Starting your own family traditions for worldwide celebrations like Mardi Gras is a wonderful way to make memories you’ll cherish for years to come. A family-friendly Fat Tuesday celebration at home will help break up the winter weeks leading up to spring vacations and other celebrations. This year, Mardi Gras falls on March 4, but you can celebrate all week long with a special meal, craft or activity.
Make Masks & More
Making your own Mardi Gras decorations can be just as fun as the celebration itself! All you need are some basic craft supplies, and you can make your own paper masks and jester hats. Remember to stock up on plenty of purple, white, yellow and green streamers, banners, beads, construction paper and even feathered boas!
Spice It Up & Eat Your Cake Too
Bring the rich Cajun flavors of New Orleans home by making Jambalaya or gumbo. If you’d rather put the time in the kitchen into decorations, order takeout! As Haley Burress of Parenting.com reminds us, “The key is to have fun and create some memories with your family, not to be stressed out.”
You can’t have a proper Fat Tuesday celebration without something sweet! Bake your own King Cake or order the traditional Polish donut-like pastry known as a paczki.
Get Dancin’
Music is the key to any good celebration. Make sure to throw on some Cajun tunes or jazz music to get your family in the New Orleans spirit. Find a fun rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In” to get everyone up and smiling.
Throw a Mini-Mardi Gras Parade
Encourage the whole family to dress up in costumes or Mardi Gras colors and build your own float! You can make a float by starting with a plastic toddler car, stroller, wagon or even a kid’s shopping cart. Gather some neighbors to come together for a family-friendly Mardi Gras parade for the entire neighborhood!
What are your favorite ideas for creating a fun and memorable Fat Tuesday and Mardi Gras celebration for the whole family? Share with us in a comment!
Looking for more family-friendly party ideas? Follow Real Kids on Pinterest! We have lots of boards filled with party ideas of all kinds, crafts, games and more!