New Orleans, Louisiana may have an adult-oriented reputation, but the city also boasts activities suitable for children, as well as plenty of kid-friendly restaurants. Families staying at New Orleans vacation rentals are a short walk away from enjoying renowned Southern and Cajun cuisine that put The Big Easy on the culinary map. Situated on the water, in the famous French Quarter, and near the aquarium and other attractions, these kid-friendly restaurants make it easy for your family to experience authentic New Orleans fare.
1. Manhattan Jack
While parents fill up on caffeine to get them through a long day of sight-seeing, the family enjoys sandwiches and bagels at Manhattan Jack. The kids’ favorite part is the fantastic collection of sweets from this New Orleans eatery. Whether brownies, cookies or New Orlean’s own beignets are what make your kids happy, there’s a treat at Manhattan Jack to put smiles on their faces.
2. Parkway Bakery and Tavern
This family-owned restaurant is a great place to introduce your children to the New Orleans classic sandwich known as the po’ boy. Choose from classic seafood or go for one of the Parkway Bakery and Taverns own takes on this staple that screams New Orleans. The restaurant is set up to welcome families, and there are few things more fun than watching your family make their way through one of the messiest, but most delicious sandwiches in the south.
3. The Big Cheezy
In a great play off the New Orleans ‘The Big Easy’ nickname, The Big Cheezy is a grilled cheese lover’s delight. This is a great place to meet other families in an atmosphere that lets kids play and chat with one another before sitting down to a delicious, gooey delight.
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4. Russell’s Marina Grill
When you want to take a load off after a day of exploring New Orleans, head to Russell’s Marina Grill. This spacious restaurant on the lake is not only kid-friendly, but it is also dog-friendly, making it a great spot for kids to relax and enjoy themselves before sitting down to a selection from the restaurant’s kids menu.
5. Dat Dog
Dat Dog is a laidback eatery that offers hot dogs with toppings your children may have never thought of but will love to try. This corner restaurant is pure New Orleans, from the decorative upstairs balconies to the bright colors both inside and out.
6. The Backyard
As the name implies, this kid-friendly New Orleans spot has a huge backyard with a playground to help the little ones pass the time while you wait on your food and rest your weary feet. Burgers, hot dogs and other kid favorites are on the menu, and when other families join in the outdoor fun eating at The Backyard feels more like a family reunion than a restaurant.
7. Mulate’s Cajun Restaurant
When it’s time to introduce the kids to an authentic New Orleans experience, head over to this New Orleans legend. Not only can the whole family try authentic South Louisiana dishes such as shrimp and grits and crawfish, the restaurant also features live Cajun music and dancing. Your kids won’t just love the food at Mulate’s Cajun Restaurant; they’ll pick up some culture at the same time.
8. Acme Oyster House
Kids and parents alike love to watch the oyster shucking at the Acme Oyster House. While you may not be able to convince the younger ones to try the namesake dish, there are plenty of other options on the menu to keep them happy.
9. Steamboat Natchez
Taking the family on a paddleboat is part of the New Orleans experience, and when you hop aboard the Steamboat Natchez, you get to enjoy great food while you cruise. They offer both brunch and dinner cruises on the mighty Mississippi River, so it’s a great place to stop to fuel up for the day or to watch the sun go down. Kids and adults alike can pass the time before or after dinner on the deck just watching the river flow by, and enjoying some quality, quiet family time.
10. Superior Seafood and Oyster Bar
When you’re vacationing in New Orleans and need a place with a little something for everyone, Superior Seafood and Oyster Bar fits the bill. It has an extensive kid’s menu with everything from chicken fingers to more local seafood dishes, and a family atmosphere that lets you relax while the kids blow off a little steam without causing a fuss with the other diners. Despite its family-friendly atmosphere, Superior Seafood and Oyster Bar also has plenty to offer the adults in the group, with everything from authentic Cajun dishes to oysters right on the half shell.
11. Muriel’s Jackson Square
When it’s time to go fine dining with the kids in tow, you can’t go wrong with Muriel’s. While the setting is absolutely stunning and the architecture screams New Orleans, this high-end eatery featuring creole food has a large kid’s menu and crayons for the younger kids to use to keep them occupied while you wait for your meal. No matter which direction you start from, the stroll to Muriel’s takes you past some of New Orleans most notable spots to learn the city’s history or just people watch.
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