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Rain in New Orleans doesn’t mean the vibrant city loses its charm. On the contrary, it offers a great opportunity to explore a variety of indoor activities that capture the essence of the Big Easy. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, you can immerse yourself in activities that range from cultural experiences to pure entertainment. From exploring rich museum collections that tell the story of the city’s unique history and heritage to indulging in a cozy café scene with live jazz, there’s no shortage of rainy day indoor activities in New Orleans.
Even when the skies are grey, the city’s indoor attractions provide you with a colorful palette of options. Engage in some hands-on fun at a cooking class learning how to prepare classic New Orleans cuisine, or relax with a cup of chicory coffee while watching local artists perform. If you’re feeling adventurous, the city’s escape rooms offer an exhilarating challenge.
Alternatively, you might wander through an antique bookstore or visit an art gallery to soak in some local culture. Whatever your interests, you’ll find that New Orleans has an indoor activity to suit your mood and give you a glimpse into the city’s soulful spirit.
This guide to rainy day indoor activities in New Orleans is your key to discovering a different side of this typically sunny city. It’s tailored to help you create memorable experiences without having to step outside. So grab your umbrella just in case, but prepare to be entertained indoors with the warmth and creativity that only New Orleans can offer.
Home-Based Art Projects
Engage your creativity with these fun art projects that celebrate New Orleans’ vibrant culture.
DIY Mardi Gras Masks
Create your very own Mardi Gras mask using simple materials like cardboard, glue, and feathers. Start by cutting out a cardboard mask base. Then, decorate it with glitter, paint, and colorful feathers. Don’t forget to add a ribbon to tie your mask!
Jazz-Inspired Painting
For a musical twist, try your hand at jazz-inspired painting. Listen to some classic New Orleans jazz, and let the rhythms guide your brushstrokes. Use bold colors and dynamic patterns to capture the essence of your favorite tunes on canvas.
Creating Miniature Floats
Design miniature Mardi Gras floats using shoeboxes and other household items. Cover your base with paper or fabric, add wheels made from bottle caps, and decorate with beads and sequins. Imagine your tiny, ornate float parading down your miniature version of Bourbon Street.
Cajun and Creole Cooking Lessons
When the rain pours in New Orleans, you can warm up with the rich flavors of local cuisine by taking Cajun and Creole cooking lessons. These classes provide hands-on experience and the skills you need to master the quintessential Louisiana dishes.
Gumbo Preparation Class
Discover the secrets to a perfect roux and learn which combinations of meats and spices create the most authentic gumbo flavors. Your instructor, a seasoned local chef, will guide you through selecting the right ingredients and mastering the timing for this beloved Creole staple.
- Location: NOLA’s Cookhouse, 123 Rainy St.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Price: $45/person
- Provided: Ingredients, Recipe Card
Beignet Baking Workshop
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to mix, roll, and fry beignets to golden perfection. Understand the nuances of dough texture and the importance of maintaining the ideal oil temperature. Enjoy your creations with a dusting of powdered sugar and a cup of chicory coffee.
- Location: Sweet Treats Bakery, 456 Drizzle Ave.
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Price: $30/person
- Provided: Ingredients, Apron, Recipe Card
Jambalaya Cooking Demonstration
Watch a jambalaya expert demonstrate the step-by-step process of creating this spicy, one-pot rice dish. You’ll get to taste the final product and receive a detailed recipe so you can recreate the magic in your kitchen.
- Location: Bayou Kitchen, 789 Puddle Ln.
- Duration: 1 hour
- Price: $35/person
- Provided: Tasting, Recipe Card
Music and Dance Workshops
New Orleans’ rich musical heritage comes to life, even on a rainy day. Enhance your skills or learn something new with these engaging indoor workshops designed to get your feet tapping and your soul singing.
Zydeco Dance Tutorial
On a rain-soaked day, immerse yourself in the high-energy world of Zydeco, a music genre rooted in Louisiana’s Creole culture. Local dance halls offer beginner-friendly sessions where you’ll learn the syncopated rhythm and spirited moves of this joyful style. Classes typically last 1-2 hours and are a fantastic way to stay active indoors.
- Location: Big Easy Dance Studio
- Duration: 1-2 hours
- Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate
- Required Items: Comfortable shoes
New Orleans Style Piano Session
Discover the unique sound of New Orleans piano in an intimate setting with expert musicians. These sessions focus on the funky, soulful R&B melodies that have become synonymous with the city’s sound. Perfect for piano enthusiasts of all levels, you’ll get to practice riffs and runs that define this iconic style.
- Venue: NOLA Keys Club
- Length: 2 hours
- Skill Level: Open to all
- Equipment Provided: Yes
Second Line Drumming Course
Rain can’t dampen the spirit of a New Orleans second line. Join a drumming course and learn the rhythms that fuel the city’s famous street parades. This experience is hands-on, with professional drummers guiding you through the basics of second line beats. You’ll leave ready to join any parade that comes your way.
- Instructor: Mike ‘Stick’ DeBaton
- Session Time: 90 minutes
- Experience Required: None
- Materials Needed: Drumsticks (provided if needed)
Board Games and Puzzles
On a rainy day in New Orleans, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the city through board games and puzzles and other indoor activities, offering a cozy way to enjoy local themes from the comfort of indoors.
Classic New Orleans Trivia
Engage in Classic New Orleans Trivia to test your knowledge and learn fascinating facts about this historic city. By answering questions, you’ll journey through iconic neighborhoods and celebrate legendary musicians that have shaped the Crescent City’s lively spirit.
Puzzle-Along The Mississippi River
Embrace a more serene activity with Puzzle-Along The Mississippi River, where you piece together the scenic vistas of the mighty waterway. This puzzle pursuit is both calming and rewarding, capturing the tranquil side of New Orleans as seen from the river’s edge.
