Family Friendly French Quarter

If you are driving to the French Quarter, the public parking closest to Jackson Square is a good place to start. Parking prices vary by time parked.

As you walk from your parking spot towards Cafe du Monde and the French Market, look for the St. Louis Cathedral, wander through the park and tour the Cathedral area if interested. In front of the St. Louis Cathedral, you will see local street artists as well as horse and carriage rides.

Cafe du Monde is home to those famous French doughnuts known as beignets. Get there early and expect to stand in line to get a table. If you stop by for a snack in the middle of the day, the line will not be as long as it is in the morning. You can skip the table line by getting into the takeout line. The servers will often stop by the takeout line and take your to go order and bring you the order more quickly.

Address: 1039 Decatur Street
Phone: 504-525-4544
Admission: Price varies with order (We can feed our family of four for around 10 dollars.)
Hours of Operation: Open daily, 24 hours a day

The French Market Flea Market is a great place to pick up inexpensive souvenirs. Wander through the Farmer's Market and pick up a healthy snack or the makings of a delicious lunch. There are scheduled cooking demonstrations and musicians.

Address: Decatur Street and St. Peter Street
Phone: 504-522-2621
Admission: Free
Hours of Operation: Flea Market is open daily 7am to 7pm; Farmer's Market is open daily 10am to 6pm

If you want cruise down the Mississippi on a paddleboat, the Steamboat Natchez offers two hour jazz cruises and dinner cruises. When you wander towards the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas(which is the next stop), be sure to look for the Steamboat Natchez and if you are lucky you will be treated to the sounds of the calliope.

Address: 400 Toulouse Street
Phone: 504-586-8777
Admission: Cruises begin at $24.50 per adult and $12.25 per child
Hours of Operation: Cruises depart daily

This aquarium is home to penguins, otters, jellyfish, seahorses, fish of all kinds, and more. There are animals native to the New Orleans area such as alligators in the Mississippi River Gallery and you will be mesmerized by the Caribbean waters in the walk through tunnel. Visit the cownose rays in the touch tank and let the kids play in Adventure Island with the various interactive activities.

Address: #1 Canal Street
Phone: 504-581-4629
Admission: Adults $19.95; Children (2-12) $12.95; Seniors $15.95; Bundle the Aquarium, Zoo, and Insectarium-Adults $39.95; Children and Seniors $24.95
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5pm

The Insectarium is full of all things associated with creepy crawlies. The Underground Gallery will make you feel like you are the size of a bug as you explore what it would be like to live underground. There are all sorts of bugs of all sizes in the main hall of the Insectarium where you can learn more about the history of bugs. Watch the movie in the Terminex Immersion Theater where you will be treated to a multi-sensory experience. If you are daring enough, you can buy a snack made from bugs in the Tiny Termite Cage. Our favorite part of the Insectarium is the Butterflies in Flight exhibit where hundreds of butterflies fly around you in the peaceful garden.

When you are finished exploring the Insectarium, exit and turn to your right. When you get to Decatur Street, turn right again and eat a late lunch at one of the many family friendly restaurants you will walk past on your way to your car.

Address: 423 Canal Street
Phone: 504-581-4629
Admission: Adults $15.95; Children 2-12 $10.95; Seniors $12.95; Bundle the Aquarium, Zoo, and Insectarium-Adults $39.95; Children and Seniors $24.95
Hours of Operation: Tuesday to Sunday 10am-5pm

Burgers, sandwiches, and loud music are just a few things you will find at House of Blues. The House of Blues New Orleans is home to 298 pieces of folk art, making it home to the largest folk art collection in the country.

Address: 225 Decatur Street
Phone: 504-310–4999

This restaurant will entertain the kids with the different decorations and movie memorabilia. The parents will be happy with both the price and the menu choices.

Address: 429 Decatur Street
Phone: 504-522-5800

If you are looking for more than just a burger (but they have a good burger, too!), the Crescent City Brewhouse has choices like shrimp n' grits, jambalaya, and grilled tuna salad.

Address: 527 Decatur Street
Phone: 504-522-0571