The Play List: Things to do for families in New Orleans

Abita Mystery House

For a truly random but enjoyable experience, stop at this roadside museum in Abita. A collection of folk art, found objects, homemade inventions, interactive displays, odd collections, memorabilia, pure junk and old arcade machines, the “museum” is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and costs only $3 admission. 22275 Hwy. 36, Abita Springs, LA 70420. (985) 892-2624. ucmmuseum.com

Aquarium of the Americas

You’ll feel as though you stepped into another world when you enter the Aquarium of the Americas. Walking through the entrance tunnel gives you the sense that you’re walking on the bottom of the ocean. It’s truly one of life’s memorable moments. Highlights include the jellyfish tanks, the famous otters Buck and Emma, and Parakeet Pointe, where hundreds of tropical birds fly freely about the room. Children of all ages will be thrilled at the magic of seeing the secrets of ocean life unveiled before their eyes. 1 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70130. (504) 581-4629. auduboninstitute.org

Audubon Zoo

Visiting the Audubon Zoo is a full day of excitement. Whip up the kids’ anticipation by showing them the animal cams on the zoo’s website. Once you get there, take your time and travel around the world one exhibit at a time. Observe peaceful grazers and intimidating predators. Schedule your visit to catch the anteater feeding time—it’s quite a show. 6500 Magazine St., New Orleans, LA 70118. (504) 581-4629. auduboninstitute.org/visit/zoo

Bayou Country General Store

Whether you’re a born-and-bred Louisianan or new to the South altogether, you can never get enough Cajun charm. The Bayou Country General Store has all the kitsch you can stand, plus amazing pralines, locally produced Louisiana seasonings, home décor and souvenirs. With a café onsite, you can easily spend several hours perusing all the goodies. 101 East Howze Beach Rd., Slidell, LA 70461. (888) 571-3200. bayoucountry.com

Cajun Pride Plantation and City Tours

Cajun Pride Tours offers combination packages that include plantation visits with tours of New Orleans and a visit to one of the city’s remarkable cemeteries. These lively and evocative combinations provide an efficient way to get the most out of your cultural experience. 110 Frenier Rd., LaPlace, LA 70068. (504) 467-0758. cajunprideswamptours.com

Adventure is waiting on the Tammany Trace that winds its way through the scenic north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. (photo courtesy Tammany Parish Tourist Commission)

Carousel Gardens and Amusement Parks

Carousel Gardens in New Orleans’ City Park offers just the right amount of excitement for families of all ages. With 15 amusement park-style rides ranging from kiddie-status to teenager-level and beyond, this park has style not often found in such places. Boasting an antique wooden carousel designated by the National Register of Historic Places, the park is an ideal place to spend a fun-filled day in the city. 1 Palm Dr., New Orleans, LA, 70124. (504) 483-9402. neworleanscitypark.com

Gator Ranch

Whether you’re a born-and-bred Louisianan or a recent transplant, you and your family will love every second of your visit to the Insta-Gator Ranch in Covington. This facility offers a view of every part of alligator farming. Tours are run frequently, with optional experiences offered afterward, including the opportunity to play with baby alligators. 23440 Lowe Davis Rd., Covington, LA 70435. (985) 892-3669. insta-gatorranch.com

Jellystone Park

Jellystone Park in Robert offers a low-stress family getaway that won’t break the bank. Focused on bringing families together, Jellystone provides a wealth of activities like paddle boats, splash parks and playgrounds that make it easy for everyone to have a good time. 46049 Louisiana 445., Robert, LA 70455. (985) 542-1507. jellystonela.com

Kenner’s Rivertown

Rivertown is a historic 16-block area in Kenner that’s home to museums, shops, cafés and other cultural and family attractions. There’s a planetarium, a NASA space center, a sprawling park, outstanding theater and attractive dining options. experiencejefferson.com/kenner/rivertown

Laura Plantation

Laura Plantation offers a beautiful and enjoyable outing for the entire family. Adults will appreciate its 200 years of history as a sugar plantation, while children can enjoy the decadent gardens and the fact that the tales of “Br’er Rabbit,” originally the ancient West African tales of Compair Lapin, were recorded by folklorists from former slaves here. 2247 Louisiana 18, Vacherie, LA 70090. (225) 265-7690. lauraplantation.com

