Weather and energy levels permitting, continue walking upriver to Spanish Plaza and pick up tickets for the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen's Battlefield Cruise, which will take about two hours. If time is limited, take a ride on the free ferry that departs from Spanish Plaza and goes to the Westbank. Round trip 30 minutes. St. Claude Ave. A 10-minute drive from the French Quarter.
Admission is free.
Old U.S. Mint. A good choice for older children, the Mint is home to a terrific jazz collection, including Louis Armstrong's first cornet, and the Mardi Gras collection. See costumes, float maquettes, scepters, crowns and favors and Mardi Gras Indian regalia and photographs. This exhibit is an unsung treasure and takes about an hour. 400 Esplanade Ave.