Jackson Square Flickr image by WallyG
Everyone knows how much I love my state, Louisiana. The first place that enters a person’s mind when they hear the state name is New Orleans. Now, we all know there is more to the state than just New Orleans, but NOLA, as she is lovingly dubbed, is a city like no other on this earth. It is just right for romantic getaways, a cool place for partying. It is very friendly for GLB travelers and definitely a spot for family trips too.
Here are my picks for best family travel activities in New Orleans, LA.
Sing Your Way to the Zoo – I loved visiting The Audubon Zoo when I was a kid and now my kids beg to go. We’ll hop in the car and put on the old jazz tune written about this famous attraction.
Look an Albino Alligator in the eye – Legend says it is good luck to see one of these. You can get your own good luck at the Aquarium of the Americas. I sometimes forget that I’m an adult and find myself walking straight up to the glass and staring at this wise creature.
Mess up your clothes – If you wear dark clothes and venture inside the area of Café du Monde for a sit down, be assured you will walk away with a white powdered behind. It is so worth the mess just to taste a hot, fresh beignet that is crispy sweet on the outside and fluffy goodness inside. Wash it down with a Café au Lait and it will be the best $3.00 treat you’ve ever had.
Walk a Pirate’s Footsteps – On the left hand side of St. Louis Cathedral is Pirate’s Alley. It is rumored that the pirates Jean and Pierre LaFitte used this walkway to pass smuggled items through the fence behind the church, hence the term “fencing stolen goods”.
Cruise like a Riverboat Gambler – Should you plan on visiting the Aquarium and the Zoo, make a day of it and ride the John James Audubon from the Riverwalk to the Zoo and enjoy a short cruise up the Mississippi and back.
Find out your Future – Stroll along the area in front of St. Louis Cathedral and you can take your choice of fortune tellers set up with card tables and lawn chairs, just waiting to tell you what is in store for your life.
Watch the barges go down the river – Walk along the levee and feel the breeze blow your hair as the riverboats and barges slowly meander down the Mississippi River. Listen to the Calliope play in the background and the clip-clop of the horse carriages in the Quarter.
Ride the Streetcars – If you walked down the levee, chances are you
started sweating and decided not to walk back. No worries, just hop on the streetcar and relax.
Listen to the music – There are always street musicians playing in and around Jackson Square. Take a seat and listen to one, or take a stroll and listen to them all.
Get conned by a kid (and laugh about it)– Here’s a tip, if a kid runs up to you and says, “I bet you two dollars I can tell you where you got your shoes” don’t do it. Regardless, you end up laughing because they know exactly where you “got your shoes”.
Stalk Me!