“Laissez les bons temps rouler!”
If you aren’t fluent in French, that translates to the official motto of one of the world’s most vibrant festivals: “Let the good times roll!”
Festivals are usually synonymous with feasting, but there is one festival specifically designed for the art of indulgence. We are talking about Mardi Gras, which literally translates to “Fat Tuesday.” It is a day of music, parades, beads, and celebration before the solemn season of Lent begins.
While the most famous celebrations happen in New Orleans, Rio, and Venice, you don’t need a plane ticket to join the fun. You can bring the carnival spirit right into your living room or classroom with these 10 Magnificent Mardi Gras Printables for Kids.
From masquerade masks to educational math games, we have curated a list of printable activities that mix creativity with culture. But before we fire up the printer, let’s explore why we celebrate this purple, green, and gold holiday.
A Quick History of “Fat Tuesday”
To make these activities educational, it helps to share the backstory with your children. Mardi Gras is celebrated the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent.
Lent is a 40-day Christian observance leading up to Easter, traditionally characterized by fasting and simple living. Because people knew they would be giving up rich foods like meat, eggs, and dairy for 40 days, they would hold a massive feast on Tuesday to use up all the “fatty” ingredients in their pantry. Hence, Fat Tuesday!
Did You Know? Mardi Gras isn’t just an American thing. It’s a global phenomenon known by many names:
- United Kingdom: Pancake Day (or Shrove Tuesday)
- Italy: Martedì Grasso
- Germany: Fetter Donnerstag
- Sweden: Fettisdagen
Now that we know the history, let’s get the party started. Here are 10 amazing printable ideas to create your own carnival.
1. DIY Masquerade Mask Templates
You simply cannot have Mardi Gras without a mask. Historically, mask-wearing allowed people of different social classes to mingle without judgment during the carnival. For kids, it’s just a chance to look mysterious and magical!
The Activity: Download a blank masquerade mask template. Print it on heavy cardstock (this is crucial for durability).
- Creative Twist: Don’t just color them! Set up a “decoration station” with sequins, feathers, glitter glue, and rhinestones.
- Assembly: Instead of using elastic string which can snap, tape a paper straw or a chopstick to the side of the mask so the child can hold it up to their face like a vintage ballroom attendee.
2. Mardi Gras Color-by-Number (Preschool Focus)
For the younger “Krewe” members (toddlers and preschoolers), intricate cutting might be too difficult. A color-by-number printable is the perfect solution.
The Educational Value: Look for printables that feature the traditional Jester or the Fleur-de-lis. This activity reinforces:
- Number Recognition: Matching the number to the crayon.
- Color Theory: Introduce them to the official colors of Mardi Gras: Purple (Justice), Green (Faith), and Gold (Power).
3. “Design Your Own Float” Shoebox Wraps
The highlight of any Mardi Gras celebration is the parade of elaborate floats. Why not turn a shoebox into a miniature float?
The Printable: Search for “Mardi Gras Float Scenery” printables. These are backgrounds and side panels you can print, cut, and glue onto a shoebox.
- The STEM Angle: Challenge your kids to engineer a float using a shoebox and a string. They can use the printables to decorate the sides, and then glue action figures or dolls on top to “ride” the float.
4. The Mardi Gras Word Search
For elementary-aged kids, a word search is a fantastic way to build vocabulary related to the holiday.
Key Vocabulary to Look For:
- Doubloon: The coins thrown from floats.
- Krewe: The organizations that put on the parades.
- King Cake: The traditional dessert.
- Zydeco: The style of music often played during celebrations.
- Baton Rouge: A major city in Louisiana.
Tip: You can easily generate your own custom word search online if you can’t find one that includes these specific cultural terms!
5. Jester Hat Crown Templates
If masks aren’t their thing, maybe a hat is! The Court Jester is a classic symbol of the carnival.
The Activity: Print out a template that features the three-pointed jester hat. This usually comes in strips that you tape together to fit the child’s head.
- Add Sound: To make it authentic, punch small holes in the tips of the paper hat points and tie on real little bells. The kids will jingle wherever they walk!
6. Mardi Gras Bingo
This is the ultimate classroom or party game. It’s interactive, easy to set up, and fun for all ages.
How to Play: Print out unique Bingo cards featuring icons like beads, masks, drums, trumpets, and slices of King Cake.
- The Markers: Instead of using boring bingo chips or checking them off with a pen, use Doubloons (plastic gold coins) or chocolate coins as markers.
- The Prize: The winner gets the first slice of the King Cake!
7. Bead Counting & Sorting Mats
Mardi Gras beads are everywhere during this season. Use a printable sorting mat to turn those plastic necklaces into a math lesson.
The Activity: Print a sheet with circles labeled 1 through 10, or circles labeled “Purple,” “Green,” and “Gold.”
- Skill Building: Have the child cut up old bead necklaces (supervise to ensure no choking hazards) and sort the individual beads onto the printable mats. This is excellent for fine motor skills and basic arithmetic.
8. King Cake “Baby” Hunt
The King Cake is a sweet roll covered in icing and sugar. Tradition dictates that a tiny plastic baby is hidden inside, and whoever finds it is crowned “King” or “Queen” for the day (and has to buy the cake next year!).
The Printable Alternative: Hiding plastic in food can be a choking hazard for small kids. Instead, use a printable paper baby.
- The Game: Print out several tiny paper babies. Hide them around the living room or classroom. The child who finds the most wins a paper crown!
9. Mardi Gras Photo Booth Props
Capture the memories with a DIY photo booth.
The Printable: Look for printables that include mustaches, lips, speech bubbles saying “Throw me something, Mister!”, bow ties, and fancy glasses.
- Setup: Cut them out and tape them to wooden skewers or popsicle sticks. Hang a gold or purple tablecloth on the wall as a backdrop, and let the kids pose. These photos make adorable keepsakes for parents.
10. “If I Were King/Queen of the Carnival” Writing Prompt
Let’s finish with a literacy activity. Print out a sheet with a decorative border and a prompt at the top.
The Prompt: “If I were the King/Queen of Mardi Gras, my float would look like…” or “If I ruled the carnival, I would…”
- Creativity: This allows children to use their imagination. Would their float be made of candy? Would they ban homework for the day? It’s a fun insight into their minds and makes for a great display on the refrigerator or classroom bulletin board.
Tips for Printing and Crafting
To make sure your Mardi Gras printables look magnificent and last longer than a day, follow these quick tips:
- Paper Matters: For masks, props, and bingo cards, standard printer paper is too flimsy. Use Cardstock (65lb or heavier). It holds up to glue and markers much better.
- Laminate for Longevity: If you are a teacher using counting mats or bingo cards, run them through a laminator. This way, you can wipe them clean and use them year after year.
- Safety First: When using beads or making masks with strings, always supervise younger children to prevent choking or tangling hazards.
Conclusion
Mardi Gras is more than just a party; it is a celebration of history, culture, community, and joy. It is a time to let loose and appreciate the colorful side of life before the quiet season of Lent sets in.
By using these 10 magnificent printables, you aren’t just giving your kids something to do; you are inviting them into a centuries-old tradition. Whether they are designing a float, solving a word search, or donning a sparkly mask, they are making memories that are as good as gold.