New Orleans makes the music.
You make the memories.
April 23–26 & April 30–May 3, 2026
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival — better known as Jazz Fest — is part of growing up in New Orleans. And while it might seem like more work than fun to have the little ones in tow for an event like this, most parents we know wouldn’t have it any other way. You’ve gotta start them on the Zydeco early!
If you do decide to Jazz Fest with the fam, here are a few tips. You might want to bring a beach blanket or a chair with an umbrella for quick naps. If you’re worried about music levels on your little one’s ears, throw some ear muffs or headphones into the stroller. And invest in a pair of those cute little rain boots, just in case.
The Official Jazz Fest Shuttle will get you right inside the gate. Once inside, head for less crowded stages like the Jazz & Heritage and Fais Do-Do stages. Plus, the Blues and Gospel tents offer chairs. And don’t forget the Jazz Fest Kids Area! Your children will love the Ochsner Children’s Tent with shows specifically tailored for kids.
The Cultural Arts Tent is a great place to get those creative juices flowing. Your kids will be able to work with Mardi Gras flower makers, float painters and builders, papier-mâché sculptors, puppeteers, costume makers and more. Each Saturday at 2 p.m., a petit carnival parade rolls through the area — and your kids can join in!
There’s also the Ochsner Children’s Activity Tent offering fun STEM-focused health and wellness activities. The Interactive Technology Tent lets kids play with motion graphics using props and a green screen. And the JF Peace Garden offers mindful movement, games and activities that encourage quiet observation and gentle sensory play. Have a tween in your household? They can take part in a Silent Disco Dance Party from 3–5 p.m. daily.
And all this is just the tip of the iceberg! Some people might recommend going on Thursdays or Fridays to avoid the larger crowds, but some of the best acts are on the weekend — so we say, just go for it.
Photo credit: Missy Fields Dalton
<<Learn More About Jazz Fest/See 2025 Lineup>>
<<Find a Hotel for Jazz Fest>>
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Lend us your bunny ears!
This April 4th or 5th, hop down the Bunny Trail with Old Man River. On the Easter Bunny Brunch Jazz Cruise on the Steamboat NATCHEZ or the Riverboat City of New Orleans, your family will have a blast getting your pictures taken with the Easter Bunny, dancing to live jazz, and nibbling away at an eggcellent brunch buffet. And, of course, there are those great river views. This is how you make Easter memories that will last a lifetime.
Reservations are required. Learn more and book here.
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April 16-19, 2026
French Quarter Fest in the Vieux Carré is “The Largest Showcase of Louisiana Music in the World.” Not only is it FREE, but it’s a great opportunity to introduce your kids to the music and culture you love. If you’re a family of runners (or strollers), there’s also a new 5K this year.
And along with fantastic music and New Orleans’ food from places like Tujague’s, New Orleans School of Cooking, and Landry’s Seafood House, The Chevron Children’s STEM Zone is expected to be back in 2026. This fun/educational area is designed to stimulate the mind while incorporating elements of “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).
Want to make the event extra fun? Purchase passes for the Fest Family VIP Experience. Perks include hospitality lounges, an elevated viewing stand, air-conditioned bathrooms, and private bars. Check out frenchquarterfest.org to learn more.
Photo by Zack Smith Photography, Courtesy of French Quarter Festivals, Inc.
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Thinking of building or buying a Mardi Gras ladder for your kids to use during parade season? You’re thinking like a local! Whether you love ladders or hate them, unless the city decides to ban them, you’re going to see them on the parade route. Most parents wouldn’t have it any other way.
Mardi Gras ladders are a great way for kids to get the best view of Mardi Gras–and for the float riders to get the best view of the kids! As you might suspect, kids on ladders score the best throws, but there is a downside–ladders can be dangerous. They can be accidentally knocked down, hurting not only the kid on the ladder but the people down below. They could even fall in front of a moving float.
When using a ladder, it’s important to be courteous and follow the rules. For instance, ladders cannot block a sidewalk or an intersection. What’s more, you are legally required to place your ladder at least six feet from the curb. An adult should supervise the ladder at all times. To ensure stability, most parents will stand on the ladder when their kids are on top.
How to Make a Ladder
Most hardware stores in New Orleans sell kits. All the hardware is there–you just have to attach the box and add the wheels and straps. Some parents prefer to build their own box. Click here to find find everything you need to know to make your own Mardi Gras ladder.
Like we said, your child’s safety, as well as the safety of those around you, is key when building a Mardi Gras ladder. When you make your own ladder, you know you’re using quality materials. Plus, you can decorate it however you want which is part of the fun.
