10 Date Ideas in New Orleans Before Baby Arrives
The time before you are a family of 3 is ripe for some romance, a few date-nights is a great way to get closer to your partner or spouse. And what better place to celebrate your Babymoon than New Orleans. It’s one of those unique cities where you and your partner can focus on the days when it was just the two of you for a romantic date night idea with a baby on the way. It’s so important to take time before you are changing diapers and lacking sleep to enjoy the incredible bond you have with your partner, so here are few of my favorite date night ideas in New Orleans for pregnant couples!
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Romantic Date Night Idea in New Orleans
Garden Evenings
1. Spend the evening at one of the gorgeous parks in New Orleans for live music during the event series for a romantic date night idea. The New Orleans Botanical Gardens holds Thursdays at Twilight for music lovers during the summer and early fall months. The concert series, 6-8pm, is held inside at the Pavillion of the Two Sisters and seating is provided. Food and drinks are available for purchase.
2. In April and October, the Helis Foundation funds Evenings with Enrique at the New Orleans Botanical Gardens, free to local Louisiana residents. The gardens stay open for the 5-8pm event which features local musicians, local chefs and the lush gardens.
3. The Twilight Series at Longue Vue Gardens is fabulous for music lovers. During September and October the weekly line up for performers between 5-7pm. This is a great place to pack a picnic and a couple of folding chairs and plant yourself on their great lawn as the sun sets.
Museum Visit
4. Take your pick of some of the fabulous museums in town! If you are a history buff, the National WWII Museum. Art Lover? Visit the Museum of Art, Contemporary Art Center, Ogden Museum of Art, and the Bestoff Sculpture Garden are waiting for you to stroll hand and hand. Want to try something different for a date night in New Orleans? Jamnola celebrates the joy, art and creativity of New Orleans culture. If you are a Louisiana resident, most museums offer a free day, or no admission fee. The Museum of Art is free to residents on Wednesday. The Contemporary Arts Center is free on Sundays (to La. residents).
Local Date Night Idea in New Orleans
Take Time to be a Tourist
5. There’s nothing like visiting New Orleans and jumping into the many fun activities available. And often when you are a local, it’s hard to fit it in your schedule. Enter the date ideas in New Orleans before baby arrives. Start with a carriage ride with Royal Carriages around the French Quarter and finish with fine-dining at one of the top restaurants in the Vieux Carre such as Bayona (430 Dauphine St), Palace Cafe (605 Canal St) GW Fins (808 Bienville St), Galatoire’s Restaurant (209 Bourbon St).
Make it for Brunch
6. If you want to avoid the big crowds of the French Quarter, start early with brunch for your date idea. A great location is Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard (819 Conti St), Stanley of New Orleans (547 Saint Ann St), and for beignet’s off the beaten path at Cafe Beignet (334 Royal St). If you are looking for beautiful pastries and a stroll on the quieter side of the quarter, go get coffee and a croissant at Croissant D’or Patisserie (617 Ursulines Ave). Or try out Le Petit Bleu (1427 Washington Ave) for an outstanding crepe at the adorable small companion cafe of Commander’s Palace.
Lean into a Ghost Tour
7. Ghost tours for spooky tales and haunted history for a truly unique date idea in New Orleans. Both day time and nighttime tours are usually available in the French Quarter, Garden District and local cemeteries. Haunted History Tours has some fun options! Wear comfortable shoes and lots of water during the hotter months.
Check out a Music Venue
8. There are an embarrassment of riches when it comes to New Orleans and live music, especially as a date with a baby on the way. Frenchmen St. is usually bursting with an eclectic mix of jazz, blues and funk. Also in the neighborhood is Snug Harbor where jazz is played nightly. Little known fact, Snug Harbor has one of the best burgers in town! Preservation Hall is always a win, but be prepared to sit on a bench. The Broadside NOLA holds outdoor movies and live music weekly. And to get some baby bump kicks, check out a brass bank at the Maple Leaf Bar.
Relaxing Date Night Ideas in New Orleans
Take in a show!
9. If you are looking to be entertained before baby arrives, grab seats at the Saenger Theater or the Orpheum with dinner at one of the trendy restaurants in the area such as Tacos Del Cartel (1010 Girod St.). If you like challenges, try the games at Escape My Room (1152 Camp St.). Or check out one of the many cooking classes at the New Orleans School of Cooking to learn how to make a new dish together.
Spa Day for Mama
10. If you prefer a date that focuses on you just being pampered before baby arrives, schedule a couple message or a prenatal massage in a serene and relaxing environment such as the Woodhouse Day Spa (4030 Canal St.) or The Ritz-Carlton Spa (921 Canal St.). You can follow your massage with a streetcar ride up St. Charles Ave. or Canal St. while you lean into your partner and think about how your life is about to change.
One extra idea for good luck!
11. Since you will be all dressed up for your date night, let’s start with a maternity session in New Orleans! You know I wouldn’t not suggest taking some gorgeous pictures of you and your partner (and possibly older siblings) to remember these days. Perfect timing for a baby bump session is 30-36 weeks. Check out some tips on what to wear to a maternity session here!
Date Ideas in New Orleans Before Baby Arrives
If you are looking for a lifestyle newborn photographer in New Orleans be sure to check out my portfolio and contact me today to chat about the perfect session for you! However you decide to take a moment for just the two of you with a romantic date night idea, embrace this time in your life!
Putting together this list of babymoon activities reminded me how special trips are even after your baby arrives! Check out this touching story about by fellow family photographer Tiffany Bradley in Savannah, Georgia who wrote about her youngest son’s first haircut at Disney- Savannah Family Photographer: Last-Minute Trip to Disney’s Harmony Barbershop. Tiffany reminds us all how quickly time flies when you are raising children and how it’s the little moments that you really want to remember in the blur of parenting.
