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Mardi Gras for Kids

Cupcakes at Mardi Gras for Kids

Though it has a reputation for its festivities, those of us who live in New Orleans know that Mardi Gras is much more than just a party, it’s a cultural, community, and even family tradition. New Orleans Mom believes Mardi Gras shouldn’t be just a celebration for the grownups.  

Our Mardi Gras for Kids section is filled with ways to create “Fat Tuesday” celebrations for family members of all ages, but especially on how to make the carnival an event that your kids will remember forever. 

There are a lot of reasons to get your kids and family involved in Mardi Gras. Here’s just five that show what Mardi Gras for kids is all about. While there are a lot of ideas in this section, the readers’ favorite is also one of the most fun. Highlighting what is a tradition for many New Orleans kids, our step-by-step instructions on how to make a Mardi Gras float from a shoebox is just one of the posts that keep bringing readers back.

Of course, our Mardi Gras for kids coverage has a healthy number of posts on the carnival’s favorite foods, especially that timeless classic, the King Cake. Here’s one of our recipes for the dessert that’s as much a part of the Mardi Gras as parades and beads. Speaking of which, we also talk about how to make beads as part of our Mardi Gras celebration. 

Our team of more than 30 writers are local moms, with years of experience parenting through Mardi Gras. So before you break out the beads, take a bite out of the King Cake or find your favorite parade route, turn to New Orleans Mom for everything you need to know about how to celebrate Mardi Gras with your kids.

We are full of pro tips for parenting at Mardi Gras. When it comes to taking kids to parades, New Orleans Mom has all of the advice you need for enjoying Mardi Gras with kids. Here are eight must haves...
I have a confession to make: I stink at Carnival. It is not my strength. I was born and raised here. I have been letting myself off of the hook because I don't find it that easy or that fun,...
I like naps. Like, a LOT. For me, for the kids, whoever. I totally squandered my nap time in kindergarten and I regret it to this day. I live for their weekend naps: I'm super productive ... or I'm...
If you have recently moved to New Orleans, Mardi Gras with kids can be extremely overwhelming at first. New Orleans Mom is here to help! Below are some of the best tips for Mardi Gras beginners and enjoying this...
It's Mardi Gras time in New Orleans, and everyone's eating king cake! If you have a food allergy or sensitivity, though, traditional king cake may not be an option. Thankfully many bakeries offer gluten free king cakes, as well...
Oh sure, Mardi Gras is all fun and games if you're a grown up. But have you ever stopped to think about the children? Those poor kids, they have Mardi Gras problems, you know. You can read more about NOLA...
2025 New Orleans Mardi Gras Parade Schedule Below is the 2025 Mardi Gras parade schedule for the greater New Orleans area. If you are looking for the Jefferson Parish / Metairie parade schedule, click here. The Northshore parade schedule (Mandeville...
Riding in the Mystic Krewe of Nyx is a highlight of my life. I took a risk seven years ago when I joined a Krewe that was yet to have it’s parade permit yet. And when we rolled, we...
If you have recently moved to New Orleans, welcome to the best city ever! Mardi Gras with kids is like nothing you've ever experienced before. While you shouldn’t plan to rest much during parade season (yep, you need to let...
Krewe of Cleopatra to Return to Magazine Street in 2023! Today the members of Krewe of Cleopatra received the best news ever ... the parade, which is celebrating 50 years this year, WILL be resuming its regular route which starts...

On Parenting At Mardi Gras

If you have recently moved to New Orleans and not yet experienced the joy that is Mardi Gras with kids, the season can be extremely overwhelming and intimidating at first. New Orleans Mom is here to help with all of...
2025 Metairie Mardi Gras Parade Schedule 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...
The Best Homemade King Cake Recipe A few years ago, I set out on a quest to make a homemade king cake that would rival the ones we pay $20+ for at bakeries around town. (Though if cooking is not...
10 Signs You're a NOLA Mom During Mardi Gras Season It's the most wonderful time of the year ... Mardi Gras season! For many around the country, it might mean just a few parades, beads, and masks. For New Orleans moms, though,...