Mardi Gras is usually associated with beads, beer and….um, I’ll leave the rest to your imagination. While things can get a little wild during the Grand Parade, the fear of exposing your children to an over zealous reveler shouldn’t scare you away from the festivities. Laissez les bons temps rouler (let the good times roll) at several family-friendly Mardi Gras events.

The fun kicks off with the 3^rdAnnual U.S. Cellular Family Winter Carnival. Come by Soulard Market Park for a G-rated day of merriment and activities. Kids can make their own Mardi Gras crowns and masks, enjoy family-friendly live entertainment, paint on a giant art wall, take part in St. Louis Science Center activities or try to set a record during Segway time trials. At 4 p.m. children can show off their new masks and costumes during the Kids Parade. If all the fun is making your stomach growl, food from Joanie’s Pizza and other goodies will be available for purchase.

The 3^rdAnnual U.S. Cellular Family Winter Carnival is taking place on Saturday, February 12 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This day of free fun is happening on the corner of Eighth Street and Lafayette Avenue at Soulard Market Park.

Is your pet a party animal? Then bring him down to the annual Beggin’ Pet Parade. Thousands of dogs of all shapes, sizes and breeds will be dressed up in their best party clothes for the day. Even if you don’t have a dog or don’t want to dress your pet up, come on down anyway and enjoy the parade.

The annual Beggin’ Pet Parade is being held on Sunday, February 27. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the parade starts at 1 p.m. at the corner of Allen Avenue and Menard Street. The $10 entry fee benefits the Open Door Animal Sanctuary. If you are planning to participate in the parade, sign up early online or register at the starting point on the day of the event.

After the parade, cheer on your favorite dachshund during the PETsMART Wiener Dog Derby. During this unique sporting event, dogs race against each other in three divisions (Cocktail Wienies, Ballpark Franks and Hot Dogs) based on age. Winners are honored with a trophy presentation and bragging rights.

The 18th Annual PETsMART Wiener Dog Derby is taking place on Sunday, February 27 at Soulard Market Park. Registration begins at 10:00 a.m. and the first heat takes place at 2:00 p.m. It’s $10 to race your dachshund and free to watch. Avoid the crowds and sign your dog up for the race in advance by clicking here.

For more information on any of the Soulard Mardi Gras events, visit the official website.

While Soulard is Mardi Gras central, it’s not the only place in town to load up on beads. Historic Frenchtown St. Charles is throwing a parade the whole family will enjoy. This alcohol-free event begins at Sundermeier RV Park, travels along Second Street and ends at the Foundry Art Centre.

The Frenchtown Parade is taking place on Saturday, February 26 at 3 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. To learn more, visit the historic St. Charles’ website.

And last — but certainly not least — is the Delta Dental Mardi Gras at the St. Louis Zoo. Kids can spend the day making masks, listening to music and enjoying a parade. This family-style event is taking place on Sunday, March 6 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. Visit the Zoo’s website or give them a call at (314) 781-0900 for more information.

By Andrea Wilson, Events Blogger for SmartParenting