Best Area To Stay In New Orleans With Family

Traveling to New Orleans with your family is a fantastic experience. Despite many people’s misconceptions that New Orleans is a party city only, we have so much to offer for adults and kids alike. Naturally, the activities can range based on the ages of the people in the family. There are many adults who are kids at heart, and old souls that inhabit ten year olds. Where you stay in the city is going to be completely your decision, as all the neighborhoods are unique and interesting. All have a distinct personality that you’ll be able to pick up on when you stay there. That’s what makes the experience so wonderful and personal.

I’m going to break down some of the best areas to stay with your family here in New Orleans, and I know it will help make some amazing memories with your kids, whether they are younger or older. Let’s see what New Orleans has to offer.

St. Louis Cathedral

Growing up in New Orleans, I never thought it was not kid friendly. There wasn’t a shortage of things to do at any age. And there is more now than even I had as a kid. All over the city, there are museums, parks, the zoo, and much more. It’s a matter of choosing what you like best and making it happen. Some areas are more central than others. But all are pretty easy to get to with the streetcar lines and other modes of transportation. If you’re looking for where to stay in New Orleans to walk everywhere, click on the link. I break down several neighborhoods and hotels that are helpful in your choice.

This isn’t something to stress over too much, as we are a small city, and one that is very child-and-family-friendly. It’s a delight seeing families enjoy the city in which I grew up and still enjoy. So please, come and make yourselves at home.

Bayou St. John

Yes, New Orleans is family friendly in big ways. Our culture is very inclusive of kids of all ages. Taking your kids to events like Jazz Fest, on swamp tours, and to eat beignets is a completely normal occurrence here. No one bats an eye when friends with and without kids show up to events with their littles. In fact, it’s welcome most times. While kids aren’t allowed in bars, many restaurants are set up to accommodate both.

It’s nothing to see parents and kids dining at the finer places like Commander’s Palace and Antoine’s, showing their kids what New Orleans traditions look like from a young age. We absolutely want you to do the same with your own kids. They will form these core memories with you and experience their own form of wanderlust. We would love to be part of that here in New Orleans. So come on, let’s get these kids integrated!

Metairie Cemetery

French Quarter

The natural tendency for most visitors is to stay in the French Quarter. It’s the most known neighborhood. And people gravitate towards it for all kinds of reasons. If you’re coming to New Orleans with family, I’d encourage you to choose carefully when you stay here, as it can be an area geared towards adults for the most part. I’ll be honest, it wouldn’t be my very first option to stay (for families) for a few reasons.

First, Canal Street has become somewhat of a dicey street. And at night I (and many locals) choose to stay away from it. Second, there are a lot of adults who come here to drink themselves silly. And because we can take alcohol into the streets, drunk people and alcohol are everywhere. This may be somewhat controversial, but since it’s my blog I get to tell you my opinion. And that is my opinion. If you’re going to stay in the French Quarter, I would stick to something like the Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street or Place d’Armes. 

Garden District/Uptown

The Garden District and Uptown New Orleans would be a great option for families who are visiting. You’re near St. Charles Avenue, which has the iconic green streetcar line running along it. There are beaucoup restaurants, casual and nice. And it’s still a very happening area of town for all ages. You can take the streetcar to Audubon Park and the Audubon zoo, The Fly, and Loyola and Tulane campuses, all of which could take up days to discover everything.

Magazine Street is also a fantastic place to shop, particularly with the older ones. Little kids may not get much out of this (ok, they really won’t get anything out of it), but with older kid families, it’s a nice stroll. The French Quarter and other areas of the city are not far from here. And you could take the hop on, hop off bus, the streetcar, or an Uber to get to where you want to go.

Warehouse District/CBD

Adjacent to the French Quarter, and much calmer and quieter, are the Warehouse District and CDB (central business district). They are very close to one another, just a few blocks actually. Here you’ll get the feel of the city without having to dodge street juice and other unappealing happenings that go on near the French Quarter. You’re also near the red streetcar line, where you can take it all the way down by City Park, where you can hit the Children’s Museum, NOMA, and the amusement park (which kids and adults alike enjoy). If you want to stay nearer to the neighborhood, hit the National WWII Museum, a phenomenal space that people visit from all over the world. In the Warehouse District and CBD, you’ll get the best of all worlds, especially with families. 

Metairie

Yes, some people with families do want to stay in the ‘burbs. It’s totally ok, too. Metairie is adjacent to to New Orleans, and you even have to pass through it to get to New Orleans from the airport. New Orleans is unique that way, so if you have a car and are staying in Metairie, you might actually save quite a bit of money by doing so. There also may be more family friendly hotels than in the heart of New Orleans, particularly in the French Quarter. It will take you just a few minutes to travel into the city and do whatever it is that you want to do.

You’ll also be quite close to Mid City, where City Park is, and the abundance of activities you can do there with families is awesome. No, it’s not New Orleans proper, but no one is judging you. I’m in support of doing what’s best for you, so don’t rule out Metairie if you have a mode of transportation (a car) to get you around the crescent city. It could make a lot of sense. 

New Orleans truly is a shining star when it comes to entertainment and things to do for all kinds of visitors. The amount of activities that you are able to accomplish is up to you, but know that we have them. Whether you’re wondering what to do in New Orleans for first time visitors, have been here many times, or dream of making this your home, we welcome you with lots of open arms. Choosing where to stay is one of the factors, and the good news is that you will be able to get around very easily, no matter where you land. So what are you waiting for? Book that room, that ticket, or fill up your tank and get here. We can’t wait to see you!

If you liked this blog, you might also like the one I wrote about where to stay in New Orleans to walk everywhere or authentic New Orleans experiences.

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