While New Orleans may be known for its rich cultural heritage, lively music scene, distinctive Creole cuisine, and historic French Quarter, attractions also complement the city’s entertainment offerings. The diverse range of attractions and family entertainment centers (FEC) that dot the city for visitors and locals alike offer a living catalog of ideas and innovation.
Funworld offers a look at seven select attractions where skilled operators have perfected their best practices. Several will open their doors to attendees of IAAPA FEC Summit in New Orleans, Jan. 19-21, 2025.
Mardi Gras World
1380 Port of New Orleans Pl.
New Orleans, LA 70130
Mardi Gras World, also known as Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World (MGW), is an eclectic mix of attraction and manufacturer. MGW serves as an immersive attraction with a convention and banquet center, but also houses fabrication space for floats appearing at events across North America. Annual visitation exceeds more than 600,000 across all sectors of the business. Guests tour the 300,000-square-foot working warehouse and
production facility. MGW is located along the Mississippi River, next to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Their events venue—the immaculately themed River City Complex—hosts festivals, weddings, private parties, and corporate events. The company also hosts events at hotels in the area, often coordinating multiple events simultaneously. Kearn’s parade floats will also make appearances at various events around the city, incorporating local culture.
“Our business is cultural, and so I think you would call [MGW] a cultural attraction; such a part of the city,” says CEO Barry Kern. MGW is indeed a part of the New Orleans experience dating back to when Blaine Kearn, Barry Kearns’s grandfather, formed the company. “My grandfather was an artist who basically started the business by building a float on the back of a garbage wagon in 1932,” says Kern. In 1946, Blaine Kern, Sr. founded Blaine Kern Artists. He traveled to Europe early in his career to learn float-building techniques that have now gained an international reputation. The company supplies floats beyond New Orleans in cities such as Las Vegas, Mobile, Alabama, Galveston, Texas, Montreal, and Orlando at Universal Studios Florida. Six Flags parks also uses Kern provided floats in their traveling Grand Carnival parades each summer. In 1984, MGW became a tourist attraction offering visitors a behind-the-scenes look at float building. The visitor experience begins with entry through a gift shop where tour tickets are sold. Next, a guide emerges and takes visitors to a small theater to view a film about the history of the business, before each visitor is offered a slice of the quintessential Mardi Gras king cake to sample. As visitors stroll the sprawling facility, they see firsthand the creativity of artists who carve, shape, sculpt, and paint the figures. “Mardi Gras is such a part of the New Orleans culture and experience that it was just kind of a natural for us,” says Kern on opening an attraction.
Game On Social Hub
2421 Veterans Memorial Blvd.
Kenner, LA 70062
Game On Social Hub is a 34,000-square-foot FEC offering a wide range of activities, including augmented reality, bowling, a two-story laser tag arena, axe throwing, and a high-tech arcade with more than 100 games. The facility also features a full-service restaurant and bar, making it a versatile venue for family outings, corporate events, and private parties.
The business originally began in 1995 as a Laser Tag attraction with three party rooms and 20 arcade games. The attraction called multiple locations home in the community over the years, upgrading to increasingly larger spaces with more offerings. Rebranded in 2022 as Game On Social Hub, the expanded facility offers a larger laser tag attraction, more arcade space, prize redemption, four party rooms that allow hosts to combine rooms for larger groups, a kitchen for a quick service operation, a full service restaurant, video poker machines, axe throwing, and a bowling alley. “For years, we were known for our laser tag operations and arcades. When we came here, this was a bigger building and we wanted to include the parents and older crowd,” says Davor Franicevich, owner and one of three partners.
Game On’s second partner and general manager, Ricky Dillard, has seen the company grow since the beginning and shares how the attraction has evolved. “When I say we grew up, we added a bar. Everybody that we’ve been hosting over all these years, for kids with birthday parties, well, now they’re grown up and they’re bringing their kids,” says Dillard. The team is dedicated to providing a quality experience and maximizing revenue opportunities by equipping themselves with the necessary tools and skills, along with a comprehensive preventative maintenance program to ensure all equipment and technology are well-maintained.
