10 Cheap Family Activities New Orleans Families Will Love This Weekend
Kick off your weekend without breaking the bank by exploring a variety of cheap family activities New Orleans offers, from splashing at free water parks to savoring beignets on a streetcar ride—all guaranteed to delight kids and parents alike!
Introduction
If you’re looking for cheap family activities New Orleans parents and kids can enjoy together this weekend, you’re in luck. New Orleans may be famous for its vibrant nightlife, but it also boasts a treasure trove of free or low‑cost adventures perfect for families on a budget. From public playgrounds and splash pads to cultural festivals and historic strolls, you’ll find something for every interest. Let’s dive into ten wallet‑friendly options that will keep the whole crew entertained for under $10 per person!
Free and Low‑Cost Outdoor Adventures
Splash into Summer at Public Splash Pads
As summer heats up, families can cool off for free or at minimal cost at newly opened splash pads around the metro, including the new public splash pad at Morris F.X. Jeff Sr. Park in Algiers and the Lafreniere Spray Park in Metairie (Axios.com). The wading pool at Audubon’s Hyams Fountain is another toddler‑friendly spot, while older kids can enjoy more adventurous water features—all without spending more than a dollar on parking .
Picnic and Play in City Park
New Orleans City Park, twice the size of Central Park, offers four themed playgrounds—Stanley Ray, Magnolia, Sir Cumference, and Big Lake—where kids can climb, slide, and explore to their heart’s content without spending a dime . Pack a picnic blanket and snacks, then let the little ones roam the open lawns and shady groves; admission to the park itself is free, though some attractions (like the miniature train) have nominal fees .
Stroll Along Jackson Square and the Moonwalk
Strolling through Jackson Square offers endless entertainment as street performers, musicians, and magicians captivate audiences at no cost . Kids will love tossing pennies into the fountain and watching carousel horses spin at the nearby French Market Carousel for just $3 per ride .
Affordable Educational Experiences
Storytime and Crafts at New Orleans Public Libraries
Every branch of the New Orleans Public Library hosts free storytimes, magic shows, and craft sessions throughout the weekend, complete with complimentary snacks during summer months . Check your local branch’s schedule online to plan a morning of reading and creativity without spending a cent .
Explore the Audubon Nature Center
Just a short drive from downtown, the Audubon Nature Center provides 86 acres of bottomland hardwood forest with self‑guided trails and bird‑watching opportunities at no admission cost . Bring binoculars and a picnic to turn this into an immersive educational adventure.
Pay‑What‑You‑Wish at the National WWII Museum
While general admission is pricier, the National WWII Museum offers a monthly “Free First Thursday” and select “Pay‑What‑You‑Wish” afternoons that can be timed with your weekend visit for as little as a few dollars per person . Interactive exhibits and kid‑friendly displays make history come alive for little learners.
Budget‑Friendly Weekend Events
Celebrate Greek Fest’s 50th Anniversary
This Saturday and Sunday, the New Orleans Greek Fest offers affordable live music, folk dancing, and authentic Greek cuisine in the Fair Grounds Race Course for under $5 per ticket when purchased in advance . Kids under 12 enter free, making this a culturally rich, budget‑friendly outing .
Kite & Drone Day at Milne Playground
Also this Saturday, head to Milne Playground for NORD’s annual Kite & Drone Day, a free community event featuring kite‑flying contests, drone demonstrations, and family games . All equipment is provided, so just bring your enthusiasm and a picnic.
Free Water Play at Audubon Zoo’s Monkey Hill
The Audubon Zoo’s Monkey Hill features a free water spray area where kids can splash and cool down alongside statues of playful primates—no zoo admission required . Note that general zoo entry is separate, but this one spot is open to the public at no charge.
DIY Fun and Local Treats
Ride the Historic Streetcar
A classic New Orleans experience, streetcar fares are just $1.25 per ride for adults and 65¢ for kids under 12 when using a Jazzy Pass . Hop on the St. Charles or Riverfront line for scenic views of oak‑lined streets and the Mississippi River—kids will love the novelty, and parents will love the price.
Homemade Beignet Break at Café du Monde
No trip to New Orleans is complete without beignets. Order three fresh beignets for under $6, and share a steaming cup of chicory coffee (or hot chocolate for the kids) for a sweet, budget‑friendly treat in the heart of the French Quarter .
Money‑Saving Tips for Families
Leverage NORD Passes and Discounts
The New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD) offers a Recreation Pass that provides discounted access to pools, playgrounds, and select events for under $10 per person annually—an investment that pays for itself after just one or two outings .
Pack Snacks and Refillable Water Bottles
Save on concession costs by packing portable snacks—fruit, sandwiches, and granola bars—and refillable water bottles to stay hydrated during outdoor adventures. Many parks offer water fountains to refill for free.
Conclusion
This weekend, embrace cheap family activities New Orleans has to offer by mixing free public attractions with low‑cost unique experiences. From splash pads and libraries to cultural festivals and streetcar rides, your family can make unforgettable memories while keeping expenses to a minimum. So grab the kids, chart your route, and get ready for a fun‑filled, budget‑friendly weekend in the Big Easy!
