Spring is finally here, and we can feel it! The weather is perfect for enjoying all the beauty New Orleans has to offer, with plenty of new activities to try. There’s no need to stay cooped up at home when you can take advantage of these gorgeous days. Whether you're looking to relax in the park or get adventurous with a kayaking trip down Bayou St. John, we’ve got the perfect list of outdoor activities to help you connect with nature and experience the best of New Orleans this season. 

Kayaking Along Bayou St. Jhon 

If it’s your first time enjoying the Bayou, whether kayaking or taking an airboat swamp tour adventure, don’t worry — there are plenty of options. You can rent paddle sports equipment and book tours with places like Bayou Paddlesports, New Orleans Kayak Swamp Tours, Big Easy Swamp Adventures, or Kayak-iti-Yat. Explore the Honey Island Swamp or stay closer to New Orleans to learn about the history of Bayou St. John. Along the way, enjoy the local wildlife — alligators, snakes, turtles, and raccoons — either on your own or as part of a guided tour. Whether you're a local or a first-time explorer, this is an exciting and unique adventure that also offers stunning views and beautiful landscapes.

A Day at City Park

Spending the day at City Park with family or friends is always a good idea. With so many ways to enjoy the space, you can walk, bike, or even rent a boat to take in the park’s scenery at your own pace. Beyond the natural beauty, City Park is home to incredible art, like the Enrique Alférez Sculpture Garden and the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. If you're looking for something extra special, the Twilight Concert Series adds a magical touch to spring evenings. Mark your calendar for Thursday, April 10th and 17th — it’s the perfect way to experience music and nature under the stars

Did you know? City Park is home to the largest collection of mature live oak trees in the world — some of them are over 800 years old! These ancient giants make every visit feel like a step back in time.

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Outdoor Dining

Part of enjoying the outdoors in New Orleans includes a romantic dinner or brunch on one of the city’s beautiful balconies. While walking, you can admire the stunning architecture — but dining on a balcony lets you become part of that beauty. Whether you're in the French Quarter, Downtown, Uptown, Mid-City, or Bywater, you'll find plenty of options to soak in the view and savor the experience.

For Lakeside Crawfish Cravings

Spring means crawfish season, and there's no better way to celebrate than at the NOLA Crawfish Fest. This annual tradition takes place during the week between the Jazz Fest weekends — because in New Orleans, there's always something going on! Get ready to feast on crawfish and award-winning BBQ. Tickets start at $64.95. And yes, it counts as an outdoor activity — the fest takes place at The Broadside, an open-air venue perfect for enjoying live music and great food.

You can also enjoy the many festivals happening in New Orleans this month — and yes, they’re outdoor-friendly too!

• French Quarter Festival – April 10–13
• New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival – April 24–May 4

And if you're up for a short road trip, the Baton Rouge Blues Festival (April 4–6) is just about an hour away and definitely worth the ride.

Whether you’re kayaking on the bayou, catching live music under the oaks, or sharing a meal on a balcony, April in New Orleans is all about being outside and soaking it all in. The season brings the perfect mix of adventure, beauty, and culture — and it’s all right at your doorstep. So grab your sunglasses, call up a friend, and make the most of the magic that spring brings to our city.