Liuzza Produce Farm

At Liuzza Farm in Tickfaw, families are taken out to the fields by horse-drawn wagon. Once there, you can wander the rows and hand-pick up to 20 pounds of creole tomatoes, bell peppers, yellow squash, zucchini, eggplant cucumbers and more. It’s an innovative approach to shopping locally, and it’s sure to get your family more involved in mealtime. 56457 Holden Circle, Amite, LA 70422. (985) 981-5788. louisianastrawberries.net

Longue VUE House and Gardens

At first glance, the breathtakingly beautiful Longue Vue House might seem like the last place you’d want to take children. With three stories and more than 20 rooms filled to overflowing with original antiques, it definitely doesn’t scream kid-friendly to the naked eye. But hidden in its core is the Discovery Garden, where tykes can get their hands dirty and uncover a love for gardening. 7 Bamboo Rd., New Orleans, LA 70124. (504) 488-5488. longuevue.com

Louisiana Children’s Museum

This is no ordinary museum. Chock full of interactive displays that are so much fun kids forget they’re actually learning, the New Orleans Children’s Museum is certainly worth the drive. 420 Julia St., New Orleans, LA 70130. (504) 523-1357. lcm.org

Mardi Gras World

Get an up-close and personal look at the work and craftsmanship that keeps Mardi Gras afloat each year. The expert artisans at Mardi Gras World build and decorate more than 500 floats annually, and you’ll get a sneak peek at this year’s best and brightest and king cake, too. 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl., New Orleans, LA 70160. (504) 361-7821. mardigrasworld.com

Musee Conti Wax Museum

At the Musee Conti, lifelike wax mannequins depict Louisiana’s history beginning 300 years ago, working through time from Bienville to Louis Armstrong. It’s both eerie and entertaining, and it will definitely give the family something to talk about. 917 Rue Conti, New Orleans, LA 70112. (504) 525-2605. neworleanswaxmuseum.com

Oak Alley Plantation

Kids can’t get enough of Oak Alley, with its inviting grounds and haunted hallways. It appeals to everyone, which explains why stars running the gamut from Bette Davis to Beyoncé have visited here in the past. <strong>3645 Louisiana 18, Vacherie, LA 70090. (225) 265-2151. oakalleyplantation.com

Pearl River Eco Tours

Let Captain Neil of Pearl River Eco Tours take you and your family exploring through one of the most pristine swamps in the country: Honey Island. Take the experience up a notch with a night tour, where you’ll get to see and hear the wildlife come alive. 55050 Hwy. 90, Slidell, LA 70461. (985) 649-4200. pearlrivercotours.com

SCUBA diving

Harry’s Dive Shop hosts Social Saturdays on the last Saturday of each month, allowing families who have never experienced the thrill of SCUBA diving to dip their toes in the water, so to speak, without getting in over their heads. For $25, you’ll get brief instruction and guidance, then the opportunity to try breathing through SCUBA gear in the shop’s pool. Activities start at 11 a.m. 4709 Airline Dr., Metairie, LA 70001. (504) 888-4882. harrysdiveshop.com

Steamboat Down the Mississippi

People of all ages will love floating down the Mississippi River on Steamboat Natchez, the last remaining authentic steamboat in operation. Take a two-hour cruise complete with live music and compelling views of the Crescent City. French Quarter, New Orleans, LA 70130. (504) 569-1401. steamboatnatchez.com

Streetcar ride

It’s not a shock that Baton Rouge isn’t exactly known for its public transportation options. But that makes catching a streetcar in New Orleans even more exciting for the family. Hop aboard the St. Charles line for a 13-mile loop around uptown New Orleans’ most characteristic areas. And, at $1.25 per ticket, it’s easy on the pocketbook. norta.com

Tammany Trace

Outdoor enthusiasts have to head over to Tammany Trace, the first Louisiana trail to be part of the National Rail-Trail Network. It covers 28 miles of jogging, biking and even equestrian trails. There’s also a wildlife conservation area and educational learning center for children. The trace winds through Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe and Slidell, linked by more than 30 railroad bridges. 21490 Koop Rd., Mandeville, LA 70471. (985) 867-9490. tammanytrace.org

Voodoo Museum

The Voodoo Museum is great for families who can handle a little fright every now and then. The museum has a stimulating collection of artifacts and historical references to the long and storied past of voodoo in the New Orleans area. It also offers one of the best guided cemetery tours in town, so if your family has the nerve, it’s a spooky good time. 724 Dumaine St., New Orleans, LA 70116. (504) 680-0128. voodoomuseum.com

Want more things to do? Check out the lists below.