Big Horses, Little Attention Spans :: How to do The New Orleans Fair Grounds with Kids
By Kaitlin Novak NewOrleansMom.com
Big Horses, Little Attention Spans :: How to do The New Orleans Fair Grounds with Kids
When most people hear the Fair Grounds Race Course, they think of it as the home of one of the world’s most beloved music festivals, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. But for most of the year, the Fair Grounds is just as well known in the horse racing community as one of the oldest and most unique racetracks in the country.
Now that Mardi Gras is over, we join the rest of the country in counting down to the next big holidays: Easter, Memorial Day, and the Fourth of July. So what’s a city built on fun and entertainment to do in the meantime? Think outside the box and take a trip to Gentilly for a family-filled day at the racetrack.
Growing up in a two-generation racehorse family, I spent countless days at the track from November through March. Now, it’s my turn to bring my little ones to see the ponies. I know the horse track isn’t the first place that comes to mind when you think “family-friendly,” but you might be surprised by just how much kids enjoy it.
Below is a simple itinerary based on a 12:45 p.m. post time if you’re looking for an easy guide.
10:30 a.m. – Brunch in the fun, funky Gentilly neighborhood
Start the day with a relaxed, family-friendly brunch at one of Gentilly’s local spots — plenty of casual options where kids are welcome, and parents can fuel up before heading to the track.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Bring a notepad so kids can draw horses while waiting for food and see if any of their creations match the horses they’ll see at the track.
12:15 p.m. – Arrive at the Fair Grounds and head to the paddock
This is where you can watch the horses warm up and feel the energy build. Kids love hearing the announcer call out “Riders up!” and watching the jockeys hop aboard. From there, follow the horses out to the track and into the gate.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Bring binoculars and see if they can spot details like racing silks, horseshoes, and jockey helmets.
12:30 p.m. – Place your bets
You’ll have about 15 minutes to place bets, either on your phone or at the OTB stands. Let kids join in by picking their favorite horse based on the silks, the horse’s color, or their favorite number. Keep the focus on cheering, good sportsmanship, and the overall excitement — not necessarily winning.
Kid-Friendly Tip: This is a great opportunity to teach colors, numbers, and sequencing. Older kids can even start learning how odds work.
12:45 p.m. – Race goes off
When the iconic bugle sounds and the announcer calls out, “They’re all in the gate,” get ready because the next words everyone waits for are, “And they’re off!” From there, it’s a fast-paced game of spotting your horse in the pack and cheering them on all the way to the finish line. Get up close to the fence so you can hear the thunder of hooves, watch the mud fly, and if you’re lucky, catch a photo finish.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Make a simple “horse bingo” card using colors, numbers, or jockey actions to keep younger kids engaged during the races.
12:50 p.m. – Stand at the finish line
Once the race is over, stay nearby because the winning horse heads straight to the winner’s circle for photos. The excitement and joy are palpable as you watch the horse, owners, trainers, family, and friends celebrate the big win.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Bring a phone or small camera so kids can capture the winner’s circle moment and replay it later.
1:00–2:30 p.m. – Rinse and repeat
The racetrack typically hosts seven to ten races a day, with about 25 minutes between each race. Grab popcorn or fries from the food stands and then head back to the paddock to see the next group of competitors. With young kids, we usually make it through two or three races, but sometimes it is just the one race our family horse is running in. That’s the beauty of the racetrack: it’s flexible, low-pressure, and completely on your schedule.
Kid-Friendly Tip: Pack a small backpack with crayons, books, or puzzles to help entertain between races.
2:30 p.m. – Enjoy the quiet ride home
Usually, we don’t even make it to the interstate before someone is fast asleep after a fun-filled day at the track.
Parent-Friendly Tip: Hit a drive-through on the way, such as a coffee shop or daiquiri shop, for a little treat for surviving the racetrack with kids (bonus points if it’s funded by track winnings).
While it might not be the first thing that comes to mind when searching for family activities, one of the best things about New Orleans is how almost everything can be made kid-friendly. So don’t be afraid to try something new in the coming weekends. The Fair Grounds closes the last weekend of March to prepare for Jazz Fest, so grab your little future jockeys and experience the fun while you still can during the 2025–2026 racing season.
Kaitlin Novak is a pediatric speech therapist with both her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Communication Disorders from LSU. After a chapter in New York City, she’s now back home in Louisiana with her SEC football-loving husband and raising three children. Kaitlin enjoys uncovering hidden restaurants and vacation gems, playing tennis, and volunteering in her community. When she’s not juggling all that, you’ll likely find her catching up on Bravo gossip or adding pieces to her kids’ classic Southern wardrobe (only if they’re on sale, of course).
She also happens to LTBA Board President Keith Hernandez’s daughter.
