A Kid Friendly Fest?

[PaulB]

Hi all,

I am considering bringing my 4 and 5 yr old boys to Jazz Fest and am interested in advice from those who have 'fested with their kids at that age - things to bring, things to do, where to take refuge when needed. Any kid oriented acts or activities at the event? I am looking at the first weekend, have not picked a day yet.

I am looking forward to exposing my kids to great music at a young age, but want to be prepared to make it a good and comfortable experience.

Thanks,
Paul

[McGregor]

I found this >
http://www.nojazzfest.com/chat/showthread.php?t=4598&highlight=kids+children

[Leni]

Many of the stages are very loud -- even the kid's tent gets really loud -- and exposure to the high decibels can damage one's hearing for life -- kids' ears are especially vulnerable.

[pokerchick66]

I brought my 10 yr. old last year (9 at the time) and she loved it. She played in the kids tents with the games and listened to a little music in the kids tent (which is pretty cool temp-wise). And she enjoyed Congo Square arts and crafts. She loved the mango freezes and had ice cream, too, to help keep her cool and she wore a hat. However, even with it being the first weekend, she still got very hot and even got a headache because of the heat and did not want to stay all day. She let me know at 5:00 that she was ready to go. Which was cool cuz Mom was there to take her home. Just make sure you keep your kids hydrated and cool. They'll let you know what's what. ;)

Good luck! :)

[johnstp]

We've brought our son every year. In fact, he usually celebrates his birthday at Jazz Fest. He turned 1 and 2 there. And this year, he'll turn 3 at his third Fest!

We've never had a problem with bringing him. Most people are pretty accommodating. We stay WAY back at the larger stages, and always out of direct line of the speakers. In fact, we've found the best place to sit is just on the side of them.

The kid's tent and play area have always been a big hit. Be mindful of the heat, hydrate frequently and take lots of breaks. Frequent trips to the Grandstand (and its air conditioning) are a must.

Mango Freeze and ice cream are also highly recommended.

[stlbarb]

Hi all,

I am considering bringing my 4 and 5 yr old boys to Jazz Fest and am interested in advice from those who have 'fested with their kids at that age - things to bring, things to do, where to take refuge when needed. Any kid oriented acts or activities at the event? I am looking at the first weekend, have not picked a day yet.

I am looking forward to exposing my kids to great music at a young age, but want to be prepared to make it a good and comfortable experience.

Thanks,
Paul

you will have another big person along to help? the thought of chasing 2 boys that age - running in opposite directions - is just exhausting. you will need backup. if you cant bring your own, make friends with other parents while the kids play in the dirt on the track (bring some hotwheels).
the kids will have a blast, and you will have a blast watching them enjoy it so much. the kids area offers a lot for them to do, but sitting on the blanket in the shade, enjoying a snowcone, is high entertainment when you're that age.
no need to get the kids tickets in advance, so maybe wait and pick the day based on music and on weather. thus advoiding a day that is too hot or too wet or too crowded. traditionally friday is less crowded.

[jamesfinlaw]

My Brother and Sister-in-law will be bringing their 4 yr old daughter and are concerned about this, any advice?

[stlbarb]

My Brother and Sister-in-law will be bringing their 4 yr old daughter and are concerned about this, any advice?

are they renting a car?
they can ask the rental agency if they have booster seats are available.
I assuming a 4 year old is too big for baby type car seat.

[rowEn]

My Brother and Sister-in-law will be bringing their 4 yr old daughter and are concerned about this, any advice?

If you are talking about just transportation to/from JF to their hotel, then I would suggest they either take the JF express bus or the streetcar on the way there and then either a bus or taxi back...and leave the booster seat in the hotel unless they feel like lugging it around all day.

[johnstp]

We use this great car seat that converts to a stroller. The wheels pop in and out of the thing. It rocks.

We use it as a car seat in cabs, a stroller through the airport, a FAA-approved seat on the plane and we strolled all around Jazz Fest and NOLA with it.

Like I said, it rocks.

It's a little pricey, but totally worth it.

