Mardi Gras is first and foremost for families and always has been. For generations, families have been bringing their ladders to parades so kids can catch throws, oohing and aahing at Mardi Gras royalty, pointing out Big Shot and the Boeuf Gras to the smaller ones, and dancing with the marching bands. Streetcars stop running in this area during Mardi Gras, so even though you can’t take them to where you want to set up, you also don’t have to worry about kids’ safety around the tracks. Parades also go down the streets of suburban areas, like Metairie – only 15 minutes away from downtown New Orleans. So there you have it, this is how you can enjoy Mardi Gras New Orleans with kids! As you can see, there’s a lot of fun to be had and it’s not all about drinking and partying. Before you go, make sure you plan as much ahead as possible; hotels, transport, tickets etc. This will help you have a smooth time when visiting. Carnival is a season that stretches from the Christian feasts of the Epiphany (January 6) and then fully culminating the day before Ash Wednesday. Each year Mardi Gras falls on a different date, always 47 before Easter. What to Expect at Mardi Gras With Kids. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the best, and you should plan to catch a ton. 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 Use the experience to teach them about New Orleans’ rich cultural traditions. Building Your Mardi Gras Village. One of the biggest tips for enjoying Mardi Gras with children is to go with family and close friends. Having a “village” of trusted people makes it easier to keep track of kids, manage supplies, and ensure everyone has fun. Mardi Gras with Kids Day 1: French Quarter and New Orleans Riverfront. Start your Mardi Gras family trip with some of the most iconic and kid-friendly New Orleans and Mardi Gras attractions. The French Quarter will see some hard-core partying at night, but will be almost empty if you go early in the day. There is never a shortage of things to do in New Orleans with kids, but Mardi Gras takes the (king) cake! If you are looking for family-friendly Mardi Gras events in New Orleans and the surrounding area, we have you covered for 2025! 2025 Guide to New Orleans Mardi Gras Events and Camps. It’s time to bust out the green, purple and gold! Understanding Mardi Gras: A Family Perspective. Mardi Gras, which translates to “Fat Tuesday” in French, is a celebration that occurs on the day before the Christian liturgical season of Lent begins. In New Orleans, Mardi Gras is not just a single day, but a multi-week carnival season filled with parades, balls, and festivities. While some For nighttime parades, if you want to get the kids to bed at a reasonable hour, find a spot near the beginning of the parade route. Recommended, family-friendly locales near the start of most parades: along Napoleon Ave. between St. Charles Ave. and Tchoupitoulas St. or along St. Charles between Napoleon and Louisiana Ave. Note that Sophie B. Wright Charter School, at 1426 Napoleon, offers Mardi Gras Tips from NOLA Locals: What to Know Before You Go Essential Mardi Gras Advice from NOLA Insiders. New Orleans comes alive during Mardi Gras in ways that are impossible to capture until you’ve seen it with your own eyes. Most locals refer to Mardi Gras as the final two weekends of the celebration, when most of the parades and events take place. When to Visit for Mardi Gras in New Orleans. You can visit any time during Carnival (between January 6th and March 4th, 2025) to experience parades and festivities. It’s not easy, but if you can get a reservation at one of the three classic New Orleans restaurants—Antoine’s, Galatoire’s, or Brennan’s—on the Friday before Mardi Gras begins, you can rub elbows with hardcore revelers. “This is the day when the locals take over the French Quarter,” says Cook. The French Quarter is a fantastic place to be during Mardi Gras as it’s one of New Orleans’ most popular spots. However, if you’re wondering where to watch the Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans with kids in tow, you need to avoid this area as it’s simply not family-friendly. Best Places to Watch Mardi Gras Parades in New Orleans Hey there, folks! Toxigon here, your friendly neighborhood blogger, and today we're diving into the vibrant world of Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans. If you're planning to catch the action in 2025, you're in for a treat. But with so many spots Here's everything you need to know about Mardi Gras in New Orleans, including the best places to stay, eat and drink. Uptown Costume and Funky Monkey are go-to spots for Mardi Gras costumes Where to Stay for Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Book your Mardi Gras trip well in advance to make sure you have accommodations. With so much happening, staying near the action can make your Mardi Gras trip much easier. Uptown: Ideal for being close to parade routes while enjoying a quieter neighborhood vibe, great for families. The History & Traditions of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras has been celebrated in Louisiana since the 18th century, brought by French settlers. Today’s traditions stem from European carnival customs mixed with local culture, creating a uniquely New Orleans spectacle. Algiers Mardi Gras Parade and Festival. The Algiers Mardi Gras Parade and Festival will be back on Saturday, February 1 at New Orleans Federal City in Algiers. Entertainment will include Brass-A-Holics, Amanda Shaw, The U.S. Marine Reserve Jazz Band and more. The parade starts at 9 a.m. and the Festival begins at 10 a.m. The New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian Council always has their Indian Sunday on the third Sunday of March, around St. Joseph's Day. Their festivities begin at Noon in A. L. Davis Park (at Washington & LaSalle Streets) where the Mardi Gras Indians once again dress in their feathers and suits, and take to the streets to meet other "gangs."
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