babies and ACL

ebat · April 2010

We got our tickets today too, yay!

I always see lots of kids and babies at ACL but don't know how they do, how long they stay etc. The little lady wll be almost 9 months at that time and I'm not sure if we should bring her for part of it for one day(Friday.) The rest of the weekend I think my parents will come down and hang out with her at home.

So if you've taken a baby that age-ish, what can I expect?

Thanks

heybabe · April 2010

We have never taken kiddos, but I have been every year. There were some days I can see everyone enjoying it, but some of the days, quite honestly, would have been hell for you and the kids. Think 105 degrees, no shade, and dust so thick people were covereing their faces with bandanas. Or, alternatively, think of Zilker as one huge rainy, mud pit. I think a lot of it will depend on the weather for us - I hope it will be nice since they have moved it from mid-Sept to mid-Oct. And you just have to know you're not going to get up close - just put a blanket out way at the back. It's definitely doable. We are excited to take the kids for at least one afternoon. ETA: Oops, I missed the part where you said you've been before, just haven't taken kids. You know as much as I do then! Stick out tongue

ktwdw129 · April 2010

We've taken DD every year, and she has a TON of fun. I agree with PP though - you have to plan for crazy weather.

What works for us is that I take one day where I only go for a few hours and then leave, DH takes the other day. So the one who comes for a few hours brings the little one, and then takes her home. DH and I have fairly different taste in music, so it generally works out that we're good just staying longer one of the two days we go. I have seen people out there with kids for hours and hours and they generally look miserable so this has worked for us. (She gets the experience, has fun, but doesn't overdo it). And then the last day we usually have her grandma babysit so we get an "adults only" day!

Also key - setting up "camp" someplace with shade (we pick a tree near a stage or under the big tent where there are sand pits, etc. for shade) for a home base is good. They will let you bring in water/snacks etc. so that helps too. Oh, and bring earplugs - it gets LOUD, even at the kids stage.

Hope that helps! It's so much fun, and the Austin Kiddie Limits stage is always a blast.

NoVA-grl · April 2010

I'm glad you posted this because I've been wondering about how C will do. He will be 16 months old and we're planning to bring him with us. Last year DH and I went but my parents flew in for the weekend to watch C (he was 4 months old).
I'm sure I will be posting a lot more questions about it once it get closer to festival time!

Mainer-in-Texas · April 2010

I'm also glad you posted this because I was wondering as well. Another reason we are planning to only go on Saturday is because we will have to bring LO and I think one day will probably be enough.