Louisiana Children's Museum
About
The Louisiana Children's Museum in City Park offers 30,000 square feet of interactive, hands-on exhibits that celebrate Louisiana culture while encouraging creative play and learning. Recognized as one of the top 9 children's museums in the nation, this New Orleans gem features everything from a kid-sized grocery store to water play areas, all designed to engage young minds through discovery and imagination.
Highlights
- ✓Mr. Potato Head's Splash Park - an outdoor water play area perfect for cooling off
- ✓Little Learners Zone - a dedicated space for babies and toddlers with age-appropriate sensory activities
- ✓Kid's Café and Grocery Store - realistic pretend play where kids shop, cook, and serve
- ✓Music and Movement Studio featuring Louisiana's rich musical heritage
- ✓Outdoor play area with climbing structures and nature exploration opportunities in City Park
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when doors open at 9:30 AM on weekdays to beat school groups and enjoy the most popular exhibits with shorter waits
- 2.Pack extra clothes for kids,the water play area (Mr. Potato Head's Splash Park) is irresistible and kids will get wet
- 3.Bring socks for everyone as they're required in certain play areas, especially the Little Learners space for babies and toddlers
- 4.Don't miss the Art Shed where kids can take home their creations,it's one of the hidden gems parents love
- 5.Parking is plentiful and free in City Park, with the museum located near the Sculpture Garden entrance
Best Time to Visit
Wednesday through Friday mornings right at opening (9:30 AM) offer the best experience with fewer crowds. Weekends and school holidays get busy, especially after 11 AM. Avoid Tuesday field trip days when large school groups visit.
What to Know
Admission is around $14-15 per person (infants under 1 are free), with discounts for members. The museum has a small café for snacks, but many families pack lunches to enjoy in City Park afterward. Stroller accessible with family restrooms throughout.
Seasonal Notes
The outdoor splash park is seasonal (typically open spring through fall). Summer can be hot, but the museum is fully air-conditioned. Holiday-themed events and special programming occur throughout the year. The museum is closed Mondays and Tuesdays year-round.
Nearby Eats
Morning Call Coffee Stand in City Park serves beignets and café au lait just a short walk away,a true New Orleans experience. Parkway Bakery & Tavern (about 2 miles away) is famous for kid-friendly po'boys and has a casual atmosphere perfect for families.
More Activities Near New Orleans
The National WWII Museum
The National WWII Museum offers an immersive history experience that brings the 1940s to life through interactive exhibits kids can actually touch and explore. From climbing aboard authentic aircraft and submarines to experiencing the thrilling 4-D movie with moving seats and special effects, this isn't your typical 'look but don't touch' museum,it's designed to engage young minds through hands-on discovery.
New Orleans Museum of Art
The New Orleans Museum of Art offers families a wonderful blend of indoor art exploration and outdoor adventure in its stunning 11-acre sculpture garden. With rotating family-friendly exhibits, hands-on art activities, and spacious grounds perfect for kids to roam, it's a cultural experience that won't feel like a forced march through a stuffy museum.
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The Audubon Insectarium offers an unforgettable bug adventure for curious kids in the heart of New Orleans. As North America's largest insect museum, it features hands-on exhibits where children can observe live insects up close, walk through a butterfly garden, and even taste bug-based snacks if they're feeling brave. The interactive displays transform squeamish kids into bug enthusiasts while teaching them about the vital role insects play in our world.
St. Charles Streetcar Line
The St. Charles Streetcar Line offers families an authentic New Orleans adventure that doubles as transportation and entertainment. Kids love riding the vintage olive-green streetcars with their wooden seats and open windows while passing stunning mansions, oak-lined streets, and colorful neighborhoods. It's an incredibly affordable way to see the Garden District and uptown areas while giving little ones the thrill of riding a piece of living history.