There is never a shortage of things to do in New Orleans with kids, but Mardi Gras takes the (king) cake! If you are looking for family-friendly Mardi Gras events in New Orleans and the surrounding area, we have you covered.
Guide to New Orleans Mardi Gras Events and Camps
It’s time to bust out the green, purple and gold! Mardi Gras time is here, and New Orleans Mom has the full run down on all of the events, Mardi Gras camps and workshops being held in New Orleans and the surrounding areas. Dreaming of sampling all the best king cake? Ready to attend a headpiece making class? Need a Mardi Gras camp to send the kids for the week off of school? Are you a newcomer to Mardi Gras and the city wondering what this is all about? Look no further! The Guide to New Orleans Mardi Gras Events and Camps is here to make your life as a New Orleans mom easier!
Check out the Mardi Gras event categories included below and jump straight to that section by clicking to see all of the family-friendly Mardi Gras events in and around New Orleans this year!
Mardi Gras Events in New Orleans | Mardi Gras Camps in New Orleans | Mardi Gras Workshops |
Mardi Gras Parades in Greater New Orleans | Alternatives to Mardi Gras
Special Thanks to Our Mardi Gras Guide Sponsors ::
Children’s Hospital of New Orleans
Children’s Hospital New Orleans is a 263-bed, non-profit academic pediatric medical center that offers comprehensive healthcare services, including over 40 pediatric specialties, delivered just for children. With more than 600 pediatric providers, Children’s offers a comprehensive array of pediatric healthcare services in Louisiana and the Gulf South. In addition to its main campus located in New Orleans, the hospital operates a network of primary and specialty care clinics across Louisiana and Southern Mississippi. Children’s Hospital also serves the community through three dedicated pediatric Emergency Departments in Uptown New Orleans, Metairie, and on the Westbank. Children’s is a proud member of LCMC Health, a Louisiana-based, not-for-profit hospital system which also includes New Orleans East Hospital, Touro, University Medical Center New Orleans, West Jefferson Medical Center, East Jefferson General Hospital, Tulane Medical Center, Lakeview Hospital, and Lakeside Hospital.
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evamor Water
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Plush Appeal: The Mardi Gras Spot
MardiGrasSpot.com brings the best deals on Mardi Gras beads and party supplies, along with same day shipping.
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MardiGrasSpot.com is your one-stop shop for your next Mardi Gras party.
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Mardi Gras Events in New Orleans
Mardi Gras might be one of the best parts of living in New Orleans with kids. Even if you’re hesitant to take your children to parades, there are many kid-friendly Mardi Gras events that celebrate the holiday. You can even make a fun day out of driving around to look at the beautifully decorated homes uptown or simply grab a king cake and enjoy it at one of the city’s many parks!
King Cake Hub
When: January 5th | 3pm till
Where: 1464 S. Broad Street, New Orleans | 520 Royal Street, New Orleans
January 5th: King Cake Hub & Zony Mash will be holding their second annual King Cake Monarch Pageant on Friday, January 5th from 9pm – 12am at 3940 Thalia Street in the tap room. The tap room opens at 3pm & Southerners Food Truck will be serving up delicious chicken sandwiches all evening. At midnight the newly crowned monarch will cut and hand out the first pieces of king cake for the season to their royal subjects. There will be special guests, dance krewes, and Zony Mash will be releasing their 2024 King Cake Stout. Perfect for a parents night out.
King Cake Hub will be open daily from 8:30am until 6:00pm, January 6th to Lundi Gras.
Mardi Gras Kick-off : Tucks IPA Release
When: January 5th | 6pm
Where: Port Orleans Brewing Company
Tucks is letting the good times roll at this special release of Port Orleans’ newest IPA – Roll W It. The krewe leads the way for fun at this family friendly favorite brewery to celebrate the Mardi Gras season. If that is not enough for you, come back on January 6th at noon for a Mardi Gras party featuring a seafood boil and king cake all day long!
