When my partner and I were expecting our first child, we made a promise to ourselves: we would strive to include our child in our lives rather than let parenting take over completely. Sure, we were a bit naive, thinking we’d navigate parenthood without losing ourselves. But we’ve managed to hold onto that vision, maintaining friendships and even squeezing in some day-drinking adventures with the kids, thanks to our family-friendly neighborhood.
However, one thing we absolutely won’t do is take our kids to weekend-long music festivals. For both their sake and ours.
Honestly, I stopped attending festivals once I hit my thirties. The crowds, the porta-potties—it all just became too much. While I still enjoy a good concert, the logistics of navigating a multi-day outdoor festival became overwhelming even before I had kids!
Now, with two little ones in tow, my feelings remain unchanged. I adore sharing my interests with my kids and want them to experience diverse cultures and activities. But dragging them through a crowd, trying to find a good spot to see bands like Guns N’ Roses while dodging spilled drinks? No, thank you! Sure, it’s outdoors and might seem kid-friendly, but it can also be chaotic.
Sometimes, I crave an adult experience where I don’t have to worry about little ones. Even if I weren’t in the mood for a wild time, there are simply scenarios where young children can be more trouble than they’re worth. An outdoor music festival is definitely one of those situations.
If you enjoy taking your kids along, more power to you! But for me, I’ll be catching that band in a cozy concert hall—complete with a babysitter.
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In summary, while it’s commendable that some parents take their children to music festivals, I prefer to enjoy those experiences without the added responsibility of little ones.