The Big Easy is a family-friendly place that can be easy on your big family’s travel budget. Music lovers, foodies, and history fans are sure to love New Orleans. We’ve come up with 26 great activities for your big family to enjoy that are free.
Amistad Research Center at Tulane University – the nation’s oldest, largest and most comprehensive independent archive specializing in the history of African Americans and other Ethnic Minorities.
Besthoff Sculpture Garden – Over sixty sculptures from artists from all over the world set in a garden of meandering footpaths. Open seven days a week with free admission, closed on all legal holidays.
Canal Street – enjoy shopping, history, and culture of New Orleans’ main street.
Canal Street Ferry – enjoy some of the best views of the original city of New Orleans via a Canal Street Ferry ride across the Mississippi River. The Algiers Ferry leaves every 30 minutes. Pedestrians are free, $1 for cars making the return trip from the West Bank back to New Orleans.
Chalmette Battlefield – Learn about the War of 1812 from visitor center films and exhibits. Kids can earn a badge with the Junior Ranger program.
Collins C Diboll Art Gallery – revolving exhibitions, which are free for all visitors, include student, local, national, and international shows
French Market Music – check out the music events calendar for free music events
French Quarter Festival Music – a free four-day party in the French Quarter in April. It’s the biggest free music festival in the South and there’s always great music and great food in a historic setting.
Jackson Square– renamed after Andrew Jackson, the square is surrounded by historic buildings and is an enjoyable place to take in artists, restaurants, museums, merchants and the square itself Stop by the bronze statue of Jackson and his horse for a great family photo
Julia Street art galleries – More than a dozen art galleries, one after another, line both sides of Julia Street, occupying former store fronts, showrooms and other mercantile establishments that went out of business decades ago. On the first Saturday of the month, many galleries are free
Lafayette Square Concerts – host to the Wednesday at the Square, a free summer concert series featuring the top names in local acts. The Square is also home to a fall blues music festival.
Mardi Gras Parades – tips for a kid friendly event
Music Legends Park – a tribute to New Orleans Musical Legends and includes a series of commemorative displays, plaques, and artwork. Live jazz music daily 10:00 a.m. to close
New Orleans Cemetery St Louis Cemetery #1 – learn about the people who lived in New Orleans by visiting this cemetery which opened in 1789. All of these graves are above ground vaults; most were constructed in the 18th century and 19th century.
New Orleans Collection Museum – a museum, research center, and publisher dedicated to the study and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South region
New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park – All facilities, programs, and special events are free and open to the public.
New Orleans Riverfront – made up of the Moonwalk, the Steamboat Natchez dock, Woldenberg Park, the Aquarium of the Americas, the IMAX theatre, the Canal Street Ferry Terminal, the Plaza de Espana, and the River Walk Marketplace.
Satchmo Summerfest – annual three-day event honoring the late Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong
St Louis Cathedral Basilica of St Louis King of France – the oldest Catholic cathedral in continual use in the country.
Streetcars – although not free, the minimal price is well worth the experience at only $1.25/person.
Visit historic Algiers Point – Settled 1719, Algiers Point is New Orleans’ second oldest neighborhood and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Walk the nature trail at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve – Interactive displays introduce guests to the beginnings of Louisiana food, folkways and festivals.
Explore New Orleans by taking a walking tours.
Visit Woldenberg Park to watch the ships.
Tell us, did we miss any free family friendly activities? Has your family done any on the list?
