Affordable Family Vacation in New Orleans: Cheap & Free Things to Do

December 22nd 2022
Jeannelle Douglas
Affordable Family Vacation in New Orleans: Cheap & Free Things to Do

New Orleans is a vibrant city filled with a diverse culture and rich history. Home to the famous Mardi Gras festival, tourists flock from all around the world to enjoy all of the happenings. There are a ton of NOLA attractions to explore that appeal to all ages and interests. From spine-tingling ghost tours to tasty food tours, your family is sure to be entertained the whole trip.

With so many options available, you may wonder how to experience what New Orleans has to offer on a budget. TripShock has compiled a list of the best cheap and free things to do to make planning an affordable family vacation in New Orleans a breeze.

Table of Contents

  • Can You Visit New Orleans on a Budget?
  • Is New Orleans Affordable to Visit for Families?
  • How to Have an Affordable Family Vacation in New Orleans
    -Visit a Park
    -Stroll the French Quarter
    -Get an Authentic Experience at Mardi Gras World
    -Gain Historical Insights at Museums
    -Explore the City on Hop on-Hop off Bus Tours
    -Enjoy the Scenery on Boat Cruises
    -See Wildlife on Alligator Tours
    -Trek Through the Swamps on Bayou & Swamp Tours
    -Go on a Plantation Tour
    -Go on a Walking Tour

 

 

Can You Visit New Orleans on a Budget?

 

Downtown New Orleans skyline

Pictured above is the Downtown New Orleans skyline.

 

Yes! The historic city is one of the most popular destinations in the country, but even with all that popularity, New Orleans can be a surprisingly affordable getaway. If you are willing to be a little innovative about your money-saving strategies, you’ll find there are tons of inexpensive activities that can make for a fun and memorable time without spending a fortune.

 

Is New Orleans Affordable to Visit for Families?

 

Family walking in New Orleans

Pictured above is a family walking in New Orleans.

 

Yes! Visiting New Orleans with your family can be an exciting and fun-filled experience. The city offers a mixture of attractions and experiences that will help you and your loved ones discover the unique culture that makes New Orleans one of the most popular destinations in America.

With the many affordable attractions and notable landmarks throughout the city, you don’t have to spend a fortune on your trip to New Orleans to have an unforgettable vacation.

 

How to Have an Affordable Family Vacation in New Orleans

New Orleans is a fun city with all sorts of activities for families of all ages and interests. Many of the popular activities in New Orleans are cheap or even free. From visiting museums to exploring the French Quarter, there are tons of things to keep you and your family busy. Find out below how to have an affordable family vacation in New Orleans.

Visit a Park

 

Woldenberg Park at Mississippi Riverfront in New Orleans

Pictured above is Woldenberg Park at the Mississippi Riverfront in New Orleans. Image courtesy of Wikimedia.org.

 

New Orleans is filled with some of the most phenomenal parks in the entire country. You can find parks scattered throughout the city, but a few have raised the bar. If you’re in the French Quarter, Woldenberg Park is a great spot where you will have the opportunity to explore its 16 gorgeous acres or watch steamboats float by.

 

Stroll the French Quarter

 

People walking through the French Quarter in New Orleans

Pictured above are people walking through the French Quarter.

 

The French Quarter is a vibrant neighborhood featuring beautiful architecture, exquisite streets, and shops galore. It’s the perfect place to discover live music, delicious restaurants, and voodoo temples. When planning an affordable family vacation in New Orleans, the French Quarter should be on your list of must-sees.

 

Get an Authentic Experience at Mardi Gras World

 

Leviathan Float Orpheus at Mardi Gras World in New Orleans

Pictured above is the Leviathan Float Orpheus at Mardi Gras World. Image courtesy of Wikipedia.org.

 

When you visit New Orleans, a visit to Mardi Gras World is a must. At this famous landmark in the Garden District, artists work throughout the year creating and updating an eye-catching collection of Mardi Gras floats. Producing over 500 floats a year, you can get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring Mardi Gras to life each and every year while gaining an authentic Mardi Gras experience. There are even discounts available for Mardi Gras Tickets right here on Tripshock.com.

