Tucked inside New Orleans’ sprawling 1,300-acre City Park, Storyland has enchanted children since the late 1950s. This walk-through playground features 26 larger-than-life storybook sculptures that kids can climb on, crawl through, and pose with for photos. Created by the same artisans who build the city’s famous Mardi Gras floats, these whimsical sculptures bring fairy tales and nursery rhymes to life in a uniquely New Orleans way.
Quick Facts for Busy Parents
Before diving into details, here’s what you need to know at a glance:
- Location: 1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124 (inside City Park)
- Admission: $6 per person | Free for children under 36″ tall
- Hours: Tue-Fri 10am-5pm | Sat-Sun 10am-6pm | Closed Mondays
- Season: March through November (closed December-February)
- Best ages: 2 to 10 years old
- Time needed: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
- Bonus: Admission includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing, so plan accordingly. The park is mostly shaded by mature oak trees, making it manageable even on warm Louisiana days.
What is Storyland?
Storyland is a themed playground where children explore oversized sculptures of beloved storybook characters. Unlike an amusement park with rides, this attraction focuses on imaginative play. Kids scramble aboard Captain Hook’s pirate ship, peek inside the Old Woman’s giant shoe, and slide down Jack’s two-story beanstalk.
What makes Storyland distinct is its connection to New Orleans culture. The sculptures were created by local Mardi Gras float makers, including work by the legendary Blaine Kern family. You’ll notice the same vibrant colors and artistic style that defines carnival season in the city. This isn’t a generic playground—it’s a piece of New Orleans heritage.
The 26 exhibits include climbing structures, slides, interactive elements, and plenty of photo opportunities. Most families spend about an hour here, though younger children who want to explore every nook can easily fill 90 minutes.
Storyland Sculptures and Attractions
Twenty-six sculptures fill Storyland, ranging from classic Grimm fairy tales to Louisiana-specific characters. Here’s a breakdown of what your family will discover:
Classic Fairy Tales
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: A cottage scene with the dwarfs
- Cinderella’s Pumpkin Coach: Climbable carriage for princess moments
- Little Red Riding Hood: Features the wolf and grandmother’s cottage
- The Three Little Pigs: Interactive house structures
- Sleeping Beauty Castle: A centerpiece tower structure
Nursery Rhymes
- Humpty Dumpty: Perched on his wall near the entrance
- Jack and Jill: Climbing the famous hill
- Old Woman Who Lived in a Shoe: A giant shoe structure kids can enter
- Old King Cole: With his fiddlers three
- Hey Diddle Diddle: The cow jumping over the moon
- Little Bo Peep: Looking for her sheep at the entrance
Adventure Stories
- Peter Pan’s Pirate Ship: Captain Hook’s vessel for climbing adventures
- Pinocchio and the Whale: Features a bridge over water surrounding Monstro
- Alice in Wonderland House: A two-story structure with the Cheshire Cat gazebo nearby
- Jack and the Beanstalk: Home to the park’s tallest slide (two stories)
- Puff the Magic Dragon: Slide through the dragon’s mouth, play the xylophone nearby
Louisiana Favorites
- Boudreaux the Zydeco Gator: A Louisiana-specific character playing accordion
- Epossumondas: Based on the beloved Southern children’s book
- Little Mermaid Pond: Kids can pilot motorized pirate ships around the water
- Tortoise and the Hare: Racing through the playground
- Gingerbread Man’s Candy Lane: Sweet-themed walkway
Storyland Admission and Tickets
Storyland pricing is straightforward, with one notable bonus that makes it excellent value for families planning to spend time in City Park.
General Admission (January 2026)
| Ticket Type | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General Admission | $6 | Per person, ages vary |
| Children under 36″ | Free | Height-based, not age-based |
| Friends of City Park Members | Free | Membership required |
The combo perk: Your Storyland admission includes access to Carousel Gardens Amusement Park during operating hours. That’s 17 rides including a historic 1906 carousel, a rollercoaster, Ferris wheel, and more—all included with your $6 ticket.
Season Passes
Locals who plan multiple visits should consider a season pass:
- Individual: $85 (pays for itself in about 14 visits)
- Family of 4: $265 ($66 for each additional person)
- Valid: March through November
- Includes: Both Storyland and Carousel Gardens access
For a family of four making even three visits during the season, the pass starts making financial sense when you factor in Carousel Gardens access.
