What defines a truly spectacular festival? Is it the delicious food, the vibrant costumes, the rhythmic music, or the infectious energy of the crowd? If there is one celebration that ticks every single one of these boxes with gusto, it is undoubtedly Mardi Gras.
Known for its grandeur, enthusiasm, and an explosion of purple, green, and gold, Mardi Gras is a favorite among children and adults alike. But you don’t need to be in the heart of New Orleans to feel the spirit of the carnival. You can bring the “Big Easy” right into your living room or classroom with creativity and craft supplies.
In this guide, we are sharing 20 Magnificent Mardi Gras Crafts for Kids that are easy to make, budget-friendly, and loads of fun. These activities are perfect for teachers planning a cultural unit, parents looking for rainy day fun, or anyone hosting a Mardi Gras-themed party.
What is Mardi Gras? A Quick Guide for Kids
Before diving into the glue and glitter, it is a great idea to teach children the history behind the fun.
The Meaning: “Mardi Gras” is French for “Fat Tuesday.” Traditionally, it is the last day of eating rich, fatty foods (like the famous King Cake) before the fasting season of Lent begins in the Catholic tradition.
The Colors: Everything in Mardi Gras revolves around three specific colors, each with a special meaning:
- Purple: Represents Justice.
- Green: Represents Faith.
- Gold: Represents Power.
The Celebration: It is a time for parades, masks, beads, and music. Families often line the streets to catch “throws” (beads and toys) thrown from elaborate floats. It is loud, happy, and full of life.
Now that we know the history, let’s get crafting!
Category 1: Mysterious and Magical Masks
Masks are the hallmark of Mardi Gras. They allow revelers to escape society and be whoever they want to be for a day.
1. The Classic Feathered Paper Mask
This is the quintessential Mardi Gras craft.
- How to Make It: Download a simple eye-mask template or draw one on cardstock. Cut it out, including the eye holes. The magic happens in the decoration. Provide kids with purple, green, and gold glitter, sequins, and most importantly—feathers. Glue a large plume of feathers to one corner of the mask for that dramatic masquerade look. Attach a popsicle stick to one side so the child can hold it up to their face.
2. Handprint Masquerade Mask
This is a sentimental favorite for toddlers and preschoolers.
- How to Make It: Trace the child’s hands on colored cardstock (one green, one purple). Cut them out and glue the palms together, with the fingers fanning out like wings. Cut eye holes in the palm area. The fingers act like the feathers of the mask. It’s a wonderful keepsake that captures the size of their little hands.
3. Paper Plate Half-Masks
If you are short on supplies, a paper plate saves the day.
- How to Make It: Cut a paper plate in half. Cut out a triangular notch for the nose and two holes for eyes. Let the kids paint the plates in metallic gold. Once dry, use markers to draw intricate swirl patterns. Punch holes on the sides and tie an elastic string so they can wear them while running around.
4. Egg Carton Goggle Masks
A great way to recycle!
- How to Make It: Cut out two cups from an egg carton and trim them so they sit comfortably over the eyes. Poke holes in the center so the child can see. Paint them bright colors and glue them to a dowel or stick. Add pipe cleaners sticking out from the top for a wacky, bug-eyed carnival look.
Category 2: Let the Music Play (Noisemakers)
Mardi Gras is all about Jazz, brass bands, and making noise!
5. Paper Plate Tambourines
Shake it up with this classic instrument.
- How to Make It: You need two sturdy paper plates. Place a handful of dried beans, rice, or pasta inside one plate. Glue the second plate on top (face to face). For extra security, staple the edges.
- Decoration: Punch holes around the rim and tie colorful ribbons that fly when shaken. Let the kids paint “Jazz” themes on the outside.
6. The Coffee Can Marching Drum
Lead the parade with a deep beat.
- How to Make It: Take an empty, clean coffee tin or oatmeal container with a plastic lid. Wrap the outside in construction paper (purple, green, and gold stripes work best).
- The Drumsticks: Use two unsharpened pencils or wooden spoons. To dampen the sound slightly, you can wrap the tips of the spoons in fabric or cotton balls secured with rubber bands.
7. Shaker Eggs (Maracas)
Since plastic eggs are often used in celebrations, repurpose them here.
- How to Make It: Fill plastic eggs with corn kernels or beads. Tape the seam shut with colorful Washi tape so they don’t pop open. Tape the egg to between two plastic spoons to create a handle, and you have instant maracas!
8. Jingle Bell Bracelets
- How to Make It: Thread pipe cleaners with large jingle bells. Twist them into bracelets or anklets. As the children dance and stomp, they will create their own rhythm section.
Category 3: Dress to Impress (Wearable Crafts)
You can’t go to the parade in your regular clothes!