Here's a link:

http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=6805&cmSource=Search

[Frosty]

Jazz Fest is wonderful for kids. My only advice is stay away from the megacrowds at the Acura stage when the BNA's play.

Two years ago, my wife and I took our then 8 and 6 year old girls and last year, I returned alone with them while my wife stayed home with our latest edition. Our plan of attack was to hit the gospel tent first thing. This was a huge hit for the kids. Then, we camp out at the Jazz & Heritage Stage for some brass bands and Mardi Gras Indians, while also hitting the food booths that are right there. Grab several New Orleans specialties and pass them around. After enjoying lunch and letting the kids run around the less crowded stage, we move onto something larger like Gentilly or Congo Square. Congo Square is especially good as it is near the Congo Square marketplace, and also near the small circle where they have Native American dancing and other fun things the kids enjoy. Finally, we decide what we want to see to finish the day. The Fais Do Do stage is a great place to do so. Top notch local acts and a room for the kids to dance or run around or crash, if needed.

My advice is to forget the kids tent. The best kids act is the Imagination Movers anyhow, and they don't play the kids tent. For puppet shows and kids music, you are better off heading to the local library on a Saturday afternoon and saving the money. To put it bluntly, don't dumb down the experience for them.

What to bring:

Sun hats
Sunscreen
Money
Blanket

[McGregor]

What to bring:

Sun hats
Sunscreen
Money
Blanket

I'd bring a little water-fan spray bottle too. I'm not sure what I'd do without mine out there. A little cold water on your face goes a long way on a hot day.
http://www.szpromos.com/upload/file/17962706_Spray_Fan_Water_Bottle.gif

[Jordan]

Hi all,

I am considering bringing my 4 and 5 yr old boys to Jazz Fest and am interested in advice from those who have 'fested with their kids at that age - things to bring, things to do, where to take refuge when needed. Any kid oriented acts or activities at the event? I am looking at the first weekend, have not picked a day yet.

I am looking forward to exposing my kids to great music at a young age, but want to be prepared to make it a good and comfortable experience.

Thanks,
Paul

My kids (Nathaniel - 9 and Nola - 7) have come to every fest since they were born. When they were little, they travelled in backpacks - by 4 or 5, I borrowed one of those SUV strollers that they could both ride on -- it was hard to navigate through crowds, but it did the trick. Here are a few of my random suggestions off the top of my head:

Write your cell phone number on their body with a sharpie - the kids tent also has ID bracelets with a spot for your number
get there at 11 - there are no crowds and it is a great time to let them run around a bit
bring toys - nerf ball, balloons, pail/shovel for "the beach" (I know what horses do on the track, but if it buys an hour of entertainment, I can block it out of my mind)
back your expectations down a bit -- my kids love music and even if they were at a band they love like Dumpstaphunk, they still said "I'm bored", can we go to the kid's tent?
Pee them whenever you walk by a port-o-pottie with little line -- I can't tell you how many times I just got to a stage and had to leave
Order a copy of DJ and the Jazzfest - it is a kids book that we bought that will help get them excited about it
Focus the musical indoctrination on bands you want to see -- (there is a reason they like Dumpstaphunk aside from the music)
think about a brass pass - stopping in the WWOZ hospitality tent for fruit and shade was a help
bring a change of clothes in a sealed plastic bag
when in doubt, hang in the back of the Gentilly stage and let them run around -- there is one shade tree and lots of space to play tag or ball


Jazzfest without kids is a very different experience than Jazzfest with kids. Although I do miss some of the without kids days, I think many of my best memories are when my kids were there.

Enjoy!!!

[Frosty]

I'd bring a little water-fan spray bottle too. I'm not sure what I'd do without mine out there. A little cold water on your face goes a long way on a hot day.
http://www.szpromos.com/upload/file/17962706_Spray_Fan_Water_Bottle.gif

My kids like those but they mean more to carry around with you. There are drinking fountains and there is always ice from the beverage stands. In 5 years, I've yet to encounter a hot day at Jazz Fest but I'm sure they exist and it is good to prepare.

