Most people envision the naughty side of Mardi Gras and think the children should stay home, that just isn’t true! While the kids should stay away from Boubon Street in the French Quarters, the suburbs are family friendly for even the youngest babies. For a truly wonderful family experience, visit New Orleans during the Carnival.

Hotels
Consider choosing a hotel that is located on the parade route or within walking distance. There are several to choose from and many start reserving Mardi Gras rooms in August. Hotels do have last minute cancelations, so do not give up. The secret to a great experience is planning early and getting the best you can afford. There are also wonderful package deals that will save you a ton of money and time trying to plan the entire vacation yourself.

Parades
Decorate the children’s wagons and stroller and walk to your parade viewing spot at least 2 hours early. Bring a cooler full of wonderful foods or try some of the incredible treats offered at the businesses along the parade route. Venders along the way will rent out special Mardi Gras ladders that have been outfitted with little seats for the children and offer a better viewing of the parade floats. Parades start in the area of St. Charles Avenue and Napoleon, so pick a place at the beginning of the parade or you may be out until after 10pm.

Safety
Write down all of your contact information on your child’s arm (covered by a sleeve) in black permanent before you leave your hotel. Dress in matching shirts to make spotting family members easier. Floats will be throwing out lots of goodies along the way, including stuffed animals and trinkets, so bring a LARGE bag to carry them all in.

Bathrooms
Rest rooms can be difficult to find and many of the businesses along the parade route will only allow customers to use their rest rooms; no matter how cute your child is. Some venders do offer an all day restaurant and bathroom pass, this is not a bad idea. The extra cost will save you time trying to find that emergency bathroom trip.

The Best Thing About Mardi Gras!!!!!!
The Mardi Gras is known as the “Greatest Free Show on Earth” because all of the parades and most of the activities are FREE! Plus you get lots of goodies to take home to remember this special family getaway. Go ahead and splurge on the hotel and the foods! You will not regret it and the children will never forget this family vacation.