Back-to-school season is in full swing, and calendars are quickly filling up! If you want to add family fun to the mix this September, I’ve got you! Here are 30 fun ideas for things to do with kids in New Orleans this month.
September 1
Free Family Sunday at Longue Vue House and Gardens
Longue Vue House and Gardens invites Louisiana residents to enjoy FREE admission to its eight acres of picturesque gardens from 10 am to 5 pm. Visitors are welcome to bring picnic blankets and have lunch beneath the shade of majestic oaks. The whole family can also tour the historic home for a nominal fee of $7.50 per person.
September 2
Labor Day Play at the Louisiana Children’s Museum
The Louisiana Children’s Museum is thrilled to be open with regular business hours on Labor Day! Families are warmly invited to spend the day playing and exploring across the museum’s expansive 8.5-acre campus and 56,000 square feet of interactive exhibits. Discover the wonders of “Dig Into Nature,” “Follow That Food,” “Make Your Mark,” “Move With The River,” “Play With Me,” and the refreshing “Big Backyard” (offering plenty of shade!).
September 3
Homeschool Hour
The East Bank Regional Library invites homeschoolers to its new program, Homeschooler Hour, from 2 to 3 p.m. Parents can request curriculum support resources while kids ages 0 to 11 engage in a weekly STEM, art, or culinary activity. It’s a fantastic opportunity for homeschooled kids to connect, learn, and grow in a fun and engaging environment. Preregistration is required.
September 4
Storytime with Craft for toddlers
The Harahan Library invites children (newborn to 4 years old) to a fun storytime and craft event on Tuesday from 10 to 10:30 a.m! They’ll read “Ten Apples Up On Top” by Dr. Seuss and make apple sun catchers.
Don't let the apples drop! Three animal friends practice balancing apples on their heads in this hilarious introduction to counting, illustrated by Roy Mckie. The sturdy board book teaches all about numbers with a dose of signature Seuss charm. Kids will learn to count to ten--and want to start all over again!
September 5
Johnette Downing Concert
The New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park Visitor’s Center is hosting a FREE Family Music Series on Thursday, September 5th, from 11:00 AM to 11:45 AM. Join the fun at 916 N. Peters in Dutch Alley, French Market. The nearest paid parking is available at the River Lot behind Cafe du Monde.
September 6
The Saenger Theatre presents SHREK – THE MUSICAL
“Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek….” This Tony Award®-winning musical brings the beloved characters from the Oscar®-winning DreamWorks animated film to life on stage. Join Shrek, Donkey, and the feisty Princess Fiona on a hilarious and heartwarming journey. The show starts at 7:30 pm.
September 7
FREE Family Fun Day
The Helis Foundation John Scott Center is turning two! Celebrate their second anniversary with a FREE Family Fun Day with activities for everyone. Enjoy children’s crafts, engage in Prime Time Family Reading, and groove to the rhythms of the Kumbuka African Drum and Dance Collective. Admission is free, and snacks and refreshments will be provided.
September 8
Sunday Funnies: Family Improv Comedy
Head to the Big Couch (1045 Desire Street, New Orleans) from 5 to 6:30 PM. This unscripted show is perfect for ages eight and up. It features a talented group of improvisers who specialize in entertaining kids and teens. Expect interactive games, lots of laughter, and a boost of creativity and positivity to kick off the week. The cost is $8 per person.
September 9
Painting Workshop
Belle Terre Library hosts a fun and inclusive painting class from 6:00 to 7:30 PM. This event is open to everyone, regardless of age or skill level. All necessary supplies will be provided, so you must bring your creativity!
September 10
Heure du Conte
The Alliance Française of New Orleans invites you to their monthly French storytime, Heure du Conte, from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. Hosted by the talented theater teacher Jimmy Maillard, this free event is perfect for both children and adults. Immerse yourselves in the captivating world of French language and culture. Storytime takes place at the Alliance Française of New Orleans on (1519 Jackson Avenue).
September 11
Watercolor Fun
From 3:30 to 4:30 PM, the East New Orleans Regional Library invites children ages 6-12 to learn basic watercolor techniques and create their own masterpieces. This hands-on STEAM event is perfect for experimenting, creating, and having fun with watercolors.
September 12
Dinosaurs at the Zoo
Experience the awe-inspiring world of dinosaurs at Audubon Zoo! Their spectacular exhibit features over 50 life-size, lifelike dinosaurs, including iconic species like the Tyrannosaurus Rex and Velociraptor. Stroll through this immersive outdoor adventure and marvel at the wonders of 65 million years ago. It’s a must-see for dinosaur enthusiasts of all ages. Remember, zoo admission must be purchased separately, and tickets for the dinosaur exhibit are $10 for non-members and $8 for members and runs through November 17.
September 13
School of Rock the Musical
Rock out to “School of Rock the Musical” at Jefferson Performing Arts Center from September 13th to 22nd! It’s a hilarious show about a wannabe rock star who turns his students into a band. Tickets are $30-$80.
September 14
Free Family Day at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is hosting a Free Family Day on Saturday, September 14th, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Enjoy free admission, a scavenger hunt with prizes, art activities, live entertainment, and more! It’s a perfect opportunity to explore the museum and have fun with the whole family.
September 15
Frozen Sweets Fest
From 10 am to 6 pm, indulge in a variety of unique and delicious frozen treats from local vendors, ranging from classic snoballs to inventive ice cream flavors. Enjoy live music, be amazed by circus performers, and cheer on ice cream-eating contest participants. Kids will love the free face painting offered during the first hour, and there are plenty of other fun activities for the whole family. While entry is free, a suggested donation of $10 from adults is appreciated.
