Take 8 Hour of road trip from Dallas to New Orleans. If you are planning to visit New Orleans with kids and family then the best time will be November to December – Christmas Holidays.
Summer will be hot in New Orleans and Winter months are good for Texas People to visit and enjoy the weather in New Orleans.
If you want to visit during the festival time in New Orleans then Feb to May will be great. To explore the culture and activities. Those months you need to reserve the hotels in advance.
If you are planning to visit in December then no reservations are needed in advance.And the it will not crowded as in festival time.
You can plan to visit 2 to 3 days or you can extend your stay up to 7 days, if you plan to visit Beaches at Florida like Pensacola, Orange beach which are 3 hour hour drive from New Orleans.
Splitting the 8 hour drive into half by taking a stop at 4 hours with 1 hour of break, next 4 hours with 2 breaks will be a good way to reach New Orleans with kids and family.
If you are looking for road trip to visit fall colors check then check our post here and for 10 Hour of skiing from Dallas road trip here
Here is the list of things to do in New Orleans, When you are visiting New Orleans or any travel places – plan to make memories that will last for a lifetime.
1.Jackson Square
Visit the National Historic Landmark which is located in the center of the French Quarter occupies 2.3 acres. Most of the buildings date back to the 1970s.
Jackson Square located inside the French Quarter one of the must visit destination. At the square you can get to read your palm by the many of the fortune tellers or be entertained by live music and watch street performers along the walkways.
The Jackson Square is made out of historic Cabildo and Presbytere buildings with amazing St.Louis Cathedral.
Ready to walk through the place, if you are talking toddlers , take foldable Stroller while visiting the Jackson Square. Be ready to walk a lot. There are lots of roadside flea market artists open live music and eatery all around this place.
Visit the Street : Magazine Street, Louisiana Avenue, Royal Street, Pontalba Buildings at 500 St. Peters Street.
All you need good time to walk, be careful with strangers on roadside.
2. Bourbon Street
Bourbon street is a must see in New Orleans which is the most famous street in America.
We heard that bourbon street is for life of party town with colorful lights and open beverages 24/7.
When we went and explored the place, it was very colorful with the french and Spanish architecture tall building very close to each other.
As we went during Christmas time , most of building are decorated with X-MAS decor. Walking along bourbon street brings lots of epic photo opportunity, the building are painted and decorated in such way that brighten up each of the photoshoot.
It is beautiful to see the outdoor Patios during the day and the neon light at night !!
There are lots of family owned restaurants and specialty food , where people are standing in long line to get to the restaurants. We just walked all the way the street with kids while taking pics and playing.
3. Mississippi River Jazz Cruise
One of the best ways to take in the history and sights of the Mississippi River is by Steamboat.
4. Carriage Ride Through The French Quarter
Take this carriage ride which is Operating for 80 plus years. They are available in front of the Jackson Square ( Location : 700 Decatur St.).
We took this ride, which was really enjoyable. They will cover all the main streets around the French Quarter. If you are Having small kids or not able to walk all the street. Then taking this ride is really worthwhile and enjoyable for everyone.
We took the ride during night time around 7.30 pm and it was mild cold, layering with jacket will be good way to stay aways from Cold.
5. French Quarter( Neighborhood )
This is the heart of the city place. French Quarter is famous for its vibrant, and colorful building with cast- iron balconies. Walking this street will lead to Jackson Square.
6. National WWII Museum
Visit the New Orleans and the world class history museum with complex of modern buildings in the Warehouse District. The museum made with engaging exhibits and documentary that tell the history of WWWII as it was fought in Europe and in the Pacific.
The New Orleans National WWII Museum is divided into 3 sections – First – with war in the Pacific, Second devoted to the War in Europe and a Third building with the houses WWII aircraft.
The film named Beyond All Boundaries, produced and narrated by Tom Hanks, shown in 4D theater with full of sensory experience.
The large narrative exhibits include detailed, personal accounts from eyewitnesses. Expect to walk a lot.
Location: 945, Magazine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana.
7. Mardi Grass
The holiday of Mardi Gras is celebrated in all of Louisiana which is most iconic celebration in New Orleans. Colorful beads, vibrant parades and much more.
Mardi Gras falls before 47 days of Easter. The carnival begins on January 6 to
March 1st.
The name Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday which is called last day of feasting before the sacrifices and fasting that define the Christian season of Lent.
8. Bayou Swamp Tours: Cruise Past Alligators on an airboat
Explore the acres of Louisiana Swamps and Waterways on a New Orleans swamp tour that gets you up close and personal with alligators.
Take the ride which will be thrill on the airboats and a scenic cruise on the pontoon, learn the history and interact with wildlife such as racoons , wild hogs , bird and much more!!
This one is a round trip taking from French Quarter.
9. Sea turtles at the Aquarium of the Americas
We missed to visit this Aquarium, since they are in Holiday for Christmas. They are open on selected days during holiday season, check ahead before your visit.
The Aquarium located on the Mississippi River adjacent to the French Quarter. They are having more than 3,600 animals from more than 250 species including endangered species such as African penguins , white alligators and much more.
If you’re kids are bored of walking all around street, give them a break by visiting this aquarium.
10. Nola- Gondola Ride – Robert Dula’s Venetian Tour
Take the 50 minute Gondola Tour to experience the magical trip aboard an hand crafted Venetian Gondola to know the flavor of New Orleans
11. Kayak through the Manchac Swamp Tour
This one best for individual to explore rather then going with family or with kids
Kayak through the dense cypress forest and wetlands while wildlife surrounding you as you paddle.
12. Audubon Zoo
Check out the award winning Louisiana Swamp exhibit.The zoo is home to some unique animals such as their white tiger and Albino alligators.For families with kids there are petting zoos, feeding and animal presentations.
Other Activities and Places to Visit around New Orleans with Kids and Family
13. Algiers Ferry
14. Step into a fairytale at Storyland
15. New Orleans Jazz Museum
16. Kids run the Louisiana Children’s Museum
17. Admire Nature at Audubon Butterfly Garden
18. Ride the rides at the Carousel Garden Amusement Park
19. Stroll through the New Orleans Botanical Garden
Tips :
Stay aware of your surroundings especially at night. Look for well-lit areas.
Bring comfortable walking shoes because the best way to see the city is on foot.
Bring some cash!
Take Stroller and wear weather appropriate dress. Winter will not be cold but must need good jacket for the evening time.
