Things to do during a stay at Manning Family Children’s
Manning Family Children’s is a 263-bed, not-for-profit pediatric medical center offering a comprehensive range of healthcare services for children from birth to 21 years. For 70 years, Children’s has proudly served as Louisiana’s only freestanding, comprehensive children’s hospital with more than 600 pediatric-trained providers and 3,000 employees solely dedicated to the care of kids.
The hospital is located about five blocks from the 6100 block of Magazine Street. The nearly six mile stretch of Magazine Street is filled with restaurants, shops, and activities suitable for all ages. Patient stays at Manning Family Children’s can range from a few hours to a few months. Allow this list of places to visit on Magazine Street to help guide your time while you are at the hospital.
Family-friendly restaurants
There are plenty of family-friendly restaurants along Magazine Street. These spots are easy to drop in and offer plenty of room for a group.
Closest to Children’s you’ll find Reginelli’s for pizza, Wishing Town for dim sum and bakery treats, Picnic Provisions & Whiskey for fried chicken and Southern fare, Taqueria Corona for Mexican, and Guy’s Po-Boys for po-boys.
Further down the street is the colorful hot dog oasis Dat Dog, Joey K’s serving local favorites, Rum House for tacos, Red Dog Diner for comfort fare, Slim Goodies Diner for a hearty breakfast, and BOIL or Deanie’s for seafood.
Restaurants offering delivery
When you just want something delivered to the hospital, try Reginelli’s, Banh Mi Boys, Sukho Thai, Poke Loa, or Pomelo.
Where to find a gift
You can find lovely flower arrangements at NOLA Flora, The Flower Shop, and Dunn & Sonnier. Le Bonbon has colorful candies and toys. Locally-themed gifts can be found at Fleurty Girl, Home Malone, Dirty Coast, and—for something extra special—Mignon Faget.
Where to go for some fresh air
Strolling Magazine Street is a great way to get out and get some fresh air, especially when walking through the more residential stretches. But the best spot to enjoy nature is Audubon Park. You can walk or bike along the path, admire the beautiful oak trees, say hi to the ducks, geese, and swans, or have a little picnic in the shade. Walk behind the park to the Butterfly, where you can watch ships pass along the river.
Where to spend some quiet time
The Labyrinth in Audubon Park is a lovely spot for quiet reflection. You can also sit with a coffee at one of the quieter coffee spots on Magazine Street like CR Coffee or Trumpet and Drum.
Where to get a sweet treat
La Boulangerie is a nearby spot for pastries, cakes, and cookies as well as bread, salads, and sandwiches. District Donuts offers over-the-top donut creations at two locations on the street. Piccola Gelateria, just off Magazine Street, is an option for a cool treat, as is Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Balls (in spring and summer). Further down, check out Haydel’s for classic New Orleans pastries and sweets, Sucre for gelato and chocolate, and Parish Parlor for ice cream.
Where to have some fun
You have to squeeze in some fun time, and there are several nearby options on Magazine Street. Create & Play Club welcomes drop-ins for events and classes for little ones. Lolo’s Youth Yoga and Art Studio offers yoga and art classes as well as family classes. Audubon Zoo is always a fun day out, and the Cool Zoo water park is a great option in the summer. Teens might enjoy browsing the CDs and vinyl at Peaches Records, which also hosts live music and DJs. On weekends, The Batture is a lively outdoor spot for hanging out, with lawn games and food trucks.
Find more info about all the restaurants, shops, art galleries, and more businesses on Magazine Street at magazinestreet.com.
