Family Trip to Mardi Gras: Top Ten NOLA Guide

French Quarter

Walk the French Quarter. The French Quarter, also known as Vieux Carré, is the oldest neighborhood in the city of New Orleans. With its elaborate ironwork galleries, museums, shops, restaurants and nightlife, the Vieux Carré serves as the center of the city's rich and unique culture and history. Take the kids on a daytime jaunt to take in the scenery and all it has to offer. Hit up the Audubon Aquarium on Canal Street, home to more than 3,600 animals and 250 species, and let the kids get up close and eye-to-eye with some of the most fascinating creatures of the ocean.

Music

Listen to the music. New Orleans is known for its jazz, funk, blues, and soul music. It's also known for its many music clubs that draw crowds night after night. While many of these venues are not under 21 friendly, it's easy to find great spots that the whole family can enjoy. Preservation Hall in the heart of the French Quarter, hosts jazz concerts 360 days a year for all ages. You can learn all there is to know about Jazz in the US and New Orleans. While Bourbon Street has the fame and the neon lights, locals hit up Frenchmen Street to enjoy music in the Faubourg Marigny. Weather permitting, check out the day jazz cruise onboard the Steamboat Natchez.

Ride a Street Car

Depending on where you stay, getting around New Orleans can be relatively easy. You can easily rent bikes, hop on a bus, take a ferry or call a pedicab, but our favorite is the New Orleans Street Car system. It's a charming way to see and experience the city, and the four lines from Downtown will take you to places you might not otherwise get to see. Get the Le Pass app for fares, schedules and maps to make your ride as easy as possible.

Mardi Gras World

Forget what you see on TV and get the behind-the-scenes access of how the floats of Mardi Gras are built at the largest float design and construction facility in the world. Visitors can don authentic costumes, enjoy King Cake, and tour warehouses filled with floats. Learn about the many traditions surrounding Mardi Gras parades, the krewes, balls, music and...the beads.

Carousel Gardens and Amusement Park

Open in 1906, the carousel features the antique wooden "flying horses", enjoyed by kids and kids at heart. The greater amusement park offers a variety of rides to entertain families as well as a miniature train that tours the park with open-air passenger cars and an authentic old-time steam whistle.

Audubon Zoo

What kid doesn't love the zoo?! The historic Uptown Audubon Zoo cares for animals, provides engaging educational programs and hands-on exhibits, all on the banks of the Mississippi River. Take a street car or a hired car from the French Quarter and enjoy all of the animals, events, and activities for the littles.

Vue Orleans

Vue Orleans is a 360-degree indoor and outdoor observation deck featuring interactive cultural experiences and spectacular views of New Orleans. As one visitor said, "the exhibits truly capture the soul and spirit of New Orleans. You truly feel like you're part of the history". Head to the top and see New Orleans from 34 floors above the Mississippi River. Spectacular!

Explore the Bayou

So much of New Orleans' history lays in the landscape surrounding the city. The region's mossy swamplands are teeming with wildlife, seafood, cypress trees and a photogenic landscape. Get out of the city on one of many eco-minded excursions with a focus on local history and culture.

Eat the Food

One of the reasons we travel is to experience other cultures. One of the best ways to do that is to explore a region's traditional foods. The Crescent City is renown for many traditional cajun and creole foods from sit down crawfish etouffé, to a po-boy sandwich on the go. Make sure to top your culinary visit with a traditional beignet!

Mardi Gras Parades

From Twelfth Night to Mardi Gras, society clubs across the Crescent City known as Krewes celebrate the Carnival season with elaborate parades, balls and often celebrity events. Families can enjoy incredible floats, marching bands, and catch a variety of throws from the Krewes. Look out for the little ones as beads and other throws are tossed everywhere. Over 50 parades take place throughout the city during the season, so check the schedule for one during your visit.

Breakfast

For a great casual breakfast, head to Molly's Rise and Shine in a funky and fun setting in the Garden District. For an essential greasy spoon, head to Camellia Grill for that retro feeling.

Lunch

For authentic Creole fare, head to Dooky Chase's and enjoy anything from Po-Boys and Muffuletta to traditional Gumbo. For sandwiches with flare and a shop the kids will love, head to Turkey and the Wolf for great eats.

Dinner

Visit Blue Crab Restaurant and Oyster Bar for great seafood and excellent views overlooking Lake Pontchartrain. For an outdoor BBQ vibe, check out the Backyard in Lakeview. With a great BBQ and kid-friendly menu, enjoy the picnic tables, play yard and tv's to watch your favorite teams play.

Beignets

Don't forget an essential trip to Cafe du Monde for beignets for the whole family.