Ah, can’t you just you smell the zing of the crawfish boil and feel the sting of beads smacking your hands and/or face?!
Laissez les bon temps rouler, y’all! It’s Carnival time!
You’re probably decorated your house, pulled out the costumes, and eaten tons of king cake. But… have you registered your child for Mardi Gras camp?
We’ve pulled together some options on both shores — most are open on Lundi Gras, then Ash Wednesday through Friday — and many are offering Spring Break camps, too. But they’re filling up fast, so register soon!
Adventure Quest Laser Tag (Harahan)
February 24, 26-28; 7:30am-5:30pm
Campers, ages 5-12, will blast through the ancient Mayan ruins in laser tag, crash through the jungle in our bumper cars, and explore the ancient temple in a round of mini golf, but we’ll also provide many other games and activities for them to connect and grow. Spring Break Camp is April 15-19. https://www.lasertagnola.com/Schoolbreakcamps.cfm
Art Time (Mandeville)
February 27-28; (times below)
Kids ages 4- 8th grade will spend their time creating amazing works of art in a positive, comfortable environment. Session are: age 4-Kindergarten 9-10:30am; 1st-3rd grade 9-10:30am or 11am-12:30pm; 3rd-8th grade 9am-12pm or 1-4pm OR Full Day 9am-4pm. Spring break camp is April 16 & 17. http://arttime.biz/
Audubon Zoo (Uptown)
February 26-28; 9am – 3pm (before and after care available)
4-10 years old. Campers will get close-up encounters with the zoo’s animal ambassadors, tour behind the scenes, and spend time outdoors in free play. Each day is full of animal exploration, scientific investigation, arts and crafts, and more. https://audubonnatureinstitute.org/camps/mardi-gras-camp
Culinary Kids Northshore (Mandeville)
February 26-28; 9am-3pm (before and after care available)
Kids, ages 5-12, participating in this camp will get to make meals, snacks and desserts, plus enjoy gardening, special guests, crafts, science experiments, and indoor/outdoor games. Spring Break Camp is scheduled for April 10, 13-17. http://culinarykidsns.com/
Elmwood Kidsports (Harahan)
February 21, 24, 26-28; 9am-3:30pm (before and after care available)
This camp allows kids ages 3-13 to enjoy fun and games, an obstacle course, Spacewalk, arts and crafts, an outdoor pirate ship playground, the Adventure Challenge maze, and more. Spring break camp is April 6-9 & 13-17. http://www.ochsnerfitness.com/kidsports
Franco’s Athletic Club (Mandeville)
February 24-28; 8am-5:30pm
Kids ages 5-13 can enjoy games, inflatable obstacle course, Mardi Gras arts & crafts, movies, fitness classes, and tennis. Spring break camp is April 10-17. https://francosmandeville.com/programs/kids/camps-events/
Louisiana Children’s Museum (City Park)
February 26-28; 9:30am – 4:30pm (before and after care available)
Campers ages 4 to 6 years old and 7 to 9 years old In this Mardi Gras themed camp we will go behind the scenes to learn about the history and multiculturalism of our favorite New Orleans season. Let’s get creative with king cake, beadwork, and recycled instruments. Our final day of camp will culminate in a Creative Krewe Parade around the galleries and outdoor spaces of LCM. https://www.lcm.org/camps/
Madisonville Equestrian
February 24, 26-28; 9am-3:30pm (before and after care available)
Students ages 4-16 will participate in English-style riding, games on horseback, hands on involvement and instruction on proper use of tack, grooming techniques, and proper care for horse. Adult riders are also welcome. Session one of their Spring Break camp is April 10; Session 2 is April 13-17. http://www.madisonvilleequestriancenter.com/CampIndex.html
Mandeville Sports Complex
February 24, 26-28; 9am-3pm (before and after care available)
This Mardi Gras camp for ages 4-12 will offer group games, free play on the gymnastics floor, bounce house, outside activities, game room, and more. Their spring break camp is April 13-17. http://www.mandevillesportscomplex.com/
NOLA Kidsground
February 24, 26 – 28; 9am-3pm (before and after care available)
At this STEAMtastic, campers ages 5-7 work together with “tribes” full of friends who share their passions to create entire worlds built around our exciting pop culture themes. Early bird discount by February 10. https://www.nolakidsground.com/post/mardi-gras-camp
Pony Tales (St. Rose – St. Charles Parish)
February 24, 26-28; 9am – 3pm (before and after care available)
This camp will allow kids, ages 5-12, the chance to get some horse and pony riding instruction, horsemanship instruction, plus they’ll participate in horse-related games and crafts. Spring Break camps are April 6-10 & 13-17. Ponytalesbirthdays.com
YMCA – East Jefferson (Metairie)
February 24, 26-28; 7:30am – 5:30pm (ends at 2pm on Monday – after care available)
The East Jefferson YMCA offers special holiday camps for ages 5-12 during school breaks. Activities include themed stories, songs, crafts and holiday decorations. www.ymcaneworleans.org
X Fusion Family Arena (Covington)
February 24, 26-28; 7am-4pm (aftercare available)
Activities for campers ages 4-12 include rock climbing, obstacle course, indoor zip line, tire wall races, group games, outdoor recreational games, arts and crafts, weekly themes, water days, in-house field trips, and more. Spring Break camp is April 10, 13-17. https://www.xfusionfamilyarena.com/camp