In fact -- while the press tends to focus only on adult-rated Bourbon Street festivities -- sections of the Mardi Gras parade routes are all about families. Read more about Mardi Gras in New Orleans for Families, including tips about viewing the parades with kids. In 2009, Mardi Gras is February 24th but parades start several weeks before that time -- see Mardi Gras Parade Schedule.
Mardi Gras, by the way, means "Fat Tuesday", and in the Catholic religious year is traditionally the last day to party before "Ash Wednesday" starts the somber weeks of fasting during Lent, which lead up to Easter. Mardi Gras has been celebrated since 1699, with festivities in many cities around the world.
A very different way to experience a family Mardi Gras is at popular theme park Universal Studios Florida (part of the Universal Orlando theme park complex.) From mid-February to mid-April, Mardi Gras Weekends showcase a spectacular parade (with floats from New Orleans), street performers, live bands, and more. Read about Mardi Gras Weekends at Universal Orlando; 2009 dates are from Feb. 7 to April 18.
