I do believe you just park outside of the town. They’ll let you past the barricade to unload, but then you have to park outside of town.
Also, the family tent sched is up!!! 
Hey 'yall -
Can’t wait 'till next week! We live in Durango and I’ve been going to the festy for the past 12 years. My 5 yr old daughter, Mallory, has gone every year since before she was born! We’re camping in TP for the first time this year - usually stay with a friend downtown - but wanted to try out the camping scence this time since I usually spend my nights/mornings there anyway!
Just wondering if anyone else has same age kiddos staying in TP? :huh We’ll be there on Wednesday and have lots of friends at designated non-kid friendly camps. I’m trying to maintain a safe distance between the frolic and fun and a bit of peace and quite (although she could sleep through a tornado). It’d be nice to be close to others with kids…
Anyone else have the same thoughts :thumbsup
Heather
I have to wait until next year… 
My husband and I are going out to the festival for the first time and we are bringing our two boys - one is 5 and the other almost 2. We chose not to camp for the first time, we are staying in a hotel downtown. Suggestions? Advice welcome and needed. We don’t know anyone else going!
:wave No worries about not knowing anyone. That won’t last long. Bring earplugs and sunglasses for kids, a sunhat, lots of sunscreen, sunshade, a wagon for haulin kids and crap, swimin stuff for the river for play and lots of drinks.
Lunch, drinks, earplugs are all available at the fest. Shade is key, sunhats for everyone. I wish I could find a funny one this year…
Having a room will make fest really manageable especially with kids…
dirty feet all around! :flower
Well, you know us now!
Miki is right, keep the kids hydrated, covered and ears plugged and you folks will have a wonderful time! Be sure to hit up the kids tent, and nobody wants to miss the kids parade (on Sunday!) when they’re 5, because THEY ARE IN THE PARADE!
Make sure to check out the Country Store ‘Meet and Greet’ schedule too! You can get those little munchkins right up there to take pictures with the Bluegrass Greats! Many kids have been inspired to take up music, in one way or another, just because a parent took the time to get the snap shot when they were shorter! Believe me, you’ll be saving your coins to buy a Banjo before you know it!
We love the Little Festivarians and look forward to watching them grow taller from year to year! These are priceless memories you’re makin’ and we have your back, Mom and Dad!
FESTIVVVAAALLL!!! Yup, they really should know how to yell FESTIVVVAAALLL!!! by the time they get to Telluride. I’m just sayin’…
Auntie Hope :festivarian2 :green
Thanks!
We have been talking about this forever and we are so happy to be able to take the kids. We were thinking about camping originally, but we are taking 2 flights (from Atlanta) and then have to drive 2.5 hours from Durango - with the little one not quite two, we figured the hotel room was the easiest way - and stress free.
We will work on yelling FESTIVALLL!!!
More advice and packing lists welcome!!
Kelly
I’ll post the ultimate packing list later, as Festival time approaches the anticioation is almost bigger than the reality. I cannot stress enough the importance of ear protection for the little ones, start now by introducing them. Find some small head mounted earphones then progress to cotton, and finally the marshmallow style ear protectors. One of those systems will work with your kid.
Come prepared to have the time of your lives, don’t forget the sunscreen and several stainless steel water bottles.
:peace
sunscreen, hat, comfy shoes, more sunscreen, and you’re good. I was never up front last year with my then 13 month old so I never really worried about the ear plugs. I had some but she wouldn’t use them. This year I’ll be bringing them-she’s almost 2-but I doubt they’ll stay in. Kids that age like to run around which isn’t as appropriate up front where everyone is sitting. Back further is a good place to set up with kids that small and then their ears are fine. Lots of sunscreen though. And a backpack to put them in. You’re going to be camping which makes it easier and you won’t have to pack as many changes of clothes for your kidlet. I had a raincoat for my baby last year and that was helpful-you don’t want your wee one to get wet and cold and have to make a trip back to the hotel-especially if one of your faves is coming up.
