Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in new orleans, LA

Holiday Activities to Share this Week

by Kelly Leahy

April 06, 2009

My holiday activities this week have included stockpiling candy like there is no tomorrow and hitting the Target One Spot for pint sized gardening supplies to dole out on our secular Easter morning. At the same time my brother is making a trek down to Southern Florida to visit with our parents and then with the in-laws where he will celebrate Passover. Needless to say I've been giving some thought to both holidays. Here are a smattering of activities to do with your preschooler this week. Who knows, maybe a new tradition will be born.

1. Make your own hunt. With most schools and preschools closing down early this week, you may find yourself with some unscheduled days. Why not gather some of your favorite preschoolers and parents together for a massive Easter egg hunt at someone's house or at one of the many city's parks? Instead of candy, fill eggs with stickers, flower seeds or coins.
2. While during an internet search for "New Orleans" and "Passover," I came across two recipes for "matzah ball gumbo." New Orleans has a long history of Jewish immigrants and it's no surprise that their meals became infused with African spices and seasoning. If you are looking to be adventurous this Passover, why not try some Red Soup or Creole Matzah Balls, a skillet fried side dish to complement any meal. Need supplies? check out the Kosher Cajun Deli on Severn.
3. Catch a parade. There are several parades throughout the city on Easter Day. Some are big parades like the one that goes along St. Charles or Chris Owen's French Quarter parade complete with hat contest.
4. Carrying on with New Orleans Passover fusion dishes, I found an interesting recipe for Pecan Kugel featuring egg noodles, pecans and lots o' brown sugar. Yum.
5. If you care to brave the mall, Lakeside has its annual Easter Bunny photo op. In the event that sitting on a six foot tall rabbit freaks your kids (and you) out, check out the live rabbits on display.

No matter how you choose to spend your holiday week and weekend, make it fun!  Read more...