10 Free Things to Do in New Orleans City Park
March 26, 2026
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10 Free Things to Do in New Orleans City Park
Looking for free things to do in New Orleans? In the middle of the city, beneath centuries-old oak trees, you’ll find one of the most beloved gathering places in Louisiana – New Orleans City Park.
Spanning more than 1,300 acres, City Park is filled with scenic trails, playgrounds, art, and natural beauty. It’s where families gather, friends reconnect, and visitors experience the spirit of the city. Many of the Park’s most memorable experiences are completely free, making it one of the best destinations for free activities in New Orleans.
Here are 10 ways to enjoy City Park – without spending a dime.
1. Walk Beneath the Historic Live Oaks
Some of the Park’s iconic live oak trees are more than 800 years old. Walking beneath their sweeping branches is a uniquely New Orleans experience and a reminder of the generations who have gathered here before.
2. Explore the Besthoff Sculpture Garden
The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden blends art, nature, and peaceful landscapes into one unforgettable experience. Featuring more than 90 sculptures set among lagoons, magnolias, and pines, it’s one of the top family attractions in New Orleans.
3. Let Kids Play at the Park’s Playground
City Park offers several playgrounds designed for children of all ages. Climbing structures, swings, and open play spaces make these playgrounds a favorite stop for families enjoying the Park.
4. Bike Through the Park
With miles of scenic paths winding through oak groves and lagoons, biking is one of the best free activities New Orleans has to offer. It’s a peaceful way to explore the Park and discover new corners along the way.
5. Picnic by the Water
City Park’s lagoons provide the perfect backdrop for a picnic. Bring a blanket, gather friends or family, and enjoy lunch under the shade of the oaks.
6. Explore Couturie Forest
Tucked away inside City Park, Couturie Forest is a peaceful 60-acre nature retreat filled with winding trails and wildlife. Visitors can climb Laborde Mountain – the highest point in New Orleans – and enjoy quiet moments surrounded by trees and birdsong.
7. Watch the Wildlife and Go Birding
City Park’s lagoons, woodlands, and open green spaces make it one of the top birding locations in New Orleans. Birdwatchers often spot egrets, herons, hawks, woodpeckers, and dozens of migratory species throughout the year. Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply enjoying a walk, wildlife is always close by. Keep an eye out for turtles sunning along the banks, ducks gliding across the lagoons, and birds nesting high in the Park’s iconic live oaks. For nature lovers, wildlife watching is one of the most peaceful free things to do in New Orleans.
8. Discover Community Events
Throughout the year, City Park hosts a variety of events in New Orleans, including volunteer opportunities, seasonal celebrations, outdoor activities, and community gatherings. To see what’s coming up, visit the City Park events calendar on our website and plan your next visit around one of the many happenings in the Park.
9. Stroll the Scenic Trails
Miles of walking paths wind through City Park’s gardens, waterways, and oak groves. Every path offers a different view from quiet lagoons to lively gathering spaces.
10. Simply Enjoy the Heart of the City
Sometimes the best thing to do is simply slow down. Find a bench beneath the oaks, watch the light dance across the lagoons, or take in the sounds of families and friends enjoying the Park. Moments like these are why City Park is known as the Heart of the City – a place where New Orleans comes together.
From playgrounds and sculpture gardens to nature trails and community events in New Orleans, City Park offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, you’ll find that some of the most meaningful experiences in New Orleans are also the simplest. And many of them begin right here in City Park.