Five tips for parents taking young children to the festival
My Saturday consisted of tears, laughter, dancing, sore feet and spilt drinks.
A raging 21st at the pub, you might be thinking. But no – my husband and I took our two young children to Womad at New Plymouth’s Bowl of Brooklands.
It’s a fantastic, family-friendly festival, no matter what age your kids are.
From the moment you walk in, there’s plenty to keep little minds and hands occupied, from performers on stilts to music at what feels like every 100 metres.
The best bit is a dedicated zone for kids at what is usually Brooklands Zoo. During Womad weekend, it is transformed into a treasure trove of everything a child’s heart could desire. There’s a playground, ice creams, craft stations, lawn games, storytellers, a silent disco, and people who will write your phone number on your kid’s arm in case they get lost. Despite this, the thought of taking kids to a festival can feel a bit overwhelming. I know it did for me, so here’s what I learnt that might help.
1. Forgo your own festival experience
This may seem like a pretty depressing one to start off with. But, like many things in life once you become a parent, you have to put your experience second.
My husband and I were lucky enough to experience Womad by ourselves before having children, so it was easier to let our experience go this time around.
Viewing the festival through your little ones’ eyes is like entering a whole different world. It was great to see our usually pretty reserved 3-year-old son get up to Ibibio Sound Machine and just let loose.
2. Pack your own food
Womad has so many amazing food options but you’re still going to want little snacks on hand. It keeps the kids happy and also stops you from spending your money on all the deliciousness..
3. Start early and find a spot in the shade
It’s easy to clock 20,000 steps when taking in all Womad has to offer, but this will tire little legs out quickly. I recommend finding a spot in the shade early and making that your home base.
4. Take toys
This may sound silly, as there is so much stimulation at Womad, but having a few toys on hand to keep kids, especially toddlers, entertained in those moments where they are on the brink of meltdown will help.
5. If you can, offload them for the evening
As someone told me on Saturday, the key to a Womad with children is grandparents.
Sure, you have to be local for this to work. But being able to experience the festival with our kids during the day and then putting them to bed with grandparents so we could return in the evening gave us the best of both worlds.