Game On’s IT director, Elias Basse, knows the inner workings of the company’s equipment and technology. From laser tag equipment, arcade games, point-of-sales systems, to bowling alleys, the attraction’s IT director maintains records and manufacturer-suggested maintenance schedules, often exceeding what is recommended. Equipment downtime reduces revenue and guest satisfaction. Game On’s downtime is at an absolute minimum. “We’re a small operator that operates as a big one,” says Basse.
NOLA Motorsports Park
11075 Nicolle Blvd.
Avondale, LA 70094
Scheduled tour stop during IAAPA FEC
Summit 2025
NOLA Motorsports Park is a comprehensive motorsports facility situated approximately twenty minutes from downtown New Orleans. The park features a Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) Grade 2 road course, one of the largest fully lit outdoor karting tracks in the United States, and a 300,000 square foot soft-grade asphalt skid pad suitable for drifting and autocross. Designed by renowned motorsports architect Alan Wilson, the facility opened its kart circuit and North Track in late 2011, with future expansions in the works. NOLA Motorsports Park plans to develop an off-roading area and a supercar driving experience.
The park’s infrastructure includes two international standard racetracks, a seven-acre kart center, paddock, on-site speed shop, clubhouse, and an eight-acre autocross pad. The facility is equipped with advanced electronic systems, more than 100 miles of fiber optics, and modern timing and scoring equipment. “What we realized, what we really need to do is we have to get this karting facility to have more than karting,” says David Pace, CEO of NOLA Motorsports Park. To diversify the facility, three go-kart tracks, paintball, and axe throwing were added. For conferences, weddings, and other large events, an event center is available.
On-track exotic car rentals for racing and motorcycle safety training are offered through Xtreme Xperience and feature vehicles like the Huracán LP610-4, Ferrari 458 Italia, Porsche 911 GT3, and Slingshot SLR. While the facility hosts competitive racing events, such as a Go-Kart League with two seasons annually, autocross on the skid pad, and NASA racing, management realized locals and tourists alike have other interests and seek family recreation in a market that is hungry for more.
As the business has pivoted, Pace shares that the market needs have dictated what updates have been made to the attraction. Diversifying the business, management has added amenities such as a gift shop with racing memorabilia, a two-story events center with private balconies, and a rentable upstairs lobby with a small kitchen. “I’ve identified what the market is—miniature golf, where I can have a beer in my hand. Kids here or no kids here, perfect,” says Pace. The next round of additions will include a miniature golf course, arcade, bar, and pizza kitchen.
Rock ‘n’ Bowl
3016 S Carrollton Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70118
Rock ‘n’ Bowl is an attraction that integrates an 18-lane bowling alley with live music and dining. “We are a live music venue first, then event center, then bowling. We are a staple of live music in New Orleans,” says Larry Hamburger Jr. marketing director. Situated in a quiet neighborhood, the bowling alley has operated since 1941, adjacent to the historic Ye Olde College Inn Restaurant in operation since 1933. The Blancher family owns and operates the complementary businesses and maintains their vintage Americana decor.
The bowling alley offers live music five nights a week, featuring genres such as funk, blues, zydeco, and Cajun, and boasting a storied past of performers. We have hosted artists such as Tab Benoit, Marc Broussard, and Cowboy Mouth. Guest appearances on our stage have included John Oates, Bonnie Raitt, Jimmy Buffett, and more,” says Hamburger. This musical diversity enhances the venue’s appeal for a wide range of events and gatherings.
The bowling alley requires reservations, ensuring organized and efficient use of the lanes. Rather unique for a bowling alley is a dress code that preserves a polished yet casual atmosphere and is posted front and center on the venue’s website. The ambiance is casual and rustic, with a dress code that allows jeans and T-shirts, provided they are clean and neat, while prohibiting tank tops on men and slides.
