New Orleans City Park
About
1,300-Acre Urban Park - Larger Than Central Park
New Orleans City Park spans 1,300 acres in mid-city New Orleans - 50% larger than NYC's Central Park. Storyland fairy tale playground, Carousel Gardens amusement park, 8-mile bike trail, Big Lake, the Peristyle, 600+ live oaks (the largest collection of mature live oaks in the world), and miles of bayous.
What Kids Can Do
Carousel Gardens Amusement Park (separate ticket) has 17 rides including the 1906 Looff Carousel - one of America's oldest. Storyland is a free fairy-tale playground with climb-on sculptures - kids climb Mother Hubbard's shoe and walk through Pinocchio's whale. Wheel Fun rents paddleboats and surreys on Big Lake. 8-mile paved bike trail loops the park. Equestrian center, miniature train, and disc golf [marked: Storyland and Carousel Gardens separate ticketed - bike trail and Big Lake free].
What's Included
Free day-use of bike trails, Storyland playground viewing, Big Lake shore, and grounds. Storyland and Carousel Gardens admission $10-15. Bike and paddleboat rentals separate.
Experience
Plan 3-6 hours. Almost entirely outdoor. Bring sun protection, water, bug spray. Stroller-friendly throughout. About 5 miles north of the French Quarter. Free on-site parking at multiple lots.