FREE 2026 Family Fun at Mardi Gras for Kids in New Orleans
When planning a trip to Mardi Gras 2026 with your family, there’s a common concern: how do you capture the wonder of Carnival without spending a small fortune? Luckily, New Orleans and the surrounding areas deliver free, family-friendly fun that goes far beyond simply watching the big parades. From interactive festivals to kid-centric celebration zones, 2026 offers a treasure trove of activities that put kids front and center in the magic of Mardi Gras—at no cost.
This article breaks down exactly what families need to know so they can plan a memorable, affordable experience during the 2026 Mardi Gras season in New Orleans.
What Makes Mardi Gras a Family Experience?
Before diving into specifics, it helps to understand why Mardi Gras works so well for families. Mardi Gras isn’t just one day or one parade. It’s a season of celebration that starts in early January and rolls through Fat Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
This extended Carnival season means multiple opportunities to participate in kid-friendly traditions, community parades, cultural festivals, and free events. Knowing what’s free versus paid and how kids can be part of it makes a big difference in planning.
2026 Louisiana Mardi Gras Parade Schedule
Date
Parade / Krewe
Time
Location / Route
Jan 6, 2026
Société Des Champs Elysée
7:30 PM
French Quarter — N. Rampart & Esplanade area
Krewe of Joan of Arc
8:00 PM
French Quarter — JAX Brewery area
Phunny Phorty Phellows
7:00 PM
Uptown New Orleans — streetcar route
Funky Uptown Krewe
7:00 PM
Uptown New Orleans – follows Phellows
Jan 17, 2026
Krewe Mosaique
6:00 PM
French Quarter
Jan 24, 2026
Krewe of Chewbacchus
7:00 PM
Marigny / Bywater area
Jan 30, 2026
Krewe Bohème
7:00 PM
French Quarter
Jan 31, 2026
Krewe du Vieux
6:30 PM
French Quarter
Feb 1, 2026
Krewe of Nefertiti
1:00 PM
New Orleans East
’tit Rex
4:30 PM
Marigny
Feb 6, 2026
Krewe of Cork
3:00 PM
French Quarter
Krewe of Oshun
6:00 PM
Uptown New Orleans
Krewe of Cleopatra
Follows Oshun
Uptown New Orleans
Feb 7, 2026
Krewe of Ponchartrain
11:30 AM
Uptown New Orleans
Legion of Mars
Follows Ponchartrain
Uptown New Orleans
Krewe of Choctaw
Follows Legion
Uptown New Orleans
Krewe of Freret
Follows Choctaw
Uptown New Orleans
Spartan Society
5:30 PM
Uptown New Orleans
Krewe of Pygmalion
Follows Spartan
Uptown New Orleans
Feb 8, 2026
Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale
11:00 AM
Uptown New Orleans
Krewe of Carrollton
Follows Femme Fatale
Uptown New Orleans
Krewe of King Arthur
Follows Carrollton
Uptown New Orleans
Feb 14, 2026
(Typical Uptown Parade Weekend — Super Krewes)
Times vary
Uptown New Orleans (Endymion, Thoth, Mid-City, etc.)
Feb 15, 2026
(Major Parades) Bacchus & Okeanos
Times vary
Uptown New Orleans
Feb 16, 2026 (Lundi Gras)
Orpheus, Proteus & Others
Times vary
Uptown New Orleans
Feb 17, 2026 (Fat Tuesday)
Zulu
Morning
Uptown/Canal Street
Rex
Follows Zulu
Uptown/Canal Street
Notes for Families
* Twelfth Night parades (Jan 6) kick off Carnival season with smaller, quirky walks and streetcar processions — perfect for a low-crowd family experience early in the season.
* Early February parades (Feb 6–8) — including events tied to Family Gras — are ideal for families with kids because they are less crowded and offer more accessible viewing.
* Final weekend and Fat Tuesday (Feb 14–17) features the largest, most elaborate parades. If attending with children, plan logistics carefully due to increased crowds.
