It’s Mardi Gras season, and in New Orleans that means one thing: parades, parades, and more parades. Streets are already preparing for the festivities–lining sidewalks with stands and barricades and hanging purple, green, and gold banners everywhere you look. Krewes are putting the final touches on their floats and prepping throws, storing items like beads, boas, plushes, frisbees, cups, and T-shirts galore in every nook and cranny of the elaborate floats. SO, how are you preparing?
Pack What You Need
Before you even leave the house, pack items that will come in handy throughout the day. Use an easy-to-carry bag–you will be hauling it around for hours. Inside, include water, snacks, wipes, portable chargers, toilet paper, hand sanitizer, Band-Aids, ear protection for young kids, cash, and sunscreen.
Layers matter. While the sun can provide warmth during the day, Mardi Gras weather is famously unpredictable. If you plan to stay into the evening, pack extra layers like jackets, blankets, or mittens to keep everyone comfortable.
Choose a Safe Spot
Once you know what parades you want to attend, pick a viewing spot ahead of time that best suits your family. Look for an area that isn’t overly crowded but still has enough people to create that classic parade energy. Earlier parts of the parade often tend to be calmer and can make for a more enjoyable experience for kids.
“St. Charles Avenue and Canal are great spots for families. The vibe is lively but respectful, and many locals set up ladders with child-seating platforms so little ones can view the parades. The city feels safe, with clearly defined parade routes, barricades, and lots of volunteers around,” writes Andrew Dent on familytraveller.com.
Parade Safety
Before heading to the parade, talk to your kids about what to expect. Explain that they should never cross in front of moving floats and must always stay behind barricades. Remind them to stay close to a trusted adult and to hold hands when moving from spot to spot.
Set expectations early–kids may not catch every throw, and that’s okay. Encourage them to be polite and enthusiastic with riders by saying things like “Throw me something, mister!” and always remembering to say “Thank you.”
For extra peace of mind, write your phone number on your child’s wristband or clothing, and take a photo of what they’re wearing before you head out. Learn more safety measures on jpso.com and blog.ochsner.org
Know What You & Your Kids Can Handle
Think about your children’s limits. Do they do well with long days, loud noises, and big crowds? Do they need frequent bathroom breaks? Make sure you know where the nearest bathrooms are and that you have a clear plan if anyone needs a break.
You’ll be on your feet for most of the day, so dress for comfort as much as for fun–you will probably be bending over, jumping up and down, and moving in all different directions throughout the day. Sneakers and jeans are always a good idea.
If you notice exhaustion setting in–for your kids or yourself–it’s okay to call it a day early. Heading home while everyone is still happy means you’ve already won. You showed up, soaked in the magic, and made memories with the people who matter most.
Mardi Gras season is always magical and a way that New Orleans comes together in one big celebration together. Joining in on the fun with your family is possible, and preparing ahead makes the moments all the more worth it.