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
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Every item links to what Kristina would buy. Tap Add to bag on what you're missing, then check out on Amazon in one tap.
Carry-on17
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
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Clothing14
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Compact umbrellaHeavy downpours are common, especially in summer.
Light layers and a rain jacketSpring and fall weather changes fast.
Shoes3
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Beach & pool1
Mineral sunscreen
Park days1
Drawstring bag for parade throwsKristina's pickKeeps beads and toys contained during parades.
Little ones14
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
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Kids' ear protectionMarching bands and brass music are loud up close.
Little things19
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Electrolyte packetsHot days and long walks catch up with kids before they say they're thirsty.
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries20
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Insect repellentMosquitoes are active in warm, wet months.
Unscented baby wipesFor powdered sugar and sticky parade hands.
Documents & tech17
Phone lanyard or crossbody case
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
The outfit edit
Jungle to beach
Natural, palm green, sand, papaya
For the kids
For photos
- Earthy tones that work in jungle and sand
- Bright papaya for a pop
Tap any piece to shop the look.
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.
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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.