Does your kid actually want to go to this thing?
Consider it from their point of view. If they’re freaked out by loud noises and large crowds, certain events won’t be the best. Enter with an understanding that you might need to leave early if they’re not coping. Don’t drag them along so you can see more bands, that’s a dick move.
Where possible select festivals that have chill-out areas suitable for kids. Family-friendly events that are more likely to have other kids running around might better assure they have a great time.
For example, Byron Bay Bluesfest 2018 has a kids program with activities and entertainment every day from 2-6pm.
Choosing festivals by genre
Heavy metal/punk shows and drugged out electronic raves might not be the ideal environment. A bunch of munted punters wanting to chat with the little ones or talk your ear off about bullshit isn’t the best time. Folk, blues and cruisy kinda pop festivals like Laneway, Falls Festival or Bluesfest might be a better scene.
Consider making a playlist to play in the car and around the house in the weeks leading up. Once your kids are familiar with the bands they’ll have a way better time dancing to those hits.
Get some giant earmuffs
I’m a grown adult and my ears don’t deal with noise. That’s true by a magnitude for the little ones so it’s common sense to equip them with hearing protection. For really young infants, the available earmuffs don’t properly fit their soft little heads and this whole endeavour probably isn’t the best idea.
Our son’s first event was Surry Hills Festival in September 2014 when he was around nine months old. Officially the first bands he saw were The Dandelion and Donny Benet. Not bad.
Check out Ems for Kids – we went with them for our son’s pair. No guarantee your kids will meet Bruce Springsteen though.
Pack your supplies bag like a military manoeuvre
Take your regular bag of basics and double it. Bring at least two full changes of clothes in case of toilet accidents or spilling food/mud all over themselves. Pack for changing weather and temperature, basically a jumper and rainproof things if needed. Bonus pair of shoes. Bring a hat and sunglasses for the sun and heat, along with sunblock, medication and first aid supplies. Nappies if they’re still in nappies.
After that we want a solid stash of snacks plus nourishing food that matches their regular diet. A full day of hot chips and dirty festival food overloaded with sugar will wig them out. Freeze your own water bottles in advance. Hydration is key above all else. Also bring a couple of their favourite toys like a teddy bear, truck and a few story books to take time out.
Establish fallback positions in case phones and plans start breaking down
Find a common spot, perhaps under a nice shady tree between the multiple festival stages, to catch up between sets. I recommend a place out of the main busy thoroughfares as it can be hard to find each other, and you’ll have people walking all over you.
This is the place to relax. If your kid is in a stroller or sling you can let them out to play. We’ve all been to festivals and understand the importance of creating these meeting places in case of phone reception going haywire or unexpected changes to the plan.
Tell your kids what to do if they get lost
Right upon arrival, teach your kids what to do if they get lost or separated from you. Older kids can be taught to return to a meeting place (as above) but for younger ones, you’ll need to teach them to ask festival staff for help. Staff will often be wearing a particular colour of shirt or some identifying marker. It’s good to establish this right away and have your child say hi to the staff so they won’t be intimidated to approach them later.
Take a photo on your phone of what your child is wearing so you can remember and show the image to people if they go missing. Attach your phone number to the child via a wristband or tag on their clothing, card in their pocket, or a combination of these ideas. Teach them to show your number to a grown up (ideally festival staff) or ‘someone who looks like mum’ if lost so they can call you.
Bring a stroller? Depends on the event
Ah the eternal dilemma, will a stroller be more or less of a problem once we get to this thing?
I think it depends on the event (amount of people, open spaces) and the age of your child. Being able to stash them away in a shaded stroller for a sleep could be genius, giving them a valuable break from the crowds.
On the other hand, you could also carry them in a sling and bring a blanket for them to have a sleep on. Weather conditions might influence this one. A stroller will make you less mobile amongst crowds but you can stash all of your supplies underneath. I’d say it all depends on the show but a stroller can be brilliant.
Will you be there at night? Light your kids up!
There’s a range of flashing and glowing items you can attach to your kids’ clothes to light them up like a psychedelic Christmas tree. This is fun for them, makes them easier to locate in the dark and reduces the chances of being knocked over by dancing punters who don’t see the tiny ones underfoot.
Let’s have a dance and hear some music
This has to be the point? It’s time to treat your child to some live music and have a party! My son loves music and will create/burn down a dance floor at any time. Get those protective ear muffs on and let’s go for it!
