The best field trips for New Orleans students are a pleasant combination of history, science, culture, and perhaps most importantly—fun! It also helps if they’re located within the parish for ease of access, of course.
We’ve done some research into popular school trips for local students. Enjoy fun, hands-on learning at these engaging locations.
1. LOOP NOLA, City Park
1031 Harrison Dr.
504-655-2770
LOOP NOLA is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide positive, life-changing outdoor experiences for children and youth in Greater New Orleans. Our team aims to give urban children more opportunities to spend time outdoors and learn about our natural world. Options include:
canoeing
fishing
hiking
teambuilding
Located in gorgeous City Park adjacent to the Couturie Arboretum, LOOP NOLA is the perfect place to learn about Louisiana’s natural history while enjoying outdoor recreation. From nature hikes in the arboretum to climbing high ropes on Scout Island, students are sure to have an amazing time.
With our combination of educational and recreational activities, LOOP NOLA is a top-tier New Orleans field trip destination. Gift your students a sense of wonder at the natural world while our staff teaches them social, technical, and academic skills in a fun, team-based format.
2. Steamboat Natchez, French Quarter
Toulouse St. & Mississippi River
504-569-1401
cruises@neworleanssteamboat.com
A classic historical New Orleans field trip, the Steamboat Natchez team is happy to combine the economic and natural histories of the Mississippi River in a two-hour musical experience on the water. Expect your students to learn about the:
antebellum plantation era
infamous steamboat races
Civil War
Gay Nineties
Mississippi River ecology
Students will also learn about steamboat construction and engineering, all while enjoying a pleasant ride on the great Mississippi River. Give your students a musical and educational experience they’ll never forget.
3. Longue Vue House and Gardens, Mid-City
7 Bamboo Rd.
504-488-5488
Looking for a combination of history, art, and botanical wonder? Look no further than Longue Vue House and Gardens. The staff host both field trips and educational workshops for student groups of all ages and sizes. Here, students will see:
furnishings dating from 1942-1978
nature-inspired art
gardens that bloom year-round
both native and decorative plants
how insects help our local ecosystems
Students can enter the Discovery Garden through a tunnel for a magical botanical experience. Learning about soil, flowers, and the importance of gardens for pollinators, a school trip to Longue Vue combines education with natural wonder.
4. Louisiana Children’s Museum, City Park
15 Henry Thomas Dr.
504-523-1357
For a multifaceted outdoor and indoor school trip, check out the new Louisiana Children’s Museum. Located in City Park, the interactive museum has exhibits for everything from food sourcing to river hydrology. Experiences include:
music playing
soil sedimentation table
nature care
engineering stations
outdoor adventures
community spaces
…and much more!
The Louisiana Children’s Museum was “born for field trips,” the team brags. The museum prioritizes learning with our senses, meaning all exhibits are hands-on. They can even block off up to four learning spaces to give your students exclusive access for two hours at a time.
With easy bus drop-off and parking options, private lunch space, and multiple payment options, the Louisiana Children’s Museum is an easy choice for any school field trip schedule.
