Families come in costumes like all the characters from the Wizard of Oz and as a family of dalmatians with grandma as Cruella Deville. We’ve also seen expectant moms dressed as Fabergé eggs and Humpty Dumpty. At parades before Mardi Gras day, it’s enough to dress your kids in Mardi Gras colors (purple, green and gold rugby shirts and hair Mardi Gras in the St. Louis neighborhood of Soulard is composed of a number of events, but the highlights for families probably are the Pet Parade (the Guinness Record holder for the largest parade of costumed animals); the Dachshund Derby, where the long dogs compete in three aged-based categories: Cocktail Weenies, Ballpark Franks, and Hot Lake Charles also hosts the Krewe of Barkus parade that encourages pets, their owners and all who want to participate to dress in their Mardi Gras best. Jeanerette. The Grand Marais Mardi Gras Parade is a unique experience the whole family will love. This rural Mardi Gras parade in the heart of Cajun Country takes place at the corner of Highway The Best Family-Friendly Hotels for Mardi Gras Thanks to the constant disruptions from the parades, the traffic in New Orleans can slow to a halt during Mardi Gras, so it’s ideal to stay somewhere that you can walk to the parades and other attractions. Mardi Gras Events in New Orleans. Mardi Gras might be one of the best parts of living in New Orleans with kids. Even if you’re hesitant to take your children to parades, there are many kid-friendly Mardi Gras events that celebrate the holiday. The best end of the parades for families are the Uptown side, far away from Bourbon Street and its notorious reputation. Phone’s off the hook? Good. Here are a couple of kid friendly Mardi Gras parades that the whole family can enjoy: 1. The Rex parade. The Rex has been ruling Mardi Gras ever since it was introduced to the streets back in 1872. Yes, kids can absolutely have a fun and safe experience enjoying Mardi Gras parades. Let our Kids Guide to Mardi Gras show you how. Best Mardi Gras Parades for Kids. Most parades will offer kids the sense of wonder that comes with seeing massive floats bedecked with flashy colors, bright lights, and astounding sculpture work, plus kids love the Beyond New Orleans: Other Family-Friendly Mardi Gras Events 1. Mobile, Alabama: Home of the First Mardi Gras. Mobile, Alabama, has a rich Mardi Gras history and a more relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for families. Best Event: The Mystic Stripers Society Parade, featuring floats, marching bands, and tons of kid-friendly throws The Best Mardi Gras Parades in New Orleans What is a Krewe? At the heart of Mardi Gras in New Orleans are the Krewes. Long story short, the Krewes are the organizations behind the Mardi Gras parades and events. There are hundreds of Krewes in New Orleans! Some have been around for decades while others are entirely new. Sunday, March 2. Sunday is Mardi Gras Children’s Day at the Event Center. The free, family-friendly event is from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A prelude to the Children’s Day Parade, children will Other not-to-miss parades include the Bacchus Parade featuring celebrity kings each year and Thoth Parade known for its family-friendly atmosphere. Each parade offers a unique theme and experience, so be sure to check their schedules ahead of time. Great question! Here's a quick list: a comfortable folding chair, plenty of snacks and water, sunscreen, a portable phone charger, and a bag to hold all your throws. Also, cash is king at Mardi Gras, so hit the ATM before you head out. Can I bring my kids to Mardi Gras parades? Absolutely! Mardi Gras is a family-friendly event. For families, look to the Mardi Gras Parades Uptown, such as Krewe du Vieux or Krewe of Proteus, in Metairie, Marigny, or on the North Shore or West Bank, which are more family-friendly. The Garden District is calmer with smaller crowds and a more family–friendly atmosphere, particularly along St. Charles Ave. between First St. and Napoleon Ave. Happy Mardi Gras y'all! We are so excited to get this holiday underway! It is our favorite time of year, and we hope to make your experience a little easier and more enjoyable by giving you all of our local knowledge. This post has been updated for the 2025 Carnival Season Kid Friendly Parades Neighborhood Krewe of Southdowns Parade – 7 p.m.. Route: Starts at Glasgow Middle School and winds through Southdowns neighborhood. Theme: Safari Adventure. Celebrating 38 years of family-friendly fun. Krewe of Tucks (March 1, 2025): Known for its irreverent humor and playful vibe, from toilet-themed floats to quirky throws, this parade is all about having fun. Kid-Friendly Mardi Gras Parades for 2025. Krewe of Little Rascals (February 16, 2025): A family-friendly parade with child riders and fun themes. For more details on kid-friendly events, check out the Mardi Gras Galveston Family Events page. Whether you’re coming for the thrilling parades, the world-class music, or a fun weekend with family, Mardi Gras Galveston 2025 has something for everyone. As your kids grow older, navigating Mardi Gras becomes easier, and the experience can transform into a cherished family tradition. Here’s a guide to making the most of Mardi Gras at every age and stage, with tips on kid-friendly parades that will keep everyone smiling (at least for the most part!). The Early Years: Babies and Toddlers La Riviére Children’s Mardi Gras Parade & Chicken Chase. Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. Krotz Springs. Lebeau Mardi Gras Festival & Parade. Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. Lebeau. Sunset Kidz Wagon Parade. Feb. 16 at 10 a.m. Sunset. Eunice Lil’ Mardi Gras. March 1 at 3 p.m. Eunice. Opelousas Imperial Mardi Gras Parade. March 4 at 11 a.m. Opelousas. Courir de Mardi Celebrate Mardi Gras in style with Mobile's vibrant parades, live music, and rich traditions! Parades start February 14th—discover event schedules and everything you need to enjoy the best Mardi Gras experience in Mobile, Alabama
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