[Lit]

My kids like those but they mean more to carry around with you. There are drinking fountains and there is always ice from the beverage stands. In 5 years, I've yet to encounter a hot day at Jazz Fest but I'm sure they exist and it is good to prepare.

Yep, you better believe hot days exist at Fest. Africa hot days. We experienced at least one during both Fests we've attended with our kids, and you'd better be prepared for them or you won't be there long if you have real young'uns. The spray bottles pictured above are invaluable. If you have a jogger with a basket, etc. they do not add materially to your load. You should also have plenty of sunscreen and head/face cover, and a cloth you can soak and drape over their necks. Bring a sheet to drape over them during naps. Escape to the Grandstand for a nice air-conditioned break. Bring plenty of water (IIRC they let you when you have kids), and be prepared to buy plenty of Strawberry Lemonade and shaved ice.

[Frosty]

One other note, Rock and Bowl is a great place to bring your kids to a night show, the shows start early (around 7) and it is a great environment. Very kid friendly and the crowds don't arrive until later. We enjoyed an awesome Amanda Shaw set last year and left before the other two acts feeling like we had seen a night's worth of music already. The girls LOVED it!

[Frosty]

Yep, you better believe hot days exist at Fest. Africa hot days. We experienced at least one during both Fests we've attended with our kids, and you'd better be prepared for them or you won't be there long if you have real young'uns. The spray bottles pictured above are invaluable. If you have a jogger with a basket, etc. they do not add materially to your load. You should also have plenty of sunscreen and head/face cover, and a cloth you can soak and drape over their necks. Bring a sheet to drape over them during naps. Escape to the Grandstand for a nice air-conditioned break. Bring plenty of water (IIRC they let you when you have kids), and be prepared to buy plenty of Strawberry Lemonade and shaved ice.


No doubt they exist. I think the warmest it's been there for us has been mid 80's but no humidity. Justa typical summer day. Probably just lucky I guess.

[pokerchick66]

I'd bring a little water-fan spray bottle too. I'm not sure what I'd do without mine out there. A little cold water on your face goes a long way on a hot day.
http://www.szpromos.com/upload/file/17962706_Spray_Fan_Water_Bottle.gif

Yes! We love ours. :)

[pokerchick66]

My kids (Nathaniel - 9 and Nola - 7) have come to every fest since they were born. When they were little, they travelled in backpacks - by 4 or 5, I borrowed one of those SUV strollers that they could both ride on -- it was hard to navigate through crowds, but it did the trick. Here are a few of my random suggestions off the top of my head:

Write your cell phone number on their body with a sharpie - the kids tent also has ID bracelets with a spot for your number
get there at 11 - there are no crowds and it is a great time to let them run around a bit
bring toys - nerf ball, balloons, pail/shovel for "the beach" (I know what horses do on the track, but if it buys an hour of entertainment, I can block it out of my mind)
back your expectations down a bit -- my kids love music and even if they were at a band they love like Dumpstaphunk, they still said "I'm bored", can we go to the kid's tent?
Pee them whenever you walk by a port-o-pottie with little line -- I can't tell you how many times I just got to a stage and had to leave
Order a copy of DJ and the Jazzfest - it is a kids book that we bought that will help get them excited about it
Focus the musical indoctrination on bands you want to see -- (there is a reason they like Dumpstaphunk aside from the music)
think about a brass pass - stopping in the WWOZ hospitality tent for fruit and shade was a help
bring a change of clothes in a sealed plastic bag
when in doubt, hang in the back of the Gentilly stage and let them run around -- there is one shade tree and lots of space to play tag or ball


Jazzfest without kids is a very different experience than Jazzfest with kids. Although I do miss some of the without kids days, I think many of my best memories are when my kids were there.

Enjoy!!!


