Best Free Things to Do in New Orleans with Kids

Welcome to New Orleans, the vibrant heart of Louisiana, where every cobblestone street whispers tales of jazz, Creole flavors, and rich history. While the city certainly has its share of splurge-worthy experiences, the Big Easy also truly lives up to its name for families seeking adventure without emptying their wallets. Beyond the iconic paid attractions, a wealth of free experiences awaits, inviting curious young minds and seasoned explorers alike to soak up the unique culture. From rhythmic street performances and stunning architectural marvels to sprawling green spaces perfect for a romp, New Orleans offers countless ways to create lasting family memories without spending a dime. This guide is your compass to navigating the city’s soulful charm on a budget, proving that some of the best free things to do in New Orleans with kids, and in NOLA, truly are free.

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Free Activity Calendar: Seasonal Highlights

New Orleans keeps the good times rolling year-round, and much of the merriment comes with no admission fee, making it ideal for budget-conscious families. For a customized plan, consider using a personalized itinerary generator for New Orleans to help plan your visit. There are so many free things to do in New Orleans with kids throughout the year!

Spring (March-May): Wednesdays at the Square

This popular free concert series takes over Lafayette Square, offering live music, local food vendors (food costs extra, but entry and music are free), and a festive community atmosphere. It is a perfect way to enjoy the pleasant spring weather and introduce kids to diverse local tunes. The lively outdoor setting makes it easy for families to relax and enjoy the rhythm.

Summer (June-August): Satchmo SummerFest

While parts of this festival may have a fee, the outdoor stages and lively atmosphere in and around the French Quarter, celebrating the legacy of Louis Armstrong, often feature abundant free live jazz performances and cultural experiences that families can enjoy without a ticket. It is a fantastic way to experience authentic New Orleans music and the city’s vibrant spirit. Keep an eye out for parades and impromptu street performances that add to the fun.

Fall (September-November): Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival

Held in Lafayette Square, this festival boasts multiple stages of free live blues and R&B music, alongside a tempting array of barbecue vendors. Entry to the festival grounds and access to all musical performances are completely free, creating a lively backdrop for a fall family outing. It is a relaxed event perfect for spreading out a blanket and enjoying some fantastic tunes.

Winter (December-February): Caroling in Jackson Square

A truly magical and free New Orleans tradition, Caroling in Jackson Square takes place in mid-December. Families can gather by candlelight, sing along to holiday classics, and soak in the festive atmosphere with the illuminated St. Louis Cathedral as a backdrop. It is a heartwarming and unforgettable experience that captures the unique charm of a New Orleans holiday season.

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The Best Free Experiences

Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral

At the heart of the French Quarter, Jackson Square is a lively public park surrounded by historic buildings and dotted with artists and street performers. Dominating the square is the magnificent St. Louis Cathedral Basilica, an architectural marvel you can often enter for a quiet moment of contemplation. This spot is a cultural hub, buzzing with energy and history, and provides many free things to do in New Orleans with kids.

• Toddlers: There is plenty of open space for little ones to run (while supervised), watch street artists draw, listen to musicians, and chase pigeons.
• School-Age: Observing street performers, such as magicians and musicians, offers endless entertainment. Kids can also engage in a scavenger hunt looking for specific architectural details or artist styles.
• Teens: The square offers excellent photo opportunities for social media, a chance to soak in the bohemian atmosphere, sketch artists, and appreciate the historic significance of the square and cathedral.
• Parent Logistics: Public restrooms are available in nearby commercial buildings, though sometimes for a small fee or requiring customer access. The area is mostly flat and stroller-friendly, though crowds can make maneuvering difficult during peak hours. It is best to visit in the morning to beat the heat and crowds.

New Orleans City Park

One of the largest urban parks in the United States, City Park offers an incredible escape into nature and recreation. It is home to ancient oak trees, serene lagoons, open fields, and numerous playgrounds. While some attractions like Storyland and Carousel Gardens are paid, vast areas including the New Orleans Museum of Art’s Besthoff Sculpture Garden (exterior views) and Couturie Forest are free to explore, making it one of the top free things to do in New Orleans with kids.

• Toddlers: You will find multiple playgrounds (one near the Storyland entrance, another near the Botanical Garden entrance), wide-open spaces to run, and opportunities for duck feeding by the lagoons (remember to bring birdseed!).
• School-Age: Kids can enjoy exploring the “singing oak,” climbing trees (with caution), spotting local wildlife, and navigating trails in Couturie Forest.
• Teens: This is a great spot for jogging or biking the expansive paths, photography of the majestic oaks and sculptures, finding quiet spots for reading or contemplation, or simply enjoying the vast green space.
• Parent Logistics: Numerous restrooms are available throughout the park, including near playgrounds. It is very stroller-friendly with paved paths. Mornings are best for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, especially on weekends.