King Cake & Cocktails An Armeinius Carnival Celebration
When: January 5th
Where: 2459 Burgundy Street
NOLA Throws Inaugural Kick Off Party
When: January 6th | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Where: 2325 Belle Chasse Highway, Gretna
Join NOLA Throws carnival kick off party at their newly expanded store for fun, food, and prizes! There is a free gift for the first 200 people, Lucky Dogs, king cake, and refreshments. They will be having gift certificate raffles at 11:30, 12:30, & 1:30. There will be a Queen’s Toast at noon, make sure not to miss it! More info to be provided on this event! 10% of the sales that day will benefit The Roots of Music.
Gluten Free King Cake Hub
When: January 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th | 2:00pm
Where: Broad Street Cider, 2723 South Broad Street
Broad Street Cider is the host to this year’s Gluten Free King Cake Hub! Starting on January 5th, vendors will be set up every Saturday starting at 2:00. Bakeries like Heavenly Hands Bakery, Creme Confectionary, Everyday Keto To Go, Buttery Spell, Oh! Sweet Lemon, Van Friendly, Violet Sprinkles, and Magnolia Cakery Gluten Free Bakery will all be making an appearance. Check their Facebook pages for more information on what will be offered!
Urban South Mambo Midge’s Mardi Gras Market
When: January 6th | 11:00am – 3:00pm
Where: Urban South Brewery, 1645 Tchoupitoulas Street
Join Urban South for their magical Mardi Gras Market for a family friendly, fun interactive shopping experience. With vendors setup like Mambo Midge, Natalia Chosa Hair, Pixie Dust Glitter, Dressed New Orleans, and Cool Your Fannies with lots of customizable items & unique carnival finds! They will also be releasing their beloved Carnival Time Sour Ale, which is made with Dong Phuong king cake. Starting on January 7th, they will be selling a limited supply of Dong Phuong king cakes on Sunday, Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Make sure to get there before they open at 11am, they’re sure to go fast! Every Saturday you can also take a king cake flight with its matching ale as well. Laissez les bon temps rouler!
King Cake Fe(a)st
When: January 11th | 5:00pm-9:00pm
Where: Courtyard Brewery
Come out to Courtyard Brewery to kick off carnival by trying over 30 different king cakes from a variety of vendors! Enjoy music, drinks, food and fun all while being able to browse vendors offering king cake accessories, home decor, and costumes.
Natalie Chosa Lace Front Wig Class
When: January 11th | 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Where: Urban South Brewery, 1645 Tchoupitoulas Street
Join Natalie Chosa Hair for this one of a kind class! Includes your own lace front wig, stands, styrofoam heads, rhinestones, glitter, glue, and styling supplies but participants are encouraged to bring their own Mardi Gras flair. You will also learn how to apply your new lace front wig while drinking a complimentary beer. Class is $165 and you can register here.
Mardi Gras Market at Henry’s
When: January 13th | 12:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: Henry’s Uptown Bar, 5101 Magazine Street
This free kid friendly, pet friendly Mardi Gras market featuring ‘tit Flea Bazaar will host some of the best New Orleans artists and makers! Come shop for unique finds – lots of vintage, oddities/curiosities, art, clothing, handmade goods, & more. Are you an artist yourself?! Vendors are also welcome to apply at https://linktr.ee/titflea!
Costume Swap and Throw Party
When: January 13th | 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: Alvar Library, 913 Alvar Street, New Orleans
Swing by the Alvar Library on January 13th and get in the Mardi Gras spirit by creating your own throws and necklaces to hand out to onlookers. Swap costume supplies that have been gathering dust for new stuff to spark your creativity with the fellow revelers.
Krewe of Kidz Ball
When: Sunday, January 14th | 1:00 pm – 3:00pm
Where: Slidell Municipal Auditorium
Dress up in your fanciest costumes and masks to enjoy a day full of dancing, entertainment, and fun at the Krewe of Kids Ball in Slidell. They will be crowning the Krewe of Kids Mardi Gras court at the end of the event! Grab your tickets here and come check out this fun event.
