Reunions

New Orleans Family Reunion Guide

Plan a multi-generational family reunion in New Orleans. Accommodations, activities, and dining for groups of 11-30.

Last updated: January 2026

Planning a family reunion is complicated enough without the logistics nightmare. Where can 20 people actually stay together? What do you do with toddlers and grandparents in the same group? How do you feed everyone without going broke?

New Orleans is one of the few cities where all of this actually works. History the older generation will love. Energy the younger generation craves. And food everyone agrees on.

Why New Orleans for Family Reunions

Multi-generational appeal. There’s something for every age—from playgrounds to jazz clubs.

The food. It’s a universal language. Three-year-olds and 80-year-olds both love beignets.

Walkable culture. Streetcars, walking tours, and neighborhoods you can explore on foot.

Actually affordable. Split a large rental 20 ways and it’s cheaper than everyone booking separate hotels.

Where to Stay Together

The whole point of a reunion is being together. Hotels scatter everyone. You need one roof.

For Groups of 11-30

Castleday Retreats — Three private villas in the Bywater, each sleeping up to 30. Private pools (great for kids), full kitchens, multiple bedrooms. Ground-floor options for mobility needs.

The Syd — Multiple villas in the Lower Garden District, each sleeping up to 22. Shared heated pool and hot tub. Central location near the streetcar.

What to Look For

  • Private pool: Safe, enclosed space for kids to play while adults relax
  • Full kitchen: Cook family meals together, save thousands on restaurants
  • Multiple bathrooms: Trust us on this one
  • Common space: Room for everyone to actually gather
  • Ground-floor bedrooms: For older family members with mobility needs

Sample Itinerary: 4-Day Reunion

Day 1: Arrivals

Throughout the day:

  • Staggered arrivals, settling in
  • Grocery run (assign someone)
  • Pool time for early arrivals

Evening:

  • Welcome dinner at the house
  • Grill out or order from local restaurants
  • Catch-up time, photo ops, low-key night

Day 2: All-Ages Day

Morning:

  • Breakfast at the house (pancakes, coffee, chaos)
  • Head to City Park: Storyland playground, Botanical Garden, paddle boats

Afternoon:

  • Lunch at Morning Call (beignets + café au lait)
  • Explore the Sculpture Garden
  • Return to the house for pool time / naps

Evening:

  • Family dinner out: Commander’s Palace or Atchafalaya
  • Early night for the little ones
  • Adults can stay up for cards, drinks, conversation

Day 3: Split Activities

Morning options (divide by interest/age):

  • History buffs: National WWII Museum (plan 3-4 hours)
  • Kids + parents: Audubon Zoo or Aquarium
  • Walkers: Garden District tour
  • Relaxers: Pool + coffee at the house

Afternoon:

  • Regroup at the house
  • Pool time, games, hanging out
  • This is the point of the reunion—unstructured time together

Evening:

  • Big family dinner: hire a private chef or cook together
  • Photo session (golden hour in the courtyard)
  • Storytelling, toasts, the sentimental stuff

Day 4: Departure

Morning:

  • Final breakfast together
  • Group photo
  • Staggered departures

Family-Friendly Activities

For Kids

Activity Ages Notes
Audubon Zoo All Louisiana swamp exhibit is the hit
Storyland (City Park) 2-10 Fairy tale playground, free
Aquarium of the Americas All Touch tanks, penguin exhibit
Steamboat Natchez All 2-hour river cruise with live jazz
Carousel Gardens 2-12 Amusement park in City Park

For Everyone

Activity Why it works
St. Charles Streetcar Cheap, scenic, all ages love it
French Quarter walking tour History for adults, architecture for everyone
Café Du Monde Beignets are universal
City Park Huge green space, something for everyone

For Adults (While Kids Nap)

  • Garden District walking tour
  • Magazine Street shopping
  • National WWII Museum
  • Cocktails at the house

Dining for Large Families

Restaurants That Handle Groups

Restaurant Kid-friendly? Vibe
Commander’s Palace Yes (lunch better) Classic, celebratory
Atchafalaya Very Brunch is perfect
Jacques-Imo’s Yes Casual, funky, delicious
Cochon Butcher Yes Counter service, meaty
Parkway Bakery Very Po-boys, outdoor seating

Cook at the House

Most reunion meals should happen at your rental. Why:

  • Way cheaper than restaurants
  • Flexible timing (naps, etc.)
  • Cooking together is bonding
  • Dietary restrictions easier to manage
  • Kids can be kids without disturbing other diners

Meal ideas:

  • Crawfish boil (hire someone to do it)
  • Jambalaya night (one-pot, feeds everyone)
  • Grill night (steaks, burgers, easy)
  • Breakfast buffet (everyone pitches in)

Budget Tips

Biggest savings: Staying in one large rental vs. multiple hotel rooms. Split a $1,500/night villa 20 ways = $75/person/night.

Second biggest: Cooking most meals at the house. Restaurant meals for 20 add up fast.

Free activities:

  • Streetcar rides ($1.25)
  • Walking tours (self-guided)
  • City Park (free)
  • Storyland (free)
  • French Quarter wandering (free)

Reunion Planning Checklist

6 months before:

  • Lock in dates with key family members
  • Book accommodation (Castleday or The Syd)
  • Create shared document for logistics

2 months before:

  • Book any restaurant reservations (large groups need advance notice)
  • Plan activity schedule (leave lots of free time)
  • Assign meal responsibilities
  • Collect deposits

1 week before:

  • Confirm headcount
  • Share packing list
  • Assign airport pickup coordination
  • Plan first-night grocery run

Why the Investment is Worth It

You’re not paying for a vacation. You’re paying for:

  • The cousins actually knowing each other
  • Grandparents making memories with grandkids
  • Photos you’ll look at for decades
  • Stories the family will tell forever

New Orleans provides the backdrop. The reunion is what you make of it.

Book Your Reunion

For family reunions of 11-30: