Let’s be real, Metairie parades have a bad reputation. The big show is in New Orleans. All the super krewes with coveted throws roll there. The city is party central from the Quarter to the Avenue. The tourists may book a hotel in Metairie to save a few bucks, but they aren’t camping out on Veterans all day to catch a parade. Guess what?! People still go to Metairie parades. Just like anything else, you can make it a good time if your heart is into it. For millennial mamas like me with two young kids, Metry Gras is a saving grace.
Here is the scoop on why Metairie parades are my favorite for small kids.
The crowds are much smaller than in the city. I get anxiety taking my kids anywhere with super thick crowds. Parades add to that anxiety since we are literally sitting next to the street. I want my kids to enjoy the parades, and I want to be able to relax and have fun with them. That is a little easier to do on Veterans.
Since the crowds are smaller, it is easier to park and get a spot on the route. I am all for convenience. Especially since my kids LOVE Mardi Gras and want to go to every parade. Since it is so easy, I don’t mind taking them on a Friday night after a long week.
My sister in law is my parade partner in crime. Any time my husband doesn’t want to go, she and I will take all four kids. We feel comfortable doing this in Metairie because it is just a lot safer. Honestly, I would not feel safe taking my kids to a New Orleans parade without my husband. My partner in crime and I like to have a lot of FUN during Mardi Gras. Just because we hang out on Veterans doesn’t mean we can’t dress up like we’re on the Avenue. We have theme nights for our wigs, rock our feather earrings, and make sure we are seen with our glitter sneakers and light up laces.
Obviously, we are not catching collectible signature trinkets. However, we do leave every parade with a wagon full of beads, hula hoops, and light up swords. Just like in the city, some krewes are more generous than others. My kids are perfectly satisfied with what they catch in Metairie.