Top 10 activities for teens in NOLA

By Damaria Shezbie

Whether you are a visitor or simply trying to find activities for your moody, picky teens and tweens for the summer and you have absolutely no idea where you can take them to be sure they will have fun, then you have come to the right place. I’ve compiled a list of 10 family friendly places that I’m certain your teen will enjoy without you having to break your wallet for a little fun.

Damaria Shezbie

The list below should help you entertain your teenager and provide you with a good time as well. Enjoy! As we like to say in New Orleans, Laissez Le Bon Ton Roulet – Let the Good Times Roll.

1. Visit the Audubon Zoo or Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Both the zoo and aquarium are home to a beautiful and exotic mix of animals, with educational programs to learn about the animals. The zoo has an award-winning Louisiana swamp and jaguar jungle. There are some intriguing white alligators. It’s also good to bring a bathing suit, just in case you want to hop in the cool zoo, Audubon’s splash park, which is included with your zoo ticket purchase. The Aquarium features an Amazon exhibit, Mississippi River gallery, Gulf of Mexico exhibit, and a Caribbean Reef exhibit. For more information check out www.audubonnatureinstitute.org/tickets, or call 1-504-861-2537.

2. Explore the French Quarter (Vieux Carre’)
The French Quarter also known as the Vieux Carre’ – always offers a lot to see. It’s a fun way to explore the culture of New Orleans and get outside in the sun. There are many boutiques and art galleries to browse, restaurants from fine dining to casual eateries, like the iconic Cafe Du Monde where French doughnuts (beignets) are made, carriage rides, street performers are plentiful, and you can witness some great views of the beautiful city. Check out http://www.frenchquarter.com/ for more French Quarter information.

3. Visit Mardi Gras World
If you were ever interested in learning about the history of Mardi Gras this would be the best place to do it. Mardi Gras World is a giant warehouse where floats are made in preparation for Mardi Gras parades. You can see how everything is made and be able to get up close to some great Mardi Gras creations. The wildly creative floats could also make for a stunning Instagram photoshoot. The address is 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, (504)-361-7821 and check out https://www.mardigrasworld.com/ for more information.

4. Bowl at Rock N’ Bowl
There aren’t many places that have a full dance floor, live music, and bowling. That’s what makes Rock ‘N’ Bowl so special and a great place to go to get a taste of New Orleans. They play different types of music from pop rock to jazz. It’s an amazing experience and a fun place to bowl. The food is also surprisingly good for a bowling alley, offering a little taste of NOLA. It is located at 3016 S Carrollton Ave. Check out their website for more information, https://www.rocknbowl.com/ or call (504) 861-1700.

5. Take a Ghost Tour
New Orleans Ghost Adventures tours takes you to see the Lalaurie Mansion, Laffitte’s Blacksmith shop and some other reportedly haunted locations. Each tour is led by a local New Orleans’ historian that tells true stories. They advertise that they offer authentic tours that teach you the true history of each location, so there are no crazy theatrics. For more information on how to book a tour check out, http://www.neworleansghostadventurestour.com/ or call at (504)-475-5214.

6. Roller Skate at Airline Skate Center
Roller skating is always super fun no matter where you are. Many roller rinks do all types of small competitions for prizes. It’s an all-age activity and even if you don’t know how to skate, it can still be a good opportunity to learn. If you don’t want to skate then you could just sit back and relax, enjoy some nachos, and listen to some of the good music the DJ plays. Who doesn’t have good memories from roller skating? If you don’t, then this is a great place to create new ones. Airline Skate Center is located at 6711 Airline Dr. Metairie. Check out https://www.airlineskatecenternola.com/ or call (504) 733-2248 for more information.

7. Play Games at Dave & Buster’s
This arcade/sports bar can accommodate adults and teens. You can sit down and order food if you get hungry or get right to the fun. There are so many games to play that there is no way anyone could get bored there. Dave and Buster’s also offers all sorts of prizes to buy with your game tickets. This is also a great place for birthday parties. For more information you can check out https://www.daveandbusters.com/locations/new-orleans or call (504) 226-3300.

8. Eat Delicious Cajun Food
The food in New Orleans is like none other! You can almost never go wrong with a nice meal and even though this is something that we all must do, in New Orleans going out to eat is an experience, especially with the right people. A couple of good places are Oceana Grill, located at 739 Conti St and Muriel’s Jackson Square, located at 3206, 801 Chartres St. There are numerous restaurant guides for top restaurant spots in the city, depending on what you have a taste for. In this city, it’s easy to get whatever you are craving, however be willing to try new things. For more local eats check out,
http://www.neworleansrestaurants.com.

9. Window Shop on Magazine Street
Shopping is a simple thing you can do just to spend some quality time with whomever you are with. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything you can still have fun enjoying a day of window shopping and taking in the flavor of New Orleans. Magazine street has many unique shops and boutiques to look around in. There are also sandwich shops and restaurants, as well as unique craft shops along the way. Check out https://www.magazinestreet.com/ for more information.

10. View the City from The Algiers’ Ferry
See some of the best views of New Orleans aboard The Algiers’ Ferry from Canal Street and ride across the Mississippi River to historic Algiers Point on the West Bank. The ferry has been in operation since 1827, and it only costs $2 to ride. You can board the ferry at the foot of Canal Street next to the Aquarium of the Americas. The ferry is for pedestrians and bikers only. For more information check out, http://www.norta.com/Maps-Schedules/New-Orleans-Ferry (504) 250-9110.

Damaria Shezbie is a native New Orleanian, who is now a high school sophomore in Austin, Texas. She spends her summers in NOLA enjoying the food and attractions.