Sure, there are some rowdy parts of Mardi Gras, but there are also plenty of ways to make this celebration family-friendly. Here are our favorite family-friendly events happening in Central NJ. We’ve also included some kid-friendly activities you can do to celebrate from the comfort of your home. Celebrate Mardi Gras – family style!
Can I get a shout of, “Laissez les bons temps rouler!?” (Let the good times roll!)
Events in Central NJ
3rd Annual Asbury Park Mardi Gras
February 10, 2018 at 1pm – 5pm
Downtown Asbury (Asbury Park, NJ)
It’s time for the 3rd Annual Asbury Park Mardi Gras! Join us as we bring a little bit of New Orleans into New Jersey. Free fun for adults & kids with mask making and face painting in the afternoon. Then don’t miss the masquerade ball that night! (grown-up fun begins at 7pm)
Event Details
Mardi Gras Music Celebration
February 10, 2018 at 2:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Old Bridge Public Library (Old Bridge, NJ)
Celebrate Mardi Gras with Vocalist and Trumpeter Gordon James. Gordon and pianist Mark Minchello take you down to New Orleans with their renditions of traditional favorites from the birthplace of jazz. Featuring New Orleans artists like Louis Armstrong, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Fats Domino, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dr. John, and Alan Toussaint. Songs include: Go to the Mardi Gras, Bourbon Street Parade, Basin Street Blues, Way Down Yonder in New Orleans, Blueberry Hill, Let the Good Times Roll, and When the Saints Go Marchin’ In.
Event Details
Mardi Gras Bash
February 12, 2018 at 9:30am – 10:30am
Princeton Playspace (Princeton, NJ)
Included in Open Play Admission & Monthly and Yearly Memberships. RSVP to play@princetonplayspace.co
What’s included?
*Open Play
*King Cake
*Coffee/Tea for Adults
*Mardi Gras Necklace Craft
Event Details
Mardi Gras Cajun Food Fest
February 13, 2018 at 12pm – 8pm
The Fanwood Grille (Fanwood, NJ)
The Fanwood Grille (34 South Martine Ave.) will celebrate Mardi Gras on Tuesday, Feb. 13, with a special Cajun food menu that will include the eatery’s popular New Orleans chicken gumbo, along with crawfish etouffée, and Po’ boy sandwiches. For the occasion, the Grille will extend its evening hours until 8:00 p.m. Reservations are suggested. Free Mardi Gras beads for the kids and New Orleans jazz music. To make a reservation, call the Fanwood Grille at (908) 322-9500.
Event Details
Mardi Gras – Kids Eat Free
February 13, 2018 at 5pm – 8pm
The Greene Turtle (North Brunswick, NJ)
Join your Turtle Fam for a fun-filled, family friendly Mardi Gras Celebration! Enjoy our usual Kids Eat Free Tuesday and indulge in fun kid activities and Mardi Gras-themed decorations.
Event Details
Home Activities
Mask Making
Decorate masks from Oriental Trading with feathers, jewels, and fun foam shapes.
Make a King Cake
Have your kids help you make a festive Mardi Gras king cake. Here is an easy recipe.
(Image credit: Pillsbury)
Parade at Home
Get dressed up, turn up some jams and have a Mardi Gras Pretend Parade from the comfort of your home.
Glow Dance Party
Play some music and turn off the lights. Don’t forget the glow necklaces, bracelets and glow sticks!
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