Mardi Gras Parade Essentials with Kids
Wondering what to bring to a Mardi Gras parade with kids? Whether you love Mardi Gras or are new to the festivities, these are items that will help you have a great time at the parades with the family. Notice I said parades- plural. These are items of convenience if you plan to stay for more than one parade. For one singular parade, all you really need is a bag to put your throws in and you’re ready! You don’t have to purchase the exact items off of this list, but it will definitely give you an idea on how to prepare. Make sure you have everything you need so everyone can focus on the fun and moon pies!
The items on this list are considered essential for parents during Mardi Gras, especially those that have more than one child, but it isn’t everything you should pack. These should help you get started, but take a look at our Mardi Gras Guide for Families to be fully prepared.
1. Large bag or tote – This tote is everything for a busy mom with multiple kids. I love that it is waterproof and the top zips closed. I have used this bag for all kinds of outings and just absolutely love it! It is huge, so I tend to pack everything and leave it in the car (which should be within walking distance to the parade). We bring an extra set of clothes, toiletries, a small emergency kit, extra diapers, extra wipes, and a couple of small towels, because you just never know. This is just something I do for every outing, but if you don’t have space you can do a smaller version. While it isn’t necessary, it comes in handy so often.
2. Backpack – I highly recommend a backpack to carry things around while walking. We use our old diaper bag backpack because it is huge and has a lot of compartments, but any backpack would do. This is where you keep diapers, wipes, changing mat, sanitizer, dry snacks, water, potty seat covers, and toilet paper. Just some advice on packing, you don’t need more than a couple of anything. Just a small amount of each thing will do, such as, two diapers and two bottles of water. If you don’t want to drink after each other, the small disposable bathroom cups come in handy. You can always go to the car if need be, but you do not want to carry a bunch of unnecessary items.
3. Throw bags – The kids will need something to put their throws in and if your children are anything like ours, they will want their own. A plastic grocery bag will work just fine, but we do love the drawstring backpack style for the kiddos, so they can wear them when they aren’t using them.
4. Wagon/stroller – Obviously if you have very young and/or small kids, a stroller is great for keeping them contained and holding lots of things while being able to maneuver through crowds. However, if your kids are too big for a stroller, but still young enough to get tired of all the walking, I highly suggest taking a wagon. My four take turns in ours and this one has a high weight capacity. I love that it is smaller and collapsible, but if you want to go heavy duty, more power to ya! Also, if you plan on walking a long distance with a lot of stuff it is absolutely necessary.
5. Cooler – For drinks and cold snacks, so something on the smaller side is perfect. If you are going to day parades, you could pack lunches and eat in between. However, we fit 2 bottles of water, 4 can drinks, and 4 small kiddie cups. We threw in some cheese sticks and small snack bags of fruit and kept it in the stroller.
6. Kids Cup – I love these cups. Although they are a little pricey, they have lasted for years. I have bought the straw replacements, but the container is very durable. They are stainless steel, so very strong and keep things cold longer. This size is what I use for outings. I feel them all the way up and it is usually more than enough for a few hours, but they do come in larger sizes.
7. Travel Potty/Seat Covers/Toilet Paper – If you are potty training or have a small toddler that you don’t want to be in a porta potty with, this travel potty is excellent. We have kept one in our car since our Disney trip and it has been a lifesaver on more than one occasion. Seriously, it just stays in the car and is more sanitary than taking a toddler that likes to touch any and everything in a public restroom facility. For yourself and any older kids, the seat covers are where it’s at. Even in a public restroom, these are great.
8. Poncho or Raincoat – I linked some kids ponchos, which are nice to have for just in case moments, but raincoats are good too. I do feel like a poncho covers more, so may be better, but we highly suggest leaving the umbrella behind. They are more trouble and take up good hand usage.
9. Sunglasses/Hat – For yourself, but also for the kids. I know sunglasses tend to get knocked off or broken with kids, so a cheap pair is great. I linked some that has the attached string around the neck, but if your kids will be wearing beads I say a hat is better. My boys prefer their baseball caps, but a floppy hat is better for covering the neck in our opinion.
10. Chairs/Blanket – A good tailgate chair is perfect for adults and older kids if you will be staying close to the car or is easy to carry. For ages 6 months to around age 2, I linked the Hiccapop travel chair. My triplets had these and they were great. We took them so many places. If you are a large family I suggest a blanket. The one I linked is very similar to what I have and we use it quite often. I love that it is washable and folds up nice.
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