Festivals are a magical experience filled with music, laughter, and endless entertainment. But what happens when you decide to take the plunge and attend a festival alone with your child? While the idea may seem daunting at first, with the right preparation and mindset, it can be an incredibly rewarding adventure. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this unique experience together.
(do your research, identifying family/child friendly festival- You can download the festival apps which are super helpful but take screenshots of line ups as the signal may not work when you’re in the festival)
The Trolley cart: Your Best Friend
When planning a solo festival trip with a toddler, a trolley is indispensable. Not only can it carry all your essential items, but it also serves as a cozy spot for your little one to rest their tiny legs. Here’s a list of must-haves to pack in your trolley:
Heres a link to the Festival trolly we used, it was really robust, sturdy with strong wheels, canopy, push and pull, bottle holders!
– Water: Stay hydrated! For BOTH of you, you can’t look after them, if you’re not looking after yourself! Take one of those thermos bottles so your drinks can stay cool or hot throughout the day.
– Raincoats and Umbrella hats: Be prepared for unpredictable weather. The umbrella hats are super useful to ensure you’re hands free for cuddles, dancing and pulling that cart along.
– Blankets and a pillow: Perfect for sitting on during performances or for keeping warm during cooler evenings.
– Snacks: Pack a variety of toddler-friendly snacks to keep them happy and energized throughout the day. But for yourself too, you’ll need the energy to push that trolley cart around all day.
– Hats: Protect yourselves from the sun with wide-brimmed hats.
– Cash: Not all vendors might accept cards, so it’s always good to have some cash on hand. Beauden missed out on a little ride because I didn’t have cash. Lesson learnt.
Pack Smart, Pack Light
While it’s important to be prepared for all types of weather, packing light and efficiently is key. Here are some tips to organize your packing, learnt from my experience of over packing and carrying way too much from the car to the pitch, twice. You can see just how much I managed to fit in my trolly, plus I had to wheel an 8 man tent as well as this!! I was slightly broken after this.
– Multi-functional Clothing: Opt for clothing that can be layered. This allows you to adjust to changing temperatures without carrying too much.
– Compact Rain Gear: Choose lightweight, foldable raincoats and a small umbrella, or that funky umbrella hat!.
– Minimalist Toiletries: Bring only the essentials and consider travel-sized versions to save space.-
Power Banks: Charge your power banks fully before you leave, as the signal might be spotty and there won’t be any Electric Hook-Ups (EHU) for tents.
Safety First
One of the biggest concerns for any parent is the safety of their child. At a festival, where crowds can be overwhelming, it’s crucial to have a plan in place:
– Write Your Number on Their Wristband: In case you get separated, having your contact information on your toddler’s wristband will help reunite you quickly and explain to them to show a grown up so they can call you.
– Designate a Meeting Spot: As soon as you arrive, choose a landmark as a meeting point if you get separated.
– Talk About Safety. Explain to your toddler what to do if they can’t find you – A good tip would be to practice what to do, Beauden knows to find a grown up and tell them my number from his wrist band and he will tell them my features, so they can keep an eye out for me( Blonde hair, white, wearing blue coat, name is Jessika etc) Another good tip instead of constantly shouting their name, shout their description to get everyone looking out for them. ( 5 YEAR OLD, BLONDE, WHITE, WEARING A GREEN COAT) etc. This works well! Hopefully we never need to use this but its there for you to practice.
Don’t be shy, seek help from festival staff or security personnel.
Embrace the Festival Spirit
Amid all the planning and preparation, don’t forget to have fun! Festivals are about creating memories and enjoying the moment. Here are a few tips to ensure you and your toddler have a blast:
– Explore Together: Let your toddler’s curiosity lead the way. Explore different areas of the festival and enjoy discovering new things together.
– Participate in Kid-Friendly Activities: Many festivals have designated areas and activities for children. Take advantage of these to keep your toddler entertained.
– Take Breaks: Remember that your toddler will need downtime. Use the trolley for impromptu naps and rest periods.
– Capture the Moments: Bring a camera or use your phone to capture the special moments. These will be memories you’ll cherish forever.
Navigating the Challenges
While attending a festival alone with a toddler can be challenging, it’s important to stay positive and flexible. Here are a few common hurdles and how to tackle them:
– Signal Issues: With spotty signal, communication might be difficult. Make sure your power banks are charged and consider using walkie-talkies if you’re meeting up with other friends.
– Weather Changes: Be prepared for rain or shine. Having raincoats, an umbrella, and sun hats will ensure you’re ready for anything.
– Overstimulation: Festivals can be overwhelming for little ones. Find quieter spots to take breaks and recharge.
Taking your toddler to a festival alone may seem like a monumental task, but with the right preparation and a positive mindset, it can be an unforgettable adventure. Embrace the chaos, enjoy the music, and most importantly, create beautiful memories with your little one. Festivals are about joy and discovery – for both you and your toddler. So pack your trolley, keep your sense of humor, and dive into the festival fun!
Hey I'm Jessika and I have a little boy called Beauden. I'm bringing you on our journey of adventures and activities but I also want to tell you my story of how I plucked up the courage to quit my 9-5 and where my travel adventures first began!