The kids are out of school for two weeks and they are going to drive you INSANE. By the Thursday after Christmas you are going to want to get out of the house and do SOMETHING, ANYTHING. That's why we put together this list of nine things you can do over Christmas Break in New Orleans that will hopefully keep the kids entertained and you with a little of your sanity in tact.
Celebration in the Oaks
This yearly event in City Parks runs through January first (closed Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve). There are rides, light shows, a special retelling of the Cajun Night Before Christmas, lights galore and fun. Cost for Celebration in the Oaks is $10 per person with children 3 and under and Friends of City Park bring FREE. Ride bands are $18 for unlimited rides or $4 each, except for the train which is $5.
NOLA Christmas Fest
Ice skating, sliding down an ice slide, carnival rides, and tons of fun are happening in the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center now through December 31st. Cost for NOLA Christmas Fest is $20 a person and includes all the rides, ice skating and fun you can have.
Zoo Lights at Audubon Zoo
Take the kids to Audubon Zoo for this super fun new Christmas attraction in New Orleans open now through December 30. Cost for Zoo Lights is $10 for members and $15 for non members.
Kenner Christmas Village
Lights, snow, ice skating and fun at Kenner City Park on Friday – Sunday nights through December 30th from 6-10pm. Kenner Christmas Village is free however, there is a fee some activities such as ice skating.
Explore Downtown New Orleans
Head downtown and become a tourist in your home town. Visit the Aquarium and Insectarium, hop on a street car and stop at Cafe Du Monde for some hot chocolate and beignets, visit the French Market, take a ferry ride, play at the Children's Museum or at the indoor play area in the Riverwalk. There is so much to see and do downtown that it would make the perfect day of fun for everyone.
Explore Nature at the Nature Center
New Orleans East is the place to explore Nature at the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center. There are two nature trails and exhibits for you to explore. Best part of the nature center? It's FREE!
Play Indoors
New Orleans is full of places to have fun indoors. From bounce houses, to art, to laser tag and skating, there is a lot of fun to be had around town.
Go Lobby Hopping
Take another trip downtown or do this while you are down there playing tourist and check out the hotel lobbies. Each one is decorated for the season and beautiful. You can find more information about the different lobbies in our FREE Christmas Events post.
Take a Road Trip
If you are really needing to get out of the house, try taking a road trip. We have a great list of 20 places in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida that are all within three hours of New Orleans. These will be a great way to get away for a bit and have some fun or as we call it in my house “forced family bonding time”. Just gas up the car and GO!
Whatever you decide to do we hope you have a fun break with the kids and keep your sanity all at the same time. Also be sure to check out our New Year's Eve in New Orleans post and our Free Things to do This Week post for more ideas.
