Help me enjoy festivals with my kids

[Anonymous]

We go but always go early, as in we are the first ones there so we avoid lines.

We do not go to carnivals. We like fall festivals and cultural festivals. Usually Dh or I get the food while other parent watches a show or gets a table.

[Anonymous]

This isn't fun until your kids are old enough to be dropped off at the gate and picked up a couple of hours later.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Go early and leave early.

This is the way. Always arrive EARLY. As in before opening. Everyone plans to be early but few actually make it. This is the hack for the zoo, museums, etc., theme parks (gag), etc. You will fit in so many activities the first hour or so. Depending on the layout, it can also be really helpful to go deep and work your way back. Know as much as possible before you go about the activities, service areas, etc. We also do a thing where each person chooses one or two things that are important to them, and we prioritize those things.

This, and the way you are early is pack as much as possible the night before. I am not a minimalist, but if you are, ignore me. I used to have a printed spreadsheet checklist for outings-- all the diaper bag items, snacks, water, etc., plus things you may or may not need, depending on the venue and location--sunglasses, sunscreen, rain gear, picnic blankets, etc. This also allows spouse to pack things. Split it between things that can be gathered in advance and those that have to be done the morning of. You can also make a to do list for your spouse. We've ended up with roles in prepping for these kinds of outings or trips.

It takes a surprisingly long time to pack all those things plus get breakfast and everyone ready and waters filled, at least for me. Know how long it takes you and plan to do it the night before. Or sometimes one parent gets up early, but I'm often going to these things without my spouse.

I freeze waters and take a lunchbox full of them.

Look at Google maps the night before, using the setting where it gives you a range for how long it typically takes then add time to the longest time because something will happen at home or else traffic. If you get there early, use that time to put on sunscreen if you haven't done that at home.

You will feel so, so good when you get there first thing even if it's hard. It's very hard for me. I know everything I laid out is probably natural for many people, but it took me a whole lot of really planning and trying and repeating to get there! But now it really works for us.

Part of the planning is right now evaluate (without judgment) what went "wrong" at the last festival and what can "fix" each thing even if it's skipping that part or not going or packing peanut butter sandwiches. I'd do this on pen and paper. That helps me get out of the "shoulds" in my head. For instance, we've been a lot of places but never Cox Farms. You don't have to do things you aren't interested in even or you think are too crowded even if all the other parents do.