FREE Family-Focused Events: Family Gras
One of the most important free events for families is Family Gras, happening February 6–7, 2026, just outside of New Orleans in Metairie on Veterans Memorial Boulevard.
Family Gras 2026: A Day-by-Day Look at the Main Free Family Event
For families planning Mardi Gras 2026, Family Gras is the single most important free event to know about. Designed specifically with children in mind, this two-day festival takes place in Metairie, just outside of New Orleans, and removes many of the challenges parents associate with Mardi Gras crowds. It is timed intentionally to align with major parades, creating a centralized, family-first experience that blends entertainment, culture, and convenience.
What sets Family Gras apart is its structure. Instead of forcing families to move between multiple locations, the festival and parade routes operate together. This allows parents to enjoy parade viewing while kids rotate through dedicated activity zones without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Friday, February 6, 2026: Parades and Festival Highlights
Friday’s schedule introduces families to Carnival energy in a manageable, welcoming way. The parade lineup includes the Krewe of Cleopatra, Krewe of Cork, and Krewe of Oshun, all of which roll directly alongside the festival grounds. This proximity is key. Parents do not need to choose between festival activities and parade viewing; children can experience both in real time.
Throughout the day, the festival offers free outdoor concerts featuring a mix of national and local artists, giving families exposure to live music without the cost or late-night timing typical of other Mardi Gras events. The Kids’ Court remains a central draw, providing structured games, face painting, and interactive play areas designed specifically for younger children. An Art Market adds a cultural layer, while food vendors make it easy to stay onsite for the full day.
Saturday, February 7, 2026: A Full Carnival Experience for Families
Saturday expands on Friday’s momentum with a longer parade lineup, including the Krewe of Choctaw, Krewe of Freret, Krewe of Pygmalion, and the Legion of Mars. This combination delivers variety in float design, themes, and throws, which keeps kids engaged for longer stretches.
The festival setup remains consistent, which is a benefit for families returning for a second day. Free outdoor concerts continue throughout the day, and the Kids’ Court once again provides a reliable space for children who need breaks from the parade atmosphere. Parents often find this consistency helpful, especially when attending with multiple age groups.
Family Gras is built specifically for a family crowd. What makes it stand out:
Free Parade Viewing
The event coincides with several parades, including the Krewe of Excalibur, the Magical Krewe of MadHatters, and the Krewe of Atlas rolling right past the festival grounds.
Kids won’t just watch—they get to be part of the spectacle because the parade routes curve directly by the festival site.
Kids’ Court Activities
The curated Kids’ Court features:
* Face painting
* Engaging games
* Interactive zones tailored for ages 12 and under
These activities are free with general admission, making this one of the best Carnival experiences for families with children.
Live Music and Entertainment
Free outdoor concerts by local and national artists bring that authentic New Orleans sound to life—without the ticket price tag. Visit Jefferson Parish Families can enjoy music together while kids dance and explore creative expression stations.
Local Food and Culture
While food isn’t free, Children and families can experience local flavor without breaking the bank. Festival vendors serve classic New Orleans favorites—think jambalaya, crawfish pasta, king cake, and more.
For many families, sharing local foods becomes part of the cultural education of Mardi Gras.
Beyond Family Gras: Free Parades You Can Enjoy
Even outside of Family Gras, New Orleans Mardi Gras parades themselves are free and full of kid-friendly moments. The parades begin as early as January 6, 2026 and continue through February 17, 2026, with varying themes, sizes, and pacing for families to enjoy.
Here’s what to consider when deciding which free parades to attend with kids:
Uptown Routes Are More Family-Friendly: Parades along St. Charles Avenue and Uptown are typically less crowded and easier to manage with children. The slower pace also means more time for kids to catch beads and throws.
Specialty Parades: Keep an eye out for smaller and themed community parades that are especially great for kids. While these can vary year-to-year, parades like local neighborhood processions and family walking parades often emphasize creativity over chaos.
FREE Local Festivals and Kid-Centered Celebrations
Mardi Gras extends beyond parades. Consider incorporating these free festival options that are perfect for families with kids:
Algiers Mardi Gras Festival: Held in January in the Algiers neighborhood, this festival includes post-parade celebration, music, games, and more.
