New Orleans Museum of Art
About
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.
Highlights
- ✓The 11-acre Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden with over 90 sculptures among beautiful landscaping and lagoons
- ✓Family-friendly interactive art activities and workshops offered on select weekends
- ✓The impressive collection of Louisiana art that helps kids connect to local history and culture
- ✓Outdoor pathways perfect for stroller navigation and energetic kids who need space to move
- ✓Rotating children's exhibits designed specifically for young visitors
Pro Tips
- 1.Start with the sculpture garden first when kids have the most energy, then transition to indoor galleries when they're ready to slow down
- 2.Visit on Wednesdays when the museum stays open until 7 PM for a less crowded experience and cooler late afternoon temperatures in the sculpture garden
- 3.Download the museum's family guide or ask for a scavenger hunt sheet at the front desk to keep kids engaged while gallery-hopping
- 4.Pack water bottles and snacks - the sculpture garden has benches perfect for a quick break, and you'll want to stay hydrated in New Orleans' humidity
- 5.Free parking is available in City Park, and the museum offers free admission for kids under 19, making it a budget-friendly option
Best Time to Visit
Visit Tuesday or Thursday mornings (10 AM opening) for the quietest experience, or try Wednesday late afternoons when it's less crowded and the sculpture garden is more pleasant. Avoid weekends if possible, as the museum and City Park both draw larger crowds.
What to Know
Admission is free for visitors 19 and under; adults $15. Free parking is available adjacent to the museum in City Park. The museum has a small café, but you're also welcome to bring snacks to enjoy in the sculpture garden.
Seasonal Notes
The sculpture garden is most enjoyable during fall through spring (October-May) when temperatures are milder. Summer visits can be hot and humid, so plan for early morning visits. The museum hosts special family events during school breaks and holiday seasons, including art-making workshops and themed tours.
Nearby Eats
Morning Call Coffee Stand in City Park (just a short walk away) serves beignets and café au lait in a casual, kid-friendly setting. Alternatively, Parkway Bakery & Tavern (5 minutes away) offers po'boys and other New Orleans classics with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for families.
More Activities Near New Orleans
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Audubon Insectarium
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Louisiana Children's Museum
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.
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