Pre-Cruise Guide to New Orleans: Family Edition

Things To Do In Port- New Orleans

New Orleans is full of things to explore, and my kids loved everything we did. Here are our top picks.

• Explore the French Quarter: The French Quarter is home to Jackson Square, The Presbytère Museum, New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park (don't forget to get your Junior Ranger Badge) and lots of little shops. Enjoy street jazz music while you walk through the streets.

• National WWII Museum: With interactive exhibits, restored planes and firsthand accounts, it's a fascinating stop that school-age kids and adults will enjoy.

• The Garden District: The Garden District is one of New Orleans' prettiest neighborhoods, with its stunning old mansions and shady, tree-lined streets. Walking around here feels like a little escape into the past, with amazing architecture that captures the attention of all ages.

• New Orleans Cemetery Tours: New Orleans cemetery tours are a unique way to explore the city’s mysterious side, where above-ground tombs and intricate mausoleums tell stories from centuries past. Wandering through these cemeteries with a guide, you will learn about the fascinating history, legends and a little bit of the spooky charm New Orleans is famous for.

• Preservation Hall: This is technically in the French Quarter, but it deserves its own spot. Visit Preservation Hall to enjoy listening to some of the famous New Orleans Jazz. *Insiders Tip...there isn't air-conditioning in Preservation Hall, so it can get very warm in the summer.

• Swamp Tour: You can't visit New Orleans without going on a swamp tour. Kids of all ages will enjoy an airboat ride through the swamp looking for alligators and other swamp critters.

• Mardi Gras World: Mardi Gras World is the perfect place to learn about New Orleans' most famous celebration, even if you're not there during Mardi Gras. You get a behind-the-scenes look at how the giant, colorful floats are made, plus learn the history, and snap some fun photos with the larger-than-life props and decorations.

• Visit a Plantation: Visiting a plantation near New Orleans offers a glimpse into the region’s complex past, with grand old homes, lush grounds and sweeping views of the Mississippi River. Guided tours bring to life the stories of those who lived and worked there, offering a deeper understanding of Southern history and culture. Destrehan Plantation is the closest plantation to the port, and the tour is educational for kids of all ages.

• Barataria Preserve: Located across the Mississippi River from New Orleans, this preserve is run by the National Park Service. Explore along the elevated boardwalks and keep an eye out for alligators of all sizes and other wildlife in their natural habitat.

Places to eat in Port

Cafe Du Monde: Even if you only have an hour to spend in New Orleans before heading off to your boat, you have to stop at Cafe Du Monde to get the world-famous beignets...a delicious, pillowy square of fried dough, dusted with powdered sugar. These were a big hit with all members of our family.

Po'boy: You can't leave New Orleans without trying a Po'boy. These sandwiches can be customized anyway, but our favorites were the catfish, fried shrimp and roast beef. Close to downtown, you can get a good po'boy at Verti Marte, or if you want to travel a little bit farther, you can stop at Melba's.

Dooky Chase Restaurant: Dooky Chase Restaurant is a legendary New Orleans spot, celebrated for its authentic Creole cuisine and rich history. This family-owned restaurant serves up soul food classics like gumbo, red beans and their famous fried chicken in a welcoming, warm atmosphere.

Mother's Restaurant: Mother's Restaurant is another excellent spot for delicious comfort southern food. Enjoy hearty, kid-friendly plates, including mac and cheese, red beans, po'boys and fried chicken.

Jamaican Jerk House: Known for its spicy, marinated meats cooked to perfection. The menu features favorites like jerk chicken, pork and fish, all served with delicious sides like rice and peas or fried plantains. With a laid-back atmosphere and a taste of island life, it’s a great spot for families, but it might be a bit spicy for younger kids.