This is the question every parent asks before booking New Orleans.
And the internet doesn’t make it easy. Some sites say it’s perfectly safe. Others make it sound terrifying. The truth is somewhere in the middle — and a lot more nuanced when you’re traveling with kids.
We went with our children, almost 5 and 8 years old. We stayed at the Four Seasons on the riverfront. We walked the French Quarter, ate on Bourbon Street, did the swamp tour, explored the city for three days.
Here’s our honest answer.
The Short Answer
Yes. New Orleans is safe for families — when you stay in the right areas, use common sense, and go in with realistic expectations.
It is a major American city. It has challenges like any major American city. But the tourist areas where families spend their time are well-patrolled, well-populated, and genuinely welcoming. The city has made real, measurable progress on public safety.
Bourbon Street is lively, loud, and full of energy — street performers, music spilling out of every door. It's perfectly manageable with kids during the day and early evening, but as the night goes on it gets increasingly adult.
Where Families Spend Their Time — And Why It's Safe
The areas where families naturally gravitate in New Orleans are the safest parts of the city.
The French Quarter The French Quarter is lively, well-populated, and well-patrolled, brimming with bars, restaurants, historic sites, and tourist attractions. The constant crowds also provide additional security.
This is where you’ll spend most of your time — and it’s fine. We walked it extensively with our kids.
The Riverfront Where the Four Seasons sits. Safe, open, and beautiful. Two minutes to the Aquarium, five minutes to the French Quarter. No concerns here whatsoever.
The Garden District and Uptown Beautiful architecture, quiet streets, great restaurants. The Garden District features upscale homes with boutiques, antique shops, restaurants, and cafes lining the streets. Very family-friendly feel.
Warehouse Arts District Where restaurants like Pêche and Compère Lapin are located. Busy, well-lit, comfortable to walk at all hours we were there.
What to Know About Bourbon Street With Kids
Bourbon Street gets a reputation. Some of it is earned — at night, it gets loud, crowded, and very adult.
During the day and early evening it’s completely different. Bourbon Street is generally considered safe during the day and early evening hours. We walked it with our kids in the afternoon. People were out, restaurants were open, street performers were working. It was fine.
At night — after 9pm or so — it’s not really a place to bring young kids. Not because it’s dangerous, but because it’s not appropriate. Move the evening earlier and you won’t have any issues.
Neighborhoods to Avoid
New Orleans has neighborhoods that aren’t recommended for tourists with or without kids. This is true of every major American city.
Areas including Central City, New Orleans East, and parts of the Seventh Ward have higher crime rates than the tourist core. GPS navigation sometimes routes drivers through these neighborhoods as shortcuts — ignore such routes and stick to main highways.
The simple rule: stay in the well-populated, well-lit tourist areas and you won’t encounter these neighborhoods.
Common Tourist Scams to Know About
The biggest safety issue in the French Quarter for tourists isn’t violent crime — it’s scams and pickpocketing.
The Shoe Scam Someone approaches you and says “I bet I can tell you where you got your shoes.” The answer is always “on your feet, in New Orleans.” Then they expect payment. Just keep walking.
The Bead Scam Someone drapes beads around your neck or hands something to your kids, then demands money. Don’t accept anything from strangers on the street.
Pickpocketing During Parades Be especially vigilant during parades because that’s when pickpockets will be working the crowd. Keep valuables in front pockets. Use a crossbody bag. Don’t have your phone out unnecessarily in dense crowds.
The French Quarter is well-patrolled and generally very safe for families during the day and early evening. Stick to the main streets and keep valuables out of sight.
Practical Safety Tips for Families
Stay in the tourist areas. The French Quarter, Riverfront, Garden District, and Warehouse District are where families belong. You won’t need to venture beyond them for an incredible trip.
Use rideshare at night. If you’re heading somewhere after dark, Uber or Lyft is the move. Use ride-sharing apps rather than walking long distances after dark.
Keep valuables out of sight. Don’t walk around with expensive cameras swinging, phones face-up in stroller cup holders, or back pockets stuffed with cash. Basic awareness goes a long way.
Stay on well-lit, populated streets. Empty streets signal danger even in generally safe areas — if you find yourself alone on a dark street, reverse direction and return to busy areas.
Don’t let kids run ahead. The French Quarter has some streets without sidewalks and unpredictable foot traffic. Keep young kids close, especially on busier blocks.
The hotel concierge is your best resource. Hotel staff know the city and know what’s appropriate for families. Be sure to make use of them.
Our Honest Take
New Orleans with kids is not reckless. It’s not naive. It’s a great family trip when you plan it right. Stay at a well-located hotel. Keep your days in the tourist core. Wrap up your evenings before it gets too late. Use rideshare when you’re going further afield.
We walked those streets with our kids and felt completely at ease. The city was warm, welcoming, and genuinely excited to have families there.
The food alone is worth it. The music, the history, the swamp tour, the random parade that appeared out of nowhere — New Orleans gives families memories they don’t get anywhere else.
Always check current travel advisories and local news before your trip.