In a city like New Orleans, there’s no shortage of family favorites you can always count on, along with new and exciting experiences to discover. We’ve rounded up a list of fun things to do with your kids around the city, and the best part is that every activity on this list is free.

Libraries 

  • Check your local public libraries for free story times, art classes, magic shows, and summer programs. Refer to the New Orleans Public Library event list here. 

Parks

Stroll through one of the New Orleans parks with your family, free of charge. Refer to park maps to find playground spaces within the park grounds. 

Museums and Gardens  

  • The Audubon Nature Institute offers free Orleans Parish Appreciation Days. With one proof of residency, five total guests receive free entry into the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium, and Insectarium. 
  • Louisiana residents gain free entry to the Louisiana Children’s Museum on the second Sunday every other month. 
  • The NOMA offers Wednesday entry free for residents and kids under 12 free entry daily. The Besthoff Sculpture Garden is always free. 
  • The Ogden Museum has free entry on Thursday for residents. 
  • The CAC offers free entry on Sundays for residents. 
  • The Historic New Orleans Collection offers free general admission daily. 
  • The City Park Botanical Gardens offer free admission for Louisiana residents every Wednesday. 

Events

  • Attend seasonal parades like Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s, Halloween, and Christmas parades.
  • Movies in the Park are free, outdoor film screenings held in local parks that feature family-friendly films after dusk. 
  • Free festivals are constantly held in New Orleans, and are normally posted on our calendar. 
  • Free concerts are always occurring in the city, like YLC Wednesday at the Square in Lafayette Square and regular free performances at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. 

Are we missing any free opportunities in the New Orleans area? Message madelinep@familyresourcegroupinc.com to help us keep the list up-to-date.