Free
Activities
Year Round!
There are many ways to enjoy the sights and sounds of New Orleans with your family free of charge!
- Walk around the Jackson Square area during the day and you'll see street performers playing musical instruments and tap dancing.
- Check out the area right across from Jackson Square with steps leading to the Moonwalk -- it is frequented by mimes to musicians to unicyclists performing a variety of acts for the gathering crowd.
- Watch the many artists who set up shop every day in Pirate's Alley and around the square; you'll see them create new paintings and portraits and display their artwork.
- Visit the French Market where local artisans set up shop and where fresh fruit is sold
- Be sure to pass by the open air gazebo near the French Market where you will hear live jazz during the day when the weather is nice. On your way, let the kids watch pralines being made through the store window.
- Stroll through the French Market where Mardi Gras masks and souvenirs made by local craftsmen are on display during the day.
- Don't miss the streetcar ($1.25 person, children 2 and under FREE) on St. Charles Avenue with oak trees lining the street ... it will take your family for an open air ride through the Garden District where many beautiful mansions and their gardens are located. Great way to get to the Audubon Zoo!
- Check out the numerous city and state operated parks in New Orleans, as well as those operated by the National Park Service.
Browsing the Shops:
- Riverwalk Marketplace
Located along the Mississippi, Riverwalk Marketplace is the premier family-friendly shopping, dining and entertainment attraction in the heart of downtown New Orleans. With more than 100 shops and eateries, Riverwalk is jam packed with kid-friendly retail stores and food court restaurants that have a large variety of family favorites like pizza, fried chicken, ice cream and much more. For more information about Riverwalk visit www.RiverwalkMarketplace.com or call 504.522.1555. Coupon Available!
Note: Remember that parts of the French Quarter have places of business prominently R (and even X!) rated. Arrange your visit ahead of time if you plan to visit the Quarter so you can avoid these areas.
Click here to check out New Orleans Famous Pralines!