Musician and New Orleans resident Ani Difranco once said “Every day is Halloween in New Orleans” because the culture is so rich in costume and diversity all year ‘round, but the month of October is particularly amazing in NOLA.
I lived and traveled to New Orleans repeatedly, and I believe that outside of Mardi Gras, October is the best time to visit with a spouse, friend or the entire family.
New Orleans is appropriate and safe for kids – as long as you aren’t venturing to Bourbon Street late in the evening, of course – and because it’s such a visual place, it will create lifelong memories.
There are many events in October, including Voodoo Music Fest, Crescent City Blues & BBQ Festival and the New Orleans Film Festival. However, some families prefer live music more than others, so here are three specific family-friendly things to do in October in New Orleans:
1. Walk around the neighborhoods and look at decorated houses. Take the St. Charles Streetcar for just $1.25 per person. Get a window seat, take lots of photos and get off in the Garden District or Uptown, just past St. Charles and State Street to check out some of the best-decorated houses in the city. The French Quarter houses are beautifully decorated too. There’s a spooky tour for 4-10 year-olds and haunted tours of the Quarter for the older kids, too.
Handy Hints for families:
- Download the FREE streetcar app for timetables, and many other cool free apps here.
- Make sure you have exact change for the streetcar.
- If you have kids who need a stroller, take it, but make sure you fold it up on the streetcar. They do not allow them to be open while riding.
2. Boo! At the Zoo. We always enjoy this annual Audubon Zoo extravaganza which is a safe, fun-filled Halloween event for children up to age 12 and features trick-or-treat houses with candy, a Ghost Train, a haunted house, games, entertainment and more. All games and treats, except concessions, are free with admission.
Handy Hints for families:
- Purchase tickets in advance, check out all of the details and go here for a coupon.
- Dress up and take a trick-or-treat bag.
- Pack some of your own food and drinks. Arrive when the gates open – it gets really busy!
3. Krewe of Boo! I’ve ridden and danced in this parade and recommend the whole family line up on the route to catch some “throws” and experience a New Orleans parade. At the beginning you might think, “why is everyone begging and cheering for beads?” and by the end, you will proudly wear all the beads you caught and show off all of your parade loot.
Handy Hints for families:
- Eat beforehand and take snacks and water for the kids.
- Identify where the public restrooms are near you on the route. If you want a full crowd-experience, go to Canal Street.
- If you stand on the route toward the end – closer to the Warehouse District, Convention Center and Mardi Gras World – you will probably get more beads and parade loot, as riders will want to give it all away before the end.
- Cheer loudly for everyone, but especially the dance krewes and bands in between each float. They give up their time, talent and dedication to parade and put on the best show for y’all.
Happy Halloween!
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