Mardi Gras in New Orleans brings to mind for many a wild time of revelry and debauchery.
You can certainly find plenty of that among the crowds on Bourbon Street, but what do you do if you find yourself vacationing in New Orleans during Mardi Gras with your children?
Never fear — there are plenty of parades that are family-friendly, and will allow the little ones to enjoy all that a New Orleans Mardi Gras experience has to offer.
The Krewe of Carrollton
The Krewe of Carrollton is the fourth oldest parade in the history of Carnival, behind Rex, Proteus and Zulu, and they have the distinction of being the first parade to have their floats drawn by tractor rather than horses. They are known for their punctuality and pride themselves on starting exactly on time. Carrollton rolls rain or shine along their uptown route on February 12, promptly at 12 noon.
The Krewe of Tucks
Another fun and family-friendly parade is the Krewe of Tucks parade. Started by two Loyala students back in 1969, Tucks has grown into a full-scale Mardi Gras parade, with grand floats showcasing a satirical theme. This year’s theme “Tucks Gets Culture” promises to be one of their best. You can see Tucks roll along their uptown route on February 18. Get your spot early — this parade starts at 10 a.m.!
The Krewe of Iris
The Krewe of Iris holds to traditional Carnival attire and the distinguished roots of Carnival since its founding in 1922. The beautiful floats carry all-female riders and you won’t see any drinking in this parade, making it a truly family-friendly event. Iris will follow the Tucks parade on the same route, starting at 11 in the morning, so keep your spot!
Don’t be concerned about bringing your children to New Orleans for Carnival! It is a tradition you might want to continue year after year. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a spectacle that your children will never forget, and will likely talk about for years to come.
