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No grandchild can ever be too young to learn about the joys of horticulture. Take them for a tour of the exotic plants in the magnificent gardens of American Aquatic Gardens & Gifts, which is also filled with patio furnishings, pottery, garden accents, sculptures and fountains for sale that may be of interest. From water lilies to The Louisiana Iris, it’s a one-stop shop to behold and buy a wealth of beautiful fauna.
Hours: daily 9AM-4PM
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Shopping
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Angola Prison Rodeo
Louisiana State Penitentiary
end of Hwy. 66
Angola, LA 70712
(225) 655-2030
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The word Angola isn’t generally associated with fun in Louisiana, as it’s the state’s most feared prison. Every spring and fall however, Angola hosts The Angola Prison Rodeo, making it not only a blast for you and your grandkids to attend, but also fun for the inmates as well. Proceeds from the rodeo cover expenses and supplement the Louisiana State Penitentiary Inmate Welfare Fund, which provides for inmate educational and recreational supplies, making the rodeo not only entertaining, but supportive of a good cause as well.
Info: Admission: $10, 2 and under free
Hours: days and hours vary
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Fun & Games
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New Orleans' thriving art scene can be seen all at once in a festive outdoor setting the last Saturday of each month, as the Arts Council of New Orleans hosts its sprawling Arts Market at Palmer Park. Local craftmakers, artisans and fine artists all converge on the area displaying and selling their latest works and wares. Grandkids can ogle the photography, painting, or even soapmaking they fancy, and you can walk away with a few future collectors' items for a very decent price.
Info: Admission: free
Hours: last Saturday of each month 10AM-4PM
Age: Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Local Unique
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From the pesky nuturia and the loveable armadillo, to the Little and Big Dippers, children of all ages love Audubon Louisiana Nature Center. The interactive park is highly educational, not to mention fun, and includes various overnight and discovery activities, like canoeing, wilderness hikes, sleepovers and summer camp.
Info: Admission: adults $5, +65 $4, 2-12 $3
Hours: Monday-Friday 10AM-4PM
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Animals & Nature
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Audubon Park
Bound by Walnut St .and St Charles Ave.
Exposition Blvd., and the Mississippi River
New Orleans, LA 70118
(504) 581-4269
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With 340 acres spanning from St. Charles Avenue to the Mississippi River, Audubon Park has plenty of space in which you and your grandchildren can picnic or play hide-and-go-seek. You can also choose to stroll along a paved, traffic-free road that loops around the lagoon and golf course, play tennis, ride horses, or merely sit back and admire the oak trees and the stunning view of the river. The Audubon Zoo is, not surprisingly, just across the street.
Info: Admission: free
Hours: dawn-dusk
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Outdoor Fun
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Audubon Zoo
6500 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA 70118
(800) 744-7394
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As most of us know what to expect from a zoo, it’s safe to say that Audubon Zoo is among the countries finest. Along with the standard giraffe and elephant fare, it includes a focus on Louisiana wetlands, The Dragon’s Lair (replete with Komodos), the African Savannah Exhibit, not to mention Rex and Zulu — Audubon's two resident white tigers. Hands-on fun for you and your grandkids can also be had at the Rock Climbing Wall and Safari Simulator ride.
Info: Admission: general $12, ages 65+ $9, 2-12 $7, under 2 free
Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10AM-5PM, closed Christmas, Thanksgiving, and Mardi Gras
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Animals & Nature
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Located in Treme section, which is the United States’ oldest African-American neighborhood, The Backstreet Cultural Museum offers homage to a Mardi Gras tradition your grandchildren might not otherwise know. The festival originally started as a bond between runaway slaves who sought shelter among neighboring Native American tribes, so the museum showcases Indian Mardi Gras costumes, as well as imagery of Mardi Gras Indians, jazz funerals, Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs and second lines. A tribute to the urban history of the city, the museum is located in its hub, which is now home to local artists and musicians.
Info: Admission: $5
Hours: daily 10:30AM-5PM
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Local Unique
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All the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter certainly requires there be a place for you and your grandchild to unwind. So why not treat yourselves to first-rate spa services right in the heart of the thriving district? Balance Salon and Spa has that certain Old World charm one can only find in this city. Mixed with modern luxury, it will make for a special relaxation time for both of you, even if it's just for an hour.
Info: Prices: vary by treatment
Hours: Monday-Thursday 10AM-6PM; Friday-Saturday 10AM-8PM
Age: Pre-teen, Teen
Classes & Workshops
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Big Easy Rollergirls
Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
233 Newton St.
New Orleans, LA 70114
(866) 399-8477
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Who doesn’t love watching girls on roller skates dash one another in a derby? Roller derbies all over the country have gained popularity in the past couple years, and New Orleans certainly hasn’t missed out on the trend. Wow your grandchildren with tickets to see The Big Easy Rollergirls, and while you’re at it help support the rebuilding of New Orleans neighborhoods, because the girls are avid charity workers as well.
Info: Admission: $12, ages 6 and under $6
Hours: varies by games
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Fun & Games
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Blaine Kearn is the king of Mardi Gras float-making, constructing nearly three quarters of the festival’s floats, so one can imagine the visual spectacle offered by a tour of the building facilities at Blaine Kearn's Mardi Gras World. Watch the sculptors hard at work, sketching, building and painting floats. Just don’t forget to bring your camera! You and your grandchildren are even invited to try on costumes and jewelry.
Info: Admission: adults $17, ages 65+ $13, 4-11 $10, 3 and under free
Hours: daily 9:30AM-4:30PM
Age: Toddler, Child, Pre-teen, Teen
Attractions & Landmarks
