Our children are the life of the party and always ready for a good time. So, make plans for family days out to Mardi Gras in Southeast Texas and let the good times roll! Below, find a variety of ways to let them eat king cake and enjoy that Mardi Gras state of mind in 2024.
Guide to Mardi Gras family-friendly fun
BEAUMONT
Saturday, February 3rd
Kick the season off with the Art Museum of Southeast Texas’ FREE Family Arts Day!
On Saturday, February 3, from 10 AM – 2 PM, AMSET will have it all and address February holidays and special events, from live Black History Month dance performances at 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM to art activities that correlate with the current exhibition. With a concession stand serving ballpark-style food available (cash or card), art supply basket raffles, and all art materials provided, the monthly Family Arts Day is a not-to-miss local family favorite…and you can’t beat free!
AMSET is located on 500 Main St. in Downtown Beaumont across from the Civic Center. They also welcome you to bring your plastic bottles and aluminum cans to recycle at the museum.
Sunday, February 4th
Kids need training in observation skills? Try this out as an incentive and family adventure! Starting Sunday, February 4th, gather a trusted search party and have your flashlights ready for the 2024 Mardi Gras Southeast Texas Treasure Hunt Grand Prize!
Includes:
-huge, shiny trophy declaring this year’s treasure hunt winner
-Mardi Gras store goodies
-4 four day passes to Mardi Gras Southeast Texas
-oh…and $500!
Check out Mardi Gras Southeast Texas on Facebook for rules and details to come.
Thursday-Sunday, February 8-11th
Thinking those were the highlights above? We have barely touched the surface, friends. Get ready to catch the excitement with Mardi Gras Southeast Texas from February 8-11th!
For four thrilling days at the grounds of the Event Centre Downtown, find attractions ranging from the captivating Carnival with FREE admission & Fun Passes available, to the FREE Inflatable Kids Kingdom with a special toddler section, plus unique, unusual, mesmerizing, one-of-a-kind street performers & extreme entertainment inside. Remember, kids under 12 receive FREE gate admission!
Then, take in any of the numerous, festive parades where nothing beads Mardi Gras! Check routes here to find the perfect spot for your family, or better yet, register and participate in the Munchkin Parade together!
Can’t make the parade in-person, but would love to watch from home? ParadeCam is the answer! Thanks to the partnership of Mardi Gras Southeast Texas and 12NewsNow, the Majestic Krewe of Aurora Grand Parade can be watched live on the 12NewsNow Parade Cam as an additional way to support The Mardi Gras Southeast Texas non-profit organization that gives back to 14 incredible charities.
*See the full schedule here for each day’s hours and ticket pricing.
Now, let’s revisit the whole “let them eat king cake” phrase.
409 Fam picks for local king cake: Cake Turners in Lumberton, Golden Croissant in Nederland, and Beaumont’s SuperAntojo de Hidalgo’s mini king cakes…perfect for the kids! We constantly hear about the variety of flavors with perfectly delicious, moist pastry, wrapping round and hiding that coveted baby.
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ORANGE
Friday & Saturday, February 2nd-3rd
Laissez les bons temps rouler at the 20th annual Mardi Gras On the Sabine on Friday, February 2nd and Saturday, February 3rd! Head out to the Riverside Pavilion…beads or bust!
Explore Orange prepared a great schedule, perfectly created with families in mind:
Grab the kids and don’t miss your chance to be in a Mardi Gras parade this year! Munchkin Parade Registration
Then, prepare for The Krewe of Krewes parade to begin on Front Ave. and 1st Street at 6pm.
Tuesday, February 6th
Continue the party on February 6, from 6-8pm, by registering for a masquerade themed evening out, full of Mardi Gras magic at The W.H. Stark House!
Stroll through the lights in Stark Park along the way. Arrive to make your own masquerade mask and learn about the history of masquerade balls while creating your very own piece of history.
Register for the $5 Historical Craft Workshop, geared for ages 10 and up to adults.
*Please keep in mind that children under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
**Registration required.
Now through February 13th
Heritage House of Orange County
Discover the magic of Mardi Gras in Orange, TX through a unique field trip with the kiddos. The exhibit is now open through February 13. Come by anytime, Monday – Friday from 8am-4pm (donations appreciated).
