Spring Break Ideas for Families

It's true that the words "Mardi Gras" bring to mind scenes of wild parades in certain (in)famous cities such as Rio and New Orleans... But there are many places where families can enjoy Mardi Gras fun. Even in New Orleans, crowds of local families enjoy the parades; visitors just need to know where and when to go.

Mardi Gras, or "Fat Tuesday", is traditionally the last day to party before "Ash Wednesday" starts the somber months of Lent in the Catholic religious calendar. In some years, Mardi Gras parades may coincide with spring break and a family could head to festivities in New Orleans or "Acadiana" in Louisiana, or Mobile Alabama, or Burlington Vermont...

However, by far the easiest way for families to catch the Mardi Gras spirit during spring break is at Universal Orlando, which has "Mardi Gras Weekends" from early February to mid-April, right through the spring break period. Visitors at the Universal Studios Florida theme park will find big parades with floats from New Orleans and free outdoor concerts by well-known bands -- all included in regular park admission. Guests can enjoy good Creole and Cajun eats, as well.

• More about Mardi Gras Weekends at Universal Orlando
• More about Family Friendly Mardi Gras Events

- Continue to St. Patrick's Day Parades and Other Festivities