Audubon Park

Nestled Uptown, Audubon Park is another magnificent urban oasis, celebrated for its iconic “Tree of Life” – a sprawling oak tree perfect for climbing and exploration. The park features vast green lawns, a picturesque lagoon, a walking/jogging path, and modern playgrounds. It is a tranquil retreat perfect for active families looking for free things to do in New Orleans with kids.

• Toddlers: The park offers fantastic playgrounds, ample soft grass for tumbling, and gentle paths ideal for learning to ride a scooter or tricycle.
• School-Age: The Tree of Life serves as a natural climbing gym. Kids can also enjoy open fields for tag, frisbee, or soccer, and explore the lagoon area for turtles and birds.
• Teens: Activities include running or biking the 1.8-mile loop, photography of the ancient oaks, finding quiet spots for reflection, or picnicking with friends.
• Parent Logistics: Restrooms are located near the St. Charles Avenue entrance and the Freret Street side. The park is highly stroller-friendly with flat, paved paths. Mornings and late afternoons are ideal to avoid the midday sun.

French Quarter Exploration

Simply wandering the historic streets of the French Quarter is a free sensory delight. Marvel at the ornate cast-iron balconies, listen to impromptu street jazz, admire local artists at work, and soak in the vibrant, eclectic atmosphere. Every turn reveals a new detail, from hidden courtyards to colorful facades, making it an endless source of free things to do in New Orleans with kids.

• Toddlers: They will enjoy the sounds of street musicians, people-watching, and the overall stimulating environment, though it can be overstimulating for some.
• School-Age: Kids can spot different architectural details, listen to storytellers, try to identify different musical instruments, and window shop for souvenirs.
• Teens: This area offers excellent street photography opportunities, a chance to discover unique boutiques and art galleries (window shopping), experience the city’s pulse, and find their own hidden gems.
• Parent Logistics: The French Quarter can be very crowded; it is best tackled with a stroller that can navigate uneven sidewalks or a carrier for toddlers. Restrooms are scarce but available in cafes or public facilities, sometimes requiring a purchase. Early mornings are best for quieter exploration, or late afternoon for the beginning of the evening buzz.

Garden District Walking Tour

Stroll through the elegant, oak-lined streets of the Garden District to admire some of the South’s most stunning historic mansions. This area offers a captivating glimpse into opulent 19th-century architecture and lush landscaping, feeling like an open-air museum. It is a peaceful way to experience the city’s beauty and one of the wonderful free things to do in New Orleans with kids.

• Toddlers: Wide sidewalks are good for pushing strollers or letting little ones walk, admiring colorful flowers and grand trees.
• School-Age: Kids can point out interesting architectural features like turrets and columns, imagine who lived in these grand houses, and engage in a “find the most elaborate porch” game.
• Teens: This tour is great for photography of the stunning homes, an appreciation for historical architecture, learning about the area’s past, and enjoying a peaceful walk away from the French Quarter’s bustle.
• Parent Logistics: The district is mostly flat and stroller-friendly. Restrooms are limited to occasional cafes or shops on Magazine Street. It is best enjoyed in the morning or late afternoon to avoid direct sun and heat.

Algiers Point Ferry & Neighborhood

Take the free Algiers Point ferry (pedestrians only) across the Mississippi River for breathtaking views of the New Orleans skyline. Once across, explore Algiers Point, a charming historic neighborhood with quaint streets, colorful Creole cottages, and a relaxed, small-town feel, offering a different perspective of the city. This unique outing is among the most enjoyable free things to do in New Orleans with kids.

• Toddlers: The ferry ride itself is an adventure, perfect for watching the boats on the river, and then a safe, quiet neighborhood to wander.
• School-Age: Kids will enjoy the boat ride, looking for tugboats and cargo ships, and exploring the unique architecture of Algiers Point’s historic homes.
• Teens: This experience offers fantastic panoramic photos of the skyline, a chance to explore a less touristy part of NOLA, and an appreciation for the slower pace and historic charm.
• Parent Logistics: The ferry is easily accessible and stroller-friendly. Restrooms are available at the ferry terminals and some local establishments in Algiers Point. Be sure to check ferry schedules for convenience.

