🧊8 (Actually Fun) Ways to Stay Cool in a New Orleans Summer

Let’s not sugarcoat it: summer in New Orleans is intense. The heat and humidity can sneak up on you and turn even the simplest walk into a sweat-fest. But don’t worry—you don’t have to hide indoors all day to stay cool.

From splash zones and snoballs to clever wardrobe tips, here are 8 fun and practical ways to chill out during the summer months—without skipping the best parts of the city.

1. Make a Splash at Cool Zoo

If you're traveling with kids—or just want to be a kid—Cool Zoo at Audubon Zoo is one of the best summer spots around.

🦁 Located inside the Audubon Zoo, this waterpark has slides, splash pads, and even a lazy river.☀️ Bonus: you can explore the zoo in the morning, then cool off for the afternoon.

🎟️ Tip: Tickets are limited and sell out on weekends, so plan ahead!

2. Snoballs > Snow Cones. Always.

This is not your standard roadside slush. New Orleans-style snoballs are soft, sweet, and ice-cold magic in a cup.

🍓 Try flavors like nectar cream, wedding cake, or tiger’s blood (don’t worry—it’s fruity).  Hansen’s Watermelon or Tart Satsuma are still the best.

📍 Favorite spots: Hansen’s, Plum Street, Sal’s

Pro move: If you like sweet on top of sweet, opt for the condensed milk.

3. Indoor Fun: Bounce, Climb, Chill

When the sun’s too much, head indoors where air conditioning reigns supreme.

🤸‍♀️ Surge Adventure Park in Metairie is a massive trampoline park with bowling, karting, climbing walls, laser tag and more.

🎳 You can also check out Rock ’n’ Bowl for bowling, food and live music.

Perfect for kids and grown-ups who still act like kids.

4. Pool + Pickleball at Ochsner Fitness

Want a grown-up way to stay active and cool off?

🏊‍♀️ Grab a day pass at Ochsner Fitness Center in Elmwood. You’ll get access to:

• Indoor AND outdoor pools

• Sauna + steam rooms

• Pickleball courts

• A full gym with AC and no humidity

🎾 It’s a solid way to stay moving without overheating.

5. Hit a Museum for That Sweet, Sweet AC

Let your brain cool off while your body does too.

🎨 Try: NOMA (New Orleans Museum of Art) or the Ogden Museum of Southern Art🎧 Bring headphones and wander like a local with no schedule.

6. Get Smart About What You Wear

What you wear matters more than you think.

👕 Lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are your best friends.  Top it off with a wide-brimmed hat or a baseball cap—and don’t forget sunscreen.

🧢 Avoid: dark colors, heavy backpacks or denim.

Pro tip: Keep a cooling towel or mini spray fan in your bag.

7. Ease In: Let Your Body Adjust

It takes time to get used to the Louisiana heat, especially if you’re visiting from cooler climates.

🌡️ Spend your first few days going easy on outdoor activities. Do morning walks instead of midday treks.☕ Hydrate like it's your job—water first, iced coffee second.

You’ll enjoy more of the city when your body isn’t in shock.

8. Stay Somewhere Cool (Literally and Vibes-Wise)

Let’s be honest—your home base matters.

🛏️ All Geneva House apartments have strong central air, blackout curtains, and comfy places to nap after exploring.🧼 No surprise: clean sheets and good AC make everything better.

And when you do need to cool off, you’re never far from a snoball stand or an iced latte.

❄️ Final Thought

The heat is real—but so is the fun. When you know how to handle summer in New Orleans, you won’t just survive—you’ll thrive. Whether you're jumping into a pool, discovering a new flavor of snoball or relaxing in a quiet, air-conditioned apartment… you’ll find your cool.

Staying cool in New Orleans isn’t just about temperature. It’s about knowing where to go, what to do, and how to enjoy the rhythm of the city—without sweating through your shirt.

Whether you're staying with us for a month or a full year, we’ve got the comfort covered. The fun? That’s all you!

📍 Staying in town soon? Check availability at The Geneva House →