Planned Itinerary for teens/young adults and their parents

Question

Hi everybody,

1st time itinerary - we have a week, and it's a slow late May time (and we're vets, so I'm purposely planning an open Memorial Day in case certain attractions are cheaper), but I think this seems like a good plan for teens who like a few things/day, but not a lot. We're fully casual, but adventurous (with allergies) diners, so let me know if shorts and sneakers won't work at any of my places...

Monday

Arrive midafternoon (fingers crossed)

Groceries at Rouse's

Dinner at True Food Kitchen (reserved)

Beignets (for the teens) at Cafe Du Monde or Cafe Beignet (the other is Tuesday)

Tuesday

Tour of the French Quarter (reserved)

Tour of the Sazerac House (reserved)

Dinner at Peche (reserved)

Beignets (the other)

Possible Escape Room evening

Wednesday

WWII Museum all day (reserved)

Dinner at Walk Ons (teen boy evening)

Dave and Busters half price arcade evening

Thursday

Mardi Gras Museum

Lunch at Meals from the Heart Cafe and shopping

Dinner at Meril's (reserved)

Possible Escape Room evening (we may do both Tues/Thurs, or just pick one night)

Friday

Voodoo Tour (reserved)

Lunch at Napoleon House

Dinner at Dat Dog or Cochon Butcher (other on Sunday)

Preservation Hall concert and walking night (in the late daylight) to enjoy the evening

Saturday

Jazzy Pass for street car

Day in City Park (if vets are free for attractions, we'll use them - if not, we'll tour the Sculpture Garden and play mini golf)

Snowballs in City Park

Maybe a walk to the Cemeteries

Dinner at Mophos (reserved)

May go out or kids may be exhausted from the hot day - if we go out, it will be just to enjoy cityscape

Sunday

7+ hour plantation and swamp tour (reserved)

Dinner not had Friday (and probably a collapse and swim at our hotel)

Monday

Open - it will be art/shopping day if nothing for deals speaks to us or a 2nd day at the WWII museum if my history buff kid is begging for it

Tuesday

Fly home early

Jamnola is on my list but the fire in Feb at the new site has made planning for it uncertain (will it be open or closed b/c they keep changing the move date), so I figure if we get there, we get there, if not, not. Same for the boat rides. Not sure I want to spend the money when kids want the food of the area, and mother's hubbard's wallet is decently bare.

Answer

This looks like an exciting and well-planned itinerary for your family’s trip to New Orleans! The blend of culture, history, dining, and adventure is perfect for both teens and adults, and your flexibility with some open days will help you adapt if plans change. Here’s some additional feedback and suggestions to help make your trip smooth and enjoyable:

General Tips
- New Orleans in May can be hot and humid, so comfortable clothing (like shorts and sneakers) is fine for almost all activities. Just be sure to stay hydrated and bring sunscreen.
- For dining, many places are casual, but some may appreciate "smart casual" attire, so it's good to check if a place requires reservations or has a dress code. True Food Kitchen, Peche, and Meril’s are a little more upscale but still very relaxed. Just be sure to check the restaurant websites or call ahead if you're unsure about the dress code.

Monday
- The grocery stop at Rouse's is a great idea, especially for snacks, drinks, and any essentials you might need. If you’re planning to have a relaxed evening, True Food Kitchen is a great choice, offering healthy and allergy-friendly options for everyone. - Café du Monde is a must for beignets, and it’s a great intro to the French Quarter. For the teens, if you’re not doing it Monday, try Café Beignet on Royal Street for a similar experience with potentially shorter lines.

Tuesday
- The French Quarter tour is an awesome start for exploring New Orleans, and it’s very flexible based on your interests. - The Sazerac House is fun for learning about the history of the famous cocktail. Be sure to check out their interactive exhibits! - For dinner at Peche, their seafood is top-notch, but they offer a variety of dishes, so even non-seafood eaters will have options. Great choice for a relaxed but flavorful dinner. - If you choose to do the Escape Room in the evening, it’s a fun way to engage everyone and create a bit of excitement after your tours.

Wednesday
- The National WWII Museum is a full day, but it's so well done and engaging for all ages. For the teens, there are interactive exhibits and incredible multimedia presentations. Be prepared to spend a lot of time there if your kid loves history. - Walk-On’s is perfect for a more casual, teen-friendly dinner. You’ll find plenty of options for everyone. - Dave and Busters will be a hit with the teens for some arcade fun, but consider making it a bit later in the evening since you’ll have had a full day.

Thursday
- The Mardi Gras Museum is a fun stop, but be sure to leave time to browse the nearby shops and galleries in the area, especially if you’re near the Warehouse District. - Meals from the Heart Cafe is a hidden gem for great comfort food, and it’s located in the Treme neighborhood. You’ll enjoy the culture of the area while grabbing a bite. - Meril’s is a great choice for dinner. Emeril Lagasse’s spot offers delicious Creole-inspired dishes with a modern twist. It’s a bit more upscale but still casual enough for teens. - Escape Room again could be a fun option, but I’d suggest picking just one evening based on everyone’s energy level.

Friday
- The Voodoo Tour is a fantastic way to experience the spooky side of New Orleans. The historical background is fascinating, and the stories are intriguing for the teens. - Napoleon House for lunch is perfect for an easy, laid-back meal with iconic New Orleans flavors. Their Pimm’s Cup cocktail is a local favorite. - Dat Dog or Cochon Butcher are great casual dinner options. Both are fun, funky spots offering some of the best local sausages and po’boys. - Preservation Hall in the evening is a must-see for live jazz. It’s an intimate, legendary experience that’s ideal for a casual, family night out in the French Quarter.

Saturday
- The Jazzy Pass for the streetcar is a great choice for getting around. City Park is a beautiful spot to explore, and it’s the perfect place to relax and take photos. Mini golf and the Sculpture Garden are great activities for all ages. - Snowballs in City Park are a refreshing treat, especially in the heat of the afternoon. Kids will love it! - The cemeteries are iconic, but be sure to bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen for this walk. - Mophos for dinner will offer a fun mix of Creole and Vietnamese-inspired flavors. It’s a casual spot but with a bit of flair that makes for a memorable experience.

Sunday
- The plantation and swamp tour is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Louisiana’s natural landscape and history. Just be prepared for a long day, but it’s worth it for the educational and visual experience. - After the tour, a relaxing dinner and a swim at the hotel sounds like the perfect way to unwind before the last day of your trip.

Monday
- An art and shopping day is great, especially in the French Quarter. You’ll find tons of local shops, galleries, and flea markets to browse. If you decide to go back to the WWII Museum for a second visit, that’s a great backup plan for your history-loving kid. - Shopping in New Orleans can be very fun, especially on Magazine Street, which has plenty of unique boutiques, antiques, and local art shops.

Tuesday
- The morning will be for packing and preparing to leave. Depending on your flight time, you might have the chance to grab a final breakfast or lunch before heading to the airport.

Final Thoughts
Your itinerary strikes a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, with something for everyone. New Orleans is such a vibrant city, and there’s so much to do – from history to food to live music. You’ve done a great job mixing in iconic attractions with some fun, off-the-beaten-path activities. Enjoy your trip!

Planned Itinerary for teens/young adults and their parents

More New Orleans Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions