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New Orleans for the family?

A travel journal to New Orleans by IWW639 Best of IgoUgo

LauraMore Photos

Bourbon St. is a great place to party, but it's hell on strollers. So, where do you go if you're in town with the fam? First off, don't miss Bourbon St. if it's your first time, second make sure to get out of the French quarter alive! New Orleans is a city full of culture and natural history that starts just outside the French Quarter.

  • 22 reviews
  • 3 stories/tips
  • 27 photos

New Orleans for the family?Best of IgoUgo

Overview

Cemetary
My favorite thing to do with my son is going to the Audobon Zoo. The zoological gardens and neighboring park are a cheap and easy destination to kill an hour or a day. State parks, near New Orleans, are a great place to have a picnic, camp or just play. Many offer nature trails. I like to take my son for a driving tour of the city. This is usually just a way to get him to take a nap, and for me to see more of the city. I seldom have a destination, and aimless driving usually takes me past some great sites. The best thing to do in New Orleans, and this goes for everybody, is eat. Many visitors come just for the food. While I've found that my tastes are bigger than my wallet, there's never a shortage of new and interesting places to eat.

Quick Tips:

It's hot in the summer! Complaining is multiplied in the heat and exponentially by multiple children. This is not a hospitable place to visit in July and August, but if that's your only chance to get here, then do it. Don't plan on it being just like college days and don't romanticize too much about mint juleps and sitting on porches.

Best Way To Get Around:

I drive around so much in my own car that it's hard to imagine any other transportation. The St. Charles/Carrolton Street car is a handy ride from the French Quarter to the Garden District and Uptown. However, you'll find yourself on foot once you reach your stop. New Orleans has an extensive bus system that I know little about. For fun, a river boat cruise is in order. Young kids enjoy new types of transportation. The street car, river boats, and horse drawn carraiges in the Quarter are exciting, since most youngsters havn't had the opportunity before. Also, swamp tours use a variety of boats, including air boats. (Air boat rides are usually restricted to people over 12 years)

Beebo's Restaurant and DeliBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Beebo's Restruant and Deli"

Beebo's is closed in the summer, but the rest of the year they serve a hell of a breakfast and lunch. They have an eclectic/creole style and healthy portions. Watch out for high student traffic times though, it's right around the corner from Tulane and Loyola in a residential area. It's also in close proximity to the zoo and Audobon Park. They have comfortable out door seating and parking is limited.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by IWW639 on July 24, 2000

Beebo's Restaurant and Deli
7329 Freret St New Orleans, Louisiana
(504) 866-6629

Sid-Mar's of BucktownBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Sid-Mar's has been around for over 30 years. They are family owned and operated by Sid jr. and his mom. (Look for her sitting at the end of the bar, serving as Hostess.) This place was recommended to me by my former boss in California. He's been to N.O. a number of times and said he always stops by. It's just a short drive (taxi if you must, abt. 15 min.) to the former fishing village of Bucktown, where you'll have a great view of the Causeway. Get there early so you won't have to wait too long. Kids are welcome and the atmosphere is comfortable. This is a big locals' place, and they come for the crabs (sold by the dozen on fast food type trays). Boiled, fried and grilled seafood along with other entres.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by IWW639 on July 24, 2000

Sid-Mar's of Bucktown
1824 Orpheum Avenue New Orleans, Louisiana 70005
(504)831-9541

Panda KingBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Over 100 items await at the 'Largest, Freshest, Most Delicious Super Buffet in Town'. This Chinese buffet is worth the drive out to Kenner. It is the best buffet I've ever eaten (except on a cruise). Someone could really put the hurt on himself if he went just to eat the seafood. Piles of snow crab legs, soft-shell crab, and peel and eat shrimp never diminish. In addition, you'll find all of your old favorite Asian dishes, and some find new favorites too.

