Most parades are family-friendly. In fact, the Uptown New Orleans, Metairie and North Shore parades are packed with families that build their whole days around the Carnival parade schedule.
Although crowds can get tight and there is the occasional bad egg, much of the boozy crowds stick to Bourbon Street, which is home to the huge drag queen contest, where costumes are elaborate, and often fairly raunchy. And contrary to the beliefs of many Mardi Gras novices, women aren’t likely to bare all in family-friendly areas.