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Family Packing List for New Orleans, Louisiana
Family Mardi Gras belongs Uptown on St. Charles Avenue, not in Bourbon Street chaos; the rest of the year, humidity drives the packing math.
Updated July 2026
Quick answer
For New Orleans with kids, pack broken-in closed shoes, ponchos, SPF 50, mosquito repellent, and a fold-fast stroller. June–September reaches 32°C / 90°F+ with 70–90% humidity, so allow 2 shirts per child daily; October–February often brings milder 15–20°C / 59–68°F days. For Mardi Gras, watch Uptown between First Street and Napoleon Avenue, not Bourbon Street, and carry a wagon or ladder seat, snacks, water, wipes, ponchos, and a throw bag.
At a glance
- Family Mardi Gras:
- Uptown St. Charles, First St–Napoleon Ave
- Mardi Gras 2027:
- Tuesday, Feb 9, 2027
- Summer:
- 32°C+ / 90°F+, 70–90% humidity
- Hurricane season:
- Jun–Nov; peak Aug–Sep
Sample checklist preview
5 days · 2 adults · 2 childrenWhat the generator starts with for this trip type — you can edit everything in the next step.
- Hats×1
- Dress Shirts×2
- Dresses×2
- T-shirts×3
- Pants×2
- Shorts×3
- Socks×5
- Underwear×5
- Sleepwear×2
- Casual Sandals×1
- Passport×1
- Electronic Chargers×1
The full generator adjusts these for weather, laundry, travelers, and destination.
What actually matters in New Orleans
- •Watch family Mardi Gras on St. Charles between First and Napoleon, not Bourbon Street.
- •Use Napoleon Avenue near parade starts so children see floats earlier and can make bedtime.
- •Pack a wagon/ladder seat, snacks, water, wipes, ponchos, closed shoes, and 1 large throw bag.
- •Allow 2 shirts per child daily June–September in 32°C+ heat and 70–90% humidity.
- •Fold strollers fast on streetcars and carry exact change or the Le Pass app.
- •Dress children in dark clothes for Café du Monde powdered sugar.
- •Carry packable ponchos for year-round afternoon storms and repellent for heavy June–September mosquitoes.
- •Use beach-level sun gear at City Park and Audubon Zoo.
Typical weather by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17°C / 62°F | 8°C / 46°F | 9 |
| Feb | 19°C / 66°F | 10°C / 50°F | 8 |
| Mar | 23°C / 73°F | 14°C / 57°F | 8 |
| Apr | 27°C / 80°F | 18°C / 64°F | 7 |
| May | 30°C / 86°F | 22°C / 71°F | 8 |
| Jun | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 76°F | 13 |
| Jul | 33°C / 91°F | 25°C / 77°F | 16 |
| Aug | 33°C / 91°F | 25°C / 77°F | 15 |
| Sep | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 74°F | 11 |
| Oct | 27°C / 81°F | 18°C / 64°F | 6 |
| Nov | 22°C / 71°F | 12°C / 54°F | 7 |
| Dec | 18°C / 64°F | 9°C / 48°F | 9 |
Typical monthly averages for planning. Check a forecast closer to your trip.
Seasonal things to plan around
- Jun–NovHurricane season; peak Aug–Sep.
- Jun–SepDangerous heat index and heavy mosquitoes.
- Feb 9, 2027Mardi Gras crowds; route schedules move yearly.
- Year-round afternoonsFast thunderstorms; carry ponchos.
Common New Orleans packing mistakes
- •Taking children to Bourbon Street for Mardi Gras instead of the Uptown St. Charles route.
- •Packing 1 shirt daily in 90°F summer humidity; use 2 per child.
- •Using open sandals on debris-covered parade routes; closed shoes protect toes.
- •Boarding a streetcar with an unfolded full-size stroller; use a fold-fast model.
- •Wearing white for beignets; powdered sugar covers children within 10 minutes.
Notes by where you're traveling from
From the US
- •MSY connects major hubs and sits roughly 25 minutes from downtown.
- •Use streetcar/ride-share rather than a French Quarter car.
- •Check parade road closures.
From the UK
- •Connect via a US hub; nonstop availability varies.
- •Bring Type G-to-A/B adapters.
- •ESTA required for eligible travelers.
From Canada
- •Connect via Toronto, Houston, Dallas, or Atlanta.
- •Canadian plugs work; prices are USD.
- •Winter is the mild family window.
From Australia
- •Travel commonly exceeds 20 hours via a US hub.
- •Bring Type I-to-A/B adapters.
- •Combine with a longer US trip.
Venue and attraction rules
- Uptown Mardi Gras
- Use St. Charles between First and Napoleon for families; obey ladder setback and route rules.
- Streetcars
- Fold strollers and use exact fare or Le Pass.
- Café du Monde
- Dark children’s clothes and wipes handle powdered sugar.
FAQ
Where should families watch Mardi Gras?
Use Uptown St. Charles Avenue between First Street and Napoleon Avenue, not Bourbon Street. Napoleon near the route start lets children see parades earlier.
When is Mardi Gras 2027?
Fat Tuesday is February 9, 2027. Individual parade dates and routes must be checked when the official schedule publishes.
What belongs in a Mardi Gras parade kit?
Bring a wagon or legal ladder seat, snacks, water, wet wipes, ponchos, closed-toe shoes, and a large bag for throws.
How much clothing do kids need in summer?
June–September often exceeds 90°F / 32°C with 70–90% humidity. Plan 2 shirts per child per day or one daily laundry cycle.
Is the French Quarter safe with kids?
Daytime streets are family-friendly for beignets and history; avoid Bourbon’s late-night crowds. Use a compact stroller for cobbles and dense sidewalks.
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