The price on a Saturday evening was $11.75; kids under 4 eat free.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by IWW639 on August 13, 2000

Panda King
3501 Chateau Blvd. New Orleans, Louisiana 70065
(504) 468-2889

We Never Close Overstuffed Po'boysBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

You'll need the rain poncho because the gravy on the over-stuffed roast beef po'boy sandwiches can be messy. My wife and I split one. We both went away feeling like we should have stopped eating sooner, and we still had some leftovers! The sandwich cost $3.89 and with a large coke the total was $5.34. Our son even helped us eat some.

If you can handle the less than hospital like sanitation, this place is awesome. It's not real close to town, but if you're heading out to Slidel, Bayou Sauvage or Jazzland it's worth hitting.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by IWW639 on August 9, 2000

We Never Close Overstuffed Po'boys
10240 Chef Mentour Hiway New Orleans, Louisiana

New Harvest MarketBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

Real close to the Audobon park, New Harvest is a great place to pick up a gourmet picnic. They have gourmet meals to go, from appetizers to dessert. Sanwiches, salads, pizza, burritos. Try the marinated crab legs.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by IWW639 on August 10, 2000

New Harvest Market
7457 St. Charles Ave New Orleans, Louisiana
314-9400

CiCi's PizzaBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

'Our Pizza's even better than the price.' is their motto, and at $2.99 for all you can eat pizza, who cares. What a deal though, $2.99 all day till 9 or 10.
Sample from all your favorite sparsely topped pizzas and some specialties like the cheddar/bacon, Pizza Ole, and BBQ. While the quality is not great, it's not the worst I've ever had (that was in a Paris suburb). At least it was fresh and the serving platters are never empty.
The price is what makes it worth stopping in. Don't make a special trip out to Kenner, but if you happen to be shopping in one of the many nearby malls buzz on in. It may also make a good excuse to escape the metro area.
Kids will enjoy the dessert pizzas, big screen tv, and arcade.
I was really impressed with the service, it's not too often that you find a buffet with quality help.
Cash and checks only (they took my check from California w/ID, but I wouldn't count on it)
They even have a website www.cicispizza.com
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by IWW639 on July 31, 2000

CiCi's Pizza
3501 Chateau Blvd New Orleans, Louisiana 70065
(504) 464-4888

Copeland's of New OrleansBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

There are some interesting and tastey menu items at Copeland's, from shrimp stuffed with crab stuffing to spicy duck. There are several locations, although the St. Charles' restaurant has a nice view of the passing street cars and is by far my favorite. Go early to avoid a wait, although later in the evening they offer valet parking, a plus since all of their parking is on the streets in the surrounding neighborhoods.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by IWW639 on July 25, 2000

Copeland's of New Orleans
4338 Saint Charles Avenue New Orleans, Louisiana 70115
(504) 897-2325

Liuzza's By The TrackBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Liuzza's"

Ever heard of fried pickles? Neither had I , but they are a must try. I'm not sure if it's a Liuzza's exclusive, but who else would serve such a thing. They are great. Liuzza's is also home of the "French"eletta (a french version of the popular muffaletta), and The Bushwacker (a frozen kahlua drink). Located in mid-city, Liuzza's is what real New Orleans is like. It's been around for decades.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by IWW639 on October 8, 2000

Liuzza's By The Track
1518 North Lopez St New Orleans, Louisiana 70119
+1 504 943 8667

Laura PlantationBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Laura: Creole Plantation"

house
The word 'plantation' frequently conjures up the images of Tara, of Gone With the Wind fame. If you are looking for an imposing, large, white house with columns and black shutters, you should drive over to one of the other many plantations in the area. Laura Plantation is altogether different. This is a creole plantation with bright colors and a very interesting past. Rumor has it that the tale of Brair Rabbit was first recorded in the slave quarters here, and the family was known to cut off pieces of the main house to settle inheritance arguments. Well worth the $8.00 for the tour, which covers the house and its complete history. An added plus: there is a Creole restaurant next door. Keep in mind that this plantation, like many of the others, is about 45 minutes from New Orleans. You will need a car to get there, and many young children will simply not be interested.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by IWW639 on July 26, 2000