Rock ‘n’ Bowl features a restaurant themed to old New Orleans that is known for its signature deep-fried bread pudding, adding a distinctive culinary element to the experience. Those age 18 and under must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to maintain a family-friendly environment.
This combination of a well-crafted atmosphere, entertainment, dining, and music positions Rock ‘n’ Bowl as a versatile venue for corporate events, team-building activities, and social gatherings. Its integration with Ye Olde College Inn further enhances its appeal, offering an experience that blends leisure and culture in a setting that nods to the past while catering to contemporary tastes.
The Sazerac House
101 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
The Sazerac House offers a comprehensive exploration of the iconic Sazerac cocktail (traditionally made with rye whiskey, absinthe, bitters, and sugar) and its cultural significance. Opened in October 2019, this multi-floor facility combines a museum, bar, and distillery within a beautifully renovated building on the bustling Canal Street.
The third floor provides historical context that highlights the influence of alcohol in New Orleans and the evolution of the Sazerac. The second floor focuses on the brand’s production process and features interactive exhibits and sampling opportunities. The two floors that make up the curated museum exhibits are designed to offer about an hour-long experience with opportunities to engage with entertaining bartenders who offer free samples, along with virtual bartenders for a unique educational experience.
The ground floor showcases the on-site distillery’s operations, reception, and retail store that features Sazerac whiskey, bar accessories, and branded merchandise. Visitors include whiskey enthusiasts, mixology aficionados, and history buffs, with guided tours available for deeper insights. The facility is modern and accessible, with interactive, curated exhibits within a relaxed and chic atmosphere.
K1 Speed
800 Webb St.
New Orleans, LA 70121
k1speed.com/new-orleans-location.html
K1 Speed is an FEC and event space that utilizes high-performance electric go-karts, emphasizing environmental sustainability. Equipped to host a variety of events, including corporate gatherings, parties, and group outings, K1 Circuit is a versatile venue for business and leisure activities.
The attraction features the dedicated Kart Coaching complex, offering both on-track coaching and virtual racing simulators to enhance the racing experience. Leagues are also offered, and teams compete in the K1 Speed E-World Championship. Friday evenings are devoted to Glo-Karting—a chance for racers to experience racing with the overhead lights turned down and the track barriers LED-lit in bright, neon colors.
Revenue operations at the attraction include a quick service food and beverage location, K1 apparel, and arcade games.
Founded in 2003 by David and Susan Danglard, K1 Speed has expanded its franchise opportunities internationally, allowing for growth beyond the United States with more than 100 locations worldwide. This global franchise specializes in indoor go-kart racing, providing an upscale entertainment experience.
The Exchange Pickleball
2120 Rousseau Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
The Exchange Pickleball is a specialized facility offering a combination of indoor and outdoor pickleball courts integrated with dining and entertainment options. Located in the lower garden district, and utilizing a former historic warehouse, the 26,000-square-foot facility features six air-conditioned indoor courts and one outdoor court for pickleball—a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Pickleball leagues, clinics, and lessons, coordinated by the attraction’s on-staff professional instructor, are offered for the fledging athlete.
The venue is equipped to host a variety of events and business gatherings with a maximum capacity of 600 for receptions and 300 for banquets, in addition to three private rooms, providing flexible options for corporate events and private functions.
For athletes, leisure visitors and business travelers alike, the venue includes a full-service restaurant, craft cocktail bars, outdoor games, and occasional live music.
The Exchange’s unique blend of sports and entertainment makes it a versatile venue, while providing a space for leisure activities and entertainment.
Michael Costello is the managing editor of Funworld at IAAPA. With 20 years working in the attractions industry, he has also volunteered in his free time with the National Amusement Park Historical Association (NAPHA). Connect with him on LinkedIn.
- This original reporting from IAAPA News first appeared in Funworld magazine. For more stories and videos covering the global attractions industry and to read a digital version of Funworld magazine, click here.
