Kids at Mardi Gras

Don’t think twice about bringing the kids to New Orleans for Mardi Gras 2012! Carnival is a family-friendly experience in New Orleans. Think about it: Fanciful floats, marching bands, doubloons, riders on horseback, crazy costumes, and float riders throwing beads and toys – carnival parades are great family

Of course, not every aspect of Mardi Gras is G-rated, and families should avoid Bourbon Street on Mardi Gras day. But no major parades pass through the French Quarter, so the kids won’t miss a thing. Major parade routes roll from the Garden District (primarily St. Charles Avenue) or Mid-City to Downtown New Orleans.

1. Keep track of your kids. Crowds at the parades are friendly and locals are helpful, but Mardi Gras crowds are huge. For major parades, keep small children in strollers, on ladders, on a kid leash or within arm’s reach at all times.

2. Pick a spot and set boundaries. Give your kids landmarks of where they can and can't go (the streets are off-limits), and look for the nearest N.O.P.D. officer. Introduce your child to him/her so that the kids know to approach an officer if they’re hurt or lost.

3. Don’t let your kids dive for beads in the street. It’s too dangerous and once a throw hits the ground and rolls into the street, odds are you don't want it.

4. Older children may want to wander, so arm them with cell phones to stay in touch.

5. Check the NewOrleans.com’s parade calendar and go to parades in the suburbs (Metairie, Westbank). Parades in the suburbs and earlier in the season are less crowded and more family-oriented. If you have small children, avoid the parade route on the downtown side of Lee Circle on St. Charles Avenue and on Canal Street, where the biggest, rowdiest crowds converge.

6. Bring a ladder. One easy way to keep track of your children -- and ensure they can see everything -- is to add a "box seat" to the top of a ladder. These rigged ladders allow your kids to see it all, and float riders will target kids for special throws like stuffed animals.

There are height restrictions on ladders. A 6-foot, wooden folding ladder is allowed. Harry's Ace Hardware (3535 Magazine Street, (504) 896-1500) carries the seat and extras to convert ladders. Wheels can be attached for easy moving, and other personal touches can be added, including a padded seat, large hooks for hanging beads, cup-holders, and a slot to hold an umbrella.

7. Go to Little Rascals or Barkus. Kids ride in the Little Rascals parade and Barkus is a dog parade through the French Quarter that ends at Armstrong Park.

8. Layer up! The weather can change dramatically throughout the day – from warm and muggy to cool and crisp to rainy – and layers can be added or peeled off to keep the kids comfortable.

9. Re-purpose a Halloween costume. Masking is encouraged during Mardi Gras. Some families dress in themes to match (and it’s a great family photo op).

10. Teach your kids the three magic words of Mardi Gras: “Throw me something!” “Please”, “thank you” and unique compliments to the float riders will also help your kids score great throws.

Heading to New Orleans for Mardi Gras 2012? New Orleans hotel rooms sell out faster than you can say “Throw me something, mister!” Hotels are typically sold out before the Christmas holidays. Book your room in a New Orleans hotel on a Mardi Gras parade route today!