Explore, Play, and Connect with Nature
NORD Outdoors offers free programs that encourage families, youth, and individuals to enjoy the natural beauty of Joe W. Brown Park. All equipment is provided and staff and volunteers are on hand to make every experience safe and fun.
Nature Photo Contest
March 6 - April 24
Calling all photographers in Greater New Orleans! Get outside, take pictures and win prizes! Submit up to three photos celebrating nature in NOLA in our annual spring online contest. Photos may include wildlife, plants, natural landscapes, people enjoying the outdoors, or any photo in which nature is the central theme.
Vote for your favorites via the contest website.
An Audubon Family Membership is awarded to the top three winners. Other prizes are awarded to honorable mentions. Winners are announced May 1 through the contest website. FREE and open to all!
(Only photos taken after April 25, 2025, within Greater New Orleans qualify. For complete contest rules, please visit our contest website.)
Open Canoeing and Fishing
Sign out canoeing equipment or fishing tackle for a self-guided adventure at Joe W. Brown Park. Enjoy two lagoons, winding canals, and a spacious ADA-accessible dock. Beginners are welcome, with staff and volunteers offering paddle and fishing lessons.
Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. A parent/guardian must sign a waiver for participants under 18. Participants 16+ need a freshwater fishing license.
| Location |
Time |
Info |
Groups |
Joe W. Brown Park
5601 Read Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127 |
Every Saturday, March 8–Nov. 1 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. |
Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
A parent/guardian must sign a waiver for participants under 18. Participants 16+ need a freshwater fishing license.
|
10 or fewer can come anytime. Groups over 10 should call 504-658-3082 or email sjammon@nola.gov in advance. |
Open Archery
Learn archery skills in a safe, supervised environment. Equipment is provided. One guest per reservation.
| Location |
Time |
Info |
| Joe W. Brown Archery Range |
Every Thursday, 4 p.m.–7 p.m. | Open year-round |
Ages: 8+, |
A Call for Open Canoeing & Fishing Volunteers! We Need You!
Join our spirited, easy-going crew for a unique volunteering experience. NORD Outdoors is looking for volunteers to help lead its Open Canoeing & Fishing activities at Joe W. Brown Park in New Orleans East. We operate on Saturdays from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Training for all activities is provided. If you aren’t familiar with these activities, step out of your comfort zone!
Contact: 504-655-8396 | sjammon@nola.gov
Guided Group Activities
Try new outdoor skills with your school group, youth organization, club, or family. Activities are free and typically 2–3 hours. Multiple activities can be scheduled for field trips.
| Location |
Info |
Minimum participants |
Joe W. Brown Park
meet at the gazebo near the canoe racks. |
Tues–Fri, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Saturdays Nov. 9–Mar. 1, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. |
8 per session |
Activities Include:
- Archery: Learn range safety and bow shooting (Ages 8+)
- Canoeing: Tour lagoons and canals with guidance (Ages 3+)
- Fishing: Learn casting, knot tying, and fish identification (Ages 7+)
- Nature Walks: Explore Louisiana ecosystems with educational activities (Ages 5+)
- Basic Survival Skills: Learn shelter building, fire safety, and edible plants (Ages 5+)
- Geocaching: GPS treasure hunt adventure (All ages, children under 10 must be accompanied)
Schedule an activity: 504-655-8396 | NORDCoutdoors@nola.gov
Family Camping
Want to take your family or friends camping, but unsure where to start? NORD Outdoors and LOOP NOLA have got the event for you! Register for our Family Campout for campfire camaraderie and a night out under the stars. Bring your sleeping bags, pillows, and toiletries - that's it! We'll provide tents,sleeping pads, water, food, indoor plumbing, games and activities. All are welcome.
| Availability |
Additional Info |
Message from Partner |
Partner |
| Late March |
The NORD campsite features a fire pit, water spigot, and nearby shelter with picnic tables and bathrooms. NORD Outdoors employees will stay overnight to ensure park rules are followed, to safely extinguish the fire, and to unlock the gates in case of an emergency. |
LOOP NOLA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide positive, life-changing outdoor experiences for children and youth in Greater New Orleans. LOOP NOLA addresses the lack of opportunity for urban children to experience the outdoors. We nurture students' connections to nature by developing a sense of wonder at the natural world along with their social, technical and academic skills through repeated exposure to outdoor adventures over multiple years. |
LOOP NOLA provides outdoor education programs for youth and helps nurture connections to nature. For info, contact 504-655-2770 or hwest@loopnola.org
|
Camping Program
Reserve our family-friendly, urban camping experience at Joe W. Brown Park! The NORD campsite features a fire pit, water spigot, and nearby shelter with picnic tables and bathrooms. Pair your trip with one or more activities above for a holistic experience. A NORD Outdoors employee will stay overnight to ensure park rules are followed, to safely extinguish the fire, and to unlock the gates in case of an emergency.
| Availability |
Requirements |
Contact & Make Reservation |
Location |
| Camping is available on select dates on a first-come, first-serve basis. The campsite may be reserved Friday afternoon from 3 p.m. to Saturday morning at 9 a.m. |
Groups of 10 or more, bring your own gear and firewood |
504-655-8396
NORDCoutdoors@nola.gov |
Joe W. Brown , 5601 Read Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127
|
All outdoors programs are free and equipment is provided. Programming is held at Joe W. Brown Park. For Open Canoeing & Fishing, come at your convenience. For Open Archery, an online reservation via the NORD Calendar is required. For Guided Group Activities, please call (504) 655-8396 or email
NORDCoutdoors@nola.gov to schedule an activity.