Last updated: 2025-04-22
When the rain starts falling in New Orleans, indoor adventures beckon. From the French Quarter’s historic museums to interactive experiences, the Crescent City offers a treasure trove of sheltered excitement for locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re dodging a sudden thunderstorm or seeking cultural immersion, New Orleans’ indoor attractions promise unforgettable experiences that capture the city’s vibrant spirit and rich historical tapestry.
Discover NOLA’s best indoor attractions right here!
Featured Indoor Activities in New Orleans
- The National WWII Museum
- Mardi Gras World
- Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
- Escape Game New Orleans
- House of Blues New Orleans
- New Orleans Museum of Art
- Vue Orleans
- Ogden Museum of Southern Art
- Southern Food and Beverage Museum
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
What to Expect
13,000-gallon shark and ray touch pool with interactive marine encounters
Description
The Audubon Aquarium offers an immersive underwater journey featuring over 3,600 animals from 250 species across diverse exhibits. Visitors explore marine environments from the Caribbean to the Amazon, encountering rare creatures like white alligators and endangered African penguins through interactive experiences including a Maya Tunnel and Shark Discovery touch pool.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Escape Game New Orleans
What to Expect
Award-winning multi-room escape room experiences with varied difficulty levels
Description
The Escape Game New Orleans offers four immersive escape room experiences in the French Quarter, featuring interactive multi-room challenges that accommodate up to 12 players. Rooms include diverse themes like Prison Break, with highly engaging scenarios designed to challenge problem-solving skills and teamwork across different difficulty levels.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Escape Game New Orleans
House of Blues New Orleans
What to Expect
Southern-inspired music venue with premium VIP membership options
Description
House of Blues New Orleans delivers an immersive live music venue with a restaurant and bar featuring Southern-inspired cuisine. The venue hosts diverse musical performances across genres, with a dedicated Foundation Room offering VIP experiences, live entertainment, and elevated nightlife atmosphere.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: House of Blues New Orleans
Mardi Gras World
What to Expect
Live float and costume creation workshop
Description
Immerse yourself in the world of Mardi Gras through an interactive warehouse tour showcasing elaborate float-making, costume design, and parade preparation. Visitors can watch artists create massive parade props, explore behind-the-scenes craftsmanship, and learn about New Orleans' most iconic celebration.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Mardi Gras World
New Orleans Museum of Art
What to Expect
Extensive global art collection with dynamic rotating exhibitions
Description
The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) offers a comprehensive art experience spanning three floors with global collections ranging from ancient to contemporary works. Features diverse exhibitions highlighting international art movements, including special collections of African and Peruvian art. The museum's Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden provides an additional outdoor artistic landscape.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: New Orleans Museum of Art
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
What to Expect
Extensive collection of Southern regional art and photography
Description
A comprehensive museum dedicated to Southern art, showcasing diverse exhibitions that explore the visual culture of the American South. Features permanent collections and rotating exhibits highlighting regional artists, photography, and cultural narratives through paintings, drawings, and multimedia installations.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Southern Food and Beverage Museum
What to Expect
Multifaceted culinary cultural preservation center
Description
A comprehensive cultural institution dedicated to exploring food and beverage history through interactive exhibits. The museum houses multiple specialized collections, including the Museum of the American Cocktail and the National Culinary Heritage Register. Visitors can explore diverse culinary displays, research resources, and learn about regional food traditions.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Southern Food and Beverage Museum
The National WWII Museum
What to Expect
Extensive World War II historical preservation and educational mission
Description
Comprehensive museum chronicling the American experience during World War II through immersive exhibits, artifacts, and multimedia presentations. Explores why the war was fought, how it was won, and its lasting global impact. Offers in-depth historical insights and educational programs about the war's complex narrative.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: The National WWII Museum
Vue Orleans
What to Expect
360-degree city observation deck with cultural storytelling
Description
Vue Orleans offers a stunning observation deck with panoramic views of New Orleans, providing an immersive cultural experience that showcases the city's landscape from a unique vantage point. Interactive exhibits and multimedia presentations highlight the city's rich history and architectural beauty.
Where: New Orleans | More Info: Vue Orleans
Find Indoor Activities in Other Cities
Looking for indoor activities in another city?