Mardi Gras is one of my favorite times of the year. While Carnival season starts on January 6 for New Orleans folks (and some transplants like myself), with the first King Cake of the season and a couple of parades rolling in the French Quarter, the real fun begins two weekends before Mardi Gras Day with parades on Saturday and Sunday of the first weekend and then continues from Wednesday to Mardi Gras Day. That is seven days in a row of fun for the whole family.
I love to take my kids to the parades to meet up with family and friends and perhaps also make new friends while having an amazing time at the Greatest FREE show on Earth. All three of my kids started going to parades as soon as the first Mardi Gras closest to their date of birth, which means my kids have been going to parades as young as 2-3 months.
Here is a list of tips to make sure you have a great Mardi Gras
1. Dress comfortably for the weather.
Here in New Orleans, we never know if it is going to be cold, hot or raining during the parades. If it seems cold layer up in case it warms up you can take layers off to be comfortable. If it is hot, make sure still bring a jacket. Consider carrying ponchos in case it rains. Wear comfortable shoes. You may have to walk a long way to and from your car to the parade route. Pack extra clothes for the kids.
2. Bring a first aid kit, sunblock, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, disinfecting wipes/spray, and toilet paper.
Pack the first aid kit, It is better to have that bandaid and antibiotic ointment and not need it than need it and not have it. Protect yourself from the sun, even when it seems like the sun is not shinning, no one likes to be sunburnt. Carry wet wipes and hand sanitizers because your hands will get dirty and a place to wash your hands may not be available.
Carry disinfecting wipes or spray for use in public restrooms or porta potty. I want to also add most businesses charge a fee to use the restroom. Some allow you to use the restroom with a purchase. Some may charge a fee for each use or sell whole day use passes. You might need Cash. Refer to tip #6.
3. Pack plenty of drinks, water, snacks and/or food
There is nothing worse than getting stuck at the parade route with cranky, hungry, and thirsty kids (or adults). Be prepared with a few things to hold everyone over. You can pack food such as sandwiches, fried chicken, cold macaroni salad, etc. in the cooler with the drinks.
4. Bring chairs and blankets
Like I said before parade days can be long and tiring. You will need to sit at some point and having chairs will make it much more enjoyable. I also like to bring a blanket that I spread out if I find a good spot for the kids to sit and eat or relax (especially if you have toddlers). This comes in handy too if it gets very cold.
5. Bags, Bags, Bags
Don't forget to bring lots of bags to collect the throws you catch and garbage bags to pick up after yourself. Yes, the city is going to clean the streets but no one wants to step on your kids half-eaten sandwiches. Do yourself and others a favor and collect your garbage in a bag!
6. CASH
If you choose not to bring your own drinks and food, make sure you have cash as many of the food vendors do not take cards. You will probably need cash for public restroom use and parking as well. You really don't want to be stuck with no cash or have to pay a high fee to use an ATM.
7. Bring a wagon or stroller
This is very important if you have young children. Their little legs get tired of walking and those bags full of throws get heavy. It is also helpful even if you have older children or no children at all to help you haul your things to and from the parade to the car.
8. Parking
Be aware of parking regulations, parking meters,and no parking zones. Meter Maids will be out on the streets giving tickets for cars illegally parked, so make sure you are parked properly and legally. You can download the Parking Meter app and pay for it via phone. You will get a notification when your time is coming up as the meters only allow payments in 2-hour increments.
You may also choose to use a parking lot, most only take cash and may cost up to $50 for the day.
9. Portable Cellphone charger.
You will need one if you are out there all day and use your phone while waiting for the parades.
SAFETY TIPS
- Arrive early for the best viewing spot.
- Take a picture of the street sign where you park. Trust me, I have seen many people lost because they forgot where they parked!
- Take a picture of your kid when you get out of the car in case you get separated. Hopefully, this will not happen but better be prepared than be taken by surprise.
- Put your name, phone number, child's name, and info for a family member (not at the parade with you) on a laminated card in your child's shoe in case they get separated from you.
- When youarrive at your viewing area text a family member or friend the area in case of emergency.
- Introduce your child to the police officers in the area.
- Remind your child not to get to close to the float and to never attempt to grab a throw that went under the float. No crossing between the floats or in between bands.
- Tents, ladders, and grills must be placed 6ft from the curb. Also, 2 or more ladders cannot be fastened together. Roping off areas for your use is prohibited.
While I have been taking my children to parades from a very young age, they have always been easy going even when their routines are disrupted. They are also able to sleep just about anywhere even through the bands playing. Not all children can handle the changes to their routine, so please be aware of how much your child can handle when deciding where you will watch the parade. It is not impossible to enjoy the full day of parades if you plan according to your child's needs, so you, your child and everyone around can have n enjoyable time.
Don't forget to grab a King Cake and head out to the parades this weekend. And For a list of parades, times and dates, click here.
Do you have other tips to add to our list? Share them with us on Facebook!
Laissez le bon temps rouler! Have a fun and safe Mardi Gras!
