New Orleans, Louisiana, or the “Big Easy,” is a vibrant city known for its music and fusion cuisine. Sure, we’ve all heard of Mardi Gras, the lively carnival in late-winter with its street parties and eccentric costumes, but have you considered New Orleans for your next school trip? A trip to New Orleans would be an unforgettable Honors Society trip, or senior class trip. Are you a music teacher? There are countless venues where your ensemble or jazz band can perform! Here are some New Orleans must-sees.
No matter what month you go to New Orleans, you can experience the wonder of Mardi Gras at Mardi Gras World. Students can see actual Mardi Gras floats up close and personal, watch the staff assemble new floats, learn the history of Mardi Gras, try on costumes, and more. Oh yeah, and don’t forget to try some famous King Cake!
Experience the history of America’s finance development at the Old U.S. Mint. Built in 1835, this is America’s only building to have served as both a United States and Confederate Mint. Permanent exhibits include: the New Orleans Jazz exhibit explaining the history of jazz from its humble beginnings, the Newcomb Pottery exhibit, “The Mississippi and the Making of a Nation” exhibit, and a series of rotating exhibits.
While you’re in New Orleans, visit the National World War II Museum. It will be an emotional and educational experience about “the war that changed the world” that your students won’t soon forget. Check out the “Campaigns of Courage” exhibit telling the story of American servicemembers, the U.S. Freedom Pavilion, “Service and Sacrifice,” “What Would You Do?,” and so much more. This museum is an important experience not just for your history buffs, but for every well-rounded student.
The Audubon Zoo and Aquarium, located in Uptown New Orleans, features “exotic animals from around the globe, engaging educational programs, and hands-on animal encounters.” Students will love seeing giraffes, bears, monkeys, otters, leopards, and more up close and personal, not to mention sharks, seahorses, sea turtles, clownfish, and more!
Jazz is the pulse of New Orleans, so you cannot miss the New Orleans Jazz Park, sponsored by the National Park Service. “Only in New Orleans could there be a National Park for jazz!” They offer numerous performance opportunities for student groups, and they put on their own educational programs for school groups. Catch a jazz performance, or put on your own at the New Orleans Jazz Park!
Experience the history of the Old South and explore Laura: A Creole Plantation. Admission includes: a guided tour of the newly restored Big House, including the men’s and women’s parlors, galleries, and service rooms, a guided tour of the 3 gardens and the 200-year-old sugar plantation homestead, and a guided tour inside one of the slave cabins build in 1840. Students will value this honest and potent exploration of the history of the South.
Interested in any of these destinations, or other destinations in New Orleans? Suburban Tours can handle every detail, from start to finish. Book your student tour today and take the summer to relax! Contact Suburban Tours today at 401-723-6770.