Costume & Craft Pop-Up at Big Couch
When: January 14th | 3:00pm – 6:00pm
Where: Big Couch New Orleans, 1045 Desire Street #Suite 101 New Orleans, LA 70117
Stop by Big Couch for all of your Mardi Gras costuming needs. This indoor pop up market will a host a variety of vintage retailers and accessory makers with a ton of unique finds. Stand out this carnival season!
43rd Annual B’nai B’rith Mardi Gras Mitzva Makers Hospital Parade
When: January 21st | 9:30am meet, 10:00am march
Where: Touro Infirmary, 3500 Prytania Street Entrance
Bayou King Cake Festival
When: Saturday, January 27th | 10:00am – 5:00pm
Where: 402 West 3rd Street, Thibodeaux
Come down and participate in the Krewe of King Cake Children’s Parade or just watch it roll! After the parade, there will be live music while you sample some of your favorite king cakes from various bakeries. Vote for your favorite to win the Best of the Bayou King Cake Festival! $10 gets you 5 tastings and 1 chance to vote. Stick around to here the winners be announced at 4 pm! Check the event to purchase tickets and more info.
Algiers Mardi Gras Festival
When: Saturday, January 27th | 9:00am
Where: 740 Hebert Street, New Orleans
This family friendly carnival will return to Federal City for their 4th Annual Mardi Gras Festival. Featuring great performers, lots of vendors, great food, and carnival royalty this is a super fun day to kick off the season. The mile long parade will begin at 9:00am and feature various marching bands and Mardi Gras Indians. Check their Facebook for more exciting announcements and updates.
64th Annual Cub Scout Parade
When: January 27th | 10:00am
Where: St. Christopher School, 3900 Derbigny Street, Metairie
Explore the Galaxy with Pack 117 by joining them for their 64th Annual Cub Scout Parade. You can sign your organization up here to parade with them for only $10 per child. Galaxy and space themes will rule the day, it is sure to be out of this world. Register here!
Choctaw’s River Parade
When: January 27th | 10:00am – 12:30pm
Where: The Creole Queen | 500 Spanish Plaza
Join the Krewe of Choctaw for this one of a kind event on the river! Boarding begins at 9:30 for a brunch of music, dancing, and delicious food. Meet the Royal Court of Choctaw in full costume and revel in a second line. With the river in the backdrop it is sure to make for a beautiful day. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the gate, they do not include food or drink. Get there early, the more the merrier!
Gnarly Gras
When: January 27th
Where: 1709 Corbin Road, Hammond
Join Gnarly Barley Brewing for their annual Gnarly Gras event! Enjoy local food, music, and of course new beer releases. The Pocket Aces Brass Band will be providing some amazing entertainment and there will be a performance from the 610 Stompers! Follow their Facebook for more information.
Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra Family Concert: Mardi Gras Indians
When: January 27th | 11:00am-12:00pm
Where: Eleanor McMain Secondary School
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra will be hosting their family concert series carnival style by celebrating the rich culture of the Mardi Gras Indians. Join them early at 10:15am for Musician Learning Stations where children can learn and ask questions about different instruments and the LPO musicians that play them. Concert starts at 11. Reserve your seats here.
Mardi Gras Tea at Windsor Court
When: January 27th & 28th | 11:00am – 2:00pm
Where: 1300 Gravier Street, New Orleans
The Windsor Court will be having their afternoon tea with a special Mardi Gras twist on January 27th and 28th. If you have never experienced English Tea, this is one to treat yourself to! Reserve your seats here.
Molly Gras – 80s Mardi Gras Ball at Southport Hall
When: February 2nd | 8:30pm
Where: 200 Monticello Ave, Jefferson
Southport Hall is kicking off carnival with the Molly Ringwalds and an 80s style Mardi Gras Ball. Head over there after parades to dance the night away in your best costume! Purchase tickets online in advance here.