 

Gain Historical Insights at Museums

 

Roy Lichtenstein's Five Brushstrokes at the New Orleans Museum of Art

Pictured above is Roy Lichtenstein’s “Five Brushstrokes” at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Image courtesy of Wikipedia.org.

 

From food to art and culture, you can explore the history of New Orleans at one of the many museums. A perfect addition to an affordable family vacation in New Orleans, the New Orleans Museum of Art has been touted as the oldest fine arts institution in the area. Featuring rotating exhibits by acclaimed artists and over 40,000 objects, this museum is worth paying a visit to whether you’re an art connoisseur or simply love visually appealing pieces. Learn more about the New Orleans Museum of Art by visiting https://noma.org.

If you love food and want to learn more about Southern cuisine, then the Southern Food & Beverage Museum is one New Orleans Museum you need to see to believe. It offers tastings, demonstrations, and exhibits that will give you an inside look into the history of Southern food culture. The museum also offers private cooking classes that appeal to all ages.

{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Museum Tours Online}

 

Explore the City on Hop on-Hop off Bus Tours

 

Hop on hop off bus tour in New Orleans

Pictured above is a Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour in New Orleans.

 

Hop-on, Hop-off bus tours are popular in New Orleans because they allow you to see the city’s most famous landmarks, such as Jackson Square and the Garden District, at your own pace. You can also use Hop On-Hop Off New Orleans Bus Tour Coupons to get even more savings on bus tickets.

{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Bus Tours Online}

 

Enjoy the Scenery on Boat Cruises

 

Steamboat in the Port of New Orleans

Pictured above is a steamboat in the Port of New Orleans.

 

Boat cruises are among the best things to do when you’re on an affordable family vacation in New Orleans, and there’s no better way to see and experience the Big Easy than from the water. These cruises will give you a chance to see the city from a different perspective, while also providing entertainment for kids. Many of these cruises are inexpensive and can easily be done in a single afternoon.

{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Boat Cruises Online}

 

See Wildlife on Alligator Tours

 

Honey Island Swamp Alligator in New Orleans

Pictured above is a Honey Island Swamp American Alligator.

 

Want to see alligators up-close while you’re in New Orleans? Here’s your chance! Take an alligator tour to explore the bayou, where you’ll search for alligators and other local wildlife. One of the most popular tours is the Alligator Alley Gator Tour at Night, which takes you to the bayou where alligators live and hunt. The experience is fun for all ages; you can hear the sounds of gators calling out and see their eyes sitting just above the surface of the water.

{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Alligator Tours Online}

 

Trek Through the Swamps on Bayou & Swamp Tours

 

Airboat swamp tour in New Orleans

Pictured above is an airboat swamp tour in New Orleans surrounded by lush green and wild swamp lands.

 

Swamp tours are a great way to escape the energetic bustle of New Orleans, and the calm waters, beautiful scenery, and local wildlife are sure to please. On a swamp tour, you can see alligators, turtles, snakes, and bald eagles in their natural habitat. Some tours include cultural and historical information about the area.

{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Bayou & Swamp Tours Online}

 

Go on a Plantation Tour

 

Historic Laura Plantation in New Orleans

Pictured above is the scenic and historic Laura Plantation.

 

Besides the French Quarter and other popular attractions, New Orleans is also home to some of the most historically rich plantations in the country. If you want to learn more about this area, consider taking an inexpensive trip to one of the many plantations or gardens. You’ll gain insights into how wealthy families lived in those areas and how enslaved people were forced to work on the plantations. Some of the best plantations for history tours include Laura Plantation, Oak Alley Plantation, and Houmas House to name a few.

{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Plantation Tours Online}

 

Go on a Walking Tour

 

People walking in Audubon Park in New Orleans

Pictured above are people on the walking path in Audubon Park, New Orleans.

 

The Big Easy offers much to explore. On a walking tour, you can burn off calories from all the delicious local cuisine as well as explore some of the area’s top attractions. You can learn about the history, food, and hauntings along the way. Some of the most popular sights include incredible architecture, homes of the rich and famous, and Lafayette Cemetery.

{Read Reviews & Book New Orleans Walking Tours Online}

 

 

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