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10 Awesome Things to do in New …

March 15, 2019 By admin

If you follow me on Instagram, you saw a peek into our whirlwind NOLA trip. I was pleasantly surprised at how much my daughter enjoyed The Big Easy so today I’m sharing some of the best things to do in New Orleans with kids.

With old-school southern charm, a melting pot of people and cultures, history galore, an amazing food scene and attractions for every traveler, New Orleans is a great pick for a family-friendly getaway.

10 Awesome Things to do in New Orleans With Kids

Mardi Gras World is one of the top things to do in New Orleans with kids.

1) Check Out Mardi Gras World

The next best thing to watching a Mardi Gras parade in person (yes, there are child-friendly versions) is checking out the floats up-close and seeing how they’re made. A visit to Mardi Gras World starts out with an informational video (and King Cake tasting) and ends with an elaborate behind-the-scenes tour where you’ll see artists painting and designing their creations.

There are plenty of photo-ops and costumes to try on so make sure you’ve got a full battery. The complimentary shuttle makes this a super easy option for families visiting New Orleans with kids.

The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is the perfect option for a rainy or super hot day in New Orleans with kids.

2) Go Under the Sea at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.

Aquariums are always an awesome option for family trips and New Orleans’ Audubon Aquarium of the Americas will not disappoint. Kids will love seeing penguins, sea otters, sharks, rays, turtles, birds and more in larger than life exhibits with touch tanks and hands-on displays. Note: The nearby Audubon Zoo is one of the best zoos in America.

Shoppers and foodies will find plenty to love in New Orlean’s French Market.

3) Shop Till You Drop at the French Market

From custom art and jewelry to foodie faves and snacks galore, the French Market has something for visitors of all ages.

This is the perfect spot to pick up souvenirs, watch a cooking demo and have a quick bite before exploring the French Quarter.

4) Make Time for Beignets

NOLA is known for their powered sugar covered French donuts and you can’t visit New Orleans with kids without stopping at one of their two famed eateries: Cafe du Monde (my husband’s pick) and Cafe Beignet (my daughter and I loved these). Pair them with chicory coffee or chocolate milk and you’ll be energized all day. Go early in the morning to avoid long waits or later in the day for an afternoon snack.

5) Play at the Louisiana Children’s Museum

Located in the heart of the warehouse district, the interactive Louisiana Children’s Museum is a must if you’re traveling with the elementary and younger set. The museum features several hands-on exhibits, reading nooks and art areas. Don’t miss the imaginative play spaces like the bubble area, eye doctor space, grocery store and play cafe.

6) Ride the Streetcar

New Orleans is a very easy city to navigate by foot but make sure to save a trip or two for the city’s historic Streetcars. The St. Charles streetcar, the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world, goes past gorgeous live oak trees and dozens of antebellum mansions, historic monuments, Loyola and Tulane universities, and shops. Rides are just $1.25 per trip or $3 for unlimited rides all day making this a great way to get around New Orleans with kids.

7) Listen to Some Jazz

The Big Easy is known for their Jazz scene and little music lovers will enjoy taking in live music. Local musicans play on street corners, restaurants and bars. I recommend taking in a Jazz brunch or going to a concert at Preservation Hall, an all ages, non-smoking venue with shows starting at 5pm. Book reservations in advance.

8) Go Back in Time at The World War II Museum

For history loving families (best for kids 6+), The National World War II Museum is a must see. Give yourselves a full day here and plan to arrive in the early morning if possible. Younger kids will enjoy seeing the massive planes and visual displays (old fashioned kitchens and living rooms), while older kids will appreciate the interactive exhibits, historic artifacts and short films about America’s contribution to the Allied victory in World War II. This museum is huge (AND expanding) and busy so get tickets to any special activities or events.

9) Explore the French Quarter

New Orlean’s French Quarter is famous for good reason. One look at the gorgeous architecture (colorful facades, rustic shutters and cast-iron balconies), horse-drawn carriages and performer filled squares and you’ll be lost in time. There are shops, art galleries, cafes, and street musicians at every turn. Yes, Bourbon Street has a lot of bars, but wander around Royal Street and the surrounding streets and be sure and check out the local artists and street performers in Jackson Square.

10) Play All Day at City Park

An awesome family-friendly destination is City Park, one of the oldest urban parks in the United States and a great spot in New Orleans with kids. It features a small amusement park, storybook-themed playground, lake with paddle boat rentals, mini golf, botanical garden, cafes and more. If you want to take in some nature and tire your littles out, this is the place to go.

