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Trav L. Moore
Trav L. Moore and his priceLESS peeps are eager to offer you their two cents on where to go and what to do to find the most fun for the least funds.
Moore Boo-Coo Things to Do on the Cheap in N’awlins
Looking to unmask some fun without spending too much on the krewe? Trav’s got some tips on what you can do.
Oldies But Goodies
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Go on tour. Explore the historic Garden District on foot with the Nola Tour Guy. These local experts, who know the city and its sites better than anyone, will take you on a journey through this neighborhood rich with history and legend. You’ll see the former homes of Jefferson Davis (the president of the Confederacy) and author Anne Rice, the mansions where Mark Twain partied and where "American Horror Story" was filmed, and the Commander’s Palace where two of NOLA’s most famous chefs, Paul Prudhomme and Emeril Lagasse, got their start. And that’s just in a few blocks. There’s way more. Grab those kicks and reserve your spot. Tours are free, but tips are welcome.
Street beats. Catch some live street performances with the kids. From brass bands and magicians in Jackson Square to traditional jazz on Royal Street—and even hip-hop MCs busking on Frenchmen Street—New Orleans has a famous and long-standing history of street performance. So, don’t miss out on this NOLA tradition. Catch these impromptu acts wherever you find them—on a street corner, side street, or stoop. The kids will love them and so will you. And the price is hard to beat: they're free, but tips are appreciated.
Make note of this—take the kids and discover one of the city’s rarest gems, Music Box Village. Everything you touch here was created to play music. Nestled inside the Bywater neighborhood, this collection of small, musical houses created by New Orleans artists with found materials is pure magic. Touch a wall, a window, or a railing and it will let out a whistle or a groan, a grunt or chirp, or some other silly sound. But what makes this interactive art site and performance platform super cool is this: when it's not hosting free public hours for kids like yours to play, performers bring these quirky houses to life under the stars. Don’t miss it. Admission is free. Check the online calendar for events.
Dat’s Fun
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Line up with other locals at Hansen's Sno-Bliz on Tchoupitoulas Street for a real treat. Home of the Sno-ball, this 85-year New Orleans tradition draws fans the moment it opens in early spring, and you’ll know why the minute you taste one. Forget the Icee, Slurpee, or snow cone—this NOLA concoction, made with fluffy ice and layers of homemade syrups, is like nothing you've ever tried. With some 37 flavors and counting that you and the kiddos can pick from or mix and match, it's a taste adventure you’ll be dreamin’ about long after you’ve headed home.
Make the kiddos’ dreams come true at City Park’s Storyland. The enchanted outdoor playground, shaded by the park’s majestic oak tree canopies, is dotted with dozens of sculpted fairytale cottages and bedtime storybook characters. Your littles can spend hours at play setting sail on Captain Hook’s pirate ship, scampering up Jack’s beanstalk, or trying to put Humpty Dumpty’s wall back together again. Admission is free for kids up to 36 inches tall and $6 for kids over 36 inches.
Float your krewe's boat on a tour of Mardi Gras World and watch them discover this magical workshop where carnival fun and floats come together. They’ll never be the same. This place does that to you. While you’re here, the team will show you how these beauties are designed and built from the ground up. You’ll see them assembled right in front of you. And the kids will go crazy trying on real Mardi Gras costumes (selfie, anyone?). No matter what time of year you decide to visit, you’ll get to sample some King Cake before you go. Admission is $14 for kids aged 2-12. Coupons and a free shuttle are available.
Let The Good Times Roll
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Watch your kids go ape at Monkey Hill. Once declared the city’s highest point, this popular play area has been a favorite for generations who loved to roll down it. With its five-level treehouse, pride of bronze lion sculptures, wading pools, and snowball stand conveniently located near its base, there's no better place to cool off while watching your little monkeys go bananas. While you're at the zoo, check out the other exhibits and experiences that are sure to make them go wild. Admission is $25.
When it's time to stir things up, grab your mini chefs and family foodies and head to the New Orleans School of Cooking for one of its entertaining demonstrations on gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines. Your kids will eat up this two-hour afternoon presentation seasoned with history, trivia, and tall tales that show you how to make real New Orleans recipes that you get to eat. Led by Cajun/Creole experts, it teaches the basics of Louisiana cooking in a way you’ll never forget with tons of fun sprinkled in. Tickets are $39 for kids.
Ready to go off the wall? After a day of seeing the city’s sites, don’t miss the one in the lobby of our new New Orleans Resort. The moving mural comes alive with music, color, and motion at the top of every hour.
There you have it. Proof big fun doesn’t have to come with a big price tag. But make no mistake—this is only a start. There are plenty more ways to make priceLESS vacation memories in the city of New Orleans.
Any information provided is solely as a courtesy and is not due to compensation or business partnerships with Holiday Inn Club Vacations. Prices subject to change.