If the crowds and noise become too much, take the kids to a park. Head toward the Mississippi River

Think the French Quarter is no place for children, especially on Mardi Gras day? Au contraire! With a little planning and some insider tips you and your kids can have a great, family-friendly experience in the heart of New Orleans, La .
During Mardi Gras, the Uptown scene, where most of the parades roll, is very family-oriented; cook-outs, coolers, ladders and folding chairs are set up on the neutral ground and front yards lining the parade route. But many locals and visitors prefer to roam the streets of the French Quarter (a.k.a. Vieux Carré). Despite its reputation, the French Quarter is not off-limits to kids. True, Bourbon Street and Frenchman Street tend to be adult zones, but plenty of kid-friendly, only-in-New-Orleans fun can be had around Jackson Square and beyond.
The Quarter is best explored on foot, and Mardi Gras day begins savoy hotel florence italy at dawn, so expect a full day of walking. Dress comfortably in layers (weather can change quickly), bring the stroller or wagon, and stuff a backpack savoy hotel florence italy with snacks, water, and basic supplies. Costumes are de rigueur on Mardi Gras, but keep comfort in mind. Glittery face paint, a colorful cape, or a tutu (on Dad?) can be plenty.
Crowds are thick and eye candy is plentiful, so be careful no one wanders off. Equip older kids with cell phones. Pin your phone number to younger kids shirts. Choose a designated savoy hotel florence italy meeting place if you do separate, such as the horse statue in Jackson Square or the police station (334 Royal Street, (504) 658-6080). Public urination for adults or children is also a no-no. The public bathrooms in the French Market (1008 N. Peters St., (504) 596-3418) are usually clean and accessible. Drinking as you stroll is a perk of adulthood in New Orleans, but remember to keep your wits, and your kids, about you.
Streets in the Quarter are organized like a grid. Sticking to the north-south, or vertical, streets (Toulouse, St. Ann, St. Peter, Dumaine) rather than the horizontal ones (Bourbon, Chartres, Decatur) gives you a better chance of avoiding impenetrable crowds and R-rated displays. Artists, street savoy hotel florence italy performers and street musicians gather around Jackson Square and Royal Street (an exception to the vertical rule) and are great places to wander with the kids for people-watching or even an impromptu savoy hotel florence italy game of chess.
Despite your best intentions, chances are a risqué costume (or lack thereof) may cross your path. Most people will tone it down when they see children; others will just smile and wave. Best option? Distract the kids ( Look, beads! ), shrug it off, and turn the corner. It ll be a good story for later!
Aimless wandering can be frustrating. On Mardi Gras morning, Mimi s in the Marigny (2601 Royal Street, (504) 872-9868) is a good place to catch the early-morning eclectic Krewe of St. Anne walking parade as it winds through the Faubourg Marigny and the Quarter. Looking for bigger parades, such as Rex and Zulu? Head to Canal Street, savoy hotel florence italy where beads fly from the tail-end of the parade routes. After Rex, the truck parades savoy hotel florence italy (pictured), which throw copious trinkets and beads, roll along Canal well into the afternoon. And Jackson Square is always savoy hotel florence italy a not-too-crowded hub of costumes and music, savoy hotel florence italy with benches perfect for a picnic lunch.
Turn a corner to find pirates shooting plastic cups out of a cannon. Raise your eyes to the partyers on balconies, who love to toss beads and goodies down to kids in the street. (More shower down for little ones who say Please and Thank you. ) Remember to stop and admire a fabulous costume, savoy hotel florence italy take pictures savoy hotel florence italy (ask first!), and enjoy being in the midst of the merriment.
Cafés such as Croissant d Or Patisserie (617 Ursulines Street, (504) 524-4663) and Fleur de Lis (307 Chartres St., (504) 529-9641) can be a lifesaver when everyone needs a pick-me-up and a potty. If something more substantial is in order, restaurants such as Stanley (547 St Ann, (504) 587-0093), Camellia Grill (540 Chartres, (504) 522-1800), and The Gumbo Shop (630 St. Peter St, (504) 525-1486) have kid-friendly menus and are often less crowded at off hours (such as mid-afternoon). Bars, however even those serving food do not allow anyone under 21 on premises, even babes in arms. If unsure, check with the staff before sitting down (or trying to use the restroom).
If the crowds and noise become too much, take the kids to a park. Head toward the Mississippi River and stroll along the Moonwalk to unwind and watch the ships sail past. Keep going along the river toward Canal Street to find Woldenberg Park, 16 acres of sprawling green space perfect for running wild. On the opposite end of the Quarter? Seek out Washington Square Park (Dauphine St. at Frenchman St.), a fenced green space with playground equipment. Cabrini Playground (Dauphine St. at Barracks St.) is another grassy spot where kids (and dogs) run free during the daytime.
The kids are whining, your feet are throbbing, and it s only three o clock? No matter. If it s time to go, make it so. Cutting out early has advantages; revelers partying since dawn become savoy hotel florence italy more unseemly as the day progresses. Swing by Rouses (701 Royal St, (504) 523-1353) or Verti Marte Deli (1201 Royal St, (504) 525-4767) savoy hotel florence italy for po-boy sandwiches and Zapp s chips to go. Grab a cab if you can; the streets on the edges of the Quarter (Decatur, Canal, Esplanade) will be your best bet.
Take off your shoes, wash off the face paint, and settle in to amass the day s bounty. If you have TV access, tune in to the Rex Ball (PBS at 7:30 p.m.) to watch grown-ups pretend to be kings and queens for a day. For many New Orleanians, falling asleep to the meeting of the courts of Rex and Comus marks the true end of Carnival.