Laura Plantation
2247 Highway 18 New Orleans, Louisiana 70090
(225) 265-7690

PonchatoulaBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

If you are a serious shopper and have the time, take a trip across the lake on the worlds longest overwater highway to Ponchatoula, 'America's Antique City'. This sleepy little town, about 55 miles from New Orleans, is bursting with antique shops. You're bound to find a bargain in these unpretentious stores. They are nothing like Magazine Street.
Have lunch at one of the cafes and try a local specialty: strawberry daiquiri (I think it's Paul's cafe on the right as you come into town, not bad).
The kids will enjoy seeing the big gator in the caged pond on the right by the railroad tracks, and the old train engine on the left, but watch the hands around the antiques.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by IWW639 on July 27, 2000

Ponchatoula
Highway 22 New Orleans, Louisiana 70454

Audobon Louisiana Nature CenterBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Louisiana Nature Center"

Nature Center
If you can't shell out the $9/adult at the zoo, or been-there-done-that, then spend half a day at the Nature Center. The kids will love the exhibits inside, and parents will not be able to resist either. The park is 86 acres of woods, wilderness, wetlands and trails.
If you can keep the kids quiet enough you're bound to see wildlife, although not as plentiful as on a swamp tour. I have spotted pond turtles, nutria, anoles, red and blue tailed skinks, eastern box turtles, raccoons, squirrels, and rabbits, not to mention the birds and butterflies. Take care to notice the crawfish chimneys.
Check out the planetarium and Discovery loft on the weekends. Stroll thru the green house and butterfly garden any time.
The downfall is the 20 minute drive on I-10 east to Read Blvd. (exit 244), turn left and watch for signs in median.
The upside is the price, $4/adult $2/kids $3/seniors. (Prices may be slightly higher now, I have a membership that gets me in free)
9am-5pm Tuesday-Friday; 10am-5pm Saturday; noon-5pm Sunday. CLOSED MONDAYS.
  • Member Rating 2 out of 5 by IWW639 on July 27, 2000

Audobon Louisiana Nature Center
5700 Read Boulevard New Orleans, Louisiana 70127
(504) 246-5672

Farmers MarketBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Tuesdays from 10 to 2 only. If you want to get some fresh seafood to boil up on your own, or some creole tomatoes, okra, or fresh baked bread, then this is for you. I go every week. If you plan on cooking while you're here visit this market or its twin near the French Quarter. Don't miss the creole tomatoes, it is like eating tomato soup!
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by IWW639 on July 24, 2000

Farmers Market
Uptown Square New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
(504) 866-4513

Mid-City Rock and BowlBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Mid-City Lanes "

This is a great place to see 'real' local acts. You can bowl from noon on, and there is plenty to chose from on the menu should you feel the need for some grease. As the night gets going the locals come out to dance and have fun. Don't tell them I sent you.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by IWW639 on July 24, 2000

Mid-City Rock and Bowl
4133 S Carrollton Ave New Orleans, Louisiana 70119
(504) 482-3133

Dr. Wagner's Honey Island SwampBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Honey Island Swamp Tour"

Swamp wildlife
Take a two hour boat ride through river and bayous. The boats here are smaller than those of other tours so it's easier to hear and more comfortable. It also allows for access into places other boats can't fit. Use the toilet at the gift shop, before you get on the boat, there's no stops. The water is calm, but the guides do take it up a notch sometimes, so if you get seasick be prepared. They have a wetland biologist on staff, Dr. Paul Wagner, and a couple of raccoons that love marshmallows.
Plan on seeing gators, birds, turtles, snakes, and small mammals, but it really has a lot to do with luck and the time of year.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by IWW639 on July 25, 2000

Dr. Wagner's Honey Island Swamp
41490 Crawford Landing Rd New Orleans, Louisiana 70458
985/641-1769.

