Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in new orleans, LA

Best Bet: Bastille Day!

by Kelly Leahy

July 09, 2009

The Faubourg St. John Merchants’ Association presents their Annual Bastille Day Block Party on the 3100 block of Ponce de Leon. This event honors New Orleans' French roots and commemorates the storming of the Bastille and start of the French Revolution. Join in the fun and dance the evening away with the French Dance Band and The Pyranha Gypsy Swing Band starting at 5 pm.

Plenty and food and drink to be had from Café Degas, Canseco’s Grocery, Mr. Snowball and others.

Start your day off right with a trip to La Boulangerie for croissants or make your own crepes for breakfast or lunch. Don't forget to deck the kids out in blue, white and red to symbolize the Republic's three ideals; Liberté, égalité, and fraternité. For more fun and to get the kids in the mood, download and color some Bastille Day pictures.

Bastille day is a French national holiday celebrated on July 14th -- the very day the revolution started in 1789. The Bastille was a prison and symbolized the absolute and arbitrary power of Louis the 16th. Though it only held seven captives at the time, when the people took it over, it was a strike against the oppression of all French citizens.

Bonne Bastille! 

5 Ways Escape the Heat this Summer

by Kelly Leahy

June 30, 2009

Not everyone is lucky enough to avoid the New Orleans heat for a few days in the summer. When the weather get unbearable and the city's dragging you down. Why not play tourist and fall in love all over again? Here are five fun family activities that will help pass the long summer days.

1. An early morning carriage ride around the Quarter with Royal Carriages will help you to brush up on your history. Your preschooler will like the novelty of a mule driven carriage. Last time I was down there, the tour guides were asking $12 a person. The website for Royal Carriages has coupons for $5 off which is a pretty good deal for a personalized journey starting from Jackson Square. 
2. When summer is at its hottest, duck into the Musée Conti Historical Wax Museum. It's sure to be cool in there to guarantee that the historical was figures don't melt. Half priced coupons are frequently available at tourist kiosks.The museum offers the history of New Orleans in wax at $7 for adults and $4.95 for kids.
3. It's touristy, hokey and full of parrotheads but Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville is the most kid-friendly restaurant that I have found in the Quarter -- and the food's not half bad either. There is a generous kid's menu with something for every picky palate.  When you are seated, ask the server about obtaining a "Local's Card" which entitles you to a 20% discount on meals and souvenirs. Plenty of iced drinks for all ages.
   
4. Hit the nearest snowball (snoball, sno-ball, or however you want to spell it) stand for an icy treat to keep you and the kids cool. Whether you are a fan of Plum Street Snoball or Hansen's Sno-Bliz, this icy treat will not doubt be a hit. My favorite place for small children is Queen of the Ball on Oak Street (newly redeveloped, check it out!). Among the many flavors offered is a dye-free strawberry guaranteed not to stain clothes.
5. Finally, head to the theater. Crescent City Lights Youth Theater offers productions throughout the summer. Kids ages 7 to 17 are cast in productions. Their last show, Wanna Play? followed several talented locals through the ups and downs of early adolescence. The production was full of music and got rave reviews from the audiences. Their next play, Everything About School opens on July 31st.

National Parks in Our Very Own City

by Kelly Leahy

June 15, 2009

The first time I walked into the New Orleans Jazz National Park on N. Peter's Street in the French Quarter I was taken back by the park ranger in his traditional khaki uniform. He looked like he should be engaged in a tête à tête with Smokey the Bear under the trees rather than listening to a middle school jazz ensemble. But what I came to realize is that this National Park is a wonderful free resource for great music, tours and information about our fair city.

Every Saturday this month, kids are invited to jam with the Storyville Stompers from 11 am until 12 pm. There are other performances scheduled mid-week by other local musicians including the rangers themselves.

For a more in depth look at the history of jazz in New Orleans, take a self-guided audio tour. You can pick up brochures at the visitor's center or download them online.

A guided walking tour of the French Quarter's history is offered at the Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve on Decator. The tour is free and open to the first 25 people that show up. The post itself has a lovely courtyard where you can get brochures and information about the city. The tours take place daily at 9:30 am at last about an hour. It is strongly recommended that you show up when the gates open at 9 am to secure a spot. I have never taken this tour but will put it on my "things to do" that next time we have visitors in town. You can find reviews at yelp.com.

If your preschooler is big on astronomy the Barataria Preserve in Marrero is offering free constellation lessons beginning June 27th. It's free but space limited so call 504-589-2330 ext. 10 for reservations.

The National Parks services are available in cities across the country so be sure to look into them during your next trip out of town.

Best Bet: Kids Corner at WWII Museum

by Kelly Leahy

March 06, 2009

If you haven't been to the WWII Museum with your preschooler, this Saturday might be the best introduction to New Orleans' role in the second World War. Families are invited to check out Kids Corner, a free program staffed by local high school students designed to educate kids about WWII.

In addition to the free activities, there are military aircraft in the main lobby which will thrill any plane enthusiast. The rest of the museum also has a lot too offer though it will be diffiult to take it all in with a preschooler in tow. The kids will like the movies and wondering the exhibits. There is also a nice cafe downstairs if you are in the need of a quick bite.

Plenty of paid parking nearby.

This Weekend's Best Bet: Sunday Drive

by Kelly Leahy

December 26, 2008

Though it's supposed to storm on Saturday, Sunday's weather should be a mild 68 degrees and sunny. This is perfect weather for getting in the car and taking a trip along the river to Destrehan Plantation . Take a guided tour of the house with a costumed docent. Show your preschooler what it would have been like to live on the Mississippi during the 18th and 19th centuries. There are different  Read more...

Getting to know my city: 5 great ways to introduce a preschooler to local history or landmarks

by Kelly Leahy

June 24, 2008

New Orleans bubbles over with history so it was hard to narrow it down to just five landmarks to feature in today's post. Feel free to add your favorites in the comments. Streetcar. The St. Charles Streetcar is one of the nation's few mobile landmarks. As of this week, the streetcar runs the entire route now that repairs to the storm damaged electrical lines are complete. Kids of any age  Read more...