The Crescent City serves up more than beignets and brass bands. Within New Orleans you’ll find riverfront promenades, oak-shaded lawns and art-lined greenways that turn team building into a memorable day out. From Big Lake’s breezes in City Park to skyline views along the Mississippi, these five venues offer flexible layouts, easy access and a generous helping of NOLA charm.
City Park – Big Lake & Great Lawn
Why City Park is perfect for team building
One of the largest urban parks in the country, City Park blends sweeping meadows, live oaks, sculpture gardens and calm waterfronts. Big Lake and the Great Lawn create a natural “campus” for large groups while keeping restrooms and cafés close by.
Benefits
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Expansive Great Lawn for big-group circles and active icebreakers
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Lakeside paths and bridges ideal for walk-and-talk rotations
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Nearby amenities including Morning Call, restrooms and shade under century-old oaks
Planning tips
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Reserve lawn space through City Park in advance
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Start early or near sunset for cooler temps and soft golden light
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Encourage comfortable shoes for moving between lawns, paths and gardens
Woldenberg Riverfront Park (French Quarter)
Why Woldenberg Park energizes teams
Running along the Mississippi beside the French Quarter and Aquarium, this riverfront promenade pairs breezy lawns with public art and sweeping skyline views. It is central, walkable and photo-ready.
Benefits
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Long, open greens for group activities with river vistas
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Sculptures and riverboats as natural conversation starters
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Steps to cafés and meeting spaces in the Quarter
Planning tips
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Map simple loops between the park, the Moonwalk and adjacent plazas
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Choose weekday mornings to avoid cruise and festival crowds
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Bring light layers since river breezes can shift quickly
Crescent Park (Marigny & Bywater)
Why Crescent Park inspires creativity
This linear park arcs along the river through Marigny and Bywater with industrial-chic views, native plantings and the dramatic “Rusty Rainbow” pedestrian bridge. It feels fresh, modern and distinctly New Orleans.
Benefits
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Elevated overlooks for quick huddles and group photos
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Wide paths for walking meetings surrounded by native gardens
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Multiple access points for easy staging at Piety or Mandeville Wharf
Planning tips
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Provide a simple waypoint map for teams to follow
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Schedule late afternoon for cooler temperatures and sunset skies
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Use the Mandeville shed area if you want shade or partial cover
Audubon Park (Uptown)
Why Audubon Park supports focus and flow
Wrapped by ancient oaks and a smooth loop trail, Audubon Park offers meadows, lagoons and shaded pavilions just off St. Charles Avenue. It delivers classic Uptown charm with reliable amenities.
Benefits
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Oak-canopied lawns for relaxed group circles
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1.8-mile paved loop for inclusive walk-and-talks
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Restrooms, water fountains and nearby cafés on Magazine Street
Planning tips
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Request pavilion or lawn reservations through Audubon Nature Institute
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Plan mid-morning or early evening to avoid peak jogger traffic
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Recommend hats, sunscreen and refillable bottles
Lafitte Greenway
Why the Lafitte Greenway keeps ideas moving
Stretching from the Quarter toward Mid-City, this 2.6-mile corridor links pocket parks, art installations and community gardens. Its linear design is perfect for progressive agendas that keep teams on the move.
Benefits
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Continuous multi-use path for scavenger-style routes and walking meetings
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Pocket greens and seating nooks for quick debrief stops
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Access to Mid-City cafés and indoor backup spaces
Planning tips
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Set clear meeting points at the Sojourner Truth Neighborhood Center or Lemann Playground
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Use a digital map with timed checkpoints to keep momentum
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Close with refreshments at a nearby Mid-City spot to celebrate wins
Frequently Asked Questions
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What amenities do these venues offer?
All provide restrooms and seating areas nearby; several include pavilions, water fountains and easy access to cafés or indoor alternatives. -
How many people can each venue accommodate?
City Park and Audubon Park comfortably handle 100 plus participants. Woldenberg Riverfront Park, Crescent Park and the Lafitte Greenway work well for groups of 10 to 50. -
Do we need a permit to host a team event?
Yes. Most sites require a group-use permit or reservation through the managing organization. Plan on applying two to four weeks in advance. -
What about weather and heat?
Favor mornings or sunset windows, build shade and hydration breaks, and keep a nearby indoor space as backup during summer showers. -
Can we tailor the agenda at these locations?
Absolutely. Work with park coordinators to reserve specific areas, map simple routes and align the setting with your goals.
