Mardi Gras Mambo :: 5 Tips for a Family Trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras

While Mardi Gras itself is a single day (the date changes, but it’s always the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday), carnival season begins each year on January 6, a.k.a. Epiphany. During the season, parades roll into town and king cake becomes a food group.

Many families celebrate by going to parades across the south (Mobile, Alabama, comes to mind). However, the biggest parades march through the two weekends leading up to and including Mardi Gras day in the Big Easy herself, New Orleans.

While typically thought of as a grown-up adventure, visiting New Orleans can be fun for all ages. The food, music, and excitement all adds up to lasting memories. But as with most things, you need to prepare. If you’re thinking about taking your krewe and doing the Mardi Gras Mambo down in New Orleans, here are five tips to get you started!

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1. What to Pack

• Closed-toe shoes :: Dress your kids and yourself for comfort over cute, especially when it comes to shoes. Between the walking, the muck, and the guarantee that you’ll have your foot stepped on, this is a trip where you’ll want to wear closed-toe shoes.
• Poncho, umbrella, rain jacket :: Assume at some point there will be rain. And because it’s spring, temperatures are usually warming up but check ahead for random cold spells.
• Cross-body bag or fanny pack :: Moms, you’ll want to leave your big purse at home. By the end of the day, you’ll have enough to carry, so opt for either a small cross-body bag or even a fanny pack. For those of you that just cringed at the idea of wearing a fanny pack, know that they are cute and trendy right now! Stay on brand with this Mardi Gras-themed one from Fleurty Girl.

2. Pick Your Parades 

When planning your trip, first look at the Mardi Gras parade routes and schedules. In short, there are family-friendly krewes and then there are not.

When picking which parades you want to see with your family, keep in mind that most “super krewes” (big parades like Endymion with celebrity riders) are fun for all, but things can get a little risqué. Generally speaking, if you’re going with kids, you don’t need to go to the French Quarter. However, if you’re looking for parades that are specifically family-oriented, you may want to check out ones in the surrounding areas, like Krewe of Argus in Metairie.

The Mardi Gras New Orleans website gives you the best overall picture of when and where particular parades will roll. Most of the popular parades, like Orpheus and Rex, go through Uptown New Orleans.

>> RELATED READ :: 5 Ways to Celebrate Mardi Gras at Home <<

3. Find a Good Spot

Where you’re staying will help determine where you’re going to watch the parades.

• Uptown :: If you stay in Uptown, you can easily walk to a parade route. The intersection of St. Charles and Napoleon is a good spot for parade watching because there are nearby porta-potties that you can pay to use at the Academy of the Sacred Heart Dads’ Club.
• Get there early :: If you’re staying elsewhere in the area, plan to get to the route a few hours before the parade starts to find a spot. Much like tailgating, people arrive early to set up and party.
• Get high, like elevated :: Many experienced revelers even set up ladders (as area restrictions allow). If you don’t have a clear spot, be prepared for your kids to sit on your shoulders so they can see and catch throws (the beads and prizes thrown from floats).
• Check route updates :: On the day of, stay on top of any route changes. The best sources for up-to-date parade information are local news channels and their apps. In New Orleans, a popular one is the WDSU Parade Tracker.

4. What to Bring to the Mardi Gras Parades

• Sturdy throw bags :: Beads can get very heavy around little necks, so you’ll need a place for kids to carry all of their catches. You’ll also need a bag for each child because one of the worst things to happen is a favorite bead being accidentally given to a sibling (insert mom eyeroll here).
• A wagon (if you can) :: Wagons are perfect for carrying small children, full throw bags, and boxes of fried chicken.
• Ear protection :: The bands and the music will have you literally dancing in the streets but can be hard for those with sensitive ears.
• Cash :: It makes things easier when grabbing food or to-go cups from vendors.
• Hand sanitizer and wipes :: Porta-potties are inevitable during Mardi Gras.

>> RELATED READ :: Mardi Gras at Home for the Whole Family <<

5. Safety Tips for Kids on Mardi Gras Parade Routes

• NEVER let your kids run between or stand too close to floats :: In all of the excitement, kids may want to run out and grab a prized throw off the street, or the crowds may start pushing if a float stops near you. Remind your kids that while colorful and fun, floats are large, heavy vehicles and should be respected appropriately.
• Designate a meeting spot :: Also, if your kid tends to get lost, be sure to designate a meeting spot. You may even want to write the meeting spot and your phone number on their arm with a marker.

>> RELATED READ :: The DFW Guide to King Cake for Mardi Gras <<

Finally, if you do make your way down to the French Quarter and someone bets you money that they can guess where you got your shoes? Know that you’ve got your shoes on your feet on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!