Festival Essentials for Families: The Ultimate Day Trip Packing List
Planning a family festival trip is exciting—but if you’re only going for the day, it’s easy to forget what’s really essential. You don’t need tents or sleeping bags, but you do need the right gear to keep the whole family happy, safe, and stress-free.
Here’s the ultimate family day trip festival packing list to make sure your adventure runs smoothly.
🎒 1. A Practical Backpack
A sturdy backpack is your festival best friend. Choose one with plenty of compartments to store water bottles, snacks, wipes, and the inevitable “treasures” your kids collect along the way. Comfort is key—you’ll be carrying it all day.
💧 2. Refillable Water Bottles
Festivals are full of energy, heat, and crowds. Keep everyone hydrated with refillable bottles. Many UK festivals now have free refill stations. Top tip: freeze one bottle overnight so it doubles as a mini ice pack for snacks.
🧴 3. Sun Protection: Hats, Sunglasses & Sun Cream
The British sun has a sneaky way of catching families off guard. Apply sun cream before leaving, then pack a travel-size bottle for top-ups. Hats and sunglasses are non-negotiable for both kids and parents.
🧺 4. Family-Friendly Snacks
Festival food is fun but can be expensive and time-consuming to queue for. Bring simple, packable snacks like fruit, wraps, cereal bars, or flapjacks. This keeps hunger tantrums away and leaves room in the budget for special treats like churros or milkshakes like in the picture below!
🧻 5. Wet Wipes & Hand Sanitiser
From ice cream accidents to sticky rides and muddy knees, wipes and hand sanitiser are absolute lifesavers at festivals. Pack plenty—you’ll never regret it.
🧥 6. Layers & Rain Protection
British weather loves drama. Be prepared with lightweight raincoats or ponchos and packable hoodies for cooler evenings. A dry, warm child = a happy child (and a calmer parent!).
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| Good Times Festival 2024 - quite possibly the wettest gig we've ever been to! |
🔋 7. Power Bank for Phones
Your phone is your ticket, map, and camera. It may also be your emergency contact line or entertainment device during queues. A portable charger ensures you won’t get caught out with a dead battery.
📍 8. A Family Safety Plan
Festivals are busy and noisy. Choose a clear meeting point (like a colourful tent or a big landmark) in case anyone gets separated. For younger kids, write your phone number on a wristband or even on their arm with a marker.
🪑 9. Something to Sit On
Little legs get tired quickly. A waterproof picnic blanket is a lightweight option that won’t take up much space but will give you somewhere to rest between activities.
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| Can also double up as a temporary bed if tired ;) |
🥳 10. A Positive Attitude
Festivals are unpredictable—there may be mud, queues, or the occasional meltdown. Go in expecting a bit of chaos, and you’ll enjoy it so much more. Remember: these moments turn into the stories you’ll laugh about later.
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| A muddy festival experience! |
Final Thoughts: Family Festival Day Trip Must-Haves
When it comes to festival essentials for families, it’s all about balance—packing enough to keep everyone comfortable without feeling like a pack mule. The must-haves? Water, snacks, wipes, sun protection, and a flexible attitude. With these, you’re ready for an unforgettable day out.
