Family Festivals are such a fun adventure to have, but being prepared and having all the right bits and bobs with you can make all the difference. Here are some top tips for attending festivals with kids:
Plan ahead:
Before you go, research the festival and make a plan - often there are a few activities that require booking in advance. Look for family-friendly activities, facilities and accommodations, and map out the festival grounds. This will help you make the most of your time and avoid any unnecessary stress when you arrive.
Photo credit: Wildhood Festival.
Pack smart:
Pack light but smart. Bring essential items like sunscreen, hats, and water bottles, but also bring items that can make your festival experience more comfortable, such as a camping chair, portable fan, or rain ponchos. The Great British weather is rather unpredictable so having a waterproof, a fleece or warm layer and a pair of wellies can make festivals much more enjoyable should it rain!
Safety First:
A crowded and noisy festival environment is fun but can make some parents worried. Make sure your kids know where to find you, consider having a bright flag or something obvious to make your tent stand out form other and establish a meeting point at the festival in case they get lost. You can also get bands that they can wear with your phone number on, so that it's easy to reunite you if there are any issues. Consider bringing noise-cancelling headphones to protect your children's ears.
Set up for a Good Night's Sleep:
Photo credit: Wildhood Festival.
Attending a festival with kids can be a fantastic family adventure, but getting a good night's sleep can be a challenge. Whilst camping & festivals are often about exploring new places, creating a familiar sleep space keeps kids feeling safe and secure at night. Our boys always sleep with the same snuggly at night so we always bring those. Bring a favourite pillow case or blanket from home (our boys have their own Bundle Beds with bumpers) and consider a practice camp-out in the living room or garden with any new gear.
Also, as festival campsites aren’t known to be the quietest places, we find that quietly playing audiobooks, white noise or sleep music in the tent whilst kids drift off, helps to distract from the general background noise. Take a look at our blog top tips for good sleep at a family festival for more tips & tricks.
Stay hydrated:
It's easy to get dehydrated in hot festival environments, so make sure you and your children are drinking enough water. Bring refillable water bottles and take regular water breaks throughout the day.
Now the only question is, which festival should you book?!
Have you seen our blog about the Roarsome Summit taking place in Polzeath in May? It makes for a great festival for the whole family.