New Orleans Jazz Fest with Kids: The Complete Family Guide
New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Fest is by far, the most family friendly music festival I’ve been to over the years. If you have questions about how to go to New Orleans Jazz fest with kids, I’ve got you covered!
My oldest daughter just turned 7 this year, and we’re gearing up to travel back to Louisiana for what will be her third Jazz fest!
Even though we live in California, Louisiana holds a special place in my heart. It’s where I’m originally from, so making a stop at Jazz fest is a fun way to enrich a family visit back to south Louisiana.
New Orleans Jazz Fest Basics
New Orleans Jazz Fest is a music festival that has been running since 1970, featuring music from jazz, blues, funk, gospel, R&B, rock, Cajun, reggae, zydeco, and much more.
One of the things that makes Jazz fest so unique, is that it blends a celebration of local culture with top music acts ranging from big names to local Louisiana staples. New Orleans culture is a melting pot of African-American, Cajun, Creole, Latin, French, Cuban, Isleño, Native American and practically everything in between.
Jazz fest features 12 stages, incredible food unique to the festival (crawfish bread!), areas for art, kids areas, and so much more. The fact that it has been running for so long means that they have thought of everything, making it so accessible for people of all ages to enjoy.
When and Where Jazz Fest Happens
When is Jazz fest?: Jazz fest takes place during over two, four-day “weekends” at the end of April and beginning of May. The lineups are announced about 5-6 months prior, giving you plenty of time to plan. The weekends are typically broken down at this time as well.
Sample Jazz fest with kids plan: With kids, we realistically don’t go for more than 2 full days. For us that is plenty of time to see some great bands, eat all the food, and check out the culture of the festival. This also gives us time to enjoy more of New Orleans and some of the other amazing things it has to offer for families. These single day tickets are usually not released until a month or two before the festival.
Jazz fest hours are from 11 am-7 pm: One of my favorite things about Jazz fest, and what makes it so family friendly, is that it’s a daytime festival. The headliners start at around 5 pm, so you’re done by 7! Doors open around 11 am.
Where is Jazz fest held? The location is at the Fair grounds race course. For a complete map of the grounds to see entry/exit points and more, check out the 2025 festival map HERE.
Jazz Fest Tickets for Kids
Tickets to Jazz fest are so affordable in contrast to other festivals (California, I’m looking at you), and kid’s tickets are no exception. Ticket prices vary depending on packages and number of days you want to attend.
Single day tickets start at just $70 per adult.
Kids under 2 get in free, and kids from 2-10 are $5 to get in. Kid’s tickets cannot be purchased in advance, so be prepared to get them at the door.
There are some exceptions to this. When we saw The Rolling Stones in 2024, we had to pay full price for our oldest. Luckily, our youngest was under 2 at the time. I don’t think this happens often, so double check ticket policies if you plan on seeing a headliner like that.
When you buy tickets, I would recommend getting the tickets for the days you want as early as possible. Especially if you have to travel to go, don’t risk not being able to get tickets!
If you sign up for the jazz fest email list, you will get notified when they go on sale.
Getting to Jazz Fest
There are a number of ways to get to jazz fest, and the way we do it is with the shuttle. Parking, parking fees, and fighting crowds are not my favorite.
The Jazz Fest shuttle is so easy, and works well for us every time. No need to stress about rental cars, car seats or searching for parking!
The shuttle picks up at 3 locations, . Steamboat Natchez in the French Quarter, downtown at the Sheraton on Canal St., and at the Hyatt Regency on South Market. Shuttles run continuously, and you may have to wait in a short line it is such a breeze and drops you right at the gate.
Folding travel strollers were so easy to bring on board as well! The shuttle is affordable at around $20 per person round trip, and you can add the cost of it onto your ticket when you purchase it.
This shuttle is so easy and we have used it every time we go to Jazz Fest!
Other transportation options include:
On site parking is only available for VIP guests or people with disabilities. If this is something you need more info on, check here.
Rideshares are always an option, but the city limits the rideshare drop-off areas in surrounding neighborhoods, so if you choose this option, be prepared to walk a little to the gate.
Taxi Stands are located at the Stallings Playground and Walter Wolfman Washington Memorial Park if you want to walk a little less. If you have small kids, car seats will likely not be available with this option.