Hours and Best Time to Visit
Operating Hours (2026 Season)
| Day | Hours | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | — |
| Tuesday – Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM | 4:30 PM |
| Saturday – Sunday | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
Storyland operates March through November. The park closes entirely December through February.
Best Times to Visit
Morning visits (10-11 AM) offer several advantages: cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and the best light for photos. New Orleans summers are notoriously hot and humid, so morning trips help avoid the midday heat.
Weekdays see smaller crowds than weekends. If you’re visiting New Orleans on vacation and have schedule flexibility, a Tuesday through Thursday visit means shorter waits at popular sculptures and more room for kids to explore.
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) deliver the most comfortable weather. Summer visits are doable thanks to the oak tree shade, but expect humidity.
What Ages is Storyland Best For?
Storyland hits a sweet spot for young children, though families with mixed-age kids can still have a good time. Here’s an honest breakdown by age group:
Toddlers (Ages 1-3)
This is prime Storyland territory. The colorful sculptures captivate young eyes, and many structures have low elements designed for small climbers. Toddlers under 36″ get free admission, paths accommodate strollers, and shaded areas work well if someone needs a rest. Read the stories at home beforehand so characters feel familiar.
Preschool and Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
The ideal age range. Kids this age can climb most structures independently, recognize characters from stories they know, and engage with interactive elements like the dragon’s xylophone. They’re also old enough to follow a path through the park but young enough to find genuine wonder in the sculptures.
Older Kids (Ages 8-10)
Still enjoyable, especially the Jack and the Beanstalk slide and the pirate ship. Kids this age tend to move faster through the park and may spend more time on the slides than exploring every sculpture. Photo opportunities remain appealing if your child enjoys that.
Tweens and Teens (Ages 11+)
Honestly, Storyland alone won’t fill their day. However, many teens enjoy the nostalgic charm and unique photo opportunities—especially for social media. The key is combining Storyland with other City Park activities that appeal to older kids: the amusement park rides, mini golf at City Putt, or kayaking on the lagoons.
Planning Your Storyland Visit
Getting There
Address: 1 Palm Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124
City Park has multiple entrances, which can confuse GPS navigation. For the most direct route to Storyland, search specifically for “Storyland” in your maps app or use 5 Victory Avenue as your destination. This brings you to the Carousel Gardens area where Storyland is located.
Parking
Free parking is available throughout City Park. The lots closest to Storyland are near the Carousel Gardens entrance. On weekends and holidays, these lots fill up—arrive before 11 AM for the best selection. Overflow parking is available in other City Park lots, just expect a longer walk.
What to Bring
- Sunscreen: While mostly shaded, some open areas get full sun
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll be walking and possibly climbing
- Camera: Photo opportunities at every turn
- Water and snacks: No food service inside Storyland
- Stroller: Paths are paved and accessible
- The storybooks: Reading familiar tales beforehand enhances the experience
Nearby City Park Attractions
Storyland alone takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Most families turn this into a half-day or full-day City Park adventure by combining attractions. Here’s what’s within walking distance:
| Attraction | Distance | Admission | Best Ages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carousel Gardens Amusement Park | Adjacent | Included with Storyland | All ages |
| Cafe du Monde (City Park) | 5 min walk | Menu prices | All ages |
| New Orleans Botanical Garden | 5 min walk | $15-25 | 5+ |
| Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden | 10 min walk | Free | All ages |
| New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) | 10 min walk | $12 adults | 8+ |
| Louisiana Children’s Museum | 10 min walk | ~$14 | 1-10 |
| City Putt (Mini Golf) | 10 min walk | $12-15 | 5+ |
| Boat and Kayak Rentals | 10 min walk | Varies | 5+ |
Suggested itinerary: Start at Storyland when it opens at 10 AM. After an hour or so, head to the adjacent Carousel Gardens for the rides (included in your ticket). Break for beignets at the Cafe du Monde location in City Park around lunchtime. Afternoon options include the free Sculpture Garden, mini golf at City Putt, or kayaking on the lagoons.
Is Storyland Worth the Price?