Great tips, Jordan! I'm gonna have to see if our library has a copy of that book. Liv will love it! :)

[swag]

The record high for New Orleans for any day in the Jazzfest time period (late April thru May 7) is actually only 92 F. But that number doesn't tell the whole story. Official temps are measured in the shade, and there's precious little shade at the Fest. Add about 10 degrees for the sun, and you have an actual temperature over 100. Then factor in the effect of the humidity, the crowds, and the walking, and it can get pretty uncomfortable. Take it easy and stay hydrated is good advice for anyone, but especially those with kids.

[pokerchick66]

Then factor in the effect of the humidity, the crowds, and the walking, and it can get pretty uncomfortable.

Drinking alcohol makes you hot, too! :cool:

[kikimo]

My daughter is 6 years old and she's been twice. Her first trip, she was a new born so she stayed all weekend. Last year she came over with a friend so it was only one day. We had a blast and she's already telling me how much she wants to see the Imagination Movers again this year. The crowds did scare her at first but once she got used to them she was fine.

Negatives are keeping up with her all day, but the Kids area is great. Just make sure you register your child.

Positives are the all of memories you and your child will never forget. Introducing her to NO cuisine, holding her while you introduce her to Zydeco and etc... Plus its a great "excuse" to eat the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and Rice Crispy treats sold in the Kid's tent area. :)

[pokerchick66]

Negatives are keeping up with her all day, but the Kids area is great. Just make sure you register your child.

:)

Where do you do that?

[groovy1967]

Drinking alcohol makes you hot, too! :cool:

I had no idea. In my experience, it always tended to make other people look hot. This changes everything!

[johnstp]

It doesn't get better than this:

http://www.stampingismybusiness.com/NOLA-faisdodosmall.jpg

[rosetree]

One other note, Rock and Bowl is a great place to bring your kids to a night show, the shows start early (around 7) and it is a great environment. Very kid friendly and the crowds don't arrive until later. We enjoyed an awesome Amanda Shaw set last year and left before the other two acts feeling like we had seen a night's worth of music already. The girls LOVED it!

The new R & B is great! It's much larger than the old one and is a great place to take the kids. I know that the old one had lots of "ambiance", but the new one Rocks too.
As for the Fest, be prepared to leave early. Although you might want to make a full day out of it, it's my experience that a cranky whiny kid is not good on the nerves. The other suggestions are spot on! You can have fun at JF with young ones.;)

[Lit]

Two other thoughts:

My wife and I often split up, with each of us taking one of the kids; and then switch off every now and again. One of the years we had one in a jogger pretty much full time, and the other was fully mobile on her own. Splitting up and then switching off allowed each of us to experience difference stuff. When I had the jogger, I would motor around the race track and get in a ton of music all over the fairgrounds; and the little shade thing at the top of the jogger was a great way to hold a few food items when you pulled it flat, essentially using it as a mobile food cart. When I was with the older daughter, I would invest more time initially at the Kid's Area--especially the crafts and the play area, because she was happy when we would spend time doing kid's stuff, and then she would be perfectly happy to go explore elsewhere. But the best part about that craft area is that you can hear the music from Economy Hall very well, so that kept me happy enough while I was there. And the crafts are usually pretty cool, and a great way to keep them occupied (and they make something they can carry around with them).

Also, we discovered that the orange boards covering the cords at the Gentilly Stage make a great walking platform for toddlers when the area is not too crowded. Our kids would spend an entire set of music following those boards in all different directions, and I would gladly stroll along behind them, wherever they wanted to go, because it meant that I was able to hang out and enjoy great music at one of my favorite stages. And it was also a great way to tire them out for a good long nap.

[Lit]

Order a copy of DJ and the Jazzfest - it is a kids book that we bought that will help get them excited about it.

We were at Fest with our girls during a year when the author of that book (can't remember her name) gave a reading at the Kids' Stage and then signed copies afterwards. Our girls were excited to meet her and they got a nice personalized inscription from her. We read it often in the days and weeks that followed, and then not so much after that. Every now and again it re-surfaces and they ask me to read it, mostly for nostalgia; but it does help bring back the memories for them too. I read it to our youngest some time last year and it didn't stick, but I think she's probably ready for it now.

[kikimo]

Where do you do that?


