By Isabel Prontes
New Orleans is a city in the southern state of Louisiana that is one of the
United States' most popular tourist destination cities. With the city's rich Cajun culture, French influence and legendary French Quarter district, there is definitely no shortage of things to do and see while in New Orleans. If you are traveling with children, however, there are also a lot of fun activities to keep them entertained and occupied.
Musee Conti Wax Museum
In existence since 1963, the Musee Conti Wax Museum has over 150 different wax figures on display. The wax museum blends New Orlean's history with a horror dungeon (which showcases some of Hollywood's most notorious and beloved monsters). Kids and adults alike will have a great time at this museum, which depicts historical scenes including Napoleon getting ready to release his army during the Louisiana Purchase. This museum combines both education and fun, making it ideal for children.
Musee Conti Wax Museum
917 Rue Conti
New Orleans, LA 70112
504-581-1993
Louisiana Children's Museum
The Louisiana Children's Museum is another New Orleans attraction that, unsurprisingly, is perfect for kids. The museum consists of 30,000 square feet of interactive exhibits and fascinating programs. This is a particularly good place for younger children to explore. From rope climbing walls to engaging in educational games based on the science of physics, kids will learn a lot while having a lot of fun at the Louisiana Children's Museum.
Louisiana Children's Museum
420 Julia Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-523-1357
Audubon Nature Insitute
The Audubon Nature Institute is a zoo, aquarium and insectarium all combined into one neat package. The zoo showcases a wide variety of exhibitions, such as the Jaguar Jungle and the Louisiana Swamp. The aquarium is perfect for kids curious in checking out stingrays, sharks and penguins. The insectarium is home to the fascinating "Life Underground" display, which will intrigue children as it "shrinks" them down to tiny insect size.
Audubon Nature Insitute
1 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-581-4629
Carousel Gardens
Carousel Gardens Amusement Park is located inside of the New Orleans City Park, and has existed since 1906. One of the most notable rides at Carousel Gardens, the carousel, features fascinating antique "flying horses" that are sure to mesmerize children. There are various other fun rides at the park, including both a Ferris wheel and a miniature Ferris wheel, bumper cars, umbrella cars, a Lady Bug roller coaster and a fun slide that is forty feet long.
Carousel Gardens
City Park 1 Palm Drive
New Orleans, Louisiana 70124
504-482-4888
New Orleans Museum of Art
The New Orleans Museum of Art is the oldest art museum in the city and is particularly interesting if you enjoy American and French paintings and artwork. There is also an excellent collection of African and Japanese artwork and relics on display. Legendary French impressionist Edgar Degas has several paintings at this museum, because he visited New Orleans back in 1872. There is also an Education Division at the museum which is particularly useful for encouraging children to use their imagination through the visual arts.
New Orleans Museum of Art
1 Collins Diboll Circle
New Orleans, LA 70124
504-488-2631
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
