Last updated: 2025-04-22
Metairie’s indoor scene offers a refreshing escape from Louisiana’s unpredictable weather, providing locals and visitors with diverse entertainment options that capture the region’s unique cultural spirit. From performing arts to culinary experiences, these attractions showcase the area’s rich heritage and creative energy.
Whether seeking family-friendly adventures or sophisticated cultural experiences, Metairie and nearby New Orleans deliver exceptional indoor activities that cater to every interest. These venues promise engaging encounters that celebrate local history, creativity, and community connections.
Discover Metairie’s best indoor entertainment destinations now!
Featured Indoor Activities in Metairie
- The National WWII Museum (New Orleans)
- Louisiana Children's Museum (New Orleans)
- New Orleans School of Cooking (New Orleans)
- AMC Elmwood Palace 20 (Harahan)
- Clearview Mall
- Southern Food and Beverage Museum (New Orleans)
- The Jefferson Performing Arts Center
- Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts (Kenner)
- New Canal Lighthouse Museum and Education Center (New Orleans)
AMC Elmwood Palace 20 (Harahan)
What to Expect
Twenty-screen cinema complex with advanced digital projection technology
Description
AMC Elmwood Palace 20 offers a premier movie-watching experience with 20 screens featuring state-of-the-art digital projection and sound systems. This modern cinema complex provides comfortable seating, digital ticket purchasing, and a wide selection of current film releases across multiple genres.
Where: Harahan | More Info: AMC Elmwood Palace 20
Clearview Mall
What to Expect
Comprehensive retail shopping destination in Metairie metropolitan area
Description
Clearview Mall offers a shopping center experience with multiple retail stores and potential dining options. Located in Metairie, Louisiana, the mall provides a convenient indoor shopping environment with various stores and services for local residents and visitors.
Where: Metairie | More Info: Clearview Mall
Louisiana Children's Museum (New Orleans)
What to Expect
Comprehensive children's learning environment with indoor interactive exhibits
Description
Louisiana Children's Museum offers an expansive 8.5-acre interactive learning environment designed for children to explore and engage through hands-on exhibits. Kids can discover science, art, and play through sensory-rich experiences across indoor spaces that encourage curiosity and developmental learning.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Louisiana Children's Museum
New Canal Lighthouse Museum and Education Center (New Orleans)
What to Expect
Reconstructed historic lighthouse with original 1890 wooden elements
Description
A maritime museum dedicated to Lake Pontchartrain's ecological and historical significance. Offers insights into coastal conservation, lighthouse history, and local environmental challenges. Reconstructed after hurricane damage, the museum preserves original 1890 lighthouse elements while educating visitors about the region's water ecosystems.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: New Canal Lighthouse Museum and Education Center
New Orleans School of Cooking (New Orleans)
What to Expect
Cooking classes in historic 1800s molasses warehouse
Description
Interactive culinary school in the French Quarter offering hands-on and demonstration cooking classes focused on authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine. Participants learn to prepare classic New Orleans dishes like gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines while exploring local culinary traditions and techniques.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: New Orleans School of Cooking
Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts (Kenner)
What to Expect
Multi-stage performing arts complex in Greater New Orleans area
Description
Rivertown Theaters offers a vibrant performing arts venue in Kenner, Louisiana, featuring live theatrical productions across multiple stages. The theater presents a diverse range of performances including musicals, plays, and community productions that showcase local and regional talent.
Where: Kenner | More Info: Rivertown Theaters for the Performing Arts
Southern Food and Beverage Museum (New Orleans)
What to Expect
Comprehensive culinary cultural research and exhibition center
Description
The Southern Food and Beverage Museum celebrates culinary heritage through immersive exhibits exploring food and drink culture. Featuring multiple specialized collections like the Museum of the American Cocktail and the Culinary Heritage Sign Gallery, this educational institution offers in-depth insights into regional and national gastronomic traditions.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Southern Food and Beverage Museum
The Jefferson Performing Arts Center
What to Expect
Regional performing arts center with diverse international and tribute performances
Description
Jefferson Performing Arts Center delivers diverse live entertainment experiences in Metairie, featuring ballet, symphonic concerts, tribute shows, and international performing arts performances. The venue hosts classical ballet, rock tribute concerts, and cultural performances from international dance companies and musical groups.
Where: Metairie | More Info: The Jefferson Performing Arts Center
The National WWII Museum (New Orleans)
What to Expect
Comprehensive World War II historical preservation and educational center
Description
The National WWII Museum comprehensively chronicles America's World War II experience through immersive exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays. Visitors explore detailed narratives of military campaigns, personal stories, and historical context across multiple pavilions and galleries showcasing extensive World War II collections.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: The National WWII Museum
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