Planning to visit New Orleans with kids? Be sure to check out my picks for the most family-friendly New Orleans restaurants before you go.

Best New Orleans Restaurants …

January 8, 2019 By admin

New Orleans, always a favorite for Southern fare, has become a great food city with experimental chefs whipping up meals that will thrill travelers of all ages. Here are my picks for the Best New Orleans Restaurants for Families.

Best New Orleans Restaurants for Families in the French Quarter

For breakfast or a quick snack, a stop in the French Quarter for beignets is an absolute must. Think fried doughy goodness, loaded with powered sugar. My husband’s favorite was Cafe du Monde while my daughter and I loved the Cafe Beignet versions. Both spots are busy so prepare to wait in line and try to go early in the morning if you can.

A hearty breakfast is a must for parents and adults and Toast gets my vote for its convenient French Quarter location, affordability and delicious bacon! Try one of the breakfast toasts, crepes, waffles, or french toast masterpieces like coconut cream with pineapple! Add your name to the digital waitlist to avoid a long wait.

New Orleans is known for its gargantuan round muffuleta sandwiches and I can’t think of a better quick lunch for a hungry family than a stop at Central Grocery. They’re packed ready to go in half or whole sizes making them perfect to eat in the park.

Best New Orleans Restaurants for Families in the Warehouse District

Willa Jean has some of the tastiest treats in town (think scones and muffins, homemade poptarts, cookies and more) as well as a full menu of southern specialties, innovative biscuit sandwiches and kid friendly staples. Make a reservation or expect to wait.

Food Halls are a great option for traveling families as everyone can roam around and pick different foods. We loved the gorgeous Auction House Market’s offerings ranging from local specials, ethnic fare and vegan ice cream.

The mini-moo kids grilled cheese is perfect for lunch.

Kids of all ages love cheese and the St. James Cheese Company has awesome cheesy goodness ranging from the mini-moo grilled cheese to decadent sandwiches, salads and shareable cheese plates. This is a great spot for a casual lunch or a family-friendly happy hour.

NOSH stands for New Orleans Social House and we loved the laid back vibe, sharable bites (think poutine, flatbreads, oysters and sliders) and adult friendly beverages.

You can’t go wrong with an Emeril Lagass restaurant and his newest NOLA hotspot Meril was one of our best meals. The place was packed with local families celebrating birthdays with cotton candy and sparklers during our holiday visit. The tapas style menu features flavors from around the world and is perfect for sharing. Be sure to save room for dessert!

Best New Orleans Restaurants for Families on Magazine Street

I love funky decor so when I heard about Molly’s Rise and Shine, I decided to go. The place is decorated with toys, lunchboxes, posters and the salt and pepper shakers are glued onto toy cars. You order in line, grab a table and wait for the deliciousness to arrive. We shared smashed peas, feta cheese, and torn herbs on toast, a labneh dip dusted with everything bagel seasoning, zaatar and olive oil, a yummy roasted carrot yogurt with granola and a biscuit and it was one of our tastiest meals.

What’s your favorite restaurant in New Orleans? Tell me below in the comments.

Charleston is another great family destination with delicious food. Check out my Charleston recap for the scoop.

Spotlight on New Orleans: …

March 3, 2014 By admin

Looking for a kid-friendly activity to celebrates Marti Gras at home? Fat Tuesday is tomorrow and while my daughter is too young to enjoy the debauchery of Marti Gras in New Orleans, she’s just the right age for making beaded necklaces out of candy! Here’s a tutorial to make your own New Orleans inspired candy necklace to get you in the celebratory mood.

Globetrotting Mommy, Candy Necklace, New Orleans, Marti Gras, Travel, DIY, DIY Jewelry, Jewelry, Kids Crafts, Kids Birthday, Party Favor Ideas

Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on New Orleans: Marti Gras Inspired Candy Necklaces

Grab some string or ribbon, scissors and edible treats with holes in the center to string and you’re good to go. Twizzlers, Life Savers, gummy circles, Cheerios and Fruit Loops are ideal for this project. Kids can design a pattern, create monotone creations or just pick and choose as they go. This is a great project for kids of all ages but younger kids might need some help with stringing.

Globetrotting Mommy – Spotlight on New Orleans: Marti Gras Inspired Candy Necklaces

Cut the string and tie a candy at one end with a knot. Add candy and cereal until you’ve perfected the design and length. Knot the ends and slip it over your heads.