"Mardi Gras" has come to be synonymous with "crazy parades and partying", especially in certain cities such as Rio and New Orleans; so you may be wondering, is New Orleans during Mardi Gras a place for families?
Fact is that -- while the press tends to focus only on the adult-rated Mardi Gras festivities on Bourbon Street-- sections of the Mardi Gras parade routes are all about families: notably, St. Charles Avenue between Napoleon Avenue and Lee Circle, where families picnic, and little kids watch the parade from special seats bolted onto ladders; how kid-friendly can you get?
About's Guide for New Orleans Travel has the scoop about kid-friendly Mardi Gras.
Kids might also be interested in the Pet Parade, called the Krewe of Barkus (a play on New Orleans parade krewe, Bacchus); costumed pets march -- so to speak-- in the French Quarter, and the Queen is always a pet adopted from the SPCA animal shelter.
Some tips for New Orleans Mardi Gras for Families:
Understand Some Background
Watching a parade is fun for any kid, especially when beads, doubloons, and even stuffed toys are thrown from floats; but the experience will be much richer with a bit of background.
Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday", and is the last day to party before "Ash Wednesday" starts the somber 40 days of fasting during Lent, which precedes Easter in the Catholic religious year. Mardi Gras has been celebrated since 1699, with festivities in many cities around the world.
New Orleans claims to have "America's Greatest Party": find out about the krewes, the throws, and other Mardi Gras traditions.
Where to Stay
Many New Orleans hotels welcome families. On Canal Street, The Royal Sonesta, Windsor Court, and the Sheraton are good choices. On St. Charles Avenue is the (less-expensive) Hampton Inn. Also on St. Charles Avenue are many B&B's, if that's your style.
- About's New Orleans Travel site has info on hotels and B&B's
- New Orleans Online has a hotel-finderthat you can search by neighborhood.
Parade-watching Tips
- most parades are held in the two weeks before Mardi Gras Day: check the parade schedule for times and routes.
- be in the right place, at the right time: and with kids, that place is not the French Quarter or on Canal Street, during Mardi Gras. Join the New Orleanian families on St. Charles Avenue between First Street and Napoleon Avenue.
- just as if you were going to a crowded theme park: designate a place to meet in case your family gets separated.
- with small kids, write your last name and phone number on the child's clothing. (Some New Orleans parents write phone numbers on their child's arm).
- teach kids not to get near the floats and marching bands.
- bring snacks and drinks with you. Some parades take hours to pass, and kids will surely get hungry and thirsty during that time.
- You may also want to buy an all-day ticket at a restaurant on the parade-route: many restaurants have tickets for each parade; you can take a break from the parade-watching and grab a bite to eat, and avail yourself of the bathroom facilities, too.
- bathrooms, in fact, are a particular concern, especially with little kids in tow. About's Guide for New Orleans Travel notes that many restaurants and hotels limit the use of their bathrooms to patrons only (identified by wristbands). If possible, stay at a hotel near your preferred parade route; or buy a day-ticket at a restaurant, as noted above.
- dress comfortably, and check the weather forecast: you may need to bring rain-gear.
See more tips about Mardi Gras for Kids.
* Mardi Gras photo by Kate Elkins; www.NewOrleansOnline.com.
