Whether it's your first Bonnaroo or you’re a music festival veteran, we welcome you to Inforoo.
Here you'll find info about artists, rumors, camping tips, and the infamous Roo Clues. Have a look around then create an account and join in the fun. See you at Bonnaroo!!
For our part, we are planning to go with our toddler to Roo this year... It should be an adventure! I've had amazing Roo experiences and done many of the front-of-the-crowd waits, the autograph signings and more that are much easier to do as a single body. But now I'd like to just relax, have more back-of-the-crowd fun and really have a great time with my family. My wife, daughter and I are all ready to Roo in 2007-- we'll be in VIP and likely in an RV.
Sand in the Vaseline. I don't bring my f'ed up friends to the kiddie pool.
I suggest spending much time at the playground(if open) and the RV. Or hopefully not battling heat stroke in the medical tent. I wish you the best with it. I just think their are thousands of "family" vacation destinations and very few places like Bonnaroo for the rest of us. You're not that guy at the bar with his kids at the pinball machine, are you ?
No matter how great an experience it may or may not be for your family or your children, parents(especially newer ones) are often so presumptuous that they believe the ONLY debate is whether or not it would be a healthy environment FOR THE CHILDREN.
I have taken my kids to roo, but remember, I live here. I have never took them and camped. It all depends on what you care for your kids to see. Bonnaroo presents the real world in all it's glory. If you look hard enough, you can see anything going on at roo.
If you don't mind your kids seeing drug use, nudity, hard drinking, puking, people passed out, casual sex in public, and wookies, then you should not have an issue.
I have taken my kids to a few concerts at roo, but it has always been a walk over and then a walk home after the show.
They saw some things, but I don't want to hide the world from my children.
It's all a personal choice. You do what you think is best, children at roo have never, will never ruin my good time. People know whats going on there whne they bring their kids, that is choice they make.
Well I certainly didn't start this thread so that people could jump all over parents who did bring their kids. And no snoochy, I wouldn't bring my kids to the bar- but then again I wouldn't want to be in a bar with you either. I'm not sure how to take your "for the rest of us" comment-- is Roo your personal biker bar? Roo has different vibes at different times, but for the large part during the day much of the mini-city of Roo is very cool for all ages.
Last year we spoke to many families who brought their kids in order to make our decision to bring ours this year. Actually in VIP last year I was stunned to see the number of families (and big families too). I was also surprised to see the number of kid-related activities when I actually looked for them (there's an entire kid's tent that's manned all day, and another tent that's a bar at night that had children's bands play during the day- I had no idea when I was at Roo previously). Anyway, when you look at the RV/VIP experience it's not nearly as chaotic.
Regardless, I'm hoping that this thread can be a place where parents can share. Not where they have to feel judged.
dmbfan, any tips for the all the walking? I don't know how old your kids are, but did you have a stroller or backpack?
Anyway, when you look at the RV/VIP experience it's not nearly as chaotic.
I can only hope that the one dude who took a dump next to his tent, left his bottle of whiskey out for 'all to enjoy' (I know I did), provided us with some funny (FUNNY) stuff, and woke up with that squirrelly/vomity looking broad on Monday morning, hasn't raked together the cash for VIP this year.
It's a matter of responsibility. The problems with children really aren't had with responsible parenting. I say bring on the kiddies -- I for one won't be editing my behavior for the sake of the children; nor do I think the responsible parents will have any serious issues with bringing their little ones to Bonnaroo.
I'm looking forward to hearing what an awesome time you and your family had, RooSkew!
I enjoy seeing children at festivals. There's nothing like seeing kids grooving on GOOD music in cute hippie outfits with smiles on their faces. (It's better than buying them those stupid Kids Bop albums, gag.)
Or maybe I'm just getting to that age where my biological clock is getting persistant and I am unable to notice crying and upset children and only the happy ones.
(I think this is why my fiance didn't mind so much when I brought home a dog after looking longingly at the babies at the last festival we went to)
But, yeah, if you're willing to do the extra work, I don't see why it can't be a great family experience.
I've travelled to Bonnaroo with people with young children--it was a pain in the arse for all. I've been at Bonnaroo next to screaming little snots who get taken to everything their parents can't stand to miss. Yeah-kids like to dance, and it's cute. They also get tired REAL fast. Bonnaroo is typically a marathon. Sorry for coming off like a "biker"(wherever that label came from). AND for hijacking YOUR thread and the intent YOU had for it. Can't say I didn't expect you to get pissed. Many parents typically only have themselves and THEIR kids in mind. That's the point I guess.
