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! 

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: Enjoy the Fest

by Kelly Leahy

April 30, 2009

This is the last weekend for Jazz Fest 2009. I must say that I had some trepidation the first time that I went with small children but we had a blast. The covered kid's tent is a great place to catch your breath as well as some innovative acts geared for your preschooler.

There are puppet shows, tribal dance music and even kid performers throughout the weekend. Outside of the tent there are games and plenty of activities to plow through. For more detail be sure to check out the cubes. I also wanted to mention that if you haven't been to the Jazz Fest homepage, there is a new feature this year that allows you to customize your music schedule so you don't miss a beat (ha ha). 

Planning ahead: Make New Orleans Home is proposing screening films at the Fly starting May 7th. I love this idea. Go to this website and vote on the first film.

This Weekend's Best Bet: Tết Fest

by Kelly Leahy

January 30, 2009

A friend tipped me off to a festival in New Orleans East this weekend. The Vietnamese New Year or Tết kicks off this evening at Mary Queen of Vietnam Church (14001 Dwyer Blvd.). This three day celebration features food, games, dragons and performances. To catch it from the beginning, head on over to the Church tonight at 6:30 pm for the opening ceremonies. Tết is the biggest holiday  Read more...

Urban Strollering

by Kelly Leahy

December 17, 2008

Like most of my baby shopping, I relied heavily on the Amazon reviews to choose a stroller. I settled on a Maclaren Triumph . The stroller has done me well over the rough terrain of the sidewalks of New Orleans. The Maclaren is no mall stroller. There is little basket space for shopping (not so good for the farmer's market). However, it is lightweight enough to hop easily the over broken,  Read more...

This Weekend's Best Bet: Festivals Galore

by Kelly Leahy

December 05, 2008

There is no reason why you can't finish up your holiday shopping this weekend. There a a gazillion open air markets going on in and around the city (I've counted). The best thing about art markets (other than the simple fact that you don't have to step foot in the mall) is that you are supporting locals. The second best thing is that the kids love it! Algiers' Point Art & Fine Craft Market  Read more...

Counting in da 'Hood

by Kelly Leahy

February 03, 2008

This month at Savvy Source we are looking at math skills. What better way to practice numbers than by counting objects while out and about? Here are a few things to look out for. Birds on the wire. Look up and count birds resting on telephone wires. If you are lucky, you'll be able to spot some Quaker Parrots . Go to the Fly and count the ships as they pass (this could take a while) or  Read more...