Magazine StreetBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Antiques shops, man, and lots of them"

Magazine street has been described as,' six miles of antiques.' I don't think it's that long, but there are dozens of shops. Parents, be sure not to leave your kids unattended. You will also find books, vintage clothing, music and restaurants salting this street. You can easily make a day out of it, but wear your walking shoes. If you make it to the end and have some time left over, you'll find yourself at the Audobon Zoo. Be careful, this beautiful zoological garden can take up most of a day too. Don't expect any great bargains though, these folks know what old stuff is worth. If you're really serious check out nearby Ponchachula, across the lake.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by IWW639 on July 25, 2000

Magazine Street
Magazine Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
+1 504 455 1224

Bayou Sauvage Louisiana State of: Segnette State ParkBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge"

Trail at Bayou Sauvage

Nature walk on a raised boardwalk thru hardwood forest. The half mile (one way) trip winds thru Cypress and Elderberry trees. Draped across the path are many huge spider webs, of the Silk spider. Picnicking is available under a group shelter and restrooms are provided. Along the Bayou, there is a 3 mile (one way) path for walking or bikes.

At the entrance, alligators can usually be spotted in the bayou. If you're quiet, you might find one basking on the bank. Signs are posted prohibiting feeding the animals, but I suspect that some people do not adhere since some gators will approach people. They may be looking for a handout (or a hand, out).

On your way there or back to town, stop off at 24 po'boy place next to Burger king for the best roast beef po'boy around.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by IWW639 on August 9, 2000

Bayou Sauvage Louisiana State of: Segnette State Park
7777 Westbank Expy New Orleans, Louisiana 70094
(504) 736-7140

Audubon ZooBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Swamp Fest"

Swamp Fest
Once a year, the first two weekends in October, the Audobon Zoo hosts Swamp Fest. This year marks the sixteenth year of the festival that hosts live cajun music and dancing along with food and drink of Louisiana culture. The admision is the normal zoo price with food and drinks being nominally priced (around $4-7 for a dish and $1 for wine, $3 for beer and $4-8 for frozen drinks). The visitors are the only ones celebrating, the animals get special treatment too. The primates all get special food tossed to them by the keepers and all are very excited to see so many people.

Parking can be hard to find, but not impossible. Don't forget about the shuttle from the St.Charles street car.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by IWW639 on October 7, 2000

Audubon Zoo
6500 Magazine St. New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
(504) 581-4629

Magazine StreetBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Art for Arts Sake"

The Contemporary Arts Center claims this festival for itself down on Julia Street and charges $15-$25 for entry into their event, but there is no charge to attend the dozens of open houses hosted by art galleries and shops on Magazine street. The first Saturday in October, after 6 pm, the shops stay open and offer free wine, desserts and snacks. It's like trick'r treating for grown ups (kids are welcome too, just watch grabby hands). There is a free shuttle to take you between Julia Street and Magazine.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by IWW639 on October 8, 2000

Magazine Street
Magazine Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
+1 504 455 1224

Fort Pike State Historic SiteBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Ft. Pike
Two bucks gets you into the 'museum' and on the grounds of the old fort. If the drive wasn't so far it would be worth the $2. The fort was strategic in the war of 1812 and was later rebuilt in its current form.
It was under construction in 1819 and completed in 1826. It was used during the Seminole wars prior to the Civil War and occupied by Union forces in 1862 after they had taken New Orleans.
The forts only soldiers now are the roaches. They have taken over and will not surrender. They can have it, but they will forever defend against the lapping waves and weather of Lake Borgne. It has been officially abandoned since 1890, but placed on the National Register of historic Places in 1972.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by IWW639 on September 6, 2000

Fort Pike State Historic Site
67825 Highway 190 New Orleans, Louisiana 70471
(985) 624-4443

Aquarium of the AmericasBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Amazon exhibit
The Aquarium of the Americas doesn't try to encompass the world of fish, just North America and the Amazon. It is rated as being in the top 5 Aquariums [in the world]. Enter into the Atlantic, and climb the stairs to the Amazon. From there, go back 'inside' to see the penguin exhibit and the Pacific, passing by the Seahorses. Outside again and you're in the Mississippi Delta region. Back down the stairs to the Gulf of Mexico exhibit.

Its relative location to the French Quarter make it a must see. Park in the parking lot behind the Holday Inn next to the mural of the whale. Walk thru the Riverwalk mall and don't forget your tickets on the way back for free parking (first 3 hours).

