USA & Canada · Best Feb–May & Oct–Nov
New Orleans packing list for families
New Orleans with kids is all about parades, music, and food, in weather that is often hot, humid, and wet. Here is what I pack so a family can enjoy it from the streetcar to the parade route.
Photo by Mary Hammel on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on New Orleans
- For Carnival with kids, watch parades Uptown on St. Charles Avenue, not in the French Quarter. Families line the route with ladders and folding chairs, and the vibe is much more relaxed.
- Bring a reusable bag for parade throws. Kids come home with beads, cups, and stuffed animals, and you'll want both hands free.
- Powdered sugar from beignets ends up everywhere. I skip dark clothes for that morning and keep wipes in my bag.
Best timeFeb–May & Oct–Nov
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar
PassportNot for US citizens
Your packing edit
New Orleans
This time of year
Check off what you already have. Tap "Add" on anything you still need, then send your whole list to your cart in one click.
Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Clothing6
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Compact umbrellaHeavy downpours are common, especially in summer.
Light layers and a rain jacketSpring and fall weather changes fast.
Shoes1
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Park days1
Drawstring bag for parade throwsKristina's pickKeeps beads and toys contained during parades.
Little ones6
Lightweight travel strollerKristina's pick
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Kids' ear protectionMarching bands and brass music are loud up close.
Health & toiletries5
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Insect repellentMosquitoes are active in warm, wet months.
Unscented baby wipesFor powdered sugar and sticky parade hands.
Documents & tech3
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
The outfit edit
Jungle to beach
Natural, palm green, sand, papaya
For the grown-ups
- Breathable long sleeves for hikes
- Linen for beach dinners
- Sturdy sport sandals
For the kids
- Quick-dry shorts and tees
- Lightweight pants for the rainforest
- Closed-toe shoes for trails
For photos
- Earthy tones that work in jungle and sand
- Bright papaya for a pop
Month by month
New Orleans weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 63°F 17°C | Mild to cool and damp, with occasional cold fronts and gray days | Carnival parade season, ending on Mardi Gras Day in February or early March Celebration in the Oaks, the holiday light display in City Park |
| February | 67°F 19°C | Mild to cool and damp, with occasional cold fronts and gray days | Carnival parade season, ending on Mardi Gras Day in February or early March |
| March | 73°F 23°C | Warm and pleasant, festival season, with rising humidity by May | Carnival parade season, ending on Mardi Gras Day in February or early March |
| April | 79°F 26°C | Warm and pleasant, festival season, with rising humidity by May | French Quarter Festival, with free local music across the Quarter in April Jazz Fest, across two weekends in late April and early May |
| May | 86°F 30°C | Warm and pleasant, festival season, with rising humidity by May | Jazz Fest, across two weekends in late April and early May |
| June | 90°F 32°C | Hot and very humid, with daily storms; hurricane season peaks Aug–Sep | |
| July | 92°F 33°C | Hot and very humid, with daily storms; hurricane season peaks Aug–Sep | |
| August | 92°F 33°C | Hot and very humid, with daily storms; hurricane season peaks Aug–Sep | |
| September | 88°F 31°C | Hot and very humid, with daily storms; hurricane season peaks Aug–Sep | |
| October | 81°F 27°C | Warm days, less humidity, and comfortable evenings | Halloween in the Garden District and fall festivals in comfortable weather |
| November | 71°F 22°C | Warm days, less humidity, and comfortable evenings | Celebration in the Oaks, the holiday light display in City Park |
| December | 65°F 18°C | Mild to cool and damp, with occasional cold fronts and gray days | Celebration in the Oaks, the holiday light display in City Park |
Questions families ask
New Orleans with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit New Orleans with kids?
The best time is Feb–May & Oct–Nov. Warm and pleasant, festival season, with rising humidity by May
What's the weather like in New Orleans?
Typical daytime highs range from about 63°F (17°C) in January to about 92°F (33°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for New Orleans?
US citizens don't need a passport, but bring a government ID for adults.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for New Orleans?
None. New Orleans uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for New Orleans with kids?
For Carnival with kids, watch parades Uptown on St. Charles Avenue, not in the French Quarter. Families line the route with ladders and folding chairs, and the vibe is much more relaxed.
let's stay in touch
New destination lists, seasonal tips, and the gear we're loving.
Keep exploring
More family packing lists
Want the whole trip handled?
I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.