chiguirre Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 We're heading to NOLA next week for spring break. What do you all recommend doing? My oldest, GW, is severely autistic so we need things that would be good for a 6 foot tall 4 yo. I've got the zoo, aquarium and insectarium on my list as well as a swamp cruise, the steam boat, and French Quarter. Do you think the WW2 museum would be okay? Anything else that's lots of fun for littles who are actually very large? Thank you for all your suggestions. Trip planning can be a bit challenging for us and we usually stick to the beach, but this year it's just too cold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 Will you have a car? The Barataria Preserve/Jean Lafitte National Park is across the bridge, an easy driving distance from the French Quarter. They have a Visitor's Center with educational displays and films, and tons of walking trails. They do lots of ranger led walks. http://www.nps.gov/jela/barataria-preserve.htm Mardi Gras World is cool: http://www.mardigrasworld.com/ It's fun to ride the street car up and down St. Charles Avenue and look at the mansions; self-guided tour here: http://www.neworleansonline.com/tools/streets/saintcharles.html The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) has a good collection. If that's too confined, just do the outdoor sculpture garden, it's free and fun. NOMA is on the grounds of City Park, so you can tour the sculpture garden and then stroll straight into the park. They have extras like a botanical garden, paddle boats, a very small amusement park, and Storyland: http://www.neworleanscitypark.com/ For the zoo/aquarium/insectarium, do make sure that you check their page for any combo deals or specials. They have a cool boat ride that will take you from the aquarium to the zoo. Also check out the cost of membership, it might be worth it for you guys: http://www.auduboninstitute.org/ lmk if you have any particular questions, and enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyerin Posted March 8, 2014 Share Posted March 8, 2014 We live here in NOLA. You've got the bulk of the ones I'd recommend on your list or in the first reply. The WWII museum is fantastic, but very graphic, if your kids would be bothered by that. The docents recommended we skip the entire second floor of the museum due to the graphic nature of the photographs of the Asian front. But, my kids are much younger. Look up when the St Patrick's Day parade(s) are, too. I haven't looked yet. Catching a parade is always a good option for entertainment in NOLA! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cara Posted March 9, 2014 Share Posted March 9, 2014 If you will be in town next weekend, I agree with Erin about the parades. The Irish Channel parade is Saturdaynat 1, the St. Joseph's Italian American parade is Saturday at 6 and the Metairie Road (suburb if New Orleans) is Sunday at noon. Be sure to catch one of these, the kids will have a blast! Watch out for cabbage and other foods being thrown at you! http://www.stpatricksdayneworleans.com My kids love walking around the French Quarter and along the river and visiting the Fench Market. Swamp tours are nice, take a ride on the street car is fun too. Also the Children's Muesum! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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