BY TPS STAFF

Halloween in New Orleans is a magical time for families, filled with spooky fun and excitement. While many haunted attractions in the city are designed for thrill-seeking adults, there are also plenty of family-friendly haunted houses perfect for younger visitors who want just the right amount of spook. Here are five great kid-friendly haunted attractions in New Orleans that will guarantee safe but spooky fun for the whole family!

1. Ghost Manor on Magazine Street

Ghost Manor is a local favorite, known for its elaborate Halloween light displays that bring a spooky yet fun vibe to Magazine Street. This isn’t a traditional haunted house you walk through, but rather a stunning animated display with dancing skeletons, flying ghosts, and eerie music that brings the house to life every evening in October. It’s perfect for families with young children who want to experience some Halloween magic without the jump scares.

• Location: 2502 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA
• Why It’s Great for Kids: There are no live actors, making it non-threatening for little ones, while the mesmerizing light show still captures the Halloween spirit.

2. Boo at the Zoo at Audubon Zoo

Each October, Audubon Zoo transforms into a fun-filled Halloween destination with its Boo at the Zoo event. This family-friendly celebration includes a haunted house that’s specifically designed for kids. With a focus on fun rather than fright, children can also enjoy trick-or-treating, games, a spooky maze, and a costume contest. The haunted house here is tame enough for young children, making it the perfect spot for a night of safe, family-oriented Halloween entertainment.

• Location: Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA
• Why It’s Great for Kids: The entire event is geared towards young children, so parents can relax knowing their kids are in for some gentle spooky fun without any real scares.

3. The Mortuary’s Family-Friendly Haunt

While The Mortuary Haunted House is one of the scariest attractions in the city, during select afternoons they offer a toned-down, kid-friendly version of their typically terrifying haunt. This family-friendly experience focuses more on spooky fun than horror, with guides leading families through the haunted mansion and teaching kids about New Orleans’ ghostly history in a fun, lighthearted way.

• Location: 4800 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA
• Why It’s Great for Kids: Parents can take their little ones to The Mortuary’s family-friendly hours, where the actors and spooky elements are significantly toned down to accommodate younger audiences.

4. Carnevil at City Park

During the day, Carnevil in New Orleans’ City Park is a family-friendly, spooky carnival with mild Halloween-themed attractions for children. This fun and lighthearted event features costumed characters, games, and rides that little ones can enjoy, while still getting into the Halloween spirit. While Carnevil becomes scarier at night, during the day it is perfect for kids looking for Halloween excitement without the chills.

• Location: City Park, 1 Palm Drive, New Orleans, LA
• Why It’s Great for Kids: The daytime version of Carnevil is full of playful Halloween activities, with no scares or frights, making it ideal for younger children.

5. St. Charles Avenue Halloween Spooktacular

For families with kids who want to take in the Halloween decorations in a non-threatening, community-oriented setting, a walk or drive down St. Charles Avenue during Halloween season is a must. Residents along this historic avenue go all out with elaborate decorations, creating a spooky but welcoming atmosphere perfect for families. Many homes feature friendly ghosts, pumpkins, and animated decorations, turning this popular thoroughfare into a neighborhood attraction.

• Location: St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA
• Why It’s Great for Kids: This is a free and self-paced experience, allowing families to stroll or drive through at their leisure while taking in the fun Halloween displays.

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New Orleans offers a wide variety of Halloween activities that are perfect for the whole family. From gentle haunts to spooky decorations, these kid-friendly attractions will provide just the right amount of thrill for your little ghosts and goblins. So, grab your costumes, and get ready for a Halloween adventure in the Big Easy!