New Orleans Family Vacation Ideas

Swamp and Bayou Tour

Swamp and Bayou Tour

The Swamp and Bayou Tour will take you on a motorcoach ride across the Mississippi River. Soon you'll be cutting through the wetlands on custom swamp boat trip into the famous swamps and bayou of Louisiana.

New Orleans isn't only about the nightlife. Family activities abound in this historical city. Whether you take one of the world-famous cemetery tours or visit the wax museum, every family member is sure to have a memorable time.

New Orleans Tours

• Swamp and Bayou Tour. Take a motor-coach ride across the Mississippi River and then get ready for an amazing boat trip into the famous swamps and bayou of Louisiana. You will experience the nature and history of Louisiana in a custom swamp boat. Your guides will take you for the ride of your life as they explain the mysteries of the area. Learn how the Cajuns created gumbo out of soup and other amazing local facts. Don't forget the alligators! The abundance of wildlife will satisfy even the most intense naturalist.
  
• Cypress Swamp Cruise. Only 20 minutes from New Orleans, the Cypress Swamp Tour will take you into Bayou Segnette. You will be treated to the sights of hundreds of species of plants and will see real alligators in their natural habitat. The Cypress Swamp and City Tour offers a look at plantation life, a wildlife show, and transportation from downtown New Orleans with a ticket purchase.
  
• Jazz Cruise. Take a two-hour cruise down the Mississippi while listening to Duke Heitger & the Steamboat Stompers. Both dinner and lunch cruises are available.
  
• The Airboat Swamp Tour will take you into the Cypress Swamp where you will take an airboat to an alligator hunter's camp. There you might catch a glimpse of real live alligators, egrets and other wildlife living in the bayou.
  

New Orleans Attractions

• Jackson Square. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Jackson Square offers a variety of family entertainment. Take a mule-drawn carriage ride; you'll find them waiting at the entrance of the square. Your family may enjoy the art by the various artists that display their works along the iron fence that surrounds the square.
  
• Musee Conti Wax Museum. One hundred and fifty four life-size wax sculptures will give you a picture story of the history of New Orleans. Learn the stories of New Orleans' past as you view the detailed costumes and accurate settings as you tour this wax museum.
  
• Mardi Gras World. Take a tour of Mardi Gras World and view colorful props such as a life-size jester and intimidating alligators. You can dress up in authentic carnival costumes and watch as an actual parade float is being made.
  
• At The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, you will find more than 1,800 of the world's rarest animals. The aquarium displays animals such as otters, sharks, sea horses, and jellyfish in their natural habitats. The various Audubon attractions are available through one of the many Audubon Adventure Passports that are available.
  
• The Audubon Zoo is one of the country's top-rated zoos. You will find a huge array of exotic animals from all over the world. Enjoy the peace and tranquility of the lush gardens and see animals in exhibits replicated their natural habitats. Access to this attraction is also available through an Audubon Adventure Passport.
  

New Orleans Lodging

• Best Western Patio Downtown Motel. This hotel is located in near all the attractions and rooms feature amenities such as cable, microwaves, and data ports. The hotel is family-friendly, offering free breakfast, cribs available in rooms, two swimming pools, complimentary snacks, and free parking. Children under 17 stay free.
  
• The Quality Inn and Suites. This hotel is located right near the French Quarter and is within a short distance from many of the attractions. The hotel offers an outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, cable television, room service, complimentary newspaper, and 24-hour security.