Get ready for a fun weekend in New Orleans! This February 7th and 8th, look out for special Family Gras events and unique activities perfect for your 3-14 year olds.
See our top picks
Family Gras Celebration Day 1
Lafreniere Park
The dedicated, safe Carnival experience with kid-friendly parades!
Children's Museum Featured Saturday Activity
The Children's Museum of New Orleans
Guaranteed indoor fun with a special weekend-only interactive feature.
Children's Museum Featured Saturday Activity
The Children's Museum of New Orleans
Perfectly geared for interactive play for ages 3-7.
· February 7
3FAMILY GRAS CELEBRATION DAY 1FREE : The family-friendly Mardi Gras celebration is back! Expect kid-centric parades, costumes, and safe, fun activities away from the Bourbon Street crowds. It's a perfect taste of Carnival just outside the city center.This is the dedicated, family-focused Mardi Gras experience, complete with its own parades and activities, which is a huge local tradition.
SPECIAL SATURDAY WORKSHOP AT SCIENCE CENTER : Check the specific schedule for a one-time hands-on science workshop or demonstration happening only this Saturday. These limited-run sessions are usually highly engaging for older kids.Special Saturday workshops are limited runs that offer deep, focused learning outside of the standard exhibit experience.
CHILDREN'S MUSEUM FEATURED SATURDAY ACTIVITY : The museum almost always has a special feature or guest activity on Saturdays that goes beyond regular play zones. Perfect for your younger elementary crowd.Children's museums often host unique, high-quality guest entertainers or specific craft days only on weekends.
· February 8
3FAMILY GRAS CELEBRATION DAY 2FREE : Continue the Family Gras fun with more parades and activities designed just for the younger crowd. Let the kids burn off some energy with safe Carnival excitement.It's a two-day, dedicated family Mardi Gras event offering a great atmosphere without the adult crowds.
SUNDAY KID'S ART SESSION : Find a local art center hosting a special Sunday afternoon session focusing on a fun, kid-friendly medium like watercolor or clay building. Great for a calmer indoor activity.These special studio sessions are one-off classes that provide structure and creativity away from home.
TEEN TECH/GAMING SHOWCASEFREE : Look for a library or community center hosting a special Sunday session focused on coding clubs, robotics demos, or video game tournaments aimed at older kids.These targeted tech events are often one-off opportunities that strongly appeal to the upper end of your age range (10-14).
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in New Orleans this weekend?
The best free options this weekend (Feb 07-08) are the two days of the Family Gras Celebration at Lafreniere Park, which features parades and kid-focused activities.
Is there anything fun happening for my 12-year-old this weekend?
Check out the Teen Tech/Gaming Showcase on Sunday afternoon or look for the specific Saturday workshop at the science center for engaging activities tailored for older kids.
What's the best way to experience Mardi Gras safely with a 4-year-old?
The Family Gras Celebration on both Saturday and Sunday in Metairie is designed specifically for families, offering parades and activities away from the heavy crowds.
