45 year old parents with dc, 5, at a festival

[Leodicaprioshat]

Is it weird?

Used to go to festivals/concerts before Dd came along, haven’t been since…are we too old (don’t feel/look old)
Whats it like with a 5 year old? Enjoyable or annoying?
For context, it would be in the summer, abroad

I took my DS all the time. He loved it. Its fine along as they have protective headphones.

Bated YABU as in YABU to think it’s odd, festivals are for everyone not just the young 20 somethings.

I am 49 and got 2 festivals booked
I don't have kids though
Most I have been to in the UK have had plenty kids (not so much Europe for some reason though)
Also people in late 60s aren't uncommon
Festivals are for all ages

Someone mentioned Leeds and reading.
I have friends my age that go there too. Not my scene but I wouldn't feel to old for it.

Lucky kid.

sorry missed the abroad bit
what festival? does it say family friendly?

You will be absolutely normal at many festivals so it depends which one! Some are more for young people.

I have taken kids of all ages to festivals - my advice - lower your expectations. The idea of children tucked up nicely in a little wagon sleeping while you watch music - yeh well never worked with my children!! So - we did end up having to put them to bed and take turns getting out - always good to go in a group for this reason.

Also just be aware of the heat. A lovely day at home can be extremely uncomfortable and dangerous at an outdoor festival. Some are very poor for shade

You last went when you were 40 and so if that was ok then being 45 will also be ok.

Festivals aren’t my thing but if there are usually other children there then absolutely take yours too!

As pp said, it depends on the festival. WOMAD is very family friendly, Boomtown isn't. You might also want to experiment with camping with the DC beforehand, if you haven't already. IME there are a lot of families at some festivals, alongside people substantially older than 40 something.

People with younger kids tend to have carts that they can pull the children around in, along with any gear they might need for them. Later in the evening, kids can sleep in the carts. It's surprising what small children can sleep through, sometimes.

You could also do a festival specifically for families like the Just So festival until your child was a bit older and better able to take part/stay up a bit later themself.

Depends on festival and child.
At 5 I guess you can get away with a buggy for them to sit/sleep/ be safe?
But you are kidding yourself if your 5 year old that is sound asleep by 7 will embrace the experience

We've taken our kids since they were babies. Youngest was 10 months. We work out between us who wants to see what the most and then work the kids around this. Usually I want to see the acts earlier in the evening and if kids want to go DH takes them to bed. Then I go and take over so he can see what he wants later. Or the other way round. Often they stay up till later anyway. They sleep really well and might wake up early but now they read and colour etc till we get up. We obviously don't get the long lie ins and hangover recovery time anymore but we drink a lot less than we would without kids and drink plenty of water these days. I actually find we get so much out of festivals now as we're out and about by 10am and see what else they offer other than the acts later on in the day.
Have a great time!

We bought a little cart and put an iPad, blankets, fairy lights, snacks, (our beers) in it and popped our two daughters in there to go out in the evenings at festivals. It's lovely.
Oh and ear defenders.

Definitely don’t think you’re too old, will likely be fun and hard work but still worth it with kids in tow. We work at festivals every summer and have done since our 6 year old was a little baby. It can be challenging but also great. My other half is in his early 50s and lots of parents similar age with young kids. I think festivals are a great environment for kids to grow up in

This may be no use to you but might help someone... The Big Church festival is brilliant for families. Worth googling and seeing what you think. The sound quality and bands are excellent, there are rides and activities for children and the faith side is very low key (you won't feel you've joined a cult!). It's a really good way to dip your toe into festivals with children as everyone is friendly and helpful.

Why not??? We went to Download this year for the day with our 18 month old and he had the best time.

I wouldn’t camp with them though.

It probably depends on the festival really. We were 40 and took a 6 year old to Car Fest and went into the crowds to watch the music and it was the "best day ever" that he still goes on about doing another one 2 years later. Judge Jools was his favourite! Car Fest is very family friendly though.

The weather played ball though otherwise it could have been a very different story!

@Mottledgrey this gives me hope I might get to see QOTSA this year 🥲

where did you stay, if you didn’t camp?

I've seen loads of parents with children at festivals I've been to. Particularly the non-mainstream music scenes where there's more of a family vibe. Some of them even put stuff on specifically for the children who attend. I don't think I'd do one abroad with overnight acts with a five year old but each to their own.

Depends on the festival. Some just aren’t suitable for young children.

Yeah exactly, Download is one of the ones where I regularly see parents with children! 😂 Obviously they're not moshing but they're still having the festival experience. They have so many nice accommodation options that look like they would be more comfortable than camping at a festival with kids as well!

I don’t think your age is an issue.

However, I hate loud music and places that are chaotic so I’ve never been to a festival or pop concert in my life, but you’d need to be sure that your child is ok with such things before going to something like that?

Really glad this wasn't a shaming post that's what it looked like it was going to be! There is lots of kid friendly ones about ! I would start with a camping trip, then a small festival just to iron out any issues before the big one !

I'd say never too young or too old! Although as has been mentioned, pick your festival with care, including family friendly camping space if that works for you. I finally got DH to his first festival aged 57, and he followed that with 7 the next year.

Some have great family friendly vibes and activities; two years ago I was entranced by the circus skills workshop happening behind the sound tent. Also, don't be afraid to stay off-site; we've used hotels sometimes, although I think the standard of the campsite showers was great.

I think it would be a bit selfish to drag a five year old along to an adult festival at night personally. They will be tired out, possibly scared and won't enjoy it. A daytime family friendly festival is a completely different proposition. I also find it a bit weird that you are focusing on your age and how it would 'look'. I think you should find childcare or wait until the child is at an age where you can.