Where to Buy a Ladder
Not it a DIYer? You can purchase beautiful handcrafted Mardi Gras ladders online. Just Google around.
When to Set It Up
Keep in mind that ladders set up more than 24 hours before a parade can be removed by the city. Also, the unwritten rule is it’s okay to borrow an unoccupied ladder, but don’t move it. If the owner shows up, say “thank you” and relinquish the space. The last thing a kid needs to see at Mardi Gras is adults behaving like children.
More Parade Tips and Recommendations
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New Year’s Eve Activities for Families
New Year’s Eve is not just for grownups – not even in New Orleans. Here are some fun ways to say “bienvenue” (welcome) to 2026 in NOLA with your little ones. If you play it right, you can have a great day with the kids and still get home in time to pick up the babysitter and go out on the town.
Noon Year’s Eve at Louisiana Children’s Museum
With this countdown ’til noon event at the Louisiana Children’s Museum in City Park on December 31, kids who can’t stay up until midnight don’t have to miss the fun.
New Year’s Eve Parade
End the New Year with a Mardi Gras-style parade in the French Quarter. The Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade begins at the intersection of Elysian Fields Avenue and Decatur Street at 2 p.m. (time subject to change).
Fireworks on the Riverfront
If you have children old enough to stay up until midnight, find yourself a spot along the riverfront from the New Orlean Hilton Riverside to Crescent Park.
View A Kid’s Guide to Mardi Gras
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Prepare your little prancers and dancers! Jazz Brunch with Santa is back at The Court of Two Sisters!
The annual celebration will take place on December 19, 22 & 23 this year and will include live jazz entertainment, a brunch buffet, a visit with Santa, and a gift for every child (naughty or nice.)
Costs: $56 for ages 13+ and $36 for ages 2-12 with a paid adult.
This popular event always sells out so book now. Prepaid reservations are required. Call 504-522-7261, ext. 24 or email [email protected].
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Sailing with Santa – Sat., Nov. 29, 2025
Teach your children the true meaning of Christmas on Sailing with Santa Cruise on the Steamboat NATCHEZ. Head down to the dock near Jax Brewery in the French Quarter on November 29th. The cruise is $5 per person (without lunch) and $20 per person (lunch included). All participants, regardless of age, must bring a new, unwrapped toy to be donated to Toys for Tots.
Entertainment on board will be geared to children, with a meet and greet and photos with a visit from Santa. Holiday attire is recommended but not required.
Boarding time: 2 p.m.
Cruising: 2:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Ticket pickup and cruise: 400 Toulouse Street (adjacent to JAX Brewery Building)
For reservations and more info about the Sailing with Santa Cruise, go here.
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Who’s hungry for New Orleans culture? This free celebration in Louis Armstrong Park on November 8th and 9th will have food, music, and dance–everything you love about this city. It just wouldn’t be fall, y’all, without the Treme Creole Gumbo Festival.
City Park will be covered in powdered sugar on November 15th for this festival featuring dozens of different kinds of beignet dishes, a Kids Village, an Artist Market, live music and more.
See: New Orleans Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving Day
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This year, take your family to the Festival Grounds in New Orleans City Park for Beignet Fest, benefiting local autism programs for children and families. This annual event takes place on Saturday, November 15th, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Come get your fill of all kinds of beignets, savory and sweet, stuffed and not.
Entertainment
Along with live music, there will also be a Kid’s Village, an Artist Market, and a Beer Garden for the parents. And kids under 12 get in free! Learn more.
Photo credit: Beignet Fest
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Krewe of Boo, October 25!
Monster fun will be had at the city’s official Halloween parade, Krewe of Boo in the Boo Carré (of course). The event features scary-cool floats from Kern Studios, the premier float building organization in America. Dracula, the werewolf, Frankenstein…they’ll all be there. Come catch candy, beads, stuffed Halloween-themed toys and more! Put on your costume and yell “Throw me something, Monsta!” For parade route info and more information, go to www.kreweofboo.com.
Boo at the Zoo, Oct. 17, 18 & 19
For years, Boo at the Zoo at the Audubon Zoo has been the highlight of the Halloween season in New Orleans. Take a ride on the Ghost Train. Enter a haunted house – if you dare. And let your little human animals go trick-or-treating.
Ghosts in the Oaks, Oct. 16-19
This Monster Mash in Carousel Gardens Amusement Park at City Park includes a trick-or-treat path, unlimited amusement park rides, arts & crafts, a pumpkin patch, balloon animals, live music and more. Children under 2 are admitted free of charge.
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