The French Quarter, NOLA

Oh, what to do in New Orleans when you have two young kids?  How about skip all the “usual” kid activities (zoo, aquarium, City park) and head straight to the French Quarter. 

The French Quarter isn't exactly known for being super kid friendly, but somehow, we spent the entire day there, going no more than a few blocks in any direction. And, aside from a little public drunkenness, we didn't find anything risqué. Of course, we did keep to the main areas, where the majority of the tourists could be found. The Quarter was a hub of activity on a Saturday, with plenty of other families, and while it was busy, everyone seemed to exude a happy vibe.

We parked on the eastern edge of the Quarter and walked in, becoming one with the crowd. I immediately loved the feel of the area. So much energy, and so many colors and sights to see (and apparently forget to photograph!). The buildings themselves were all sorts of colors, several stories tall with iron wrought balconies (Bob says that’s the Spanish influence). Many window fronts had displays of beautiful jewelry (Which I always take care to never look at too closely as I am a magpie with expensive tastes and am sure I would have bankrupted us by now buying pretty baubles if it weren't for the fact that I agonize over spending money!), Mardi Gras masques and decorations, and a variety of other curiosities. 

We tasted fresh pralines (Bob & the kids did while I looked at it longingly, grumbling about my braces), went to Café du Monde for some beignets (French donuts covered in icing sugar), walked around Jackson square to look at the paintings of local artists for sale, and popped into several interesting shops around the square.  

We headed to the French Market, which has several food vendors selling local cuisine many flea market tables selling all sorts of things (I still can’t get over the fact you can buy alcoholic beverages from food vendors, and then walk around in public with them!).  

Inside Jackson Square

We listened to music from buskers on the streets (there was music everywhere), and watched a live entertainment tumbling show at the amphitheatre across from Jackson square (The Calypso Tumblers, from America’s Got Talent fame). Many carriages & bicycle tours attempted to convince us to ride, but feet are good! They took us from one end to the other without much trouble (although Lily’s did get tired after a while).

We stood on the banks of the mighty, muddy Mississippi (Which the day prior Bob had exclaimed to the kids to look up! as one doesn't cross the Mississippi very often. This is likely true – unless you’re staying near New Orleans, at which point you may expect to cross it repeatedly!). We watched the streetcars clang by at the edge of the Quarter taking people to many places in city (we did not ride, however, which is a story for another day). 

We discovered cactus spines in Morgan’s sweater (the one he was wearing the night he fell into the cactus), and got to ask the National Park staff for a first aid kit so we could remove a spine from his hand. That one got us an odd look. Cactus in the middle of the bayou! As a result though, we did get to listen to some original live Jazz as we worked out the spine. 

After a tantrum or two (I’m not saying who), we stopped for an early supper before calling it a day. It was time to go anyway. The kids were tired and the feel of the Quarter was shifting to a much more adult vibe with street traffic picking up noticeably. We (slowly!) made our way out of downtown to return back to our camping spot at Bayou Segnette State Park and settle in for a quiet evening after our busy day (lovely place, located so close to everything, yet a bit off the beaten – often noisy - path). 

What an interesting place, New Orleans. Water, land, culture, history, and modern life all wrapped up together. Bob says he’d love to come back, without the kids, someday. I probably would, to explore some other parts of the city, or just sit in the Quarter and soak in the ambiance. Generally, when we explore somewhere with the kids we are constantly in motion and so it’s sometimes difficult to just absorb a place. That’s okay. I can leave that for another lifetime. Right now, I’m so happy that my family is here, together, sharing experiences, seeing sights and places we never even knew of. I wouldn't have it any other way.

So, if you ever get the chance to come to New Orleans, some.  Take the kids too!