Would you take a toddler to a beer festival?

We've taken toddler grandchildren to our local beer festival, it's very child friendly with a children's area with things like bouncy castles.

The children are mainly there during the day and by evening very few are left.

that sounds more of a festival with beer than a beer festival

I took my DD to a couple when she was a kid, met friends, had a beer and watched the music. There were lots of kids they, we all danced which she loved then she went to her grandmas at night so we could kick back. She loved a beer festival!! That one looks nice.

Looks fine to me - as long as it's only for a few hours during the day. We went to one with our NCT group plus kids, everyone had a great time :)

For men?

It really depends on the festival, there’s some that I would take my DC to and some that I definitely wouldn’t. To be honest I don’t think I’d take them to one unless they had activities for children, if not I think they’d get a bit bored.

The little man may get lost in the Perrys tent. Those pear drinks are moreish. What a silly event, Im surprised Camra put their name to it.

This is a ridiculous idea.

For one, the toddler is not going to stand his round. Secondly, he'll be smashed after one pint of real ale as he probably hasn't got a sophisticated palate and normally sticks to gassy lagers like carling. Madness!

I've done this. DH and I were visiting the town we grew up in and wanted to meet some friends. There was a kiddy fairground ride, a van selling sweets, a facepainter and loads of outdoor space. We had a few drinks with our friends, kicked a football (toddler style, wouldn't have done it with a 10 year old!) and took toddler home for tea.
From her point of view very similar to outings to the park, village fetes, etc. She got to meet mummy and daddy's friends, go on a ride, have a daisy chain made for her and we got a chance to reconnect with our friends.
Oddly I hate kids in pubs! This felt more like a kid in a park.

I've been to a few beer and craft ale festivals with my DP and I'm pretty sure they have been over 18s only

I took a 7.5 month old baby to a beer festival - who was very happy and mostly just chilled out on a rug in a corner. I wouldn't dream of taking an older child that could walk or crawl.

I like beer and I’d enjoy it with just dp but I wouldn’t bring dc. I just wouldn’t be able to relax and enjoy it for one thing. As for bringing her on my own, no chance.
I have dreadful memories of sitting around bored out of my mind in pubs for hours on end as a kid and it just wouldn’t be for me.
If other people want to do it, fair enough as long as they don’t drink too much. Personally I would be drinking at all if I was in sole charge of a toddler.

No way.

Its a stupid idea. Beer festivals, especially fusty Camra ones should be for over 18's only, for men and their hangers on to spend the day talking about brews such as Otters Pocket, Witches Tit and Dirty Blonde, whilst farting loudly and stinking the place out. No place for kids let alone toddlers.

Children are allowed until 6pm, they sell soft drinks, he's going in the day. No real issue with this for the social side and the music, there's likely to be other children there no real difference to a music festival for a child that young. Little one might get bored and they'll just leave earlier.

Un less ofcourse he's a raging alcoholic who can't control himself, I'd imagine lots of dads and kiddies will be there

It would depend on the beer festival and my imaginary toddler

I wouldn't want to . Apart from anything else I hate getting tipsy or drunk around kids I am in charge of, I think it's irresponsible. Plus they will be bored and running around, not a relaxing experience.

A bit silly to assume it's child free when the FAQs say that children are allowed till 8pm and baby changing facilities are available.

The event page says

Children under 18 are allowed in free until 6pm, if accompanied by an adult. Children must be accompanied at all times by a family member over 18 years old. For safety reasons we request that all children leave the site by 8pm, or shortly after. Basic baby changing facilities are in the accessible toilet facility.

But agree; it doesn't see like a fun outing for a toddler

Maybe not if the park is described as above actually. The festivals where we are are really strict so we are going to the comedy one but I can’t even take my youngest who is 13! The only festival around here that had children welcome in the park was a food festival but to me it is a waste of money as you have to buy a ticket and then rides for young children on top of that. I can’t think of another one in our park that welcomes children.

No, that is inappropriate for any child, let alone a toddler! I don't agree with kids in pubs either, where adults are purely drinking.

No, I wouldn’t but in part that is because I would find it unrelaxing with a toddler, also, I think you just have to accept there are some things you have to postpone a bit or do with young children. Different situation but we have two siblings on our road playing tennis. It is completely ridiculous as it is a narrow road with rows of houses with hardly any front gardens so the balls are going into peoples windows and cars. The irony is they live in a courtyard of homes off this road where they could play but don’t and we have cars turning quite frequently as it is road that a station is on. My neighbour asked why the Dad who was playing with them one night can’t just take them to the park 10 minutes away! I have older teenagers and I’m afraid this is what you have to do you all go through it so not taking a 2 year old to a beer festival is probably something you should accept is for the teen years at best - still probably be bored!

We have an annual beer festival in our village, which is a pretty big event. One of the day slots is full of families with kids of all ages from toddlers to teens.

I think it depends on the event really!

You literally cannot judge this unless you know the area. It’s Ealing and Walpole park and FULL of children toddlers babies. There will be others and it’s not rowdy