What we learned taking our kids to Jazz Fest
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Jazz Fest in New Orleans expanded its Kids Tent last year, regrouping as the Ochsner Children's Tent with a bigger footprint for activities for the festival's youngest attendees.
Why it matters: The expansion makes it a little bit easier to bring your kids to Jazz Fest, so we decided to try out the experience for ourselves last Friday.
The big picture: Jazz Fest is a rare major festival that crosses generational divides, with jazzy moms and dads grooving at one stage while their kids bop along at another across the Fair Grounds.
Yes, but: It's one thing to send your teenager off to see HAIM. It's another thing entirely to navigate toddler nap times or the picky eating habits of a 9-year-old.
Taking toddlers to Jazz Fest
👋 Chelsea here. I wanted to catch Kacey Musgraves, but with my husband working late, I was solo and left to strap my nearly 2-year-old into her stroller and hit the track.
What worked:
- The activities at the children's tent were great for a shady step away from the music. My daughter loved playing with the bubbles and coloring on a decorated mask. (Down side? She kept asking to go back to the colors the rest of the time we were there.)
- There's power in numbers. I set up in the far reaches of the Festival Stage audience, happily stumbling into a corner with a few other families. Our kids helped entertain each other, which gave me a quick break.
- Having a nap strategy. With my eyes set on a headliner, I didn't pick my daughter up from day care until after naptime.
What didn't:
- Lines. My kid is a runner, and run she shall, no matter what my plans are.
- Bathrooms! Options are limited when you're nervous your child might get curious and shove a hand into a porta-potty urinal.
Taking older kids to Jazz Fest
👋 Carlie here. Here's the good advice mom friends gave me before I took my third-grader to the fest.
😎 Have low expectations. You won't be able to see everything. We lasted three hours.
🍧 Ply them with all the snacks. The mango freeze, gelato and fry bread were winners.
🥁 Find something fun. We loved the native nations intertribal pow wow in the folklife village.
🪭 Take breaks. Bring a chair or a picnic blanket. Drink water. Use neck fans. Enjoy the moment.
What to pack
Strollers: Strollers are allowed, but stroller wagons are not.
- Backpacks, collapsible chairs and blankets are also allowed. Playpens are not. More rules.
Snacks: Sealed bottled water, snacks and empty sippy cups are OK.
- There are water refilling stations by Food Area 2 and the kids' tent. (Map)
Gear: It's usually hot and sunny. Pack sunscreen, hats, portable fans and anything else that'll keep you cool.
- Ear protection is also helpful for kids who may not like loud music.
Nursing options: The fest has a dedicated nursing and pumping area on the third floor of the Grandstand.
- The women's restrooms on the first floor have changing tables, but Chelsea found on her visit that the bathroom attendant had filled the space with sunblock, mints and other useful items for adults.
If you go: Tickets for kids ages 2 to 10 are $5, but you have to buy them at the gate.
- Kids under 2 are free.