Hot NOLA Author Event
When: Saturday, February 3rd | 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Where: 1133 Hickory Avenue, Harahan
Join VFW 3267 as it hosts the Hot NOLA Author Event. There will be over 50 authors there with their books to sign and discuss with fellow literary lovers! Enjoy food vendors, carnival themed drinks, and a raffle. Get there early to receive a free swag bag, VIP tickets are available here. Get the full list of all the amazing authors you will get to meet and go find your next read, Mardi Gras style!
When: Saturday February 3rd | 9:00am
Where: Intersection of Veterans & N Causeway, Metairie
Celebrate Carnival season with the 6th Annual The Mardi Gras 5K and Kids’ Half Mile! This is a family friendly run/walk with the race finishing at the free Family Gras Festival. Light refreshments are available for participants post-race. Additional food and beverages will be available for purchase, and concert admission to the headlining music acts is free and open to the public. Following the Family Gras music festival lineup will be the Magical Krewe of Mad Hatter’s parade along the traditional Veterans Memorial Boulevard route. The Mardi Gras 5K is open to all runners and walkers of all speeds. To register or for more information, please CLICK HERE.
Shorty Gras
When: February 3rd | 5:00pm
Where: Mardi Gras World | 1380 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans
Trombone Shorty is back to host the 4th annual Shorty Gras after the Krewe of Feret rolls uptown! Featuring artists like Nelly, Dumpstaphunk, The Soul Rebels, and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, the music is going to be amazing. Don’t miss this, get your tickets here!
Jefferson Parish Family Gras
When: February 2nd, 3rd, & 4th
Where: Mardi Gras Plaza | 3300 Veterans Blvd, Metairie
Family Gras is a FREE festival that is perfect to bring the whole family to! Enjoy Mardi Gras parades, authentic local cuisine and art, and outdoor concerts by both national artists and Louisiana favorites. Shop the Art Market to see lots of local vendors showcasing art, photography, jewelry and more. The Kids’ Court has various activities for kids 12 and younger such as face painting, unique hand-wax art, and interactive games. From the Beach Boys to Amanda Shaw, Family Gras is known for having a huge variety of top talent that the entire family can enjoy!
Spend Mardi Gras Weekend Sidewalk Side at St. George’s
When: Muses Thursday (2/8) through Bacchus Sunday (2/11)
Bacchus Bash 2024
When: February 11th | 12:00pm ’til
Where: 310 Andrew Higgins, New Orleans
Bacchus Bash is back for its 39th annual celebration through the warehouse district. This FREE event is the best 14 hour block party you will ever go to. Bag of Donuts, Mannie Fresh, Bucktown Allstars, The Topcats, Category 6, DJ Taf, and DJ Wixx will all be performing in this one epic event. Looking to enjoy the day VIP? Tickets are just $100 and include access to the outdoor grandstand, a premium open bar and a private indoor area with bathrooms. Visit The Metro Nola or Generations Hall to purchase.
Pygmalion Fest
When: February 11th | 8:00pm
Where: The Sugar Mill | 1021 Convention Center Blvd, New Orleans
After the Krewe of Pygmalion rolls, head over to the Sugar Mill for their annual all night party – Pygmalion Fest! Featuring DJ Paulie D (who is their Grand Marshal this year, the millennial in me loves this), and the Party Crashers will be entertaining into the morning hours. VIP includes a premium open bar, catered food by Rizzuto’s Ristorante, and a VIP only entrance. Buy your tickets in advance here.
Mardi Gras Children’s Day
When: February 11th | 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Where: Lake Charles Civic Center | 900 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles
This fun, free event will take place in Exhibition Hall prior to the Children’s Day Parade. Children’s Day will include exhibitions of performing arts, technology and science, safety and health, and arts and crafts—all interactive and hands-on! Typical activities for Children’s Day include an education station, making Mardi Gras arts and crafts while learning about the traditions and history of the carnival season and more. Groups present cultural and historic experiences of Mardi Gras. Children have the opportunity to take home free crafts from vendors and sponsors. Entertainment includes colorful characters such as jesters, dance groups, and promenading pageant queens. Each child is served traditional king cake and takes home a bag of souvenirs.