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by IWW639 on August 27, 2000

Aquarium of the Americas
1 Canal St New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
(800) 774-7394

Audubon ZooBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Audobon Park and Zoo"

Audobon park
The park is a good retreat inside the city. The kids will enjoy feeding the ducks in the lake, if you can keep them out of the zoo for a moment.
Take the St. Charles street car to the north end of the park. Pick up the free shuttle to the zoo at one of the shuttle signs. If you're driving, you'll find plenty of parking in front of the zoo at Magazine St..
The park offers group shelters, jogging/bike track, amphitheater and plenty of shade.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by IWW639 on July 27, 2000

Audubon Zoo
6500 Magazine St. New Orleans, Louisiana 70118
(504) 581-4629

WildlifeBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Roach in bathtub
New Orleans and the surrounding area host a wealth of wildlife including: bugs, snakes, bugs, lizards, bugs, birds, bugs as big as birds, raccoons, oppossum, Nutria (giant rats), oh yeah and gators. OK, so I exagerate about the bugs. Just a few roaches, lots of termites and moths, don't be scared away. But watch for fire ants. The normal visit to New Orleans won't be long enough for you to encounter most of these nuisances.
It's well worth the trip to see the other wildlife. I recommend taking a swamp tour, but if that's too much for you then visit the Audobon Zoo swamp exhibit.

Extreme WeatherBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Tornado
The weather in and around New Orleans can change drastically throughout the day. Mornings in the summer can be hot and muggy, giving way to thunderstorms in the afternoons. This may not be extreme to some visitors, but flooding occurs often as well as lightning.

Although New Orleans averages 1 freezing day every 3 years, visitors in winter should plan for cold weather. My grandparents visited in January one year and were treated to a full weak of freezing weather. The fluke cold spell had the entire city shut down. My grandparents were stranded due to road and transportaion closures. They were lucky to be on a bus tour with a driver from Chicago who got them to safety when conditions arose quickly.

Plan accordingly. Oh, and hurricane season is from June to November.

10 rules for driving in New OrleansBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Driving in New Orleans is the most comfortable way of getting around, barring Limo service. If you do drive, you're in for a test of wits and skills. New Orleans isn't the worst place to drive, it just has a few quirks. 1. Don't plan on ever turning left! Many streets prohibit left turns or U-turns at intersections. You'll have to go up to a designated U-turn and back track. This is the worst near the French Quarter. 2. Don't even think of driving in the French Quarter. I don't know how they get those delivery trucks thru the narrow streets. Parking is just silly. 3. Check your insurance. Make sure you have adequate coverage for New Orleans. Check with your agent or be on the safe side and purchase it at your rental company. 4. You'll never figure out who has the right of way; you or the street car. I've heard rumors of them to tell you to 'move that buggy' but they seem to yield if you give them time to stop. Worry more about the guy behind you that doesn't want to get stuck on the tracks either. We got rear-ended by hesitating. 5. Get a map and throw it away. I haven't found a good one yet (under $15). Really, you will need a map, but it will frustrate you to no end. Be patient with your navigator. The streets follow the curve of the river, so some are easy to follow while others dead end. 6. Don't go that way! Many streets are one way in New Orleans. At times they will switch direction on you. 7. Check your shocks. The roads here are very hard to maintain with the water table being only a few feet below the surface in most places. I've seen springs coming from pot holes. The roads are bad. 8. Watch for pedestrians. New Orleans has quite a few injuries involving peds and cars. Conversely, when walking, be aware. 9. Walk. If you don't have to drive, don't. You'll save money on parking and you won't lose years off your life. 10. Head for the inner-circle. If you're headed to the quarter, use one of the streets at the center of the pie-like-layout. This will shorten your drive time even if you have to go out of your way. Claiborne is my favorite, but even going to St. Charles from Magazine will make a difference. 11. I know I said 10 rules, but I just thought of this. If you have a child that requires a car seat, don't rely on a rental company to provide one. We had one reserved and paid for, but when we arrived they didn't have one. They finally rounded up something that looked like it used to be a car seat and let us have it free of charge.

About the Writer

IWW639
IWW639
New Orleans, Louisiana

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