The Ultimate Parent's Guide to Mardi Gras 2025 in New Orleans: Family-Friendly Tips & Events

Mardi Gras 2025 in New Orleans is an unforgettable experience for families, offering a unique blend of vibrant parades, exciting festivals, and kid-friendly attractions. While the city’s Carnival season is often associated with lively adult celebrations, there are countless family-friendly events that make it the perfect time to create lasting memories with your children. From colorful parades and themed festivals to delicious local cuisine and safe, welcoming environments, this guide will help you plan a stress-free, fun-filled Mardi Gras adventure for the whole family. Let’s dive into the best family activities, tips, and places to visit during Mardi Gras 2025!

Family-Friendly Parades

While all parades warrant a good time and are an exciting display of local flare and culture, not all Mardi Gras parades are created equal when it comes to families. These parades offer a fun, more safe environment for kids:

Krewe of Little Rascals

Sunday, February 16 • Metairie • Noon

As the name suggests, this parade is geared toward children and features whimsical floats, colorful costumes, and plenty of throws. The Krewe was founded by a couple who believed the Carnival spirit should thrive in both youth and adults.
The parade starts at El Dorado Street and Woodlawn Avenue, proceeds east with turns at Houma Boulevard and Veterans Memorial Boulevard, and ends at Martin Behrman Avenue.

Krewe of Pontchartrain

Saturday, February 22 • Uptown • 11:30 a.m.

Known for its daytime schedule and vibrant atmosphere, this parade is great for families.
The parade begins at Napoleon Avenue and Tchoupitoulas Street, proceeds along St. Charles Avenue to Lee Circle and Canal Street, then turns onto Tchoupitoulas Street, ending at Poydras Avenue.

Krewe of King Arthur

Sunday, February 23 • Uptown • 1 p.m.

This is the largest parade on Carnival’s “Family Sunday,” known for handmade floats and costumes, tossing hand-decorated grails, and welcoming members from all walks of life.
The parade begins at Jefferson Avenue and Magazine Street, follows Magazine and Napoleon to St. Charles Avenue, loops through Lee Circle to Canal Street, and ends at Tchoupitoulas and Poydras Streets.

Krewe of Barkus

Sunday, February 23 • French Quarter • 2 p.m.

A must-see for animal-loving families, this dog parade showcases furry friends dressed in creative costumes.
The parade follows a winding route through the French Quarter, starting and ending at Orleans and N. Rampart, passing iconic streets like Dumaine, Royal, and Dauphine.

Krewe of Iris

Saturday, March 1 • Uptown • 11 a.m.

The oldest all-women krewe is a hit with kids thanks to its lively floats and family-friendly vibe.
The parade starts at Napoleon Avenue and S. Saratoga Street, travels along St. Charles and Canal Street, and ends at Tchoupitoulas and Poydras Streets.

You can find the complete Mardi Gras 2025 parade schedule here.

Family Gras 2025

Family Gras is a free celebration that’s held two weekends before Mardi Gras in Metairie. It offers family-friendly fun just 10 minutes from downtown New Orleans. Head over to Veterans Memorial Boulevard near Lakeside Shopping Center February 21–23.

Families can enjoy Mardi Gras parades, New Orleans cuisine, local art at the Art Market, a Kids’ Court with face painting and games, and free outdoor concerts featuring both national and local artists. Past performers have included Taylor Swift, Cyndi Lauper, Martina McBride, and Cheap Trick. The festivities coincide with parades from krewes like Excalibur, MadHatters, Atlas, and Caerus, making it a must-visit event for Carnival season!

Tips for Enjoying Mardi Gras with Kids

Choose a Family Zone: Areas like St. Charles Avenue and Napoleon Avenue (Uptown) are known for their family-friendly atmosphere. Arrive early to claim a good spot.
Pack Smart: Bring snacks, water, sunscreen, and ear protection for little ones. A wagon can be a lifesaver for tired kids (and leaves room for all your throws!).
Set Expectations: Explain the crowds and excitement to your kids ahead of time to prepare them for the experience.
Mind the Timing: Opt for daytime parades or earlier stops along the route to avoid late-night crowds.
Safety First: Teach children to stay behind the barricades and establish a meeting point in case anyone gets separated. Teach your children their name, your phone number, and to find a police officer if they get lost.

For more safety and tips for your overall Mardi Gras experience, click here.

Where to Eat with the Family

New Orleans is a culinary paradise, and these restaurants offer kid-friendly options without sacrificing flavor:

Dat Dog: A hot dog joint perfect for picky eaters, serving creative takes on a classic favorite.
The Camellia Grill: A diner-style restaurant offering a menu that satisfies both kids and adults.
Pizza Domenica: A family-friendly spot featuring wood-fired pizzas and sharable sides.
New Orleans Hamburger & Seafood Co. (Uptown): Located on a major parade route, this eatery offers plenty of tables and a wide variety of Cajun classics and Southern comfort foods.
Café du Monde: A must-visit for beignets and hot chocolate, making it a favorite for kids and families. Pro tip: To escape the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter, try the City Park location!

Lodging Recommendations

Consider staying at one of these family-friendly accommodations:

The Roosevelt New Orleans: A luxurious hotel near the parade routes, featuring elegant rooms, a rooftop pool, and world-class dining options.
Homewood Suites by Hilton: Perfect for families, offering spacious suites with full kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and easy access to attractions.
Drury Plaza Hotel: A convenient choice with complimentary hot breakfast, evening snacks, and a prime location near parade festivities.
Hampton Inn New Orleans-St. Charles Ave./Garden District: Located in Uptown, this family-friendly hotel offers complimentary breakfast, an outdoor pool, and proximity to the streetcar line.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Metairie New Orleans: Conveniently located near Veterans Memorial Boulevard, this hotel offers spacious suites with full kitchens, complimentary breakfast, and is close to Family Gras festivities and local dining options.

Mardi Gras 2025 is shaping up to be a vibrant and exciting season, with something for every member of the family. By planning ahead and choosing family-friendly options, you can create lifelong memories of New Orleans’ most famous celebration.

Parades

Now for what you’ve all been waiting for… here is the complete list of Mardi Gras parades taking place in the Greater New Orleans area February-March 2025! For more information on parade routes and Krewe history, tap on the names.