Guide To Taking Your Kids To A Music Festival

While loud music, porta-loos and lots of *merry* people around might not sound conducive to a kid-friendly getaway, you’ll be surprised to learn that this year’s iteration of the infamous Splendour In The Grass in Byron Bay is the perfect experience for families. 

Here’s what you need to know about taking your kids to a music festival.

Camping

Camping with kids in tow? The Meadow is the place to go! Splendour’s designated family friendly campground is tucked away from the rest of the campers so you won’t have rowdy tents of spirited partiers making a racket as you try and get the kids to sleep. 

There’s also a campground playground which has recently been revamped; perfect for keeping the little ones occupied while you get everything sorted for the day ahead. Added, handy extras like a microwave and change table also feature in The Meadow—meaning there are even fewer things for you to have to bring with you. All you have to do is BYO tent!

What To Wear

Packing for a music festival with unknown weather is a task at the best of times, let alone when packing for mini festival goers as well as yourself. Splendour takes place in July, so you wanna be prepared for all sorts of inclement weather conditions—and coming well stocked is super important. And even though it's winter we suggest bringing sunscreen for those beautifully sunny days. 

Gumboots are a given for a winter festival—especially as they’re known to get pretty muddy if the heavens do happen to open. Plenty of layering options are important for kids, so they can adjust their outfit to suit, as well as a sturdy raincoat and other waterproofs if you don’t want them complaining about soggy jeans. Hats, scarves and gloves are also essentials for wintertime, although make sure you pack shorts, t-shirts and sneakers too!

Food

With over 70 food outlets on offer at Splendour, there is something to suit even the fussiest of eaters. But, if you’re worried that your kids might kick off at the lack of crustless Vegemite sandwiches in their diet while you’re at the festival, you can always bring in your own supplies. 

Little Splendour

Little Splendour is the ultimate pint-sized festival playground that's fully fenced and secured.

Little ones will be delighted by surprise visits from their favourite pirates and mermaids, and dress ups in the tipi are a popular follow-on from these encounters! If they’ve still got the energy to burn, they can drop some beats at DJ Skool or do some interpretive dance in the music garden.

The Big Kids Zone has the rest of the pack sorted, with everything from sports, face painting, henna tattoos and board games on offer. You can also expect heaps of cool workshops in the new Workshops Tent, where the whole clan can enjoy arts, craft, music, dance and active workshops each day.

Until midnight each night, parents with babies can head to the Tipi to feed, change and rest up. You won’t have to look far for your caffeine fix either, with locally roasted brews on hand to keep you fuelled. 

Babysitting

As much as you love the delights of Little Splendour, you might also want some adult-only time while you’re at the festival. 

Onsite babysitting is available between 12 pm – 12 am Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Little Splendour’s Babysitting Club, where trained teachers and childcare professionals will take the reins for up to two hours at a time, and keep the kids busy with creation stations, games, book readings and movies.

Bookings essential before July 1 for all children under 4. Over 5’s no bookings required. Check the website for booking information.

Prams

If you’ve got little ones with legs that can’t quite make the distance, Rock & Roller Wagons will have you travelling from campsite to stage in style, and they negate the need to bring your own pram to the festival. Double win! 

The Details

The 19^th annual Splendour in the Grass Music and Arts Festival will light up North Byron Parklands from Friday 19 July to Sunday 21 July 2019. The lineup has just been announced and includes Chance the Rapper, Childish Gambino, Tame Impala, James Blake, The Streets, Courtney Barnett plus lots of homegrown heroes too. Book your tickets here before they sell out! 

More Tips For Travelling With Kids Here:

• Survival Tips For Camping With Kids Under 5
• 10 Tips For A Blissful Road Trip With Kids
• How To Choose a Cruise With Kids

 

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