Sunny and Warm Destinations, Just One Short Flight From Seattle

It goes without saying that when you visit New Orleans you need to get a beignet, wander the streets of the historic and lively French Quarter, and ride a streetcar. When in “The Big Easy,” right? New Orleans is so much more than Mardi Gras beads and Bourbon Street — it’s rich in history and full of surprises in terms of family-friendly stops.

From Seattle, you’re a bit limited on non-stop flight options but there are two a day; flight times are about four and a half hours.

City Park

This iconic park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States and is home to year-round family fun. Explore 24 miles of walking trails, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, the Sydney and Walda Bestoff Sculpture Garden with over 90 sculptures along footpaths, New Orleans Botanical Garden, Louisiana Children’s Museum, an art museum, and the enchanting Storyland playground, where classic storybook characters are larger than life.

Pro tip: If you have a train lover, the Train Garden within the Botanical Garden highlights the architecture of New Orleans and takes you back in time to the early 1900s and what the streetcars and trains looked like then. While the Train Garden is open during the Botanical Garden hours, the trains only operate on the weekends.

Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium

Renovated in 2023, the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium are the newest major attractions in New Orleans. Wander through the butterfly garden and learn about the region’s coastal plants and animals. The aquarium is one of the top five aquariums in the country, featuring a walk-through tunnel, bayou creatures, touch tanks with rays and sharks, and a large jellyfish tank.

Curious and adventurous kids can learn how other cultures around the world value bugs as a food source at Bug Appétit inside Audubon Insectarium — try a sample of the bug chef’s creations for a memorable snack!

Pro tip: The splash pad along the riverwalk outside the aquarium is a fun reprieve on hot days. 

The National World War II Museum

History buffs will enjoy spending a day at the official WWII museum of the United States. Some of the interactive experiences like the “Final Mission: USS Tang Submarine Experience” and the “Beyond All Boundaries” 4D screening are not suitable for young children, but are valuable experiences for more mature audiences. Nineteen immersive galleries bring World War II experiences to life through settings in jungles, beaches, mountains and oceans. No matter how much time you have to spend here, you will walk away with new knowledge and appreciation.

Pro tip: Storytime at the museum is offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 10 a.m. and includes fun activities and crafts for kids ages 3–8; this is included with admission.

Swamp tours

Step out of the city and board a swamp boat or kayak tour where you can learn more about the unique ecosystem and its creatures. Encounter various birds, alligators, wild boars, raccoons and more. All ages are welcome on the 22-passenger flat-bottomed boat, whereas you have to be at least 12 years old to tour by kayak. The boat tour is about two hours long.

Pro tip: Disney’s new Tiana’s Bayou Adventure ride was inspired by the swamps of New Orleans — watch “The Princess and the Frog” to get your kids excited for this adventure!

— Krista Tsai