Being Savvy: Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers and kids in New Orleans, LA

Find out more about:

Archives

Cars, Trucks, and Things That Go

5 spots to get some work done while your kids run amuck

August 04, 2009

My kids are still a little too young to take anywhere without constant supervision. Yet, I do long for the day when I can arrive at a kid friendly spot with a book or laptop in hand and let them loose. When that day comes, here is where you will find me:

  1. The Monkey Room. Envisioned by local parents, this indoor gymnasium offers something for everyone. There is a ginormous play structure for those 3 -12 and a smaller one next door for the toddler set. This spot not only offers healthy snacks and drinks form their snack bar but also free wifi so you can work away while your children climb around like, well, monkeys.
  2. You can usually piggyback on someone's wifi over at Audubon Park while the kids explore the playgrounds. The only trouble is that such a picturesque spot might be conducive to daydreaming.
  3. Take advantage of our libraries! With summer reading programs, story times and public computers, there is plenty to entertain your little one while you check off a few "to dos." Everything you need to know is listed on their website.
  4. There has been a lot of activity at Harrell Playground recently. This newly rebuilt facility is at the corner of Leonidas and Claiborne and is completely fenced in. There is a track, brand new play set and a POOL. Your kids will love it and you'll love the options.
  5. There was a time when the only way I could get my eldest to nap was in the backseat of the car. This was also when I was most productive at getting my work done. Quite often I would be parked in the driveway but there were other days that I would find more picturesque spots with free WiFi like the Fly, the lakefront and even Frenchmen Street. I am also not above balancing my checkbook during our wait at the pediatrician's office or while the kids gaze out the windows and chat with folks on the streetcar (the ferry might pose a few too many threats on the other hand -- water and all).
 Read more...

5 Special Spots That Will Wow a Preschooler

June 23, 2009

Whether it's to make a birthday extra special or to simply get out of the house for a few hours, here are five local spots that are guaranteed to make their eyes pop out of their heads.

  1. The Algiers Ferry, Canal Street. Crossing the Mississippi on a big boat is right up there on a preschooler's idea of a good time. The fact that it's free for pedestrians and only a dollar if you drive makes it a good choice for parents as well.
  2. Angelo Brocato's, 214 N. Carrollton Avenue. This Italian ice cream and pastry shop has been pleasing kids and grown-ups alike since 1905. Their offerings of gelato, spumoni, cannoli and cookies are unparalelled in the city.
  3. Audubon Insectarium, Custom House, Canal St. Preschoolers will have a great time not only looking into terrariums filled with bugs but also holding and even eating the six-legged wonders (and worms too). Tickets are $5 for members through the summer!
  4. Whether it's Jackson Square, Wednesday in the Square or one of the various venues around town, preschoolers love music. There are plenty of events going on that are kid friendly and even unconventional spots (D.B.A., for one -- or so I've heard) welcome kids to their shows.
  5. Le Jouet, 1700 Airline Drive. This family owned and operated toy store is stuffed the rafters with toys, bikes and goodlies for kids of all ages.  Children are welcome to explore the playhouses outside or try out the mini kitchens indoors. Of course, it's unlikely that you'll be able to walk away without buying something, there's always penny candy at the register.
 Read more...

More of Our Favorite Activities and Things to Do in new orleans

urbanjungle.jpg

Creatures & Critters:
Our Urban Jungle

doremi.jpg

Do, Re, Mi! Places to Hear, Sing & Play a Tune

artisticendeavors.jpg

Artistic Endeavors:
Our Favorite Art Venues

roomtorun2.jpg

Room to Run:
Run, Jump & Wiggle Outdoors

rain.jpg

Rainy & Quiet Days:
Cozy & Crazy Indoor Fun

localhistory2.jpg

A Sense of History:
Our City's Stories

naturalhistory2.jpg

Tot's Science Fair:
Science & Nature Sites

waterparks2.jpg

Splash, Spray, Play! Local Spots to Get Wet

holdinghands2.jpg

The Most Fun in Life Is Free!

bestofcity2.jpg

The Best of... Our Top Can't-Live-Without Spots

The Voice of Being Savvy new orleans:
Kelly Leahy

Read more Being Savvy for: