Events for Kids
January
Krewe of Little Rascals: Metairie
Named after the fun-loving, mischievous kids from TV, the Krewe of Little Rascals is the longest-running children’s Mardi Gas krewe in America. The parade begins at noon at the corner of Eldorado Street and Woodlawn Avenue. See the complete parade route.
Family Gras: Metairie
Celebrate Carnival season as a family with this free festival featuring music from national and local artists, food, and more! The celebration is held on neutral grounds on Veterans Memorial Boulevard across from Lakeside Shopping Center in Metairie or on the grounds of Clearview Mall.
February
Mardi Gras Parades: New Orleans
With extravagant floats and fun throws, Mardi Gras can be a kid-friendly event – seriously! CLICK HERE for a kid's guide to the best parades, viewing locations, tips, and more.
March
International Children’s Film Festival: New Orleans Public Library Main Branch
Sponsored by the New Orleans Film Society, the eighth annual New Orleans International Children’s Film Festival cultivates the love of cinema in kids. The event includes a screening of top children’s films. The event is free and open to the public.
Frisco Festival: San Francisco Plantation
This family-friendly event showcases more than 100 crafters and artists, tasty Cajun and Creole cuisine, and more! The event also has plenty of kids' activities including pony rides, rocking climbing, and bungee trampolines. There’s also a fun run and open car show.
Soul Fest: Audubon Zoo
Soul Fest celebrates African-American history with music, food, and fun! With live performances by local Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, and Gospel artists, this two-day event is fun the whole family will enjoy.
Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Parade: French Quarter
The Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a fun family tradition in New Orleans that has been celebrating the Patron Saint of Ireland and Irish culture for more than half a century!
St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Metairie
This annual parade begins at noon on Severn Avenue in front of Rummel High School. The parade features plenty of pomp and circumstance with more than 40 floats and a dozen marching groups.
Irish Italian Parade: Metairie
The Irish-Italian parade merges two cultures together to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and St. Joseph’s Day with fun throws like cabbage and vegetables as well as traditional Carnival throws. The parade begins at noon at Clearview Shopping Center.
Hoppin’ Down The River Easter with Bourgeois The Bunny: Creole Queen
Celebrate Easter as a family with the Creole Queen as the cruise ship paddles down the Mighty Mississippi. The cruise features a delicious lunch buffet, sweet Easter treats, and games for the little ones.
April
Irish Italian Islenos Parade
Just 5 miles from New Orleans, your little ones will have fun catching all of the throws from this parade including cabbage, carrots, onions, lemons, and potatoes along with beads, cups, and more!
French Quarter Festival: French Quarter
What started as a small neighborhood festival is now the world's biggest showcase of Louisiana food and music! Every year a number of events just for kids are scattered across the 4-day festival. Past events include a STEAM Zone (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) with interactive activities on the Riverfront at the Natchez Wharf and music, entertainment, crafts, and educational projects at the Hermann-Grima House.
May
Mother’s Day Celebration: Audubon Zoo
Spend Mother’s Day as a family with live music, food, and all-around family fun from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Moms get in free!
June
Kids Swing and Sing Family Music Series: New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park
Visit the French Market for a family fun day with the Kids Swing & Sing with the Swing Setters. The smooth jazz beat and children’s tunes will have everyone’s feet tapping. The music kicks off at 12:30 p.m.
Family Fun on the Steamboat Natchez or Riverboat City of New Orleans
Every day is Family Fun Day aboard the Steamboat Natchez or the Riverboat City of New Orleans! Enjoy live Jazz music as you journey down the mighty Mississippi with views of the French Quarter and beyond. Explore the multiple decks on this 2-hour cruise and be sure to visit the top deck for panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the many unique sites along her banks. Multiple cruise times are available, and Creole cuisine is optional.
October
Ghost in the Oaks
City Park offers non-scary fun for the whole family, including unlimited rides in Carousel Gardens, trick-or-treating in Storyland, arts and crafts, a pumpkin patch, airbrush tattoos, balloon animals, music, and more!
Boo at the Zoo: Audubon Zoo
Grab your kids and costumes for trick-or-treating at the zoo. The event is generally the last two weekends of October with live music, food, and family fun.
New Orleans Pumpkin Patch: City Park
Looking for a magical day of fall fun? Spend a day at the pumpkin patch. You can pick out the perfect pumpkin, play some games, jump in the bounce house, take a hay ride, and more! Tickets range from $5-8
New Canal Haunted Lighthouse
This new Halloween event on Saturday prior to Halloween Day is ideal for ages 12 and under. Weave your way through the spider web maze and hunt for ghosts and listen to spooky stories. Enjoy an afternoon of fun, games, arts and crafts...and of course...candy! Located at 8001 Lakeshore Dr., tickets are available at SaveOurLake.org/haunted.
December
NYE Ball Drop: Louisiana Children’s Museum
Kids can watch the Ball Drop while the sun is still up with the Louisiana Children’s Museum’s annual NYE Ball Drop at noon!