Planning on spending some extra time in New Orleans with your family? The Convention and Visitors Bureau has put together a suggested itinerary for families that you may want to consider. Here it is:
Day 1
New Orleans pancake breakfast at Mothers Restaurant in the Warehouse District can start your day. Walk to the Aquarium of the Americas which also houses the IMAX Theater. Enjoy lunch across the street from the Aquarium complex at Gordon Biersch Brewery (good for families).
After lunch take ferry across the river to Mardi Gras World. You will see where the magic of Mardi Gras is created by the artists who make the floats that are seen around the world. When you return, take the Red Lady Trolley from the ferry dock to Café Du Monde where you’ll get beignets to go and walk along the Moon Walk (pedestrian walkway along the Mississippi River). You can rest, eat your treats and watch the action in the 3rd largest port in North America. International ships, tug boats and paddle wheel boats run continuously on the river.
Day 2
Take the St. Charles streetcar to 2020 St Charles Ave and visit the Tourism Headquarters of New Orleans. There you will find activity brochures, maps and experts on fun to help you plan your day. Down the street from the Tourism Headquarters is a shop called Pralines by Jean. Stop by and see how they are made and enjoy a unique item made only in New Orleans.
Hop back on the St. Charles streetcar and continue to Audubon Park where you can visit one of the top Zoos in the United States. Don’t forget to see the seal families, the elephant fountains and the butterfly exhibit. You can have lunch at the zoo but don’t feed the flamingos. Return to downtown on the streetcar or a short cab ride.
Day 3
Walk down Decatur St, have Beignets at Café DuMonde, stroll and shop the French Market, visit Jackson Square and watch the street performers. You can visit the St. Louis Cathedral, the 1850 House and the Hermann Grimma House to see how life was in New Orleans 100 years ago.
For lunch, have a New Orleans Poor boy at Fiorella’s in the French Market or a Mufelletta and a Barq’s Rootbeer at Central Grocery. In the afternoon take the Canal Streetcar to City Park and enjoy Storyland (for young children), the newly restored antique carrousel and the Bestoff Sculpture Garden.