Cub Scout and Community Parades: Events such as the 66th Annual Cub Scout Parade let children participate directly for minimal cost and give them a memorable role in Carnival traditions.
NOTE: While some of these are not strictly part of New Orleans proper, they offer free or low cost family celebration options within easy driving distance—and that alone makes them worth your Mardi Gras itinerary.
Other Free Family-Friendly Activities During Mardi Gras Season
While Family Gras is the centerpiece for families, it is far from the only free option available during the Mardi Gras season. New Orleans offers multiple no-cost experiences that can easily be worked into a family itinerary.
Families looking for a quieter pace can explore free outdoor trails at the Audubon Nature Center or visit the Jean Lafitte National Historical Park (the Swamp Tour isn't free, but the natural trail is!), which blends history, nature, and education in an accessible format for children. For a uniquely Mardi Gras-focused stop, Arnaud’s Mardi Gras Museum allows visitors to view historic costumes and learn about Carnival traditions without an admission fee.
Daytime visitors to the French Quarter will also find free street performances, including live music, magic acts, and art demonstrations. These informal experiences often become unexpected highlights for kids because they feel spontaneous and interactive.
Seasonal programming adds even more value. Families can check local schedules for free outdoor movie nights through NORD parks or Jazz in the Park concert series, which provide relaxed environments where children are welcome.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips for Families
Family Gras is located on Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie, directly across from Lakeside Shopping Center. The site is approximately a 10-minute drive from downtown New Orleans, making it accessible even for families staying in the city.
Because the parades roll immediately next to the festival grounds, arriving early is essential. Early arrival allows families to secure a good viewing spot while also giving children time to enjoy festival activities before crowds peak.
Parents should plan for a full day outdoors. Packing snacks, water, sunscreen, folding chairs or blankets, and a bag for parade throws helps avoid unnecessary expenses and stress. For younger children, the Kids’ Court is particularly valuable as a reset space when parade noise or crowd density becomes overwhelming.
One final safety consideration matters more during Mardi Gras than at many other festivals. Establishing a clear meeting point with older children in advance provides peace of mind in crowded environments and allows families to relax and enjoy the experience.
Some Mardi Gras Must Have items
Whether you’re heading to Family Gras or watching parades Uptown, having the right gear makes the experience more joyful and organized. Here are some Amazon must-have items that locals and visitors recommend for Mardi Gras parade days.
1) Bulk Mardi Gras Beads – 144 Pack (Purple, Green & Gold) – Classic metallic bead necklaces perfect for gifting or carrying to parades. Great for catching and keeping extra throws for kids.
2) Mardi Gras Beads 72 Pack Party Necklaces Set – A smaller bundle of traditional Mardi Gras colors ideal for families and kids to wear or trade during parades.
3) 4E’s Novelty Mardi Gras Beads Assortment (100 Pcs) – Bulk party throw bead necklaces with metallic purple, green and gold colors. Perfect for parade catch and party favors.
4) Mardi Gras Tote Bead Catching Bag Set (3 Pieces) – Handy bead bags to help kids and adults carry and collect throws during parades.
5) Mardi Gras Frosted Cups (Pack of 6) – Classic reusable cups to bring to parades or parties with kids (great for water or snacks too).
6) Mardi Gras Outfit Set – Simple Mardi Gras outfit starter set to get kids and adults into the spirit.
How to Maximize a Free Mardi Gras Family Experience
Free events are fantastic, but you also want them to feel well-planned and enjoyable. Here’s a quick guide to making the most of your trip:
Arrive Early and Pick Your Spot: Parade routes fill up fast, and prime spots are in high demand. Plan to arrive an hour or more before a parade starts to snag a space where your kids have room to see and catch throws.
Bring Essentials for Kids: Water, sunscreen, snacks, and small folding chairs make free parade watching much more comfortable. Pack a parade bag full of these basics to avoid scrambling.
