Taking the family to a festival might sound like madness if you’ve got little ones in tow — but it’s far from it. Most festivals now cater brilliantly for children, with dedicated kids’ zones, workshops and entertainment, so parents can still catch their favourite acts while the kids have a ball. A little planning goes a long way, so here are our 12 top tips for going to a festival with kids.
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A Few Extra Things Worth Packing
Alongside the tips below, here are a few small extras that make a big difference:
- A torch, or a solar-powered lantern, for finding your way after dark.
- Solar fairy lights to brighten up your tent — a lovely, welcoming sight when you get back at night.
- A flag or bunting near your tent so you can spot it easily among the rows.
- One or two fully charged power banks for phone charging.
#1. Ear Defenders
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Good quality ear defenders for little ones are worth every cent. Children’s ears are far more sensitive than adults’, and long stretches near loud music can cause damage. Pack a pair for each child and let them wear them from the start, not just when the music gets loud.
#2. Safety First
Before the fun begins, sit down with the kids and talk through what to do if they get separated from you. Point out what festival stewards look like, and give them a backup plan too — such as approaching a parent with young children of their own for help.
#3. Identification
ID wristbands are a simple but essential step for any family day out. Write your phone number on your child’s wristband so that if they do wander off, a steward or another parent can call you straight away.
#4. Glowsticks
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If your festival runs into the evening, wrap glowsticks around little wrists like bracelets. They’re a fun accessory for the kids, and they make it much easier to spot your child in a crowd once it gets dark.
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#5. First Aid
Festivals have first aid teams on site, but it’s still worth packing a small kit of your own: antibacterial wipes, plasters, and paracetamol suitable for both children and adults. A few hydration sachets are handy too — you never know when they’ll come in useful.
#6. Snacks
Food at festivals can add up quickly, especially for a big family. Bring some non-perishable snacks from home to keep everyone fuelled between meals — it also helps cut down on the constant “can I have a treat” requests throughout the day.
#7. What to Wear
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Pack for every kind of weather: wellies, raincoats, hoodies, ponchos and suncream. You genuinely can’t over-prepare here.
A lightweight fleece is great for when the evening cools down, and it’s worth tucking a small blanket into the bag too — perfect for when tired little ones want to lie down and cuddle in while you enjoy the music.
#8. Travel Games
If you’ve room in the bag, pack a deck of cards, a mini board game or an activity book — or bring a tablet along. These come in handy during quiet evenings, queues, or a lazy afternoon in the shade.
#9. Keep Hydrated
Bring reusable water bottles for the whole family — better for the environment, and it can save you time queuing too. You’ll need water for drinking, washing up and brushing teeth, so pack more than you think you’ll need. A small bottle of squash or cordial is a nice way to make plain water more appealing to the kids during the day.
#10. Plan Your Family Festival Time
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Check whether there are acts or entertainment you know the kids will love, and take a look at the festival guide in advance so you can plan your day. Most festivals have kids’ zones or dedicated activity areas.
Tip: decide on the workshops or activities your children would enjoy ahead of time, and get there early to book a spot, as popular sessions fill up fast.
#11. Hygiene
Pack more wipes than you think you’ll need — they cover everything from sticky hands to grubby faces. A bottle of antibacterial hand gel is a must-have too. And make peace with the fact that everyone will be a little grubby by the end of the day — that’s part of the fun.
#12. Things to Help Kids Get Into the Festival Mood
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A few extras can really help the kids get into the spirit of things:
- Dress-up costumes
- Face paint
- Bubbles
- Flags
- Glowsticks
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Frequently Asked Questions
What age is suitable for taking kids to a festival?
There’s no strict age cut-off — many families bring babies and toddlers along successfully. The key is choosing a festival with family-friendly facilities, kids’ zones, and a relaxed pace, and packing accordingly for your child’s age and needs.
How do I keep track of my kids at a busy festival?
ID wristbands with a contact number, bright glowsticks or clothing after dark, and a clear meeting-point plan all help. Talking through what to do if they get separated is one of the most important steps before the day begins.
What should I pack in a festival first aid kit for kids?
A basic kit with antibacterial wipes, plasters, and child-safe paracetamol covers most minor bumps and scrapes. Hydration sachets are a useful extra for hot days.
Do festivals have activities for children?
Most family-friendly festivals now include dedicated kids’ zones, workshops and entertainment. It’s worth checking the festival guide in advance and arriving early for popular sessions, as spaces can fill up quickly.
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