So bring it on. It's a grand idea. Let noone disagree lest they be a "biker". The "rest of us" refered to those of us who don't have kids, are still kids ourselves, or are getting a rare vacation away from our own kids. We best limit ourselves to the biker bars according to Mr. Defensive. Soon the breeders will take Vegas...
Plus-there's plenty of time between now and Bonnaroo '07. I'll chill and people can tell you what you wanna hear. Niceyniceyniceynicenicenicepoliticalcorrectness ... ...for the children.
Anyway, when you look at the RV/VIP experience it's not nearly as chaotic.
I can only hope that the one dude who took a dump next to his tent, left his bottle of whiskey out for 'all to enjoy' (I know I did), provided us with some funny (FUNNY) stuff, and woke up with that squirrelly/vomity looking broad on Monday morning, hasn't raked together the cash for VIP this year.
a wookie with daddy's credit card knows no bounds. VIP has all the heady shwillys and plenty o' newbie custys these days brah
No tips on the walking with the kids other than leave extra early and allot more time! My kids are 13 n 11 now, but have been to roo as young as 7 n 9. It's tough and like others have said, sometimes the kids cause a lot of disturbamce, but damn, have you paid attention to the adults at roo. They can cause just as much of a ruckus.
For every roo goer who can bitch about kids rasing hell and ruining thier time, I can promise there are two whose time was ruined by out of control adults.
As I said before, if you don't mind exposing your kids to all that bonnaroo "is", then take them.
Don't listen to any of these fake, wannabee, hippies around here! :-)
Reehash, what I want to hear is reasoned commentary from parents who have taken or plan to take kids to Roo. This would be what the thread was about. Key word: "was." If you're trying to demonstrate how adults can just as easily ruin an experience for someone as a kid, you're doing great. Unfortunately for you, this festival is open to all types and ages.
holy hostility! can we do a rewind on this thread and pretend it didn't happen?
I personally am as annoyed as the next guy by screaming children in stores and such while the parents seem to mindlessly ignore them and everyone else wishes they had earplugs... but I've never had an experience like that at roo.
I personally wish my parents were a little hipper and had done something remotely close to that cool with me.
On the other hand, I of course think you are insane, because I would not want to curtail any of my fun even for my kid. Although that's probably why I am not a parent
I'm sure you'll be responsible with the heat and whatnot and it will be a great time.
One rule though - you must dress her in little hippie clothes, that's just required.
I am all for the kids being at Roo - if that is what you wanna do - I am not one to bring my kids because this is my week off from being Mommy! But I love seeing the kids there and enjoying it with responsible parents!
*i like coconuts, you can break them open they smell like ladies lyin in the sun** *Hell I don't even know where I am** *for now I must sit here and ponder the yonder: The herbivores did well cause their food didn't never run** *We listen, if it feels good We shake** *You made a big impression for a girl of your size, Now I can't get by without you and your big brown eyes.**
Yes, lets hear from those that have taken young people. When we talk about 'kids', lets include the ages. It helps to put perspective on this all.
My nephew wants to come in a big way. He is now 16 and it is probably not going to happen because of his parents. However, we do have a deal that he will come as a graduation gift in 2008 - if I'm going.
I've also got my girlfriends 13.5 year old son that wants to come this year. We talked pretty openly about it and HE decided that he could not handle it.
If you look around there are a lot of places in our society that don't WORK to include young people. If I'm camped anywhere near parents who choose to bring their youth I'm going to be supportive, tolerant (if need be), enthusiastic, fun, helpful and thrilled to share the space and experience.
If you look around there are a lot of places in our society that don't WORK to include young people. If I'm camped anywhere near parents who choose to bring their youth I'm going to be supportive, tolerant (if need be), enthusiastic, fun, helpful and thrilled to share the space and experience.
I was really, really shocked how many children (from newborns to 12) and teens there were in VIP. This was a sharp contrast to being in the main camping areas when I was at Roo there. I wouldn't do Roo with my toddler in regular camping, even in an RV. But the VIP experience is very, very different and actually in some parts very close to a family atmosphere. I saw several families cooking group breakfasts, taking turns sitting for kids. Most were taking advantage of Roo's rules that those under 6 are free with a paying adult (I saw more under 6 than those between 7-12).
And being with my daughter is my vacation and is tremendously fun for me. She loves music, loves people and very much embodies the vibe. I'm not big on hiding her from anything, but then again I'm talking the VIP RV experience- I'm not suggesting putting her in the middle of regular camping to crimp anyone's style or where she couldn't play with other kids. My daughter is my world. I'm not ashamed of it.
I really hope some with experience in bringing kids will find this thread (the later half, anyway) and help speak to the phenomenon. I think I'll look to see if other boards might help host a discussion too and I'll post links here if they do.
I personally wish my parents were a little hipper and had done something remotely close to that cool with me.