Children’s Museum of St. Tammany
When: February 12th | Noon
Where: 21404 Koop Drive, Mandeville
The Children’s Museum of St. Tammany is holding their Kids Krewe Mardi Gras Wagon Parade. Kids 12 and under can register their own decorated wagon and take part of the parade, or just come out and enjoy the fun. There will be a named King and Queen, so if you’re not already a member this is the perfect time. Click here for all the information!
Riverwalk’s 38th Annual Lundi Gras Celebration
When: February 12th | 12:00pm – 6:30pm
Where: Spanish Plaza
This free and family friendly event kicks off Lundi Gras with a celebration in Spanish Plaza. Musical acts will be performing all day and will be followed by a giant fireworks display over the river before uptown parades roll. Enjoy local food and drink vendors and do some shopping from local artists. The event culminates with the arrival of Rex, the King of Carnival
Rivertown Lundi Gras Bash
When: February 12th | 11:00am – 2:30pm
Where: Kenner’s Rivertown
Join in a fun filled day celebrating Lundi Gras in Kenner’s Rivertown. There will be a second line parade and toasts as both King Zulu and King Argus meet with their courts. This is a great event and a chance for the kids to see carnival royalty!
Mardi Gras on the Huey
When: February 13th | 11:00am – 6:00pm
Where: 435 Huey P Long Drive, Gretna
Gattuso’s Neighborhood Restaurant will be hosting Mardi Gras on the Huey with hot boiled crawfish and a full menu for Mardi Gras Day! This is the perfect option for anyone not looking to venture out to parades but are looking for some family fun and good food on the Westbank.
Krewe of Nyades
When: February 13th | Mardi Gras Day
Where: Marching with Krewe Mosaique & Saint Ann’s, French Quarter
The Krewe of Nyades has teamed up with I Support The Girls to form a brand new marching group. Parade goers can throw their unwanted bras into the cart following the krewe, supporting homeless women with their donation. Their signature throws of beaded dragonflies and lilypad pasties are sure to be fun to collect!
Events we love that are TBD:
The Friends of St. Alphonsus
When: TBD
Where: 1440 Moss Street, New Orleans
The Friends of St. Alphonsus are hosting their annual King Cake Extravaganza on a TBD date at the beautiful Pitot House on Bayou St. John. Tickets are $30, visit their website for more info.
38th Annual Mardi Gras Mask Market
When: TBD – coming soon!
Where: Dutch Alley, New Orleans
With it’s long history, mask makers from all over converge on Dutch Alley to display their handmade Mardi Gras masks, costumes, headdresses, and necessities. Many of these incredible mask makers have over 20+ years experience! With masks priced from $8 to $800, there is something for everyone. Enjoy some nice weather and trying on masks for the day down Decatur!
Mardi Gras Camps in New Orleans
So the kids are home from school for Mardi Gras and you’ve got to work. We know that finding a Mardi Gras camp can be challenging for New Orleans families. Below are Mardi Gras camps that are offering options during the 2024 Carnival season.
New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts
When: February 14th-16th
Where: 5256 Magazine Street, New Orleans
Join the New Orleans Fine Art Academy for our first ever three-day Mardi Gras Holiday Camp! Engage your kiddos with art over their break from school! During this exciting camp experience led by Summer Camp Director Mr. Pete, campers will create three-dimensional work inspired by the Louie Armstrong tape box collages. Throughout his lifetime Armstrong created over 700 visual art pieces combining photography, lettering, acrylic paint, found objects, musical notations and self-portraits that beautifully documented his musical and personal career, giving us a view of his life outside our singular notion of him as a jazz vocalist and trumpet player. In this camp session we take Mr. Armstrong’s lead and create our own tape box collages using photographs, illustrations, personal ephemera, etc. to illustrate our own life creating a self-portrait through a multimedia diorama.