Third time (coming from San Francisco) this year with a 3.5 year old and I echo all that was said. Putting one of the Kelty Sunshade shelters up in the back of the festival grounds (there is a line behind which these shelters and tents etc can be pitched each day) makes for a great base where the kids can play and dance out of the sun and you can hear and see each day. I also can’t say enough about the kids area or the kids parade (during a set break) on Sunday afternoon. Lastly the “first aid” tent within the festival grounds always has a ton of sunscreen, various sized earplugs and experienced help (for the little ones trimming with scissors one of the in ear foam ear plugs so it fits with a flange outside the ear, followed by a piece of medical tape seems to be comfortable and do the trick).
:wave 20 years in Telluride and I might have missed a couple of Blugrasses. Now w/ three children. Love the Festival, relatively well happy w/ the administration of the whole event, sure hope kid’s area back by warming hut. TP definitely the most desirable campground, Warner as close less shade, all Telluride camping fine, further away more music missed and more stuff to carry. Come early for best spots go quickly. If not adjacent bring every imaginable combination of clothing, though can be augmented w/ good weather check, sun protection (spirulina tablets) mandatory. Swimmers wax good earplug for young-ens, w/ a band aid wrapped around ear for better longevity. We have found the sound to be so good they don’t need plugs, even up front, until the evening. We live in town if we can help family let us know.
kbrown - Although I’m a newbie to this forum, I’ve been bringing my two boys (ages 7 and 3) to this festival since before they were born. They both call Telluride “our second home”. Don’t you worry about not knowing anyone. My family has met wonderful new friends each and every year that we’ve attended. Your kids will have a blast with all of the other little festivarians. One thing that I would like to add to all of the other great suggestions, and I applogize if someone else has already mentioned this, but put some type of ID on your kids with their name, your name and your cell number. Believe me, I’m not a worrier and there’s no place on earth that I feel safer than inside the festival grounds, but it’s easy for a little one to get lost in a crowd of 10,000 people and a couple thousand sunshades. We’ve written info on our kids’ wristbands with a Sharpie and now my oldest has a photo ID from school that he carries in a pocket. This way, if you do happen to get separated, you should be reunited quickly. Enjoy the fest and safe travels.
That’s really good advice Rob, about an ID tag with your cell phone # on it. Every year the announcer says at least a few times during the festival that they have a youngin who has gotten separated from their parents, so that would make it much easier for them. If your kids have been there before, they will know the layout, but the new ones could be shown where the medical tent is or lost and found or whatever, and tell them if they get separated to go there.
I think for me, one of the greatest thing about going to these festivals, is seeing the kids when they find one of their festi-friends that they haven’t seen in a year, and the joy of re-uniting with them. :hug These kids form bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime, and probably be passed on to their kids when their turn comes to be the parents. Who knows, they might even all be in a band someday up there on that beautiful Telluride stage. :band
:flower
Uhhh… Cindy, that was you, me and Deb… and don’t tell anyone, we’re not exactly ‘kids’ anymore. :lol
See You Friday!
Auntie Hope
There is something called Safety Tats that can be purchased too… And, I think the owner is a festivarian…
The suggestion about the ID is great. You could make it like a backstage pass and call it ICE (in case of emergency or in case of lost parents!). Always show the little ones where the lost and found is or a central meeting point!
That is great too! :medal :medal :medal
Hey there,
As far as little ones go the High School camping site is known as the “quiet camp”. There is no tobacco or alcohol allowed in this area. It’s about 3/4 of a mile from the festival grounds so its definitely walking distance.
I have 4 tickets to the HS camp…but were all college students and thats the only thing left at this point and that was our last resort. Is there a chance you’d be willing to trade? It’ll be easier to fall asleep there!! We will pay the difference or pay extra if we have to!
:flower
This thread is great with lots of awesome tips! We are long time festival goers. We have a 5 year old boy and he loves festivals. I am a little concerned this year as I am 5 months pregnant and I see there is no family camping in TP. I know Warner fields has family camp but we really wanted to try TP and hell for us parenting at festivals requires a beer or 2 (well not me this year. :mad) I have been to TBG once, 10 years ago, so it is really our first time going.
Are there kids at TP? I keep reading the primitive area is the best camping spot for a 'quieter area". I don’t mind the late night picking. I just don’t love the stupid drunks. Plus as a 5 year old, he is starting to notice some partying that I am not as comfortable with. I would love any thoughts and ideas! See you in a month!