Simmer Down, Summer New Orleans is a famous travel destination for good reason. People come to enjoy the liveliness that fills the streets but no one is ever quite prepared for the summer weather that does as well. Lucky for you, there are plenty of air-conditioned ways to still get the full New Orleans experience. Don’t let the heat rain on your parade, here are Riverwalk’s top picks to escape the heat and rain in downtown NOLA! Vue Orleans Located on Canal Street is an interactive museum called Vue Orleans! Enjoy this cultural experience by learning about all the best things New Orleans has to offer. After watching how to cook up iconic New Orleans dishes and dressing up for a masquerade ball, enjoy a 360-degree view of the city 34 stories up! Audubon Nature InstituteRecently reopened, the aquarium and insectarium at the Audubon Nature Institute are ready for all to enjoy! Explore their indoor exhibits that are perfect for all ages. Head to the butterfly garden filled with some of the world’s most fascinating insects or dive into learning about the bodies of water in New Orleans and more than 250 species. National WWII MuseumPlan your visit to the National WWII Museum and learn about our nation’s history with different educational exhibits. Travel through time by participating in their interactive experiences such as journeying through the war in 4D or riding aboard for the final mission of the USS Tang Submarine. Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic HousesManaged by The Woman’s Exchange, book a tour to visit and observe the architecture and history of the two preserved 19th-century French Quarter homes. Reserve a time for the Urban Enslavement Tour at Hermann-Grima House or view the architecture and engineering innovations Gallier House displays. Here are some recommendations that are a bit more off the beaten path. These hidden gems are sure to provide some respite from the less-than-ideal weather that summer in New Orleans brings. The Escape GameIf you’ve ever wanted to escape prison or pull an elaborate heist then The Escape Game can make that happen. Choose from different themed rooms and difficulties for the ultimate way to have fun and keep everyone entertained! Book your room today to see if you can escape! The Sazerac HouseThe Sazerac House allows you to take a complimentary self-guided tour and enjoy their interactive cocktail exhibits. Talk with experts and learn how their handcrafted drinks are created while sipping on some free samples along the way! The perfect place for lovers of spirits and cocktails. Potions LoungePsst! If you’re 21+ then keep reading… At Fritzel’s Jazz Bar, there is a speakeasy hidden upstairs! The Potions Lounge is a vampire-themed speakeasy with a menu full of potion concoctions and a fun atmosphere. All you have to do is find one of the vampire staff who will whisper the password to the secret location! Last but not certainly not least, be sure to visit Riverwalk Outlets located in downtown New Orleans. With 75 retailers and delicious food court options, Riverwalk is filled with high-quality brands at unbeatable prices. Riverwalk welcomes all tourists who have traveled from far and wide or are stopping by from the next-door cruise ports. Pick up a souvenir to remember your travels while enjoying tax-free shopping! Make sure to try one of the iconic New Orleans delicacies at Cafe Du Monde before you go! With validated parking with a $20 minimum purchase at the Hilton-owned “Whale Lot,” Riverwalk Outlets are the perfect place to let the heat or rain pass before enjoying all the best things NOLA has to offer.