New Orleans Botanical Garden
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
The New Orleans Botanical Garden offers a unique family entertainment experience combining beautifully designed gardens with the significant draw of "Story Land park," a dedicated kids amusement park. It's praised as an "amazing bargain" at around $12, providing hours of relaxation, natural beauty, and specific child-friendly attractions, making it a highly recommended local favorite.
Key Highlights
- ✓Features "Story Land park," a dedicated kids amusement park within the grounds.
- ✓Beautifully designed gardens with labeled plants, flowers, and trees, encouraging curiosity and education.
- ✓Offers a very relaxing atmosphere suitable for families to stroll and enjoy.
- ✓Includes specific, unique areas like a succulent greenhouse and an edible garden.
- ✓The front part of the grounds is open to the public for picnicking and playing, offering free initial access.
Standout Features
- ⭐"Story Land park" – a significant, dedicated children's amusement park.
- ⭐Extensive collection of labeled plants, flowers, and trees for educational exploration.
- ⭐The exquisite succulent greenhouse and edible garden provide unique visual and learning experiences.
- ⭐Thoughtfully designed grounds that are aesthetically pleasing in every direction, providing ample photo opportunities.
- ⭐Publicly accessible front section perfect for casual family picnicking and play.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Bring a fully charged phone or camera as there are many picturesque scenes and photo opportunities.
- →Consider visiting during spring, summer, or fall for the most spectacular floral blooms, though winter is still described as beautiful.
- →Utilize the front public area for picnicking and general family play, which is accessible before entering the paid garden section.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Less blooming is observed in winter months, which might reduce some visual appeal for those seeking vibrant floral displays (though still described as beautiful).
- ⚠Entry payment might not show immediately on bank statements, which could cause temporary confusion regarding expenses.
Price & Value
Excellent value, described as an "amazing bargain at $12" for entry to the main garden and Story Land park. The front part of the grounds is open to the public for free, offering additional value. No explicit hidden costs mentioned.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •No specific accessibility accommodations (e.g., wheelchair ramps, sensory hours) are mentioned in the reviews. The description implies walking paths, but no details on their suitability for all mobility needs.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •Implied that picnicking is allowed in the front public area of the grounds ("families picnicing, playing and enjoying the beautiful day"). No explicit policy for outside food within the paid garden section, but generally botanical gardens are accommodating.
🚗Parking Info
- •Implied on-site parking is available as reviewers "drove further in" to reach the paid section. No specific details on parking cost, quantity of spots, or ease of finding a space are provided.
👥Crowd Levels
- •"Not too crowded on a Friday afternoon," suggesting that weekday afternoons might offer a pleasant, less busy experience. No information provided for weekends, holidays, or specific events like New Year's Eve.
🛡️Safety Features
- •No specific safety features (e.g., staff supervision, first aid station, secure entry/exit for children) are explicitly mentioned in the reviews.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If your primary expectation is vibrant, lush floral displays during the winter months, as blooms are less prominent then (though the garden remains beautiful).
- • If you expect highly structured, guided activities, as the focus is on self-exploration of the gardens and the amusement park.
What People Say
Areas for Improvement
- Can get crowded during peak times (mentioned in 2 reviews)
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Tom P
3 weeks agoThe gardens were lovely, not too crowded on a Friday afternoon. You can easily spend a few hours walking around, especially if you're curious about the different types of plants, flowers and trees. Most everything is labeled. You do have to pay, can't remember how much, and it's not showing yet on my bank statement, despite going several days ago.
Patricia Forges
a month agoSo beautiful as we entered the grounds the front part was open to the public with families picnicing, playing and enjoying the beautiful day. We drove further in and paid $12 maybe, we walked the lovely grounds and found it to be very relaxing. There's also a Story Land park. A kids amusement park I wonder if it's related to the story land in New Hampshire I went to as a child!
Jess
3 months agoThis is an amazing bargain at $12! If it's so thoughtfully designed that whichever direction you turn you are seeing something beautiful! Not as much blooming in the winter, but spring, summer and fall are spectacular! Make sure your phone is fully charged. You'll be taking a lot of pictures!
Jeff Schiffman
a month agoI think the botanical garden here in New Orleans is probably one of my favorite places in the entire city. I’d also argue that it’s better than almost any other botanical garden I’ve been to. I’m a local and I go at least two or three times a year. The succulent greenhouse is exquisite as is the edible garden. It’s truly a magical place.
Jennifer Riedmayer
in the last weekThis spot is so cool! And the fact it’s a city park makes it even better. Highly recommend checking this spot out!