Kid Friendly Mardi Gras Celebration & Cute Penguins, Too at The Zoo

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Bars, construction zones and this weekend's Mardi Gras celebration aren't the ideal places to bring children for an afternoon of family fun. That doesn't mean the kiddos have to miss out on the Mardi Gras celebration or be confined to the house, though. This weekend you can head up to the St. Louis Zoo for the final weekend of the Winter Zoo Penguin March and a special, kid-friendly Mardi Gras celebration.

Penguin March ~ Sunday at 1:30pm

We human folk might not be fans of the frigid temperatures outside, but it is just about right for penguins. The Zoo has been taking advantage of the toe-numbing temps with the March of the Penguins on Sundays at 1:30pm. This weekend is your last chance to walk amongst the Zoo's tuxedoed birds as they venture outside to play in front of the Penguin and Puffin Coast.

Mardi Gras Celebration ~ Sunday 12pm - 4pm (Parade at 3pm)

This Sunday there will also be a special Mardi Gras celebration for the family. The Zoo will have stations set up so kids can make their own masks, live music will be playing outside the Living World and a penguin themed Mardi Gras parade that everyone can take part in will start at 3pm. Prizes will be handed out after the parade for the best penguin float, the best "green" float and the float with the best Mardi Gras style. You can check out the rules and judging criteria as well as register for the parade on the Zoo's website. You could also register your float the day of between noon and 3pm by stopping by the Living World.

Getting an up close peek at the penguins isn't just for the kiddies. There are some great photo opportunities for the camera-clan. I was literally standing next to a penguin chilling next to a penguin like we were waiting for the bus or something when we went over the weekend. I highly recommend bundling up and heading over to see the march, it is a really cool experience.