This camp is designed for students from ages 4 through 12. There will be 3 groups of 10 campers in ages 4-6,7-9,10-12. Local artisans and experienced youth arts educators make up our impressive faculty. Sign up now as space is limited! Camp runs 9:00 am-3:30 pm Monday-Wednesday. Drop-off will be 9:00-9:15AM. There is no before or after-care. Snacks and drinks will be provided, but they ask each camper to bring their own lunch and water bottles. All art supplies included!
Junction Place
When: February 8th, 9th, 12th-16th (closed MG day)
Where: 5620 Crawford Street, Harahan
Credit :: Amy Milam Photography
The All Sports Camp is the perfect camp for boys and girls ages 5-12 who want to get moving during the Mardi Gras holiday! Available 2/8, 2/9, 2/12-2/16 from 9:00am – 3:00pm. Price varies based on days chosen. Check the sign-up page for more info.
Kidsports
When: February 9th, 12th, 14th-16th
Where: 1200 South Clearview Parkway, Elmwood / Harahan
Kidsports will be holding their day camp for the Mardi Gras holiday break. There will be crafts, bounce houses, and various fun filled activities planned each day. Pricing is $55 per day for pre-registered, $60 for walk ins and $50 for all Ochsner employees. Before and after care is available for an extra fee. Sign up now!
Lolo’s Youth Yoga
When: February 8th, 9th, 12th, 14th, 15th, and 16th
Where: 6117 Magazine Street, New Orleans
Check out Lolo’s for days full of Mardi Gras-inspired art, yoga, games and mindfulness. Let your kids get their creative juices flowing and find their chill at Lolo’s! Two sessions for ages 5-7 and 8+, don’t wait to sign up for this fun and unique camp. Register here!
JPRD Mardi Gras Camp
When: February 14th – 16th
Where: Cleary Playground Gym | 3700 Civic Street, Metairie
Jefferson Parish Parks & Recreation will be holding their Mardi Gras camp in the Cleary Playground Gym after Fat Tuesday. Campers will enjoy games, crafts, sport, outdoor/indoor activities, movies, special events, and so much more at this fun camp! Click to register for more information.
Belle Chasse YMCA
When: February 12th, 14th, 15th, & 16th
Where: 8101 Highway 23, Belle Chasse
This fun filled Mardi Gras camp runs from 7am-6pm making it perfect for parents that will be working that week. Enjoy indoor and outdoor activities, sports, crafts, movies, and more! Registration begins February 1st, don’t wait!
Mandeville Sports Complex
When: February 12th, 14th, 15th, & 16th
Where: 23052 Highway 1088, Mandeville
Mandeville Sports Complex will be hosting their Mardi Gras camp February 12th and February 14th – 16th from 7:00am until 3:00pm. Aftercare is available. Visit their website for more information.
Louisiana Children’s Museum
When: February 14th-16th
Where: 15 Henry Thomas Drive, New Orleans
Louisiana Children’s Museum is holding their “Celebrate New Orleans” Mardi Gras camp for children ages 4-8. They will be learning about New Orleans architecture, music, artists, and more. They will explore Creole cottages, discover musical instruments, and masterpieces in this one-of-a-kind hands-on camp experience! In addition, the campers will be busy learning and exploring in nature, enhancing their literacy experiences, designing amazing collaborative art pieces, and learning about the importance of sustainability. It sounds pretty awesome, so do no wait to register! $65 for members, $75 non-members. Click here to get signed up.
Life On Its Side Studios Art Camp
When: February 9th,12,14-16th
Where: 800 Hickory Avenue, Harahan
This camp is perfect for kids ages 5-12! The days will be filled with painting, sculpting, and comic book pages. Full and half days are available, register early to save.
Kidstrong Mardi Gras Camp
When: February 12th -16th
Where: 1200 W Causeway Approach STE 16, Mandeville
Kid Strong will be holding their camp the entire week of Mardi Gras for kids ages 5-9 years old. Membership is not required for their special sessions, and the perfect time to check out what they’re all about! Call (985) 951-4280 or email [email protected]
Franco’s Mardi Gras Camp
When: TBD
Where: 100 Bon Temps Roule, Mandeville
Bring the kids to Franco’s Mandeville for a full day of play and fun for their Mardi Gras Camp. Available from 8am – 5:30pm for ages 5 to 13. Click here for more information.