Streetcar transportation is always an option, but be prepared to walk a little and potentially have delays due to crowds.
Best time to Arrive
The best time to arrive at Jazz fest will vary for everyone! This is how we plan when going with kids.
Plan around blocks: Jazz Fest “blocks” are the schedules of when and where the artists you want to see will be. Use the blocks to make a game plan for the day based on who you want to see.
Headliners usually start around 5 pm, so gauge the schedule of bands you want to see with what kids need so everyone can have a good time.
Set realistic expectations for going with kids: With the blocks in mind, set realistic expectations for what your kids can handle. Jazz fest days are a bit of a marathon, so we like to arrive around noon, avoiding the first rush to get in and prioritizing time at jazz fest to see the bands we came to see!
What you can (and Can’t) Bring to Jazz Fest
What’s allowed:
- Snacks
- Strollers
- Umbrellas
- Small backpacks
- Sealed water bottles
- Refillable water bottles (bring them empty)
What is NOT allowed:
- Wagons
- Large coolers
- Outside beverages
- Glass
- Portable cribs
Find the complete list HERE!
Must-Visit Spots for Kids
Jazz Fest has an entire kids area with several activities for kids. The Oschner children’s tent and the activity tent had everything from face painting to activities to break up the day!
There is also a kid’s stage, which is a small music stage with local acts and kids performances.
The kid’s area is also next to one of the main food areas and the grandstand, so we usually consolidate bathroom trips with kid’s area time.
Eating with Kids at Jazz Fest
The food is one of the best parts about jazz fest! There are many dishes unique to the festival, such as crawfish bread to try! You will also find Louisiana staples like gumbo, étouffée and po boys.
Jazz fest is cashless, so be sure to set up a way to pay electronically with your phone, or bring cards for payment.
For picky eaters, there are plenty of options as well. Joyce’s lemonade has options like grilled cheese and PB&J.
The grandstand is a great place for families to take a break from the crowd and get out of any heat or rain. They also have a breastfeeding area upstairs (third floor, west side), where moms can nurse or pump!
Bathroom Strategy for Families
There are a few options for using the bathroom at Jazz fest, which is important to consider with kids. As with any music festival, porta-potties are available throughout the festival grounds.
Changing tables are available in addition to real bathrooms at the grandstand. Personally, this is our go to. The grandstand is located behind the kids areas and some of the food stands, so we would consolidate out bathroom trips and diaper changes here.
We always carry lots of hand sanitizer and hand sanitizing wipes to use, in case we do have to use a porta-potty and can’t our wash hands well afterwards.
If you have younger kids, you can bring your diaper bag and stroller, and stock it with basics that you need for the day.
Jazz Fest Safety Tips for Families
Safety is important to keep in mind in crowded places with kids. We use an AirTag in a bracelet holder and place one on each kid. In addition to that, we also had a necklace with a pendant to write a name and phone number on if kids got lost. We also discussed a safety plan in case we get separated.
Protecting little ears from loud music is also really important! We use these, but use whatever your kid will keep on. Older kids can try these earplug style hearing protection, as the headphone style can be annoying for them to wear all day.
We have them practice wearing them a little before the fest, so they’re not ripping them off when they need to wear them.
If you need medical aid while you’re there, Oschner has a first aid tent located near the Gentilly stage, and the Jazz Fest shuttle entrance.
Beyond the Festival Grounds
New Orleans is such a fun and unique place to spend time with kids. If you’re spending a few extra days around the French Quarter or in the surrounding area, check out this post for more ideas for things to do with kids.
FAQ
Is the New Orleans Jazz Fest kid Friendly?
Absolutely! We have taken our kids there since my oldest was 5 months old. In my opinion, you won’t find a more family friendly, well organized festival. They will love the kids area, kids stage, and music!
What to Wear to Jazz Fest
Weather at jazz fest can change quickly. Be sure to check weather apps for the day you go and plan accordingly. Be prepared for weather ranging from hot to rainy!
We pack these ponchos and bring rain jackets for kids when needed.
Wearing lightweight layers works best, and hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are a must.
Take Aways
There are so many reasons why New Orleans Jazz Fest is great for kids. I hope this list helps you feel a little more confident in going with your little ones!
If you’re flying in for Jazz fest and need help planning that, check out this post.
