Things to do in New Orleans East

When you get tired of the hustle and bustle of downtown come take a quick ride to the hidden gem that is New Orleans East!

Wildlife

New Orleans East is home to the nation’s largest national wildlife refuge: Bayou Sauvage. Here they have over 24,000 acres of marshlands and forest where you can go birding, fishing, hiking, canoeing, capture beautiful memories and more. Explore the amazing wildlife via the wooden walkway and other elevated trails or, if you want to get even more up close and personal, hop in a canoe, kayak or small boat and explore the waters.

Where Education meets Fun

Drop by the Audubon Nature Center, which was named one of the top five urban nature centers in the United States. There are more than 80 educational and public programs available for all ages! Walk three miles of beautiful hardwood bottomland forest (one mile of the trail is a handicap- and stroller-accessible boardwalk). Enjoy the Interpretive Center which houses live swamp critters and fascinating wildlife exhibits or the teaching greenhouse that showcases colorful flora and fauna native to Louisiana. And if that’s not enough for you then go explore the Judith W. Freeman Astronomy Center! It houses the largest planetarium in New Orleans, and it takes you on a fantastic voyage through the nighttime skies.

Recreation Life

If the wildlife isn't for you that's perfectly fine! Take a trip to Joe Brown Park and enjoy their recreation center and open fields. They offer indoor basketball courts, outdoor fields for all purposes (football, soccer, baseball, etc.), an indoor pool that is open year-round, a stadium, tennis courts, track and field, a walking path and more! And with an abundant number of programs offered there is something for everyone, so your entire family is sure to enjoy. The best part? Almost everything here is free! Click the link to see the park hours and programs they offer. https://nordc.org/parks/joe-w-brown-park/