New Orleans for Teens: 5 Cool Activities They’ll Love

Thinking about taking your teens to New Orleans? It might be more that, famous for beads, parties, and adult beverages. That said, New Orleans actually has a lot to offer families with teenagers. It’s just that, beyond the surface, you can uncover some very memorable experiences. What you’re likely to find, is a city brimming with culture, history, and surprisingly awesome stuff to do. From spooky encounters to swamp explorations, there’s something for every type of teenager in the Big Easy. Let’s take a peek at some top-notch adventures to make your family trip unforgettable.

1. Take an Airboat Swamp Tour

Okay, so picture this: You’re gliding through Louisiana’s murky swamps on an airboat, the wind in your hair. You’re spotting alligators lurking beneath the water, and getting up close with some truly unique wildlife. An airboat swamp tour is an awesome thing that is both exhilarating and educational. It is like your average adventure experience. Loads of companies offer these tours just outside of New Orleans, yet it’s almost always a convenient escape into nature. And, let’s be honest, what teen isn’t at least a little interested in seeing some gators? These tours very, very often are led by local guides. So, they know the area like the back of their hand. So, expect lots of fascinating stories about the swamp’s history and ecology.

Why It’s Cool for Teens:

Thrill factor: Speeding across the water in an airboat is legitimately a cool experience.
Wildlife sightings: Alligators, turtles, birds – it’s almost a live nature documentary.
Educational value: Learn about the Louisiana wetlands and why they’re rather, quite important.

2. Explore the French Quarter’s History

The French Quarter is definitely more than party central. In some respects it’s almost, actually, a living history museum. Now, I know what you’re thinking: History tours? Yawn! I get it. But, there are very many historical walking tours out there that bring the past to life. These ones tell seriously engaging stories. Imagine strolling through streets, that once echoed with the voices of pirates, voodoo queens, and famous figures, too! These tours often mix historical facts with a little bit of local flavor, just to keep things interesting. It’s almost, too, an awesome thing to discover the stories behind the architecture, the culture, and the people. All those elements contribute to New Orleans’ one-of-a-kind charm.

Why It’s Cool for Teens:

Engaging stories: It’s more than stuffy dates and facts, yet it’s real stories that’ll grab their attention.
Cultural immersion: The French Quarter is a mix of French, Spanish, and American influences. It is that, that can be quite fascinating.
Photo ops: Seriously cool buildings and hidden courtyards offer pretty unique backdrops.

3. Brave a Spooky Ghost Tour

Alright, here we go with ghosts! New Orleans happens to be supposedly one of America’s most haunted cities, and so, that reputation makes it more or less perfect for a ghost tour. If you have teens who are even a bit interested in the paranormal or scary stuff, this is almost a must-do. There are, just, tons of tour companies, offering nighttime walks through the French Quarter. They recount spine-tingling tales of real hauntings and unexplained mysteries. From the story of Madame Delphine LaLaurie (a notoriously cruel socialite) to the hauntings of the Andrew Jackson Hotel, there are stories that send chills down your spine. Just know that some tours could be kinda intense. Yet, these experiences are quite entertaining if you go for one that is good.

Why It’s Cool for Teens:

Adrenaline rush: Okay, let’s be honest, it’s just that, a good scare can be really fun.
Storytelling: Many of the tour guides really know how to weave a creepy story.
Unique perspective: It gives teens a unique peek into New Orleans’ darker side of history.

4. Get Musical on Frenchmen Street

When it comes to New Orleans, you really, really cannot forget about music. Now, most folks flock to Bourbon Street, yet it’s almost certainly way too rowdy and crowded for teens. Instead, make your way to Frenchmen Street. So, this district features more authentic, local music venues. This street generally comes alive at night with jazz, blues, and funk pouring out onto the sidewalks. Plenty of places allow under-21s if accompanied by a guardian, specifically earlier in the evening. The way the music moves out from the streets is almost infectious, yet there are street performers and local artisans selling their crafts. I mean what else is there, besides soaking up the great New Orleans vibes. Look for family-friendly venues that may host some early shows.

Why It’s Cool for Teens:

Live music: Okay, there is just about no better place to hear genuine New Orleans jazz than right here.
Street atmosphere: The whole street sort of pulses with a fun and safe energy.
Cultural experience: Frenchmen Street offers an insight into New Orleans’ local music scene, like your not going to find any place else.

5. Discover City Park

If you need to escape, that has little green area, is kind of, like, big? That can have your heart feeling relaxed? This can tend to be great for, especially, if your family likes a more peaceful break from the urban intensity. That’s where City Park actually shines! That can cover a significant amount of acreage, and also contains gardens, walking paths, and so many activities. So you could take a relaxing stroll through the Botanical Garden or Besthoff Sculpture Garden. You will also be able to rent a bike to cruise around. Teens might also be into the amusement park, or a round of mini-golf. I guess just whatever really works.

Why It’s Cool for Teens:

Variety of activities: There’s, basically, something for every interest, as a matter of fact.
Relaxing environment: Just some time to chill outside of the hubbub, is quite needed.
Beautiful scenery: Gardens and art installations also are just a feast for your eyes too.