While the spectacular floats and the sequined-and-feathered costumes of Mardi Gras would appeal to just about any child, most parents find the parade and the accompanying debauchery a bit too racy for the kids. So, to get into the Mardi Gras spirit year-round, visit Mardi Gras World, where 80 percent of the floats that travel down the New Orleans streets during Carnival season are designed and built.
It's an actual working studio, where artists sketch, sculpt, and paint the colorful figures and floats for the next year's parades. You'll tour enormous warehouses filled with floats and learn about the traditions surrounding Mardi Gras parades, balls, and music. You'll also learn the inside scoop on float designing and building.
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There's a chest full of bejeweled costumes for children to try on, and King Cakee, a tasty Mardi Gras tradition, is served at the end of the tour.