Top 10 Fun Activities for Teenagers in New Orleans

Too young to enjoy the sinful pleasures of Bourbon Street but too old (or too cool) to get a kick out of a carousel or playground, teenagers are a tough bunch to please on vacations, especially in a city like New Orleans.

However, the Big Easy has plenty of great activities and things to do for people of all ages—including several attractions aimed specifically at teenage audiences, whether your teen enjoys shopping, dining, or engaging in high-energy outdoor adventures.

Listen to Live Music at Preservation Hall

Address: 726 St Peter, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA

Phone: +1 504-522-2841

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Preservation Hall is a legendary jazz venue offering traditional music nightly in a lively atmosphere that teens enjoy. It is an alcohol-free place, making it suitable for all ages. Even if jazz isn’t your teen’s preferred genre, they will be swept away by the energy and historical significance of the venue. For added encouragement, show them the New Orleans episode of HBO’s “Sonic Highways,” featuring the Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl celebrating this music venue and its incredible musicians.

Take an Airboat Tour

While the big noise-canceling headphones may seem nerdy to teenagers, a tour on a giant fan-powered airboat is undeniably cool. Several tour companies in New Orleans offer these unique experiences, and many hotels provide discounts or coupons. Airboat Adventures is a popular choice, offering hotel pickups, making it an excellent option for those traveling without vehicles.

Catch the Game of a Local Sports Team

Address: 1500 Sugar Bowl Dr, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

Phone: +1 800-756-7074

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Sports culture runs deep in New Orleans, with residents proudly supporting their home teams. If your teenager is a sports enthusiast, they can catch a game at various arenas throughout the year. Watching the Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome offers an iconic New Orleans experience, although tickets can be pricey. A more affordable and equally entertaining option is to watch the Pelicans play basketball in the Smoothie King Center or the Zephyrs play minor-league baseball in Metairie. College games are also available, adding to the vibrant sports atmosphere.

Visit the National World War II Museum

Address: 945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

Phone: +1 504-528-1944

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Ranked as one of the best history museums in the United States, the National WWII Museum in New Orleans defies the stereotype of a traditional museum. Its modern approach highlights interactive exhibits, expertly restored artifacts (including a B-17 bomber suspended from the ceiling), and the presence of WWII veterans eager to share their stories. This engaging experience is both educational and meaningful.

See the City by Kayak

Address: 3494 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119, USA

Phone: +1 512-964-9499

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A day on the water greatly soothes teenage angst, and active teens will love paddling through the historic Bayou St. John. This beautiful waterway features stunning houses and various tour companies that offer guided excursions. Kayakitiyat is a top-rated tour company, accommodating both beginners and advanced paddlers. Additionally, Bayou Paddlesports offers affordable guided tours, including monthly evening adventures on the water.

Take a Cooking Class

Address: 1841 N. Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA

Phone: +1 504-934-1010

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If you want to provide your teen with a valuable cooking lesson while in New Orleans—renowned for its rich culinary history—consider enrolling them in a class at Langlois Culinary Crossroads or the New Orleans Cooking Experience. Many culinary schools throughout the city, including the New Orleans School of Cooking, Crescent City Cooks!, The Mardi Gras School of Cooking, and Casa Pelican, offer cooking classes tailored to families and teens.

Go Bargain Hunting

Address: 500 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

Phone: +1 504-522-1555

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New Orleans offers plenty of shopping opportunities for teenagers—whether they’re looking for new clothes or just enjoy browsing. However, the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk Mall, which is conveniently located near the French Quarter along the Mississippi River, stands out as one of the few urban outlet malls in the country and is particularly teen-friendly.

Stores like Neiman Marcus Last Call, Skechers, Gap Factory Store, Aéropostale, Coach Outlet, and American Eagle Outfitters await them. Accompanying adults might appreciate the daiquiri stand in the food court, which could help manage teenage chatter.

Experience Daytime in the French Quarter

The French Quarter may not be particularly teen-friendly at night or during city-wide holidays, but it is an excellent destination for daytime exploration. Teenagers can appreciate the unique architecture on a ghost tour or wander through various shops searching for souvenirs.

Voodoo shops scattered throughout the French Quarter are intriguing, and teens can also enjoy breakfast at the famous Café du Monde—known for its beignets—and explore the many art galleries located along Royal Street.

Take a Ghost Tour

Address: 718 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116-3009, USA

Phone: +1 504-666-8300

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For those interested in local lore, ghost tours offer a lively alternative to traditional walking tours. Teenagers will appreciate the eerie, gory stories of the French Quarter, showcasing the neighborhood while picking up intriguing facts. While entertaining, it’s worth noting that ghost tour guides often exaggerate stories, so keep an open mind about historical accuracy!

The LaLaurie Mansion is one of the city’s most infamous haunted houses. Options include ghost and vampire tours through French Quarter Phantoms or a unique tour led by local performer and vampyre Lord Chaz.

Pay Respects at Above-Ground Cemeteries

New Orleans is famous for its Gothic-style above-ground cemeteries, making it an exciting destination for teens interested in the macabre. The oldest cemetery, Lafayette Cemetery, and the popular St. Louis Cemetery #1, home to the tomb of “Voodoo Queen” Marie Laveau, offer unique insights into the city’s burial customs.