New Orleans for The Family Explorers: a Friday-to-Monday weekend

Ride the 1923 streetcar under the oaks to the end of the line; the children can run on the grass at the park.

A 1946 diner with a counter, white-coated waiters and big omelettes; the chocolate pecan pie is the dessert to share.

Hot beignets and chocolate milk in the open-sided café by the river, since 1862; sit near the wall and watch the street musicians.

A big riverside aquarium with a tunnel, sharks, penguins and a swamp gallery; go on the early side before the school groups.

A float-building warehouse by the river, where sculptors paint papier-mâché and children can try on costumes and sample king cake.

A cafeteria-style Creole counter since 1938, with a famous baked ham and a po'boy with the debris; the queue moves fast.

A big zoo under the oaks with a Louisiana swamp section, white alligators and an elephant house; go early before the heat.

A vintage amusement park with a 1906 carousel, a small Ferris wheel and a train; Storyland is next door.

A hot dog stand with a wide choice of sausages, including crawfish and alligator; the children can pick their toppings and sit in the garden.

A five-minute crossing of the Mississippi, with a ride back; the children can watch the ships from the deck.

A short walk among the painters and street musicians, with the cathedral at one end and the river at the other.

Hot beignets under powdered sugar and a café au lait since 1862; share an order of three between everyone.