Are you thinking of bringing your child to their first concert? This can be an incredibly fun family outing, but there are a few things you should keep in mind to make it more enjoyable for you and for your kids!
- Bring earplugs or protective headgear. Concerts are loud. (My friend Kristina was recently at a concert and she didn’t have earplugs for her kids so she deconstructed a pantyliner to use the cotton! It’s an option. #MomGyver)
- Bring sunglasses. Lights can be bright and if your child has sensitive eyes it can be hard for them.
- Don’t plan a full, exhausting day before the concert. Get your child to nap if you can. Concerts typically start late and last several hours, and it could be after 11 p.m. before you’re done.
- Eat beforehand and budget for snacks. You may not be allowed to bring food in, but four to five hours is a long time for a kid to go without eating. Expect to purchase something, including water – especially if you can’t bring in water bottles due to security constraints.
- Take your kids for a bathroom break before the intermission. You’ll bother your neighbors at the concert, but you won’t have any accidents in the bathroom line!
- Don’t buy your snacks during intermission. Buy them before or after.
- Dress in layers. You never know if your venue will run hot or cold so you want to be prepared for either. Plus that extra jacket or sweatshirt could come in handy if your kid falls asleep during the show. You can use it as a pillow to make them more comfortable so you can still watch the rest of the concert.
- Arrive early. Security can make lines long. If you can help it, don’t bring a purse or bag so you don’t have to get that checked. Also bring something to entertain the kids before the show starts while they wait.
- You know what a concert is, but your kids might not. Tell your kids what to expect in advance. Get them excited about it. Listen to the music that you’re expecting to see live. Explain that the concert will be loud and crazy and fun and memorable so they’re not overwhelmed – but instead excited – when they get there.
We love experiencing new things with our kids and watching through their eyes. Like everything, the dynamics of attending a concert will change when kids are there. Take time to prepare and you’ll have a great time!
Have you attended any concerts with your kids? How did it go? Any tips you’d add to our list?