September 16
Preschool Bingo: Colors and Shapes
Engage your little ones in a fun and interactive beginner’s BINGO game designed to build their early literacy skills and prepare them for reading. Perfect for children ages 2 to 5 and their families from 10:30 – 11:30 am at the East New Orleans Regional Library.
September 17
Storytime at the National WWII Museum
Every Tuesday morning from 10-11 a.m., kids ages 3-8 can learn about the war through engaging stories and activities with this unique storytime experience! This month’s Storytime theme is Victory Gardens. Children will listen to the book Lily’s Victory Garden by Helen L. Wilbur, and families will plant seeds to take home to start their own Victory Gardens.
During World War II, Lily finds another way to have a Victory Garden when she learns she is too young to apply for land grants. As Lily nurtures her garden, she helps a bereaved mother overcome her grief from losing her son in the war. This newest entry in the Tales of Young Americans is a gentle story of loss, kindness, and the healing power of nature.
Experience the epic story of WWII at the National WWII Museum, a top-ranked museum worldwide. Explore artifacts, interactive exhibits, and moving personal stories that honor those who fought for freedom. Soar through history with the 4-D film Beyond All Boundaries. Book your visit today.
September 18
Teen Paint and Sip
Create a one-of-a-kind art piece painting with waterbeads at the East Bank Regional Libary while sipping hot cocoa, tea, or coffee from 5-7 pm. Open to teens ages 13-18 and in grades 7th-12th.
September 19
Thursdays on the River
Free Concerts with live music every Thursday through November 21st at Spanish Plaza. Groove to DJ Pool and other local artists from 5-8 pm. Bring a chair or blanket, grab some food, and relax by the river! This week’s artists are the New Groove Brass Band and the Sons of Jazz Brass Band.
September 20
Hairspray at the Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts
Get ready to dance to the infectious rhythms of Hairspray, the Tony Award-winning musical that celebrates big dreams and even bigger hair! Set in the vibrant 1960s, this feel-good show follows Tracy Turnblad’s journey to break barriers and integrate a popular TV dance show. With its irresistible energy, hilarious characters, and heartwarming message, Hairspray is the perfect family-friendly musical that will leave you singing and dancing all the way home. Showtime is 7:30 pm.
September 21
Kids Free Weekend at the WWII Museum
Kids get FREE admission to the WWII Museum every Saturday and Sunday in September. They can explore interactive exhibits, learn about life during WWII, and discover how the war impacted the world. Kids can even grab a dog tag and follow the story of a WWII soldier throughout the Museum. Don’t miss special experiences like the US Freedom Pavilion, the USS Tang Submarine Experience, and the STEM Innovation Gallery.
Experience the epic story of WWII at the National WWII Museum, a top-ranked museum worldwide. Explore artifacts, interactive exhibits, and moving personal stories that honor those who fought for freedom. Soar through history with the 4-D film Beyond All Boundaries. Book your visit today.
September 22
SALA Street Fest
Head to Westwego for the SALA Street Fest from 2 to 6 p.m. on Sala Avenue! Enjoy live music, delicious food from various food trucks, crafts from local vendors, and plenty of kids’ activities like inflatables and carnival games.
September 23
Music Mondays
Bring the whole family to the Lakeshore Library for a fun evening of listening and singing to your favorite music from 8-8:45 pm. All ages welcome!
September 24
Kitchen Kids
Kids ages 3-10 can practice basic mixing, measuring, and motor skills whilelearning to make an corn cakes with blueberry sauce and becoming familiar with preparing food from 2-3 pm at the Terrytown Library. Parents must accompany children.
September 25
Garden Chimes
Tweens ages 9-12 can create garden chimes using small terracotta pots from 4-5 pm at the Alvar Library.
September 26
Camp NOPL: An Early Literacy Adventure
A fun camp-themed night at the Norman Mayer Lirbary with crafts, snacks, and a movie! Kids ages 2-5 will practice early literacy skills while having a blast from 4:30 – 6 pm.
September 27
Brat Dance Workout
Teens ages 13-18 can get fit while doing a dance workout to Charli XcX at the Lakeshore Library from 3:30 – 4:30 pm.
September 28
Taylor Swift Day
Celebrate the Eras Tour at the East Bank Regional Library from 1-4 pm. Join fellow Swifties for an afternoon filled with themed activities and crafts inspired by Taylor Swift’s iconic eras. Make friendship bracelets, create paper rings, and immerse yourself in the magic of Taylor’s music.
September 29
43rd Annual Alligator Festival
From 11 am to 9 pm at Westbank Bridge Park, you can enjoy live alligators, fantastic bands, thrilling amusement rides, delicious food, unique crafts, and so much more. Admission is only $5 for ages 11 and up, and kids 10 and under get in for free! Don’t miss the amazing live music lineup, featuring The MoJoes from 11 am to 2 pm, Ryan Foret and the Foret Tradition from 2:30 to 5:30 pm, and Bag of Donuts closing out the night from 6 to 9 pm. Unlimited ride bands are $25!
September 30
Homeschool Hour Science Series
Preregister now for this great learning sereies at the Terrytown Library from 2-4 pm. This week’s lesson is on exploring our senses. Children ages 7 to 13 will particpate in an advanced experiment and children ages 2-6 will have a storytime and create a craft. There is also space for parents to connect and share resources.
Have a great September filled with lots of fall adventures!
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