Family-Friendly Frights: Tips for Bringing Kids to Krewe of BOO!

Sure, Krewe of BOO! has fog machines, flying skeletons, and grown-ups in vampire capes—but don’t be fooled: this spooky spectacular is also one seriously fun family affair. With costumed characters, candy-packed throws, and musical mayhem, it's the perfect way to introduce your little ghouls to the magic of New Orleans Halloween.

Here’s how to survive—and thrive—at Krewe of BOO! with kids in tow. Because nothing says "quality family time" like catching plush pumpkins while standing next to a dancing zombie.

🎭 1. Dress the Part (Yes, You Too, Grown-Up)

Kids LOVE costumes, and there’s no better parade to go full-on fabulous than BOO! Whether they want to be a witch, wizard, monster, or glow-in-the-dark dinosaur—let their spooky flag fly. Parents: join the fun! A themed family costume (like “Ghostbusters + Ghosts” or “Addams Family 2.0”) not only earns you points, it also helps you stay visible in the crowd.

🍬 2. Bring a Trick-or-Treat Bag or Bucket

Krewe of BOO! throws are next-level cool: think plush toys, spooky beads, candy, vampire fangs, and glow sticks. Be prepared to catch and collect with a sturdy treat bag. Bonus tip: label it with your kid’s name in case it goes flying during a candy-grabbing frenzy.

🧃 3. Hydrate Your Little Monsters

Costumes are hot. Parades are long. And excitement is high. Bring water bottles, juice boxes, and maybe a few low-sugar snacks (yes, before they dive into the candy tsunami). Trust us—nobody wants to parent a dehydrated pirate.

🕯️ 4. Arrive Early to Find a Great (and Safe) Spot

Claim your curbside viewing zone at least an hour before the parade rolls. Look for lower-traffic areas near the beginning or middle of the route, like along Decatur or near Canal. Avoid Bourbon Street—it’s a bit more adult-oriented.

Bring foldable chairs or a blanket for the kiddos. Sidewalk spots offer the best view and make it easier for krewe members to spot tiny costumed cuties and toss throws their way.

🧛 5. Noise Happens—Come Prepared

Marching bands, flambeaux torches, and howling werewolves = loud. Ear protection for sensitive little ears can make all the difference. Foam earplugs or kid-sized earmuffs are lifesavers (especially for first-time parade-goers).

🛍️ 6. Glow Up for Visibility

It gets dark fast, and the crowd gets packed. Add glow bracelets, LED necklaces, or blinking pins to your child’s costume for visibility. Reflective tape works great too—and they’ll feel like part of the light-up float brigade.

🧟 7. Know Your Exits, Bathrooms & Break Zones

Have a plan. Identify nearby public restrooms, friendly bars with changing tables (yes, they exist), and “quiet corners” where you can regroup if the kids get overwhelmed. Pack wipes, extra costume parts, and at least one snack bribe. You’re still in New Orleans, after all.

🎉 8. Consider the Zombie Run Mini-Spectacle

The New Orleans Zombie Run that kicks off parade weekend is also family-friendly and fun to watch—even if you’re not participating. Seeing runners chased by costumed zombies = instant laughs and spooky inspiration for your tiny tricksters.

🧙‍♀️ 9. Teach Parade Etiquette (Kid Edition)

• Don’t run into the street (throws come to you)

• Share the loot when you catch extra

• Say “thank you” to float riders—they LOVE it

• No beaning people with plastic pumpkins, no matter how cute they are

💀 10. Be Ready for a Nap—or a Sugar Crash

Bring a stroller or wagon for younger kids. After the parade, somebody’s going to melt down—and it might not just be the toddler. Have a post-parade plan, whether it’s heading home for bed or grabbing a family-friendly meal at a quieter spot.

Krewe of BOO! is spooky, spectacular, and 100% kid-approved when done right. With a little planning, a lot of snacks, and a great costume, your family will be the most BOO-tiful krewe on the route.

🎃 Happy haunting, tiny monsters! We’ll see you on the sidewalk—fanged, festive, and ready for fun.