Getting the most out of family festivals

By Andrew Campbell

With the UK embracing child-friendly festivals, there’s no reason you, as parents, can’t re-experience elements of those carefree weekends of great music and tasty food of your youth.

With kids in tow, a festival visit will obviously be different to your child-free visits and to make the most of the experience and avoid the potential pitfalls, preparation is key.

Here are Families’ top tips:

Firstly, choose a family-friendly festival. Look for those that offer family-friendly activities and facilities, such as designated family camping areas, children’s entertainment and areas where families can relax and unwind. Many are now booked up for this summer so plan early for next year.

Plan ahead. Before you go, research the festival’s schedule and plan which performances you want to see. Make sure to take into account your child’s interests and energy levels.

Prepare for the weather. Bring appropriate clothing and gear for every type of weather and for the entire family. There is nothing more miserable than spending a weekend sweating in a coat or shivering in a t-shirt. Pack raincoats, waterproof boots and warm clothing, as well as t-shirts, shorts, sunscreen and hats in case of sunny weather.

Take provisions. Most festivals allow you to bring your own food and drinks, so pack a cooler with plenty of snacks and drinks for the entire family. This will save you money and give you more control over what your children are eating. Burgers for breakfast, lunch and dinner may get boring even for your kids!

Bring ear protection. Festivals can be loud, so make sure to bring ear protection for your children. You can buy earplugs or earmuffs that are specifically designed for little ones.

Prepare for bumps and cuts. Any festival should have a first aid tent but you need to be able to deal with minor cuts, grazes and blisters. Pack plasters, anti-bacterial gel, paracetamol, sting cream and any regular medication to last you and the kids for the whole festival.

Keep them hydrated. Dehydration is the top reason for needing medical treatment during festivals. So try to encourage your children to drink plenty of water. Watch for signs of dehydration like thirst or tiredness, headaches, dark or strong wee or weeing infrequently, dizziness or light headedness.

Get mobile. Festivals are typically very spread out which can challenge little legs. A little pull-along, foldable cart is great for moving both kids and your stuff around easily.