When you hear 'Mardi Gras' does your mind race to parades of scantilly-clad women and drunken men? If you want a fun way to celebrate the holiday and save your family a trip to the Big Easy, why not try these family friendly Mardi Gras ideas?

Eat King Cake
This traditional Kings Cake calls for cinnamon in the dough rather than being rolled up like a cinnamon roll. Don't forget to include the bean or almond to crown your King!

Decorate Masks
Grab the feathers and some glitter glue! You can make your own mask for Mardi Gras. CraftJr.com has a template or purchase pre-cut masks on Amazon.

Make Jambalaya
When I eat jambalaya, I want the heat of cajun flavors to steam out of my ears. Realistically, my kids actually start to cry when I serve up something that hot and spicy. For family-friendly jambalaya, you can opt for this version by The Galley Gourmet. We substitute turkey kielbasa for the andouille sausage and the chicken is helpful if you have non-shrimp eaters in your house. Maybe you want to add gator-on-a-stick? Tastes a lot like chicken!

Host A Parade
Pull out your musical instruments and favorite Halloween costumes. Mardi Gras means you can sport a spooky skeleton or simply put on something green, purple or gold. Don't forget to have plenty of feather boas and sparkles. Take a turn around the block and invite your neighbors to join in.

Revive a Goal
Traditionally, Mardi Gras is the no-holds-bar party before the repentant season of Lent. As a family, take turns writing down or sharing one bad habit or indulgence they want to give up and putting it in a jar. Take a positive spin and set a family goal. Could be a great time to revive a New Year's Resolutions!

Enjoy Jazz Music
Have your kids ever listened to Jazz Music? Introduce them to John Coltrane's saxaphone, the vocals of Louis Armstrong or the syncopated sounds of Duke Ellington and his orchestra. Add Jazz for Beginners to your playlist and your kiddos will be tapping their toes in no time.

Dinner and a Movie
After a busy day, treat your family to a pancake dinner and a movie set in New Orleans, Disney's The Princess and the Frog. You'll be ready to relax and put the kiddos to bed all before midnight.

What are your family-friendly traditions for Mardi Gras?

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