Celebrate the enthusiasm and grandeur of Mardi Gras with these colorful Mardi Gras Crafts for Kids! Easy to make and loads of fun!!

What defines a festival? Let’s see, there’s got to be lots of good food, colorful clothes, shiny decorations and of course, loads of merriment. And I can think of one festival that ticks all the boxes – Mardi Gras!

Do you know the literal translation of ‘Mardi Gras’? It’s French for ‘Fat Tuesday’! The name came about as a symbol for all the eating people did just before the Lenten fast began. And today, it’s a pretty big deal, when everyone comes decked out in their carnival best.

If your kids aren’t familiar with Mardi Gras customs, this is the perfect opportunity to introduce them to a different kind of culture. Mardi Gras will be celebrated on March 5th this year, so you have enough time for some beautiful and colorful Mardi Gras crafts for kids!

20 Magnificent Mardi Gras Crafts for Kids

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1. DIY Mardi Gras Mask

The first thing that comes to mind when you hear of Mardi Gras has got to be a colorful mask! 100 Directions shows us how to make your own paper mask, decorated with glitter, feathers, and lots of bling!

2. Paper Plate Tambourines

We love making our own DIY musical instruments and these paper plate tambourines from Activities for Kids are the perfect way to add some noise to the festivities!

3. Paper Jester Hat

Mardi Gras Outlet has a free pattern for a cute jester hat that can be worn by both kids and adults alike. You can either decorate with stars and jewels made out of paper, or you can use adhesive jewels for some more shine and sparkle.

4. Mardi Gras Calming Jar

If the noise and jumping is getting too much for the kids, calm them down with these beautiful calm down jars. Mom Dot Love shows us how there are so many options to make this project truly your own.

5. Mardi Gras Fluffy Slime

Nothing spells fun like slime, and when its fluffy, it’s a great calming activity for kids too. Check out the instructions to make this Mardi Gras version from Premeditated Leftovers.

6. Handprint Mardi Gras Masks

Here’s a Mardi Gras mask craft that’s perfect for preschoolers! It’s quite good looking, and the handprints give it that flamboyant look typical of carnivals. Get the instructions at That’s What Che Said.

7. Mardi Gras Mini Float

Fun Family Crafts turns a plain old shoebox into a mini carnival float, complete with feathers, flowers and the works. After all, when you’re celebrating, your Lego minifigures shouldn’t feel left out!

8. DIY Mardi Gras Garland

Decking up your home for Mardi Gras? Check out this easy paper garland from Vicky Barone that’s a breeze to make, especially if you have a circle punch with a large circle size.

9. Paper Plate Mardi Gras Hat Craft

Got purple or green paper plates? Then you’re all set to make this Mardi Gras hat from Alpha Mom! This is one of those easy classic crafts, and kids will love to make these for every other holiday.

10. Mardi Gras Parade Streamers

That’s What Che Said uses mason jar lids to make party streamers that look pretty nice! They’re quite simple to make, and you can make them to go with other Mardi Gras crafts.

11. DIY Mardi Gras Jester Collar

You’ve got the crown, but that’s not enough. Why not make a collar to go with it for a complete costume? Activities for Kids shows us exactly how to go about this!

12. Mardi Gras Play Dough

This Mardi Gras themed play dough set from Elemeno P Kids looks so pretty! Different flavors of Kool Aid lend the matching colors and if you’re feeling brave, feel free to add some glitter to the mix!

13. Mardi Gras Sensory Bin

Get the little ones involved in your Mardi Gras celebrations with a fun sensory bin, filled with feathers, beads, confetti and more. Get more ideas over at Pint Sized Cities.

14. DIY Mardi Gras Crown

Fun Family Crafts has a simple paper craft for kids of all ages – a paper crown. You can use shiny craft paper, or recycle toffee wrappers or leftover gift wrap – the options are just endless!

15. Mardi Gras Noise Maker

Let’s make some noise with these paper plate instruments from Thinking Outside the Sand Box! These are really easy for young kids to put together; all you need is paper plate and some rice for a gentle but fun noise.

16. Marching Drum for Mardi Gras

And if you think the noisemakers are too mild, take things up a notch with a marching drum from Activity Village! K up the beat with this drum made out of an old coffee tin, which you can dress up any way you like.

17. Mardi Gras Pin Wheels

Mardi Gras Outlet shows us how to make some gorgeous pin wheels which you can use in different ways – simply play with them, or use them as cupcake toppers, for drink straws, as decor or make mini versions for jewelry.

18. Mardi Gras Headpiece

Sparkly pipe cleaners are the star in this glamorous craft from Free Kids Crafts. And because they’re so bendy, you can make all kinds of swirls and twists with them.

19. Duct Tape Mardi Gras Beads

Crafts by Amanda makes beads out of duct tape, in Mardi Gras themed colors. I can think of so many ways to use these! Kids can also use this idea for occasions other than Mardi Gras by changing the color combination.

20. DIY Mardi Gras Felt Necklace

This is a fun one to make with little kids! GUB Life has the instructions to make these felt beads and since it involves water, prepare for the mess!

These ideas are great for a Mardi Gras themed party – you can use them for decor, table settings, costumes, party favors and more. Give the kids a dress code of purple, green and gold, and be sure to click lots of photographs!