Engage in the Culture Together: Encourage your kids to learn the tradition behind Mardi Gras. Talk to them about why people catch beads, what a krewe is, and why Carnival season matters here. This turns passive viewing into an interactive cultural experience.
Balance Cost and Value: Not all paid events are worth it, especially with so much free fun available. Choose to invest in one or two paid experiences only if they add real value for your family—like a special kids’ parade performance or unique perspective.
Final Thoughts: New Orleans Mardi Gras for Families
Mardi Gras can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be expensive—or intimidating—for families. With free events like Family Gras, public parades, and community celebrations, parents can create unforgettable experiences that both kids and adults will cherish.
Free experiences also make Mardi Gras more accessible, deeper, and richer for families who want authentic cultural exposure without premium cost barriers.
Start planning now, mark your calendars for Family Gras on February 6–7, 2026, and embrace the spirit of Carnival together with your kids.
Psst... I recently posted quite a few things to check out around the French Quarter on my TikTok page if you'll be in the New Orleans area! Just scroll through my videos to take a look! Also, don't forget to check out some more local NOLA stuff while you are here!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mardi Gras in New Orleans free for families with kids?
Yes. Mardi Gras in New Orleans is largely free for families. Public parades do not require tickets, and many family-focused events, including Family Gras, offer free admission, entertainment, and kid-friendly activities. Families can experience the core traditions of Mardi Gras without paying for entry.
What is the best free Mardi Gras event for families in 2026?
Family Gras is considered the best free Mardi Gras event for families in 2026. The two-day festival takes place February 6–7, 2026, in Metairie and is specifically designed for children. It includes free concerts, a dedicated Kids’ Court with games and face painting, and parade routes that run directly alongside the festival grounds.
Where is Family Gras located?
Family Gras is held on Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie, Louisiana, directly across from Lakeside Shopping Center. The location is approximately a 10-minute drive from downtown New Orleans, making it easily accessible for visitors staying in the city.
Do kids need tickets to attend Mardi Gras parades?
No. Children do not need tickets to attend Mardi Gras parades. All official parades along public routes are free to watch, and children are encouraged to participate by catching beads and throws from the floats.
What parades are best for families with young children?
Parades associated with Family Gras are ideal for families because they are paired with kid-friendly festival activities. Uptown parade routes in New Orleans are also considered more family-friendly due to wider streets, slower pacing, and less intense crowding compared to other areas.
What free activities are available for kids beyond parades?
In addition to parades, families can enjoy free activities such as visiting Jean Lafitte National Historical Park, exploring free trails at the Audubon Nature Center, viewing Mardi Gras costumes at Arnaud’s Mardi Gras Museum, watching street performers in the French Quarter, and attending free outdoor concerts or movie nights in local parks.
What should families bring to Mardi Gras events with kids?
Families should plan for long days outdoors. Recommended items include water, snacks, sunscreen, folding chairs or blankets, and a bag for parade throws. Comfortable clothing and shoes are important, especially for children who will be standing or walking for extended periods.
Is Mardi Gras safe for families with children?
Mardi Gras can be safe for families when events are chosen carefully. Family-oriented areas like Family Gras and Uptown parade routes are generally calmer and more structured. Parents are encouraged to arrive early, stay aware of surroundings, and establish a meeting point with older children in case of separation.
When is Mardi Gras Day in 2026?
Mardi Gras Day, also known as Fat Tuesday, falls on February 17, 2026. However, family-friendly events and parades begin weeks earlier, making it possible to enjoy Mardi Gras activities without attending on the busiest day.
Is Family Gras suitable for toddlers and preschoolers?
Yes. Family Gras is especially well-suited for toddlers and preschoolers due to its Kids’ Court area, which provides age-appropriate games, face painting, and a quieter space for breaks from parade crowds.
Can families enjoy Mardi Gras without spending money?
Absolutely. Families can build a full Mardi Gras experience around free parades, festivals, parks, museums, and street performances. While food and souvenirs are optional expenses, the core Mardi Gras experience is accessible at no cost.
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