Fast Basketball Mardi Gras Camp
When: February 14th – February 16th | 8:00am – 3:00pm
Where: 13505 LA – 1085, Covington
This fast paced basketball camp will be held by Coquille Parks & Recreation for boys and girls ages 5-14. Work on skills, learn new drills, participate in friendly scrimmages, and have a ball for the holiday break. Register here to save your spot!
Culinary Kids
When: February 14th – February 16th | 9:00am – 3:00pm
Where: 915 Marigny Avenue, Mandeville
Culinary Kids will be having their deliciously fun Mardi Gras Camp after Fat Tuesday this year. Kids ages 5 to 12 learn to cook their own breakfast, lunch, drinks, and dessert each day (no packing a lunch, yay!) They will also get to enjoy gardening, science experiments, games, and lots of fun. Extended care is available and pre registration is required. Click here to sign up.
Vamonos
When: February 9th, 14th-16th
Where: 600 Eleanore Street | St. Paul’s United Church
Vamonos provides a Spanish Language Program through fun and engaging classes and camps. Kids ages 4-11 can participate in this fun 4 day camp while enjoying Mardi Gras crafts, games, and activities – snacks are also provided. There are also Junior Counselor spots available for the older kids looking to help out for the break. Register here for this super fun holiday camp.
New Orleans Jesters Mardi Gras Camp
When: February 14th-16th
Where: Carrollton at the Fly | 127-139 East Drive, New Orleans
The New Orleans Jesters will kick off spring with their Mardi Gras camp thanks to Raising Cane’s! Children of all skill levels, ages 8-14, are invited to come out and experience high level coaching by the coaches from the Jesters. Each day campers will learn foot skills, technical drills, small sided games, and coached scrimmages. Register here for your spot!
Studio School Of Dance Mardi Gras Mini Camp
When: February 14th, 15th, 16th
Where: 3116 N Arnoult Rd Suite N, Metairie
NOLA School of Dance has teamed up with the Studio School of Dance to provide this Mardi Gras mini camp. From 9:30-3:30, your kids will be participating in dancing and activities – no experience required! Before and After care is available. Register soon as availability is limited!
Dip It! Mardi Gras Kids Camp
When: February 12th – 16th
Where: 5150 Hwy 22, Suite C-1, Mandeville
Join Dip It Chocolates for this sweet one of a kind holiday camp! Not only will the kids be baking and learning how to decorate a king cake, there will be chocolate making, dancing, singing, and endless amounts of fun! Register for your spot here or email [email protected]
Camp St. Matt’s: Mardi Gras Edition
When: February 12th, 14th – 16th
Where: 242 Gabasse Street, Houma
Saint Matthew’s Episcopal School is having their Camp St. Matt’s Mardi Gras Edition! Kids 3-13 can come to this fun filled 4 day camp that will be full of adventures and learning. There is no registration fee, and lunch & snack are included – what a bonus! Register your kiddos here.
Open Arms Community Center Mardi Gras Camp
When: February 12th, 14th – 16th
Where: 1410 8th St, Slidell
Open Arms Community Center will be holding a 3 day Mardi Gras Camp for kids ages 5-13. Program runs 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, but free before and after care is provided along with their lunch and snacks. Weather permitting, there will be a field trip to the new playground at Friendship Park in Picayune. Get ready for lots of fun activities, crafts, robotics, computers, and cooking! Register here.
Art Rocks! Mardi Gras Camp
When: February 12th – 16th
Where: 122 Lisa Lane, Mandeville
The stage is set for rock artists everywhere! Art Rocks combines fun music and energetic art for a wildly creative adventure. Campers will make musical instruments, learn about rhythm and create some music of their own! They’ll design a poster promoting a concert, as well as a unique label for a new CD. These rock artists will create their own rock art, design mystifying paintings to music and try their hand at melodic action painting. Register quick, only 10 spots available for each age group!
