New Orleans - Mardi Gras with Kids! Family-Friendly Parades, Café Du Monde, the Zoo + Aquarium

Kelsey chats with Paige (@packwithpaige on Instagram) from Huntsville, AL about her February 2026 trip to New Orleans for Mardi Gras with her mom and two little ones, ages 4 and 2. She was pleasantly surprised to discover such a fun, family-friendly side of Mardi Gras.In this episode, Paige shares why these were some of the best parades she has ever been to, the super fun “catches” her kids loved like beads, stuffed animals, glow wands, toys, and more, plus the delicious food and kind locals that made the trip so memorable. This episode is available to watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kelseygravesIf you’d like to share about your trip on the podcast, email me at: kelsey@triptalespodcast.comBuy Me A Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/kelseygravesFollow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_gravesFollow me on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mskelseygravesJoin us in the Trip Tales Podcast Community Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1323687329158879Mentioned in this episode:- @packwithpaige: https://www.instagram.com/packwithpaige/- Uptown New Orleans- Princess Tiana and The Princess and the Frog- PARADES: Krewe of Hermes (illuminated floats & amazing throws), Krewe of Iris (all female parade, girly), Krewe of Thoth (cartoon themed), Krewe of Endymion (exceptionally long scenic floats), Krewe of Okeanos (mid-sized family-friendly parade), Krewe of Mid City (daytime Mardi Gras parade featuring bright tinfoil-covered floats and children-focused themes), Krewe of Bacchus (nighttime parade with massive animated super floats)- La Boulangerie French Bakery (sandwiches and pastries)- Pita Paradise Mediterranean Grill- PotBelly Nola (Cajun)- Cafe du Monde- Haydel's Bakery (King Cakes)- Magazine Street- Bourbon Street- French Quarter- Mardi Gras World museum- Audubon Park (zoo and aquarium)- Tiana themed birthday party- Laurel, MS: Ben and Erin Napier from the HGTV shot Home Town, Laurel Mercantile Co., Scent Library