In the Kids area. It's a table/booth set up to register your child's name and a responsible adults name with a cell number. The JF folks will attach the child's name with phone number to the backs of their shirts. So if a child gets lost, they are wearing a contact number or if someone takes the child to the Kids area, the JF folks will be able to call you.

Another good idea is to take a sharpie and write your cell number on an arm or leg.

[McGregor]

It doesn't get better than this:

http://www.stampingismybusiness.com/NOLA-faisdodosmall.jpg

The shirt/glasses combo really works for him. What a cutie!

[pokerchick66]

In the Kids area. It's a table/booth set up to register your child's name and a responsible adults name with a cell number. The JF folks will attach the child's name with phone number to the backs of their shirts. So if a child gets lost, they are wearing a contact number or if someone takes the child to the Kids area, the JF folks will be able to call you.

Another good idea is to take a sharpie and write your cell number on an arm or leg.

Great idea . . . thanks! :)

[hercules9273]

Do they have a table to do that for adults?

[stlbarb]

The new R & B is great! It's much larger than the old one and is a great place to take the kids. I know that the old one had lots of "ambiance", but the new one Rocks too.
As for the Fest, be prepared to leave early. Although you might want to make a full day out of it, it's my experience that a cranky whiny kid is not good on the nerves. The other suggestions are spot on! You can have fun at JF with young ones.;)

cant they just drop those cranky whiny kids off at your booth for a few hours? ;)

[stlbarb]

Jazz Fest is wonderful for kids. My only advice is stay away from the megacrowds at the Acura stage when the BNA's play.

Two years ago, my wife and I took our then 8 and 6 year old girls and last year, I returned alone with them while my wife stayed home with our latest edition. Our plan of attack was to hit the gospel tent first thing. This was a huge hit for the kids. Then, we camp out at the Jazz & Heritage Stage for some brass bands and Mardi Gras Indians, while also hitting the food booths that are right there. Grab several New Orleans specialties and pass them around. After enjoying lunch and letting the kids run around the less crowded stage, we move onto something larger like Gentilly or Congo Square. Congo Square is especially good as it is near the Congo Square marketplace, and also near the small circle where they have Native American dancing and other fun things the kids enjoy. Finally, we decide what we want to see to finish the day. The Fais Do Do stage is a great place to do so. Top notch local acts and a room for the kids to dance or run around or crash, if needed.

My advice is to forget the kids tent. The best kids act is the Imagination Movers anyhow, and they don't play the kids tent. For puppet shows and kids music, you are better off heading to the local library on a Saturday afternoon and saving the money. To put it bluntly, don't dumb down the experience for them.

What to bring:

Sun hats
Sunscreen
Money
Blanket

i love the kids tent, i have been drawn in by some wonderful music and dancers (and i dont have kids).
i think they often engage the children to become involved in the performance. the kids always look like they are having fun, just dont tell them they might be learning something too. i guess you should just take your kids there and see what they think.

all stages can be appropriate for families. the larger the crowd at that stage, the farther back you should set up.

[rosetree]

cant they just drop those cranky whiny kids off at your booth for a few hours? ;)

It's OK, I always have duct tape! ;)

[stlbarb]

Write your cell phone number on their body with a sharpie - the kids tent also has ID bracelets with a spot for your number

get there at 11 - there are no crowds and it is a great time to let them run around a bit

Pee them whenever you walk by a port-o-pottie with little line -- I can't tell you how many times I just got to a stage and had to leave

Focus the musical indoctrination on bands you want to see -- (there is a reason they like Dumpstaphunk aside from the music)

think about a brass pass - stopping in the WWOZ hospitality tent for fruit and shade was a help

bring a change of clothes in a sealed plastic bag

when in doubt, hang in the back of the Gentilly stage and let them run around -- there is one shade tree and lots of space to play tag or ball
[/LIST]

Enjoy!!!

i edited your list and its now great suggestions for everyone, especially those bringing fest virgins!

ps- seeing you & your wife & the kids at fest has always brought a smile to my face. you all always seem to be having so much fun.

