Music festivals are no longer just for grown-ups, now the whole family can dress up, cover themselves in glitter and dance all day long! First came kid-friendly areas dedicated to little people in already established festivals, but over the last few years new festivals have arrived on the scene that have been created especially with families and children in mind – which we think is brilliant!
Last year we launched Kidunk at the Just So Festival and we have to say that it was A-MAZ-ING! So many marvelous and magically activities that you just couldn’t do unless you were at a festival with like-minded-folk. We met lots of gorgeous families who were there to have fun and spend quality time together. This year we are going to the Geronimo Festivalat Arley Hall in Cheshire, we’ve heard some great things about this event (which is the biggest family festival in the UK) and so we’re super excited!
So, despite these festivals being tailored for young families, spending a lot of time outdoors, changeable weather, long days and sleeping in a tent can prove challenging for even the most laid back parents and kids, so we asked our social media followers for their top family festival tips, here are our favourites…
On Facebook...
Samantha Chadwick: Always take ear defenders for little ears
Samantha Mann: Take lots of snacks! There could be queues for activities and you don’t want to leave when they get hungry... plus it saves some pennies.
Jemma Telford: Keep all your spare socks to take to festivals wear them and wang them!
Toria Corcoran:Write your mobile number on your child's arm and cover with clear nail varnish so it won't come off in-case you get separated
Robyn Clarke:Make sure you take some wet wipes, water and a plastic bag for all your rubbish.
Jennifer Hughes: A nice big picnic!
Stephanie Walls: Prepare for every event and remember the sun cream
Katie Hamm: Take lots of drinks and baby wipes
Tina Roberts: Wipes and matching t-shirts then you won’t lose anyone x
Ang Hedley: Spare clothes. Loads of snacks and drinks. Turn Internet off and have quality time and an amazing day
Helen Marie Rustage: Don't forget your waterproofs more than likely will rain
Sarah Jane: Take spare everything! and waterproofs!
Kathryn Carr: Take a pack of balloons. They take up hardly any space and can be blown up as and when to keep the kids entertained if they’re waiting around!
On Instagram…
Willowrosecoggins: Ohhh top family festival tip would have to be wear comfortable footwear
anilahussain2: Take your wellies!! Last time it rained so much and we regretted not having our wellies!!
kate.eccles:Suncream and rain macs you never know what UK weather will be like
hannah.k.samuel: Always have some toilet roll in your bag! Speaking from years of Glastonbury experience
manfalou: Take hand gel! You will need it!
yra_loves_link: Sun cream and snacks but most importantly security! Make sure you have an emergency meeting point agreed and that the kids had your name and mobile number on them somewhere. Festivals are busy places and even the best of us can be caught out in these situations!
flylikejackson: Glow sticks for them to wear on their wrists/ on their ankles at night. Either a hippy chick hip seat or a pull along wagon - festivals involve a lot of walking!
lindaxcurtis: Go well prepared for all weather, fold away chairs a must to test your feet, baby wipes to freshen up and clean everything, umbrella for rain or shade, but mainly have fun lots and lots of fun and make memories
jenconnectemed:A pull along trolley can be a godsend for toddler legs and naps!
michaela_hannah:I would recommend putting a festival survival kit together consisting of wet wipes, mini first aid kit, ponchos, sun cream and snacks
danigraves87: Take a reusable water bottle and one of those handbag size cordials you can get. Most festivals have a water tap you can refill from and it saves money on buying expensive drinks!
If this has given you festival fever, check out Conde Nast Traveller’s top 26 family festivals of 2018 here.