What should a family bring to a festival?

[tink1769]

I've been to MANY festivals, but this is the first time we're bringing our children. They're 7, 7, and 4. We got a camping spot, but will be sleeping down the street at my parents house. What should we pack for the weekend? I figure we'll need a couple of wagons, sunscreen, water, tickets, and food. What else?
Thanks so much!

[iamwelting]

I know this is only for official nateva admins and what not, but I think most of your questions can be answered on this thread:

nateva.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=logistics&action=display&thread=206

Have fun!

[natevafestival]

Very interesting link. I highly recommend it. We have young kids and we have attended a handful of music festivals with them. Our thoughts are that bringing a child to a music festival is like bringing a child to an R rated movie. You need to be aware that not everything going on is suitable for little kids. You need to personally decide if this is something you and your child are going to be cool with. The decision to bring a child means that the child's needs now come first. You need to keep track of them and make sure they drink enough water, eat real food, use sunscreen, wear ear protection and are directed away from inappropriate situations with inappropriate people. They need to sleep right and be entertained beyond the music. It changes your festival experience. Hopefully for the better. We've had good luck and a lot of fun with our family festival experiences. Hope you do to.

[hoopstah]

Heya Tink! I love seeing kids at a fest- I think they add so much to the environment!! They have a natural knack for making anybody and everybody smile!! I bring my little boy to smaller fests (he's 7) and we have such a ball together. NatevaFest is absolutely right though it does make for a completely different festival experience~ and you create friends and memories with them to last a lifetime:)

Here's a couple of things I've learned along the way, I'm happy to pass on to you--
Never underestimate the power of the Wagon it gets your stuff to and there and your kids too if their small enough and then when you're 'there' it turns into a very fun toy all in itself!
I have a box of 'festie' toys always ready to go-- it's got a light-up frisbee, bubbles, waterguns, ribbon sticks (easy to make!), beach ball, kites, light-up toys... whatever your kids enjoy that's easily transportable
Bring more than you think you need- Lots of drinks, extra (healthy) snacks- fruit!! I bought my son a platypus and I've never had to ask him to drink water since!
Be prepared for all types of weather- chilly nights, rainstorms, hot hot days
Sunblock, hats, earplugs or headphones- You can get really creative with the headphones if they need 'em but don't like wearing them- decorate 'em with glitter and paint and turn them into alien ears or something cool!
Glow sticks!! I am not a huge fan under normal circumstances but when it gets dark- light those kiddies up!! (they make reusable ones too
and.....
Whatever you do take care of their shoes!!!
(I always make sure I bring extra socks and shoes)

Just be prepared to go with whatever comes... be prepared to miss some music you really wanted to see the little ones have to come first always!!! Be prepared to find teachable moments-- if they aren't used to seeing such things they'll ask ya!
and be prepared for them to get dirty and tired and cranky -- they may or may not do any or all of those but if it happens you've got it covered. Some kids can be easily overwhelmed with so much going on and may need downtime (i know i do!), just stay connected to their needs and it will make for a better time for all of you! When I go by myself I'm in the mindset to let loose a bit and see as much music as I can- when I bring my son, I'm there to share a fun weekend with him in whatever happens both make for a fantastic magical time--- your family is in for a treat, enjoy!!

[natevafestival]

Hoopstah is a good parent and a wise person.