[festbabe]

i love the kids tent, i have been drawn in by some wonderful music and dancers (and i dont have kids).

..

Agreed. I spend some time in the kid's tent last year (and too many chillren in one room sets my nerves on edge). There was a fun music and I LOVED the banners on the walls made by (I think) the different local schools.

[festivalgirl]

i love the kids tent, i have been drawn in by some wonderful music and dancers (and i dont have kids).
i think they often engage the children to become involved in the performance. the kids always look like they are having fun, just dont tell them they might be learning something too. i guess you should just take your kids there and see what they think.

all stages can be appropriate for families. the larger the crowd at that stage, the farther back you should set up.

but please remember this is not your living room .... playpens & noisy toys are not appropriate & there has to be a better place to change dirty diapers.

[stlbarb]

but please remember this is not your living room .... playpens & noisy toys are not appropriate & there has to be a better place to change dirty diapers.

is this directed at me or the people with kids? :confused: :rolleyes:

[festivalgirl]

is this directed at me or the people with kids? :confused: :rolleyes:

well, we are going to be neighbors ......

[dank_bass]

Drinking alcohol makes you hot, too! :cool:

Im struggling to leave this comment alone ... wheres Ross when you need him?

[Jordan]

The storyteller's tent is also a good place tohang out -- my kids became regulars there

[Amy Winette]

Our kids are a little younger, but last year we brought up a little blow up pool with shade tent and filled it with cold water. It was never Africa hot so Natalie really didn't use it much, but I think it could have been a life saver on a super hot day. Natalie loved the mac n cheese and fruit salad from the kids area. And ice cream of course. The jogger strollers with big wheels are great for getting kids and their stuff around.

[Laurelh]

My husband and I have both been to Jazzfest a few times without kids, but this is our first time bringing our 4.5 year old son.

We have read most of the tips on here and are debating whether to bring our Baby Jogger jogging stroller. The plus side would be in case his legs get tired of walking and a place to nap (which he still does on most days), and a place to sit and get out of the sun. Downsides I guess would be getting through the crowd and getting the stroller back to the hotel after the Fest.

We'll be in NOLA for a whole week, not renting a car, and plan to take the streetcar as much as possible, walk, and cab some too. The stroller might come in handy cruising around town too--but is a pain when you're trying to get in a crowded restaurant.

What do you think--stroller or no stroller?

Thanks!

Laurel

[Lit]

What do you think--stroller or no stroller?


IMO a jogging stroller is the single best item we've brought to Fest for our kids when they were younger. Assuming it folds easily like ours did, cabs should not be a problem because you can put it in the trunk. And I've seen people stand in the back of the street car with them too.

[johnstp]

Stroller... definitely!!

[Headless Hornman]

Last year I was crossing Esplanade heading for the gate and spied a couple diligently working on a stroller. I carry some tie wraps, tape, and micro pliers/screwdriver with me in case something falls off the totem so I thought I'd see if they needed help.

"Thanks! Uh, you see what we're up to, don't you?"

Then I noticed the case of beer they were bungee-cording under the stroller.

[Fred (Texas JF Fanatic)]

shhhhhhhh

[canadianjohn]

Stroller....YES! Last year our friends had thier 2 & 1/2 year old with them. When we went over to Rosetree fest they decided to put her in the back pack harness thingy. Let's just say that it was time for a nap & they didn't have the stroller.;)

[Laurelh]

Ok thanks! We got three votes for and none against. We do have a stroller bag that is for the plane and the stroller does fold up and will fit in the trunk of a cab for sure.

We don't really use the stroller much anymore, except at Disneyland in July and it was very helpful there.

We'll take the stroller to Jazz Fest.

We leave two weeks from today! WooHoo!

:-)

[bobatude]

a "2009" jazz fest on looker

http://i364.photobucket.com/albums/oo88/bobatude/2009jazzfest235.jpg

[Headless Hornman]

Here's a book for worn-out parents back at the hotel after Fest. Sadly it won't be available until October.

http://www.boingboing.net/2011/04/26/go-the-fuck-to-sleep.html