Kids at Bonnaroo

Paging linana

I know from reading different posts in the past about it that one of the most important things to really enter the festival with a different mindset. I know it seems like a pretty basic thing, but I know Bonnaroo is set a certain way in my head. All the extra steps that go into bringing a child probably wouldn't come to me right off. You're not going to see all the shows you want. You're not going to be able to stay up as late as you want. From what I have read, it can be a very fun experience for all parties involved, but it will be a very different experience than your other years.

I've taken three boys, three times (from ages 5-14). The first time is the hardest, because they don't know what to expect. So hydration and shade are your biggest goals. Lots of water, the spray bottle/fan combo thingies and Frog Toggs were all super helpful for us the first time. Don't plan to be very close to the stage for shows obviously and prepare to do other stuff to keep the little guy's interest up throughout the day. You won't see all the shows you want to see and you'll really have to read a 4-year old's queues. But just like you would at a zoo or amusement park, only more importantly so. The big ass slide was actually a big thing for them by the third time - I can't remember if the 5-year-old was able to go on it our first go round (germs sherms). But the ferris wheel, kids area, face painting and other stuff all helped reenergize for more music. Also - sometimes better to plan around a stage or tent with stuff you like, rather than jumping from stage to tent to other stage to other tent etc. One year we stayed around the What stage all day and it really worked. They enjoyed watching people trip around and seeing public nudity, but whacked out people getting naked and taken down hard by security required some recovery time. Tons of opportunities to talk about all kind of real world stuff that they still remember and bring up so kinda worth it. Hat. Water. Sunscreen. Snacks. Money for shitty festival food. Comfy shoes. More water. That's off the top of my head - feel free to ask specific questions.

I took my daughter in 2014. She was 5, almost 6, at the time. We had a blast together! You definitely have to enter with the mindset that it's your kid's Bonnaroo, and you're just along for the ride. I mean, I had a few shows that I definitely did not want to miss, and I ended up having to leave early from 2 of them because she was tired. But I was prepared for that and I actually sat at camp watching Jack White on the live stream on my phone while my daughter slept in the tent.
We camped in Family Camping and it was really nice. It was fairly close to Centeroo, and had a nice copse of trees on the Eastern side that provided morning shade. We were able to sleep til 9 or 10. Other families camped nearby were very friendly. It was fairly quiet, for Bonnaroo.
They make kid-sized camelbaks. I bought my daughter one that had a little room for storage as well, and she enjoyed wearing it. I did have to carry it for her from time to time, but I am used to having to carry her stuff everywhere we go, lol.
Be prepared to change your plans on a dime, to accommodate your child's needs.
I highly recommend having something to pee in at your campsite. The portos were not that far away, but still quite far for tiny bladders. I guess if you're camping off site in an RV that won't be an issue, but when you're in Centeroo try to be mindful of where the portos are, and you may want to keep an extra pair of shorts in case of accidents.
Our neighbors brought a wagon for their son who was also 5 at the time. It really seemed to come in handy for them to carry the kid when he was tired, and to carry their stuff. They also brought the grandparents, who were happy to kidsit occasionally for mom & dad to enjoy some grown-up time.
One thing I strongly suggest is a pair of noise protection earmuffs. You can find them on Amazon for around $15. My daughter really wanted to get up close at Which for a daytime show but it was too loud for her. I had brought some ear plugs for her but found out too late that she didn't like to wear them
A hat & sunglasses are very necessary. Bring extras since kids lose things!
She loved the big ass slide. We spent a good bit of time on it; it's a great way to cool off. As is the fountain. I would sit next to the fountain and listen to music playing nearby while she played in the water. We took a nap in the misting tent one hot afternoon. Oh, and over by the big ass slide they also have kiddie pools and a big tarp to slide around on. Those were free.
She also enjoyed the cinema tent, especially since they had popcorn, soda, and were showing a cat video compilation. And of course the AIR CONDITIONING.
Prepare him for the high fives! Everyone who sees him will want to high five him. Kids are very well loved at Bonnaroo!
Spend some time at Kidz Jam. We had a lot of fun there and could hear music from one of the tents (I think it was Other?)
Buy ice cream/popsicles/frozen lemonade only from the carts. Soft serve from the vendor tent is gross and makes a huge mess.
Lots of people wanted to share & trade bracelets with her. So bring a few bracelets if you think he'd like that.
That's all I can think of, but feel free to ask more questions