This year, our family went to a local country festival called the Temecula Balloon & Wine Festival.
This event tends to be more family-friendly, so my husband and I thought it would be the perfect time to bring our boys (ages 4 and 3) along. Not going to lie—it stressed me out a little—but we all ended up having a blast! Here are my tips for a smooth festival experience with toddlers.
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1. Read the FAQs!
Every festival and venue has its own set of rules. Be sure to read the FAQs on the festival or venue website before you go! This will tell you exactly what you can and can’t bring in, which saves a lot of frustration at the gate.
2. Get Packed
If you have toddlers, you probably already have your go-to items when leaving the house. For a festival, you’ll want to add a few extra things to that list.
3. Chairs
We love our Tommy Bahama chairs, but I’ve also seen comparable ones at Costco—and sometimes you can even find the Tommy Bahama ones there! We love ours because they have straps for easy carrying, plus a large insulated pocket and drink holder pockets. These chairs will become your go-to for so many occasions, so they’re totally worth the investment.
4. Hand Sanitizer & Baby Wipes
My favorite sanitizers are linked here (HONEST & doTERRA). A lot of outdoor venues only have porta-potties and portable handwashing stations, so come prepared. I was so glad I had sanitizer because the handwashing stations ran out of water in the evening! I also always bring extra napkins, tissues, or baby wipes—these came in handy when they ran out of toilet paper, too.
5. Water
Not all venues allow you to bring in outside water, so check the rules ahead of time. If you can’t bring your own, make sure you have a plan for buying it once you’re inside. You’ll definitely need it! Better yet, bring some liquid IV sticks to keep everyone hydrated!
6. Sunscreen
This is where I reference the FAQs again—our venue didn’t allow aerosol cans. Don’t be like me: I read the rules and still brought aerosol sunscreen. My husband had to run it back to the car… oops!
7. Extra Clothes
Moms, I’m sure this is already on your list. With all the treats at festivals, your kids are bound to get sticky (and possibly wet). A change of clothes will save the day.
8. Blankets
Bring blankets for sitting and lounging, but also for when it gets chilly in the evening.
9. A Few “Forgotten” Toys
You know those random little toys your kids love but haven’t played with in a while? Bring those. For some reason, my kids thought they were way more fun at the festival than they are at home.
Festivals with toddlers can feel overwhelming, but with a little prep, they can be pure fun. Honestly, seeing their faces light up while dancing to the music was worth every ounce of planning.
Save this post for your next family adventure! Whether it’s the Temecula Balloon & Wine Festival or another local event, these tips will help you pack with confidence, keep your kids happy, and actually enjoy the day yourself.
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