Mardi Gras in New Orleans is family-friendly if you plan around the daytime parades. Bayou Swamp Tours recommends the Uptown route along St. Charles Avenue, where floats roll for about 2 weeks before Fat Tuesday (February 17, 2026) and krewes toss beads to kids up front. Bring a stroller, snacks, and a flexible plan.
When Is the Best Time to Plan Your New Orleans Trip?
New Orleans welcomed roughly 18 million visitors in a recent year, according to New Orleans & Company. July highs average about 92 degrees while January highs average about 62 degrees, and the city sees about 62 inches of rain a year, per the National Weather Service. The French Quarter, founded in 1718, covers about 78 square blocks of walkable history. Explore more things to do in New Orleans.
How Can You Add a Swamp Tour to Your Itinerary?
Bayou Swamp Tours runs 1-hour-45-minute trips departing about 30 minutes from downtown, with French Quarter hotel pickup available. Small airboats hold 6 to 10 passengers and large airboats hold 15 to 27, and you may spot some of Louisiana's roughly 2 million wild alligators, per the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries. Book an airboat tour or read our latest bayou guides.
Dress Up
What kid doesn’t love to play dress-up? It’s always a festive sight to see people dressed as kings, princesses, or imaginary creatures. So, let your kids join in the fun and have them wear crazy costumes while attending the Mardi Gras parades. If you want to keep it simple, have them wear the official colors of Mardi Gras, green, purple, and gold. Don’t have time to throw a costume together before heading down to NOLA? No worries, there are plenty of costume and vintage shops scattered throughout the city, you’re bound to find something for the entire family.
Find The Perfect Parade Spot
Along St. Charles Ave between First Street and Napoleon Ave is the best location for families to enjoy the Mardi Gras parades. This area is away from the big party spots including Bourbon Street and Canal Street. Note that St. Charles will still be crowded, so make sure to keep a watchful eye over your little ones. It’s also a good idea to figure out where the closest restroom is located. During the Mardi Gras season, New Orleans places port-o-potties around the city to compensate for a large number of visitors. Watching the Mardi Gras parades is a great way for kids to experience the festivities. They may even have an opportunity to catch a souvenir during a throw. Keep an eye out for throws that include decorative plastic cups, colorful beads, and doubloons.
Take In A History Lesson
Educate your family about the history and traditions of Mardi Gras. The best way to do this is by visiting one of the Mardi Gras Museums within New Orleans. Your first stop should be the famous Mardi Gras World. This giant workshop is where more than 80% of the parade floats are constructed. Take a tour and view the float building process, along with tons of costumes and historical exhibits.
Keep Your Itinerary Flexible
With everything happening in the city during Mardi Gras it’s important to be flexible with your plans. Due to crowds, certain attractions may not be open. That’s okay because there is so much to do down in New Orleans. Sometimes, you get the most out of a new city simply by wandering around the different neighborhoods. If the crowds become overwhelming, consider taking a day trip to the Louisiana Bayou and take in a swamp tour. You’ll have the chance to see local wildlife and experience the other side of NOLA.
Frequently Asked Questions
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