Simpler...use Hop On Hop Off Bus. It goes almost everywhere tourists want to go.

Day 1: Explore the French Quarter & Culture
Morning:

Breakfast at Café du Monde: Start with beignets and coffee at the iconic Café du Monde (or hot chocolate for the teens).
Stroll through the French Quarter: Explore Jackson Square, check out the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral, and walk around the shops and street vendors in the area.
Late Morning:

The French Market: Wander through the open-air market for souvenirs, local crafts, and food. There are often musicians and performers around, which adds to the energy.
Lunch:

Lunch at The Market Café or a nearby spot serving po'boys (a local favorite sandwich). Teens will enjoy the variety of flavors here.
Afternoon:

National WWII Museum: This museum is fascinating for teens and adults alike, with interactive exhibits, planes, and immersive displays. It’s educational and engaging but also fun to explore.
Evening:

Dinner at The Original Antoine’s or The Acme Oyster House for classic New Orleans cuisine.
Take a Ghost Tour or a Haunted Walking Tour: New Orleans has a rich history of hauntings, and this could be an exciting way to end the day for teens.


Day 2: Outdoor Fun & Music
Morning:

Breakfast at Willa Jean or Ruby Slipper Cafe: These are perfect spots to start the day with delicious breakfast options.
City Park: After breakfast, head to City Park. Teens will enjoy the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) and the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. If the weather’s nice, they can also rent bikes or paddle boats on the lagoon.
Lunch:

Lunch at a food truck or a nearby casual eatery in the park.
Afternoon:

Swamp Tour or Kayaking: Take a short drive outside the city for a swamp tour (lots of companies offer these) or explore Bayou St. John by kayak or canoe. Both activities let you see some of the unique natural beauty around New Orleans.
Evening:

Dinner at Dat Dog or Mulate’s: Enjoy a fun atmosphere with casual dining options, especially for teens who love trying different kinds of food.
Live Music on Frenchmen Street: In the evening, head to Frenchmen Street for live jazz and music. There are many small clubs and bars with performances that the teens can enjoy (as long as they are with parents).


Day 3: Adventure & Fun with Local Flavor
Morning:

Breakfast at The Bakery Bar or Café Beignet: Try another local favorite breakfast spot.
Take a Streetcar Ride to Magazine Street: Hop on a streetcar and ride down to Magazine Street, which has local shops, art galleries, and fun cafes. Let the teens explore shops like The Garden District Book Shop or Peaches Records & Tapes.
Late Morning:

Visit the Garden District: Walk around the Garden District, famous for its historic mansions, beautiful oak trees, and old cemeteries. You can also do a self-guided walking tour to learn more about the area’s history.
Lunch:

Lunch at Commander's Palace: This is an iconic restaurant in the Garden District with amazing food. It might feel a little fancy, but it's a New Orleans institution that’s well worth it.
Afternoon:

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas: After lunch, head to the aquarium, which is a hit with families and teens, especially the interactive exhibits and the stunning underwater tunnel.
Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium (right next door to the aquarium) is also a cool, immersive experience if they enjoy nature.
Evening:

Dinner at Emeril’s or Cochon: Treat the family to a special meal at one of the city's signature restaurants. Emeril's is known for classic New Orleans dishes, and Cochon serves modern Cajun-inspired dishes.
Sunset at the Mississippi Riverfront: Finish the trip with a leisurely walk along the river at Woldenberg Park. The view of the Mississippi River at sunset is beautiful and offers a relaxing end to the day.
This mix of culture, adventure, and local flavor should give the teens a fun, memorable experience of New Orleans! Let me know if you need more details on any activity.

I lived there for 3 years. Amazing place. Swamp tour, quarter ghost tour, cafe au lait and beignets at Cafe du Monde, riverboat cruise, Port of Call if you like burgers, Audubon park and zoo, fancy dinner including turtle soup at Commander's Palace, graveyard tours (the graves are above ground so the cemeteries are not like others), ride the street car up St Charles to see the fancy houses. My favorite restaurant is Jaques Imo's, but it is uptown.

I loved New Orleans! Swamp tour for sure. The Museum of death. Their aquarium and zoo is nice. Honestly, their food is a huge hit

Preservation Hall

Anonymous wrote:WW2 Museum, Mardi Gras World, Swamp Tour, French Quarter Ghost Tour. We didn't book early enough for a graveyard tour but I wish we had.

The graveyard tours are really good, as are the Haunted Tours (not just ghosts but vampires and voodoo!).

Bike tour- we did a great one.

I did this last time I was there, and it was fantastic. Highly recommend!

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60864-d3151915-Reviews-FreeWheelin_Bike_Tours-New_Orleans_Louisiana.html

Anonymous wrote:What research have you done yourself, OP? Do you have an outline or thoughts on what you and your kids would like to do?

Very little! Just got the idea today, but I'm thinking Whitney plantation, a food tour and maybe a swamp tour, unless it seems too hokie.

WW2 Museum, Mardi Gras World, Swamp Tour, French Quarter Ghost Tour. We didn't book early enough for a graveyard tour but I wish we had.

The WW2 museum is fantastic

Absolutely do a swamp boat tour. We did Cajun Encounters.

My sister has used AI to do itineraries.

We liked swamp tours.

What research have you done yourself, OP? Do you have an outline or thoughts on what you and your kids would like to do?

Anybody want to help me put together and itinerary?