New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park

This unique National Historical Park is not a traditional museum but rather a celebration of New Orleans jazz through interpretive programs, ranger talks, and occasional free musical demonstrations. It offers an authentic, educational, and often musical experience about the birthplace of jazz, making it a culturally rich option among the free things to do in New Orleans with kids.

• Toddlers: Little ones will enjoy the spontaneous music, clapping along to rhythms, and the engaging (though perhaps short) ranger presentations.
• School-Age: Kids can learn about jazz instruments and famous musicians, participate in interactive talks, and understand the cultural significance of the music.
• Teens: This park is excellent for appreciating the history and cultural impact of jazz, potentially learning about local musicians, and finding inspiration in the improvisational art form.
• Parent Logistics: Located in the French Quarter, so parking can be difficult. It is stroller-friendly indoors. Restrooms are available. Check their website for current program schedules, as performances can be sporadic.

Woldenberg Riverfront Park

Stretching along the Mississippi River, Woldenberg Riverfront Park offers open green space, pedestrian paths, and prime viewing spots for the river’s constant procession of steamboats, barges, and ocean liners. It is a great place to feel the breeze and watch the world go by on the mighty Mississippi, providing plenty of tranquil free things to do in New Orleans with kids.

• Toddlers: This park offers wide-open space to run, watch the boats on the river, and enjoy the cooling breeze.
• School-Age: Kids can identify different types of boats, discuss the river’s importance, or enjoy a picnic on the grass.
• Teens: Great for photography of the river and skyline, a peaceful spot for reflection, or a good place to listen to music and relax.
• Parent Logistics: Very stroller-friendly with wide, paved paths. Restrooms are available near the Aquarium of the Americas (though you do not need to enter it). It is easy to access from the French Quarter.

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

As one of New Orleans’ oldest and most atmospheric cemeteries, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in the Garden District offers a unique look into the city’s burial customs with its elaborate above-ground tombs. A self-guided walk through this historic site is a hauntingly beautiful and educational experience, one of the more unique free things to do in New Orleans with kids.

• Toddlers: This can be a bit spooky or dull; it is best for older toddlers who can walk without a stroller. Focus on the interesting shapes of the tombs.
• School-Age: Kids can discuss history and traditions, look for specific dates or names, and appreciate the unique art and symbolism of the crypts.
• Teens: Excellent for photography, historical research, contemplating mortality and cultural differences, or simply enjoying the serene, eerie beauty.
• Parent Logistics: Paths are uneven and can be muddy; it is not very stroller-friendly. Restrooms are not available inside the cemetery, but nearby cafes might offer them. Be respectful and mindful of the solemnity of the place. Check opening hours as they can vary.

The Pontchartrain Lakefront

Escape the city’s hustle and bustle with a trip to the Lake Pontchartrain Lakefront. This expansive area offers miles of walking and biking paths, fishing piers, and playgrounds with fantastic views of the lake. It is a refreshing change of pace and a favorite spot for locals, and one of the expansive free things to do in New Orleans with kids.

• Toddlers: There are wide, safe paths for walking, numerous playgrounds, and the chance to watch boats and birds by the water.
• School-Age: Activities include biking, scooter riding, fishing (with a license for adults), exploring the piers, and enjoying the open space for games.
• Teens: This spot is perfect for running, cycling, photography of sunsets over the lake, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water with friends.
• Parent Logistics: There is ample free parking. Multiple public restrooms and water fountains are available along the lakefront. It is extremely stroller-friendly with smooth, paved surfaces. Best visited on clear days, and it is generally less crowded than downtown areas.

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Curated Free Walking Routes for Every Energy Level

New Orleans is a city best explored on foot, and these routes are designed to offer diverse experiences without costing a cent. These walks are great for discovering more free things to do in New Orleans with kids at your own pace.

The “Stroller-Friendly” Loop: Riverfront Breeze & Jackson Square Glimpse

This easy, flat path begins at the foot of Canal Street along the Woldenberg Riverfront Park. Follow the paved promenade south, enjoying views of the mighty Mississippi River and passing ships. You will reach the edge of the French Quarter, where you can cut inland slightly to catch glimpses of Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral from the periphery, enjoying the street performers before looping back along the same scenic river path. Landmarks include the historic streetcar tracks (be careful of passing cars and tracks!), various statues, and the bustling activity of the river.