French Quarter Book Nook
In the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, you can find a cozy retreat perfect for book enthusiasts. Here, you can explore literary connections to this vibrant city through works by famous New Orleans writers and dive into gripping novels set in its historic streets.
Famous New Orleans Writers
New Orleans has been a muse for many authors. When you visit, be sure to check out these books
- Anne Rice: Best known for The Vampire Chronicles, her gothic fiction is rooted in New Orleans’ eerie charm.
- Tennessee Williams: His play, A Streetcar Named Desire, exemplifies his connection to the city’s dynamic culture.
Historical Fiction and Mystery Novels
The French Quarter’s past is perfectly encapsulated in historical fiction and mystery novels set in New Orleans. Your reading list might include one of the following.
- “The Axeman’s Jazz” by Julie Smith
- “Voodoo Season” by Jewell Parker Rhodes
These novels will transport you to times of intrigue and whispers, complementing the very streets you walk through.
Indoor Film Festival
If you’re looking for a cozy way to spend a rainy day, consider attending an indoor film festival in New Orleans that celebrates the city’s rich cinematic history and culture.
Iconic Movies Set in New Orleans
Experience the Big Easy from the comfort of a theater seat by watching iconic movies set in New Orleans. A curated selection might include the following.
- The Big Easy (1986): Dive into the sultry underworld of New Orleans crime with this thriller.
- Interview with the Vampire (1994): Explore the city’s gothic ambiance through Anne Rice’s famous tale.
- A Streetcar Named Desire (1951): Get a taste of classic New Orleans in the adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ play.
Documentaries on Louisiana Culture
Learn about the heart and soul of Louisiana by viewing documentaries focused on the state’s rich culture. Key documentaries can include the following.
- Treme (2010-2013): Although a series, Treme offers a deep exploration into New Orleans’ neighborhood post-Katrina.
- Buckjumping (2018): Witness New Orleans’ dance culture and community spirit in this vibrant piece.
Interactive History and Heritage
New Orleans boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture that you can explore from the comfort of your home on a rainy day. These interactive experiences bring the city’s past directly to you.
Virtual Voodoo Museum Tour
- Experience the Mystique: Discover the mysterious world of Voodoo from your living room. The Virtual Voodoo Museum Tour allows you to navigate through exhibits and learn about the history, rituals, and legends.
- Convenient and Engaging: Using an online platform, you gain access to high-resolution images, detailed descriptions, and immersive narratives that bring this aspect of New Orleans’s heritage to life.
Jazz History Online Experience
- Jazz at Your Fingertips: An online experience dedicated to the sounds and stories of New Orleans Jazz. Interactive timelines and audio clips feature the evolution of this music genre that calls New Orleans its home.
- Exclusive Content: Streaming historic performances and interviews with jazz legends gives you a unique insight into the city’s musical legacy.
Aquarium and Insectarium Visits
Exploring New Orleans’ indoor attractions? The city offers fantastic escapes into the underwater and insect worlds, perfect for a rainy day visit.
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
You’ll find the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas nestled against the Mississippi River. It’s a magical experience where you can engage in the following.
- Walk through the 30-foot-long tunnel of the Great Maya Reef.
- Witness an array of marine life from sharks to stingrays and exotic fish.
- Interact with the colorful birds at Parakeet Pointe.
Hours: 10 am – 5 pm, Monday through Sunday
Admission:
- Adults: $29.95
- Children (2-12): $24.95
- Seniors (65+): $26.95
Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
1 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Located within the U.S. Custom House on Canal Street, the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium offers you a glimpse into the world of insects with features like:
- The Butterfly Garden, where you can wander among free-flying butterflies and possibly have them land on you.
- Bug Appetit, a unique opportunity to taste insect-based dishes if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Insect encounters where you can learn about and interact with various live insects.
Hours: 10 am – 4:30 pm, Tuesday through Sunday
Admission:
- Adults: $22.95
- Children (2-12): $17.95
- Seniors (65+): $19.95
Please check for combo ticket options if you plan to visit both attractions on the same day.
Frequently Asked Questions about Rainy Day Indoor Activities in new Orleans
Rainy days in New Orleans offer the perfect opportunity to explore the abundant indoor activities and attractions. From family-friendly fun to cultural experiences, there’s plenty to enjoy without worrying about the weather.
What are some family-friendly indoor activities in New Orleans for a rainy day?
You can take your family to the Louisiana Children’s Museum for an educational and interactive experience or enjoy the enthralling exhibits at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.
Can you recommend any free indoor attractions in New Orleans for when it’s raining?
The New Orleans Public Library offers not only books but also activities and programs, while the contemporary art displays at the Julia Street art galleries provide a culturally rich and cost-free outing.
Where can I find indoor playgrounds suitable for children in New Orleans?
Check out City Park’s indoor facility Carousel Gardens, which includes an amusement park with a historic carousel, or visit the Little Red School House for a playful and secure indoor environment tailored for younger children.
Are there any unique indoor historical sites to visit in New Orleans during bad weather?
Yes, visit the National WWII Museum to immerse yourself in a significant part of history, or explore the Cabildo and Presbytère for a walk through Louisiana’s past.
What indoor cultural experiences are available in New Orleans on a rainy day?
You can enjoy a live jazz performance at one of the many clubs in the French Quarter or explore the New Orleans Museum of Art and its extensive collection of fine art.
How should one dress for visiting indoor venues in New Orleans when it’s raining outside?
Wear comfortable clothing and bring a light jacket as the air conditioning can be strong. It’s advisable to have waterproof shoes or an extra pair in case of puddles, and don’t forget your umbrella for the walk to the entrance.
