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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 festive costumes and endless amount of beads and trinkets that surround the masked riders on the float. But some parades stand out 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. 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! Tips for New Orleans Mardi Gras with Kids. Plan your parades—You can find all the Mardi Gras parade schedules and routes online and there’s also a parade tracker app. We found it took about two hours from the parade start time for it to reach Lafayette Square where we were watching, so station yourself closer to the beginning to get home earlier. This is the largest Mardi Gras in Galveston, Texas (the third largest in the U.S.), with two dozen parades and a slew of events, but the one families shouldn’t miss is Family Gras. Held two Sundays before Mardi Gras, there’s live family entertainment, two parades, a kids’ coloring contest and a 1K fun run/walk. Mardi Gras, with its vibrant hues, jazzy rhythms, and rich history, is a cultural spectacle that invites both merriment and learning. Originally tied to Lent’s approach, this event is steeped in deep traditions and holds symbolic significance that extends far beyond parades and festivities. Through Mardi Gras activities, students can explore history, art, science, and Mardi Gras, that grand, colorful celebration full of parades, music, and a carnival-like atmosphere, isn’t just for adults. Families can dive into the festivities together, bringing the magic of Mardi Gras to their home in ways that kids and teens will cherish. Let’s walk through the traditions, crafts, and activities that make Mardi Gras a Bring your kids to enjoy the traditional spectacle of Mardi Gras parades, authentic New Orleans cuisine, local art at the Art Market, a Kids' Court with face painting and interactive games, and free outdoor concerts by both national artists and Louisiana's own. Tips for Attending Mardi Gras with Kids. Mardi Gras New Orleans is great fun and definitely a memorable experience for the whole family. But before you go, there are just a few words of advice we want to leave you with. First 1. Download the Mardi Gras parade tracker. This is an app that tells you the parade schedule. Mardi Gras Chicken Run: A quirky and fun-filled event that’s always a hit with kids. Interactive Parades: Kids will love catching beads and waving to the vibrant floats. Moody Gardens Attractions: Take a break from the festivities with a visit to the Aquarium or Rainforest Pyramids. Pro Tip: Many parades are family-friendly. What is Mardi Gras | Mardi Gras For Kids is an educational video that explains the history of Mardi Gras and how it is celebrated today.Here are a few facts We painted and decorated ours with Mardi Gras streamers for extra fun. We also recently added wheels to our ladder-seat, and it made it so much easier to pull the whole ladder with the seat already attached. We have already used it at a Mardi Gras parade, and it was lots of fun. Other customizations people often add to their Mardi Gras seats: Pets and their humans are encouraged to wear their Mardi Gras finest. A costume contest is planned prior to the start of the parade from 12:15—1:00. Winners will be announced, and ribbons awarded prior to the start of the parade. 3:00pm- Mardi Gras! Firefighters Children’s Parade Tradition/Fact Description; Throwing Beads and Trinkets: During Mardi Gras parades, participants throw colorful beads, doubloons, and other trinkets to the crowd.Kids will love catching these “throws” and collecting them as special souvenirs of the celebration. Mardi Gras refers to Fat Tuesday, the final day of revelry before Ash Wednesday, when Lent begins.” Mardi Gras wasn’t referred to as “Carnival” until 1781. New Orleans floats are traditionally known as tableaux cars. Mardi Gras meaning of beads: Mardi Gras “throws” (like beads) started in 1870. Following the George P. Mitchell Mardi Gras Award Presentation, this is the first parade to Kick Off Mardi Gras Galveston 2025! This parade is packed with marching bands, dancing squads & tons of energy. Also rolling in this party parade is Carne’s Fleet of Bumpin’ Busses, The Union Fire Truck & various local Floats throwing Beads & other Mardi Gras is a time of vibrant celebration marked by bold colors, festive music, and plenty of fun. While the holiday is most famously associated with the lively parades and parties of New Orleans, you can bring the magic of Mardi Gras right into your home with these kid-friendly crafts. Click on the Mardi Gras krewes below for further information about the krewe and to see their usual route for each parade. Please note: Events and activities are subject to change without notice. Stay tuned to the site for further info. Teach your kids the basics of parade etiquette: like staying far back enough from the floats, sticking to our area, and never leaving the spot without a buddy or telling an adult. Middle School and Beyond: Mardi Gras Pros in the Making. As kids grow into their tween and teen years, they’ll start to appreciate Mardi Gras on a whole new level. Below is the 2025 Metairie Mardi Gras parade schedule (and Jefferson Parish). If you are looking for the New Orleans parade schedule, click here. The Northshore parade schedule (Mandeville / Covington / Slidell) is available here. If you are looking for Mardi Gras parades in Houma or other outlying areas of New Orleans, please click here.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
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