to be released to the wild. 

Audubon Zoo (pictured above)
6500 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA
(504) 212-5301
www.auduboninstitute.org/visit/zoo
Hours: Monday-Friday: 10am-5pm, Saturday-Sunday: 10am-6pm
Price: Children (ages 2-12): $11, Adults (ages 13-64): $16, Senior (age 65+): $13
Age Range: Baby, Toddler, Preschooler, Elementary, Tween, Teen

Visiting the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans is like taking a quick, exotic trip around the world. With its mix of international animals, engaging educational programs, and hands-on animal encounters, you and your grandchildren could explore the deepest corners, or - with their unique natural habitat exhibits - the deepest swamps in all the land. Don't miss the sea lion and elephant presentations mysterious, or highly endangered whooping cranes. There’s even an Amur leopards and orangutans exhibit, as well as white alligators.  

Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
423 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA
(504) 410-2847
www.auduboninstitute.org/visit/insectarium#ref=topnav
Hours: 10am-5pm (daily)
Price: Children (ages 2-12): $11, Adults (ages 13-64): $16, Seniors (ages 65+): $13
Age Range: Baby, Toddler, Preschooler, Elementary, Tween, Teen

Why not spend a day showing your creepy crawlers some real creepy crawlers at Audubon Buttefly Garden and Insectarium, located in the U.S. Custom House on Canal Street. Families can wander through the mysterious Louisiana swamp and get shrunk to big size for all the fun. Selected as a “top museum for you and your kids” by CNN.com, this insectarium will not disappoint with enough learning and exploring to captivate all five senses.

New Orleans Wax Museum
917 Rue Conti, New Orleans, LA
(504) 525-2605
www.neworleanswaxmuseum.com
Hours: Monday, Friday, and Saturday: 10am-4pm
Price: Children (ages 4-7): $6, Adults (ages 8-64):  $7, Seniors (ages 65+): $6.25
Age Range: Baby, Toddler, Preschooler, Elementary, Tween, Teen

The New Orleans Wax Museum offers visitors everything from a rare look at life in Louisiana over 300 years ago, when none of the glamour and splendor was present, to the most recent influences of Jazz with Louis Armstrong and Jelly Roll Morton. Your grandchildren will see the history of this great city unfold before their very eyes. 

Louisiana Children's Museum
420 Julia Street, New Orleans, LA
(504) 523-1357
www.lcm.org
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday: 9:30am-4:30pm, Sunday: 12-4:30pm
Price: $8 per person
Age Range: Baby, Toddler, Preschooler, Elementary, Tween, Teen

The Louisiana Children’s Museum is a great escape for kids, but most importantly-grandparents. This 30,000 square feet facility is full of hands-on and interactive activities for kids. It offers programs on constellations and mythology, to geography and the environment using the latest technology and classrooms to facilitate learning.  

New Orleans Museum of Art
One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, New Orleans, LA
(504) 658-4100
www.noma.org
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 10am-5pm, Friday: 10am-9pm
Price: Children (ages 6-17): $6, Adults (ages 18-64): $10, Seniors (ages 65+): $8
Age Range: Baby, Toddler, Preschooler, Elementary, Tween, Teen

The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) is New Orleans’ oldest fine arts institution with an impressive permanent collection of almost 40,000 objects. This fine collection features French and American art, photography, glass, and African and Japanese works, including one of the most important sculpture installations in the United States, the five-acre Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. For your grandkids, the museum hosts a Saturday StoryQuest program that encourages museum exploration through storytime. 

Mahalia Jackson Theater
1419 Basin Street, New Orleans, LA
(504) 287-0351
www.mahaliajacksontheater.com
Hours:  Monday-Friday: 11am-5pm
Price: Ticket prices vary
Age Range: Elementary, Tween, Teen

Named after the famous gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson, this unique theater offers visitors a soulful glimpse to the world of jazz and gospel as it was in 1927, when performers like Jackson reigned supreme. Although the facility was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the theater has since regained its title as Armstrong Park’s unique, cultural landmark. 

Degas House
2306 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA
www.degashouse.com
Hours: By appointment only
Price: $15 per person
Age Range: Baby, Toddler, Preschooler, Elementary, Tween, Teen

In 1872, Edgar Degas, the renowned impressionist artist, traveled to visit his American family in New Orleans and remained there for six months. His visit has now become a legend in New Orleans, and the Degas House is home that telling point in history. Although it’s transformed now into a bed and breakfast, there are many paintings and letters that illustrate Degas’ brief stay there. 

Mississippi River
New Orleans Riverfront
Hours: Daily
Price: Free
Age Range: Baby, Toddler, Preschooler, Elementary, Tween, Teen

As early settlers traveled and built in New Orleans, they realized the beauty and benefits of the Mississippi River along its border. They built local spots, such as restaurants and hotels, along this strip to accommodate, making it the biggest port in the country. Today, it’s still a very busy location. Despite Hurricane Katrina’s damage in 2005, it’s home to the popular Steamboat Natchez Riverboat, The Creole Queen Cruise, and many other cultural hang outs. 

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