Louisiana Children’s Museum is an indoor and outdoor play-and-learning museum in City Park, at 15 Henry Thomas Drive in New Orleans. Its hands-on exhibits bring local subjects such as the Mississippi River, wetlands, food and architecture into children’s activities. Kids can play grocery store, experiment with water, make art and explore the outdoor garden; younger children have a dedicated play area. The grounds also have places for adults to sit and a restaurant. It is geared especially to young children, though older kids can find activities too.
A City Park museum built around play
Louisiana Children’s Museum is at 15 Henry Thomas Drive, within City Park. Its City Park location opened in 2019, after the museum spent more than 30 years in downtown New Orleans. The campus brings indoor galleries and outdoor areas together, with exhibits that use play to introduce children to subjects including nature, food, health, literacy and local culture.
Children take an active role in the displays. They can try everyday tasks, investigate how things work and make things of their own. The museum is aimed mainly at younger children, but activities range from toddler play to projects that can interest older kids. Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
River, wetlands and outdoor discovery
Water play gives the Mississippi River a hands-on place in the visit. Children can explore how water moves through a river-inspired exhibit, while other activities draw on Louisiana’s wetlands and natural resources. The Sensory Lagoon is designed with younger children in mind, with lily-pad forms and water sounds to explore.
Outside, the grounds include water activities, an edible garden and places to spend time beside the lagoon. The garden connects play with growing food, while the outdoor spaces give families room to take a break between exhibits. On a pleasant day, allow time for both the indoor and outdoor areas.
Pretend shops, kitchens and creative activities
Role-play is a major part of the museum. Children can take on shopping and food-related tasks in a child-sized grocery store and kitchen, from choosing ingredients to preparing a pretend meal. These activities turn familiar routines into opportunities to explore food and everyday skills.
Other exhibits invite children to make art, play music and investigate science and design. A bubble activity lets a child stand inside a large bubble, and the museum has a small music room with instruments. The mix means children can move between imaginative play and activities that encourage them to experiment.
Planning a family visit
The museum has a restaurant on site, along with restrooms and a gift shop. Families can also use the outdoor areas to pause between activities. Admission is paid, and the museum recommends getting tickets in advance; check its website for current ticket details and program information before you go.
Weekend mornings can be busy, so arriving early gives children more time to explore the activities they have in mind. If you are visiting with a toddler, check whether a toddler program is running during your trip. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; it is closed Monday and Tuesday.
Preguntas frecuentes
Where is Louisiana Children’s Museum?
It is at 15 Henry Thomas Drive in City Park, New Orleans.
How long should you spend at the museum?
Plan on about 2 to 3 hours to explore indoor exhibits and outdoor activities.
Do children need an adult with them?
Yes. Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
Should you book tickets in advance?
The museum recommends getting tickets ahead of your visit. Check its website for current admission details.