Greater New Orleans Mardi Gras Workshops
If your family is looking for a way to enjoy Mardi Gras outside of parades, below are some fun ideas for Mardi Gras projects and other themed fun in New Orleans!
Mardi Gras Float Flower DIY Workshop
When: January 9th | 6:30pm
Where: NOLA Gifts & Decor, 5101 W Esplanade, Metairie
Have you always dreamt about making your own float flowers to adorn your house in for Mardi Gras? Well now is your chance! Come enjoy festive refreshments during this fun workshop at NOLA Gifts & Decor. All of your supplies are included in your sign up and you can enjoy 10% your entire purchase that night. Register for the event here!
Louisiana Children’s Museum
When: TBD
Where: 15 Henry Thomas Drive, New Orleans | The Atrium
Join the Louisiana Children’s Museum on to make a fun “Mardi Gras Throws Project” in the Atrium. Bring your Mom and dem!
House Flower Workshops
When: Various dates in January & February
Where: Lolo’s Yoga Studio
DecorateNOLA is back with everyone’s favorite workshop – how to make house flowers! Enjoy a relaxing time while sipping on the included snacks and wine, learning how to form and paint the iconic house flowers. There are daytime and evening classes available, make sure you email [email protected] to sign up, classes are filling up fast!
Ellen Macomber
When: Various dates in January & February
Where: 727 Camp Street, New Orleans
This Mardi Gras Season join Ellen Macomber for the ultimate costuming experience at the Martine Chaisson Gallery. The Headdress Workshop Series will be held in the gallery amongst Ellen Macomber’s amazing Wearable Art Exhibit. Pick the best time that works, go alone, with friends, or book a private party! If interested in hosting a private workshop please email for more information.
Empty Nest Cafe King Cake & Crafts
When: January 21st | 2:00pm
Where: Empty Nest Cafe & Bar
Join Empty Nest Cafe for a family friendly day of king cake making and Mardi Gras crafts. For only $15 a child, you can make your own individual sized king cake and also a fun Mardi Gras project that can be brought home. Please email [email protected] to reserve your spot today!
Mardi Gras Craft Social at Miel Brewery
When: TBD
Where: 405 6th Street, New Orleans
Megan Jewel Designs is hosting a BYOC (bring your own craft) Mardi Gras Social at Miel Brewery. Bring your costume, headpiece, or whatever you are working on to mingle with fellow craft lovers alike. Hatch + Harvest will be setup for food, and this event is kid AND pet friendly. RSVP here so that the hostess can get a headcount.
Mom’s Social: Mardi Gras Headpiece
When: TBD
Where: 8118 Oak Street, New Orleans
Join The Village and Flower Fete for a Mom’s social to make your own fun and festive Mardi Gras headpiece at Oak Wine Bar. $100 includes all of your materials, help making your headpiece, and some light bites to eat. Check out the event here to reserve your spot.
Mardi Gras Escape Room
When: TBD
Where: 2751 Manhattan Blvd, Harvey
Can you make the escape in time to get to the parade? Come to the Jefferson Parish Regional Library on February 11th and join in an interactive escape room. Hunt for clues and solve puzzles to make it out in time to celebrate. Advanced registration is required, please call (504) 364-3664
Area Mardi Gras Parades!
There are dozens of Mardi Gras parades in and around New Orleans. For your convenience, we have separated the 2023 Mardi Gras parade schedules into their geographical locations. Almost all of these parades are kid-friendly!
2024 Metairie Mardi Gras Parade Schedule
2024 Northshore Mardi Gras Parade Schedule
2024 Houma and Outlying Areas Mardi Gras Parade Schedule
Traveling for Mardi Gras
Would your family rather pass on the parades? Are you looking for something DIFFERENT to do this Mardi Gras season? Check out all of these great family friendly destinations that would make for the perfect getaway for the week! If you are looking for trips within driving distance of New Orleans, you can make it happen at the last minute!