At $6 per person with Carousel Gardens included, Storyland offers solid value—but it’s not for everyone. Here’s an honest assessment:
Storyland is worth it if:
- You have children ages 2-8 who enjoy imaginative play
- You want unique, Instagram-worthy family photos
- You plan to also visit Carousel Gardens (included in admission)
- You appreciate artistic, handcrafted attractions with local character
- You have 1-2 hours to spend and want a contained activity
Consider skipping if:
- Your children are over 10 and not interested in whimsy
- You’re looking for thrill rides (this is a walk-through playground)
- You have very limited time and competing priorities
- Budget is extremely tight (free playgrounds exist throughout the city)
Value tips
- Use the Carousel Gardens combo—it effectively doubles your ticket’s worth
- Morning visits offer better photos and cooler temperatures
- The season pass pays for itself in about 3 visits for a family of four
- Free admission for kids under 36″ can significantly reduce family costs
Storyland History
Storyland’s origin story connects California inspiration with New Orleans artistry. In 1956, Harry Batt Sr.—owner of the now-closed Pontchartrain Beach Amusement Park—visited Children’s Fairyland in Oakland, California. He saw potential to bring a similar concept to his hometown.
Working with local Mardi Gras float builders, Batt created a collection of storybook sculptures for City Park. The connection to carnival artistry wasn’t coincidental—these were the same skilled craftspeople who built the elaborate floats that parade through New Orleans streets each year. That artistic lineage shows in Storyland’s vibrant colors and distinctive style.
The park has evolved over decades. Recent renovations added new exhibits like Boudreaux the Zydeco Gator and enhanced existing attractions including the Alice in Wonderland house and Little Mermaid pond. Today’s 26 sculptures represent both original installations and newer additions, blending classic fairy tales with Louisiana culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Storyland the same as Carousel Gardens?
No, they’re separate attractions located next to each other. Storyland is a walk-through sculpture playground with no rides. Carousel Gardens is an amusement park with 17 rides including a historic 1906 carousel, rollercoaster, and Ferris wheel. The good news: your Storyland admission includes Carousel Gardens access during operating hours.
Can adults visit Storyland without children?
Yes. Adults can visit anytime—no kids required. The park attracts photographers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the Mardi Gras-style artistry. Just be mindful that families with children have priority for the interactive elements.
Is Storyland wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Yes, the main paths are paved and accessible. Strollers navigate easily throughout the park. Some individual sculpture interiors have steps or narrow openings that limit wheelchair access, but the overall experience is accessible.
Can you bring food into Storyland?
Yes, outside food and drinks are allowed. There’s no food service inside Storyland itself. Many families bring snacks and water, then head to Cafe du Monde in City Park (about a 5-minute walk) for beignets after their visit.
How long does it take to see Storyland?
Most families spend 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Toddlers and preschoolers who want to climb everything and take photos at each sculpture need more time. Older kids who move quickly through the exhibits may finish in under an hour.
Is Storyland shaded?
Mostly yes. Mature oak trees provide shade over the majority of the park, making summer visits more bearable. A few open areas receive full sun, so sunscreen is still recommended.
What happens if it rains?
Storyland closes during rain and severe weather. New Orleans weather can change quickly, especially during summer afternoon thunderstorms. Check the forecast before your visit and have a backup plan. If rain starts during your visit, staff will direct you to nearby covered areas.
Is there a best season to visit Storyland?
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable weather. Summer is hot and humid but manageable thanks to shade. Storyland closes entirely from December through February.
Making the Most of Your Storyland Visit
A few final tips to help your family get the most from this New Orleans classic:
- Pre-visit reading: Read the fairy tales and nursery rhymes at home so kids recognize characters. Epossumondas and Boudreaux the Zydeco Gator are Louisiana favorites worth looking up.
- Photo strategy: The entrance sculptures (Little Bo Peep, Humpty Dumpty, Storyland sign) make great family photos before you even pay admission. Plan your best shots early when kids are fresh.
- Combine attractions: Morning at Storyland, beignets at Cafe du Monde, afternoon at Carousel Gardens makes a solid City Park day.
- Check the calendar: City Park occasionally hosts special events. Check the City Park website for current programming.
Storyland has been sparking imagination in New Orleans children since the 1950s. Whether your family visits once as tourists or returns season after season as locals, this fairy tale playground offers something you won’t find anywhere else—a blend of classic stories and New Orleans character that captures what makes this city special.
