Mardi Gras & Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday): Fun Ways to Celebrate With Kids

Mardi Gras and Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) are the perfect excuse to turn an ordinary weekday into a fun, food-filled family celebration! Whether you’re flipping pancakes for breakfast, planning a classroom treat, or adding a few simple crafts into the mix, this festive day is easy, affordable, and full of kid-friendly fun.

This post may contain affiliate links. I will receive a small commission from these sales at no additional cost to you!

Mardi Gras and Pancake Day (also known as Shrove Tuesday) are colourful, fun-filled celebrations that are perfect for families. With pancakes to flip, bright colours to explore, and easy crafts to try, this is a brilliant way to turn an ordinary weekday into a memorable one for kids.

Whether you usually celebrate Pancake Day at home or you’re curious about Mardi Gras traditions, this guide brings both together with simple, child-friendly ideas.

If your kids love themed food days, you’ll also enjoy exploring our Food Holidays for Kids for more easy, kid-friendly celebrations throughout the year.

What Is Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday)?

Pancake Day, or Shrove Tuesday, is celebrated on the day before Ash Wednesday. Traditionally, it was a chance to use up rich ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter before Lent began. Pancakes quickly became the favourite way to do just that!

In the UK, Pancake Day is often marked by:

• Making and eating pancakes
• Pancake flipping competitions
• Simple family meals and treats

Because the date changes each year, Pancake Day always falls sometime in February or early March.

What Is Mardi Gras? (A Kid-Friendly Explanation)

Mardi Gras means “Fat Tuesday” in French and is celebrated on the same day as Shrove Tuesday. In many countries, especially places like New Orleans, Mardi Gras is known for:

• Parades and music
• Bright colours (purple, green, and gold)
• Masks, beads, and costumes

For kids, Mardi Gras is a great opportunity to explore colours, patterns, music, and culture in a fun and creative way.

Why Are Mardi Gras and Pancake Day Connected?

Mardi Gras and Pancake Day happen on the same day and share the same roots. Both celebrations are about enjoying treats and having fun before Lent begins. While Mardi Gras is often bigger and louder, Pancake Day is the simpler, food-focused version many families celebrate at home.

Combining the two lets you enjoy the best of both worlds — pancakes and color.

Fun Ways to Celebrate Mardi Gras & Pancake Day With Kids

You don’t need a parade or fancy supplies to make the day special. These easy ideas work well for home, school, or childcare settings.

1. Make Pancakes Together

Let kids help measure, stir, and pour (with supervision). Pancakes are a great first recipe for little hands. Ideas to try include:

• Classic fluffy pancakes
• Chocolate chip pancakes
• Banana oat pancakes
• Savoury cheese pancakes

2. Pancake Decorating Station

Set out toppings and let kids decorate their own pancakes.

• Fruit slices
• Chocolate spread
• Sprinkles
• Yogurt or cream

This works especially well for younger children who love choice and creativity.

3. Pancake Flipping Challenge

If it’s safe to do so, try a pancake flip — or use a paper plate and felt pancake for younger kids. Count flips or see who can flip without dropping.

Mardi Gras–Inspired Crafts for Kids

Bring in the Mardi Gras theme with bright, simple crafts.

Mardi Gras Masks

• Use paper plates or card
• Decorate with purple, green, and gold
• Add stickers, feathers, or glitter

Paper Plate Pancakes

• Paint paper plates light brown
• Add paper toppings like bananas or strawberries
• Use as pretend play or displays

Colour Sorting Activities

Use Mardi Gras colours to:

• Sort pom-poms or beads
• Paint patterns
• Create simple collages

Easy Learning Ideas to Go With the Day

Turn the celebration into a gentle learning opportunity:

• Count pancakes or toppings
• Talk about shapes and colours
• Locate where Mardi Gras is celebrated on a map
• Compare how different countries celebrate the same day

FAQs About Mardi Gras & Pancake Day

Are Pancake Day and Mardi Gras the same thing? They happen on the same day and share the same origins, but they’re celebrated differently depending on the country.

Why do we eat pancakes on Shrove Tuesday? Pancakes were traditionally made to use up ingredients like eggs, milk, and butter before Lent.

Is Pancake Day only celebrated in the UK? No — many countries celebrate Shrove Tuesday, but traditions vary. Pancakes are especially popular in the UK.

Make It a Day to Remember

Build this into a full day of fun and explore our easy recipes and kid-friendly celebrations for more inspiration.

Recipe Ideas
→ Easy Pancake Recipes for Kids
→ Kid-Friendly King Cake Recipe

Crafts & Activities
→ Pancake Jokes for Kids
→ Mardi Gras Crafts for Kids
→ Pancake-Themed Crafts & Printables
→ New Orleans–Inspired Coloring Pages

Printables
→ Pancake Day Coloring Pages
→ Mardi Gras Masks Printable
→ Shrove Tuesday Activity Sheets

Mardi Gras and Pancake Day are the perfect excuse to slow down, cook together, and get creative. Whether you keep it simple with pancakes for tea or go all out with crafts and colors, kids will remember the fun — and probably ask for pancakes again tomorrow.