Mardi Gras Family Planning Made Easy
Find hotels and attractions that are perfect for your family's Mardi Gras vacation
There are many family-friendly places to enjoy Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Fat Tuesday is an amazing sight, where one of the most colorful and fun parties in the world ends abruptly at the stroke of midnight to mark the beginning of Lent. The multi-cultural excitement of all the Mardi Gras attractions is something that every kid should see, to be exposed to the vastness of our world and all its beauty.
The city's carefree, laid-back atmosphere is one of the best reasons to visit New Orleans. Since the party goes 24/7 for several days before Fat Tuesday, you have time to enjoy plenty of Mardi Gras activities for kids, and still not miss a thing. The parade itself, which snakes through the downtown streets, is just the beginning. Since 1941, one of the top Mardi Gras attractions has been a carriage ride through the French Quarter. Kids of all ages love to see the horses up-close, and the fact that your driver tells you all about the fascinating downtown landmarks is an added bonus. It's best to take this ride early in your trip, so you can get to know the history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
(MORE: View a family Trip Plan: 4 days in New Orleans with kids.)
Jackson Square is just down the street. What makes this spot such a family-friendly place to enjoy Mardi Gras in New Orleans is its history. Most kids love a story, and here you'll find a monument to the Battle of New Orleans in 1814 and the country's oldest apartment building. Among the many shops and museums, there are live bands, street artists and other performers. The streets are abuzz in the morning and around noon, so get an early start.
At the uptown Audubon Zoo, kids can enjoy seeing animals from around the world in their natural habitats. One of the best Mardi Gras activities for kids, this zoo highlights the unique features of the surrounding swampland and marshland, with animals like the rare white alligator and the highly-endangered whooping crane. With more than 30,000 square feet of hands-on learning exhibits, the Louisiana Children's Museum is another must-see family attraction in New Orleans. Kids can enjoy a movie in the theater, explore simple machines and be a chef at the Kids' Cafe.
(MORE: Find a kid-friendly hotel in New Orleans.)
There are a number of fine hotels on the Mardi Gras parade route where you and your family can enjoy Mardi Gras and your New Orleans family vacation together. Some of the best places to stay are downtown, and the 346-room Omni Royal Hotel New Orleans is certainly one of them. Each room has Wi-Fi and features inspired, European-style decor. The Omni is one of the best hotels for Mardi Gras because of its convenient location and special atmosphere during the festivities. Another kid-friendly hotel is the old-style Royal Sonesta Hotel. This centrally-located hotel boasts a tranquil courtyard area and a pool that's great for taking a break from the crowds. Kids stay free at the Country Inn and Suites, French Quarter, one of the top kid-friendly hotels in New Orleans. The hotel is close to many Mardi Gras attractions, like the parade route and some of the best restaurants in the city.
The Big Easy is a must-see city for its history and family-fun. To choose the best family-friendly places to enjoy Mardi Gras in New Orleans, let MiniTime's trip planning tool help you take care of the details.
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