The “Teen-Approved” Urban Trek: French Quarter Grit to Marigny Groove

Start your journey deep in the vibrant French Quarter at Jackson Square, soaking in the energy. Weave through the Quarter’s back streets (away from Bourbon) to discover hidden courtyards, vibrant street art, and unique architecture. Continue your adventure eastward into the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood. Here, you will find a younger, more artistic vibe, with colorful Creole cottages, more eclectic street art, and the buzz of Frenchmen Street, famous for its live music (free to listen from outside many clubs). This route offers endless photo opportunities, cool shops to window-shop, and a genuine feel for two distinct, yet equally soulful, New Orleans neighborhoods.

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A 5-Day “Free & Easy” Itinerary

This itinerary maximizes free experiences, allowing your family to deeply connect with New Orleans’ unique spirit without opening your wallet. This plan highlights many wonderful free things to do in New Orleans with kids, ensuring a memorable and budget-friendly trip. For more planning resources, explore our comprehensive family travel guides.

Day 1: The Iconic Core

Morning: Begin your day at Jackson Square. Let the kids marvel at street performers and artists. Visit the interior of St. Louis Cathedral for a quiet, awe-inspiring moment.

Afternoon: Immerse yourselves in the sights and sounds of the French Quarter Exploration, wandering streets like Royal and Chartres. There’s so much to see that costs nothing at all. You can also discover more things to do in New Orleans with kids here.

Evening: Catch more street performances in Jackson Square as the sun sets, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

Day 2: Green Spaces & Great Views

Morning: Head Uptown for an expansive morning at Audubon Park. Climb the “Tree of Life” and enjoy the playgrounds. It’s a perfect spot for kids to burn off some energy.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely Garden District Walking Tour, admiring the grand mansions and lush scenery. It’s like stepping back in time.

Evening: Enjoy a simple picnic dinner in Audubon Park, taking advantage of the beautiful surroundings.

Day 3: Riverfront & Across the Mississippi

Morning: Start your day at Woldenberg Riverfront Park, watching the ships on the Mississippi. The constant movement on the river is captivating for all ages.

Afternoon: Board the Algiers Point Ferry (free for pedestrians) for incredible skyline views, then explore the charming, historic neighborhood of Algiers Point on foot. It offers a unique perspective of the city.

Evening: Watch the sunset over the city from Algiers Point, then ferry back as the city lights twinkle, creating a magical end to the day. For more on transportation, check out getting around New Orleans with kids.

Day 4: Park Delights & Art

Morning: Explore the vast New Orleans City Park. Enjoy the extensive playgrounds and wander around the exterior of the Besthoff Sculpture Garden. There are so many free things to do in New Orleans with kids in this park alone!

Afternoon: Head to the New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park for a free ranger talk or program, diving into the city’s musical roots. It’s an educational and engaging experience.

Evening: Relax in City Park, letting the kids play on the playgrounds or simply enjoy the open space under the magnificent oak trees.

Day 5: Markets & Local Neighborhoods

Morning: Explore the Pontchartrain Lakefront, enjoying the open air, playgrounds, and lake views. It’s a wonderful place to feel a cool breeze and watch the local scene.

Afternoon: Take a self-guided exploration of Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 for a fascinating historical walk (check operating hours first). The unique above-ground tombs offer a glimpse into New Orleans’ past.

Evening: Wander around Magazine Street, window shopping and soaking in the local neighborhood vibe before heading home. You will find unique local shops and cafes.

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Pro-Tip: Making the Most of New Orleans on a Budget

New Orleans, while famously spirited, can be surprisingly budget-friendly if you know the local hacks. Hydration is key in the Southern heat; carry reusable water bottles – tap water is safe and readily available in many establishments if you ask nicely. Keeping your kids hydrated is essential, especially when exploring the many free things to do in New Orleans with kids.

Keep an eye on local event calendars, often found in free publications like Gambit or online community guides, for pop-up festivals, free outdoor concerts, or public workshops that might coincide with your visit. These impromptu events often offer some of the most authentic and memorable NOLA experiences without any cost.

Many museums offer specific free admission days for local residents; while not always applicable to visitors, it is worth checking their websites before your trip. You might stumble upon a free entry day for everyone, which would be a fantastic bonus.

Public transportation, like the iconic streetcars, is not free but offers an incredibly cheap way to sightsee and get around, sometimes serving as entertainment in itself. A ride on a historic streetcar provides beautiful views of the city’s different neighborhoods for just a few dollars.

Lastly, embrace the city’s street culture: impromptu jazz sessions, captivating artists, and lively parades often burst forth without a cover charge, offering authentic NOLA experiences at no cost. You can learn more about packing smartly by checking out our guides on best kids luggage, best compact airline-friendly strollers, ultimate guide travel car seats for kids, best kids backpacks travel guide, and don’t forget best sunscreen for kids travel.

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