One rule though - you must dress her in little hippie clothes, that's just required.
Tara,
Madison dresses like that year round! ;D I've done well!
Fabulous
Chris oh my god did I show you the pictures of the two cute little girls at vegoose!?? I know I showed Alisa, but I'm not sure if I showed you... They were so adorably cute, probably like 3 and 4 years old, were in little hippie dresses, with fairy wings, and dancing around like crazy. It was seriously the cutest thing I've ever seen! They kept dancing out of camera range, and I started to feel like a total creepy person standing there taking several pictures of someone's kids, so I didn't get a really good one They made my day though it was so funny!
Post by crazykittensmile on Dec 13, 2006 1:50:21 GMT -5
taraanne81 said:
dmbfanintn said:
Tara,
Madison dresses like that year round! ;D I've done well!
Fabulous
Chris oh my god did I show you the pictures of the two cute little girls at vegoose!?? I know I showed Alisa, but I'm not sure if I showed you... They were so adorably cute, probably like 3 and 4 years old, were in little hippie dresses, with fairy wings, and dancing around like crazy. It was seriously the cutest thing I've ever seen! They kept dancing out of camera range, and I started to feel like a total creepy person standing there taking several pictures of someone's kids, so I didn't get a really good one They made my day though it was so funny!
OMG remember that squeal i let out when you showed me the video of them dancing?! seriously one of THE cutest things i've ever seen... ;D
My friends brought their six month old daughter with them to Bonnaroo last year, and I won't deny there were challenges during the weekend. Though, keep in mind, they had the option of going home if they needed to. That said, look at these pictures and tell me the kid didn't have fun
One word of advice. Don't get too close to the stage/speakers with your child in tow. They arrived early at a main stage show to chill/wait for the next act, and when the show began the sound where they were was overwhelming. After they backed up they could enjoy the show. Lesson learned.
EDIT: Added my photoshop of the above pic for a giggle ;D
[One word of advice. Don't get too close to the stage/speakers with your child in tow. They arrived early at a main stage show to chill/wait for the next act, and when the show began the sound where they were was overwhelming. After they backed up they could enjoy the show. Lesson learned. [/quote]
Great pics! I'm not sure I would have brought my kid quite that young- mainly because of the time they'd be asleep that someone would be missing out! But I think we actually talked to them during the gig at some point...
Good advice on sound. I figured I'd be in the back for everything anyway- plus using earplugs for her. Except for the kids bands in the smaller tent and maybe a gig at the sonic stage or something. Just depends. I've had my fun up close and would be happy to just be near the music with her.
Post by trippindaisy on Dec 13, 2006 14:05:21 GMT -5
It was our first year this year and we took my 14 year old daughter. We were camped all the way out on the edge, so for her the long walk and the heat really got to her. Otherwise she had a great time and we actually just got tickets this morning for next year.
She has been going to Phish, Dave Matthews etc. shows with me since she was a baby so the "scene" is not something that I feel I need to shelter her from. I took her to Big Cypress for Phish in 1999/2000 and she was about 7 at the time and we had a blast with her. She was one of very few children there so she was treated like a little hippie princess by everyone. Good times
I can honestly say though that I cannot imagine taking a toddler or a baby unless you had an RV. All that walking and all that heat...... YUK!!
I agree with RooSkew (hey, dude, how ya been?) that there were a lot of kids in VIP. They were extremely well behaved and always happy.
Ear plugs may not be advised for small children, as they may get lost in the ear canal; however, I did see several small children wearing headphones to protect their ears. I can't remember now what the logo on them was, but they were made specifically for children.
I agree with RooSkew (hey, dude, how ya been?) that there were a lot of kids in VIP. They were extremely well behaved and always happy.
Hey it's great to see/hear/read you again!
Good point on earplugs- and now that you mention it, I do remember those headphones on a few kids. I'll have to do some diggin'.
The kids tent goodie bags included earplugs for free. My fiance went and asked for some to protect his recording engineer ears when he forgot his professional ones the first day. Maybe it's just me, but I can't really imagine earplugs getting lost in anyone's ear, especially a child. I can barely get them into my own ear. I would think the choking hazard would be a bigger issue for the real little ones. One of those things could lodge itself in a windpipe real good.
Post by crazykittensmile on Dec 16, 2006 0:33:43 GMT -5
hey mr rooskew, i may have found those headphones you were seeing on the little roo'ers last year. was on this site ordering some earplugs for my brother for christmas (hey, he ASKED for them!) and came across these:
hey mr rooskew, i may have found those headphones you were seeing on the little roo'ers last year. was on this site ordering some earplugs for my brother for christmas (hey, he ASKED for them!) and came across these:
They made my day though it was so funny!
