New Orleans is a city known for its vibrant music, food, and culture. Though it’s not as well known for its outdoor pursuits, the city boasts plenty of outdoor activities for those who want to explore the natural side of the Big Easy. Whether you want to stroll through a park or try something more adventurous, New Orleans has something for everyone.
At LOOP NOLA, we love introducing groups to outdoor spaces in and around the city. We offer New Orleans field trips and team building events in and around the city, and we hope that you get to enjoy some of these places as well.
There are countless outdoor spaces within an hour’s drive of the city. In this blog post, we will explore the best outdoor locations specifically in Orleans Parish.
The 7 Best Outdoor Spaces in New Orleans
City Park
One of the best places to enjoy the great outdoors in New Orleans is City Park. This massive park covers over 1,300 acres and is home to numerous attractions, including a Botanical Garden, an Amusement Park, two museums, multiple sports fields and playgrounds, and so much more! City Park is also home to Couturie Forest and Scout Island, natural forests that have been rated as New Orleans’ best place for birdwatching. Take a stroll through the park's Sculpture Garden, walk the wooded trails, or enjoy a picnic under some of the oldest oak trees in the region. Though there isn’t a zipline in New Orleans, you can find the closest thing to it in City Park with New Orleans’ only high ropes course
Audubon Park
Another great park in New Orleans is Audubon Park. This 350-acre park is located in the Uptown neighborhood and is adjacent to the Audubon Zoo and The Fly. The park's trails are perfect for hiking, biking, or jogging; and you can also enjoy a picnic on the shores of the Mississippi River. Audubon Park is part of the Audubon Nature Institute which also includes the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center and Planetarium, a facility in New Orleans East with wooded trails, boardwalk trails, an interactive interpretive center, and a planetarium.
Joe Brown Park
Located in New Orleans East, Joe W. Brown Park is a NORDC park with walking trails, sports fields, playgrounds, an indoor pool, and more. They also offer free archery lessons on Thursday evenings; and from March through November, they offer free canoeing and fishing lessons. Of course, you can always bring your personal fishing gear and utilize the stocked lagoons throughout the year. Check out their calendar of events for upcoming festivals and family-friends events!
LOOP NOLA High Ropes in City Park
"I learned that pushing yourself farther than you thought you could go is an extremely enlightening and empowering experience, and you feel connected to everyone that helped you achieve that goal."
Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge
Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge is another great place to explore Louisiana's natural beauty. This 24,000-acre refuge spans portions of the South Shore and North Shore adjacent to Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Borgne. It’s home to over 340 bird species and other animals, including alligators and nutria. There are plenty of opportunities for fishing, hiking, and paddling within the refuge. Check their website for more details on the numerous sites to visit throughout the refuge.
Lafitte Greenway
In the mood for something a little more urban? The Lafitte Greenway is a 2.6-mile bike and pedestrian trail that connects Mid-City to the French Quarter. The trail follows the path of an old railway and offers numerous spots to get on and off the trail. You can rent a Blue Bike or take a stroll along the Greenway, which is lined with playgrounds, sports fields, and public art installations.
Crescent Park
Located along the Mississippi River, Crescent Park is a 1.4-mile park that offers stunning views of the city's skyline along the river and a small dog park. The park's trails are perfect for jogging, walking, and biking. Plus, Crescent Park’s Mandeville Shed is a local hub for the city's dancers, yoga practitioners, and roller skaters!
Brechtel Park
Located on the Westbank of the Mississippi River, Brechtel Park is part of the New Orleans Parks and Parkways system. It’s open seven days a week with paved and wooded trails, playgrounds, and a lagoon system for fishing. If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway in New Orleans where you can birdwatch or hike trails, look no further!
New Orleans offers plenty of outdoor spaces and activities for those who want to explore the natural side of the city. From parks and nature preserves to bike trails and adventure sports, there's something for everyone!
To book an event or educational field trip for your group, contact us at LOOP NOLA today.
