Louisiana Children's Museum (LCM)

The Basics

The Louisiana Children’s Museum ranks among the best attractions in New Orleans for families, particularly those with young kids. During peak times, the museum sometimes requires timed entry, so book your ticket in advance. Combo passes are a good value if you plan to visit the museum along with other local sights (e.g. the Audubon Zoo, Oak Alley Plantation, and the National WWII Museum).

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Louisiana Children’s Museum has dedicated spaces for children under age 4.

• All exhibit spaces and tables are ADA compliant, and each floor includes lookouts accessible to wheelchairs.

• The full-service on-site restaurant serves breakfast and lunch.

How to Get There

The Louisiana Children’s Museum is located inside City Park, and parking is free. To get there by public transit, take the Canal–City Park streetcar to the intersection of Wisner Boulevard and Esplanade Avenue. Buses 27, 60, 90, and 91 also stop nearby.

When to Get There

The museum is typically open Tuesday through Sunday, except on major holidays. For fewer crowds, go on a weekday afternoon. Springtime offers the most pleasant weather for enjoying the museum’s outdoor spaces.

What’s in City Park

The 1,300-acre (526-hectare) green space called City Park is home to the largest collection of live oaks in the world, along with a handful of notable attractions. Besides the Louisiana Children’s Museum, you’ll find the New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans Botanical Garden, Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, and Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.

Ways to explore

The Louisiana Children’s Museum ranks among the best attractions in New Orleans for families, particularly those with young kids. Designed for inclusion and accessibility, there are even dedicated spaces for children under age 3. The museum operates timed-entry sessions during peak times, so book your ticket in advance to avoid disappointment.

Combination passes offer good value if you plan to visit the museum along with other local sights, such as the Audubon Zoo, Oak Alley Plantation, or the National WWII Museum.

Accessibility

The museum is fully accessible to wheelchairs, including all exhibits. It also offers sensory bags and noise-canceling headphones for loan, and has a quiet area. Service dogs are welcome.

Age limits

None; the museum is very family-friendly.

What to pack

Reusable water bottle, hand sanitizer or hand wipes; there are a variety of water exhibits, and while protective jackets are provided, you may want to pack a change of clothes for young children prone to splashing.

What to wear

Comfortable clothes and shoes for indoor-outdoor play.

Not allowed

Outside food and beverages (besides personal water bottles), adult attendance without a child

Amenities

Restaurant, restrooms, WiFi, gift shop, free lockers, stroller parking

Address

The Louisiana Children’s Museum is located within New Orleans City Park. It’s easy to reach by car, public transportation, or bike.

Driving

Parking in New Orleans City Park is free for all. There is a parking lot for the museum located on Henry Thomas Drive, or you can park at lots on Roosevelt Mall or Friedrichs Avenue and walk.

Public transportation

Take the Canal–City Park streetcar to the intersection of Wisner Boulevard and Esplanade Avenue. RTA bus routes 27, 60, 90, and 91 also stop nearby.

Best times to visit

The museum is typically open Wednesday through Sunday from morning to afternoon, except on major holidays. Hours are slightly shorter on Sundays, with a late-morning opening time.

Best days to visit

Consider a weekday afternoon trip for fewer crowds, although the museum is popular with visiting school groups.

Best months to visit

While the museum is lovely any time of year, it’s an excellent indoor activity for beating the heat during July and August, when New Orleans is notoriously hot and muggy. Springtime offers the most pleasant weather for enjoying the museum’s outdoor spaces.

Special events

Don’t miss LCM’s annual Mud Fest in early April, the July 4th Family Celebration, and other special events throughout the year.