9. The Jester Hat
The court jester is a famous symbol of the carnival.
- How to Make It: Create a headband using a strip of cardstock stapled to fit the child’s head. Cut out three or four large triangles from construction paper. Glue the base of the triangles to the headband so the points flop over.
- The Finish: Glue a pom-pom or a bell to the tip of each triangle. When the child moves, the hat should jiggle!
10. DIY Duct Tape Beads
“Throw me something, Mister!” Beads are the currency of Mardi Gras.
- How to Make It: Instead of buying plastic beads, make your own. Cut strips of duct tape or colored paper. Roll them tightly to form a tube (bead) shape. String them onto yarn. This is excellent for fine motor skills and pattern making (Purple-Gold-Green-Purple-Gold-Green).
11. The Royal Crown
Every parade has a King and Queen.
- How to Make It: Use a long strip of yellow or gold poster board. Cut a zigzag pattern along the top edge. Decorate with “jewels” (plastic gems, buttons, or sequins). Measure it to the child’s head and staple. For an extra touch, glue cotton balls along the base to look like the ermine fur on a real royal crown.
12. Felt Necklaces
For a softer accessory suitable for babies or toddlers.
- How to Make It: Cut circles or stars out of purple, green, and gold felt. Punch a hole in the center and thread them onto a thick ribbon. Unlike plastic beads, these are soft, silent, and safe for all ages.
13. The Jester Collar
Complete the look with a fancy collar.
- How to Make It: Cut a large circle out of paper (like a giant donut) that fits over the child’s head and rests on their shoulders. Cut triangles out of the outer edge. Decorate with glitter glue and bells.
Category 4: Parade Floats and Decor
Turn your home or classroom into the French Quarter.
14. Shoebox Parade Floats
This is a fantastic STEM project.
- The Challenge: Give each child a shoebox and tell them to design a parade float. They can turn the box upside down and build on top, or turn it on its side to create a stage.
- Ideas: Use small toys (LEGO figures, dolls) as the riders. Use fabric scraps for curtains. Attach string to the front so they can pull their float across the “parade route” (the living room rug).
15. Mardi Gras Garlands
- How to Make It: Use a circle punch to cut out hundreds of paper circles in the three theme colors. Sew them together on a sewing machine for a long, continuous strand, or simply glue them onto a string. Hang these vertically in doorways or horizontally across the ceiling.
16. Festive Pinwheels
- How to Make It: Take a square of paper and cut from the corners toward the center (leaving the center uncut). Fold every other point into the center and secure with a pin into a pencil eraser. These look beautiful spinning in the wind if you are having an outdoor picnic.
17. Sparkly Pipe Cleaner Headpieces
- How to Make It: Twist metallic pipe cleaners together to create a tiara or a wacky alien headband. Because pipe cleaners are so bendy, kids can spiral them around a pencil to create “boingy” curls that stick up from their heads.
Category 5: Sensory and Science Fun
For when the kids need to calm down or engage their hands.
18. Mardi Gras Fluffy Slime
Slime is always a hit.
- The Recipe: Mix clear glue, baking soda, and contact lens solution (or your preferred slime activator). Add shaving cream to make it “fluffy.”
- The Twist: Divide the batch into three. Dye one purple, one green, and one yellow. Swirl them together for a galaxy-like effect. Add gold glitter for sparkle.
19. The “Calm Down” Jar
Parades can be overstimulating.
- How to Make It: Fill a plastic water bottle with warm water and clear glue (about a 70/30 ratio). Add tons of purple and green glitter and gold confetti. Glue the lid shut. When shaken, the glitter swirls mesmerically and slowly settles, helping children regulate their breathing and emotions.
20. The Sensory Bin
Perfect for toddlers.
- The Setup: Fill a plastic tub with a base of dyed rice or pasta (purple, green, gold). Hide “treasures” inside: gold chocolate coins, plastic bead necklaces, feathers, and small toys. Give the child scoops, cups, and tongs to dig for treasure.
Conclusion: Hosting Your Own Mini-Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras is more than just a party; it is a celebration of life, music, and community. By engaging in these crafts, you aren’t just keeping the kids busy; you are opening a door to cultural education.
Here is a quick plan for your DIY Mardi Gras Day:
- Morning: Start by making the Shoebox Floats and Jester Hats.
- Lunch: Eat something yummy (maybe pancakes for “Fat Tuesday” or a sandwich cut into a crown shape).
- Afternoon: Have a parade! March the shoebox floats through the house while playing jazz music, shaking the Paper Plate Tambourines, and wearing the Masks.
- Evening: Wind down with the Sensory Bin or watching the glitter settle in the Calm Down Jar.