TBF 101 for families

[wbcohen]

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).

 Listening to: All of it.

[Iriecycle]

  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.

 Listening to: fishtank

[Rob_from_Ohio]

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.

 Listening to: my 7 year old talk about tadpoles

[Cindy Lou]

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.    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. 

[Auntie Hope]

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.   

Uhhh.. Cindy, that was you, me and Deb... and don't tell anyone, we're not exactly 'kids' anymore. 

See You Friday!
Auntie Hope

[Debbiefromtucson]

There is something called Safety Tats that can be purchased too.. And, I think the owner is a festivarian....

[Dewstar]

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.

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!

[Dewstar]

There is something called Safety Tats that can be purchased too.. And, I think the owner is a festivarian....

That is great too!

[smanus]

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!

 

[Colorado_mama]

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.  ) 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!

[livluvgrow]

It is definitely a myth that the primitive area is quieter quiet at times sure but I dont think there is such a thing as quiet in town park. That being said I know families with very small children that stay over there without any problems at all. When setting up camp meet your neighbors  and make a judgement call as to their partying ways and determine if the space is right.

[3boobykins]

Hello, all!  We're first-timers, bringing our 3 kids, ages 11, 8, and 6.  We're camping at the HS, so we're not close enough to cook dinner each night, which means bringing a ton of snacks and relying on food vendors.  We plan to make substantial breakfasts in the mornings. We're driving from Northern AZ and leaving a few days early to go to the Grand Canyon and arrive two days before the Festival in Telluride, so it's not like we can keep a lot of cooking ingredients fresh and safe in coolers for that many days, even if they start out frozen.

Can anyone give me a ballpark idea of the price range for food vendors?  We're trying to figure out how much money to save up/set aside.  Are portions often large enough for kids to share? 

Thanks in advance!  We're so excited about the lineup, loving that we can share music with our awesome kids.  Our 11 year old boy is a budding mandolin player, and my husband scored tickets for the Punch Brothers Nightgrass show, which he'll be taking our son to.  I know he's just going to be blown away seeing Chris Thile play at the Sheridan.

 Listening to: My kids watching Wallace and Gromet, but earlier, the AMAZING new Thile/Daves album!

[Mark J]

The prices for the vendors are very reasonable.  I may be a little off on these quotes, but they are close.  It think the very large slices of pizza are $4.  The huge killer flank steaks are $6 or $7......In fact, I think that $7 is the most expensive item out there......there is a huge selection of yummy food.  Don't forget, you can buy things at the local market.......the prices are not that bad......you can bring food into the festival too!  You just can't bring in glass or alcohol.......Enjoy!

[erndog]

Egg rolls are like , 2 for $4 or $5, tops.  A heap of dumplings, $5 or $6 tops.  Gyro is $6-$7, or $5-6, as well as the Greek Salad from the same guy which is a very popular item.

Corn Dog - $3.00 or so; burger, $4 or $5, tops. 


PS, isn't it, for the record, "Killer Flank Steak & Corn"!

[Debbiefromtucson]

Another thing that can be done too if BIT is up and running by then, is to take a little break ( or one person take a little walk) and go get a whole pizza there and bring it back....The grocery store ( next to BIT ) is well stocked so it's possible to get food there too and bring back to make sandwiches  or have fruit etc if you would prefer to do that or if you have very picky eaters who may not like the vendor food.

Also, you will be amazed at how well frozen food can stay in Telluride with just some ice.... I have made before hand bags of sloppy joes, shredded pork with sauce, pasta with sauce and froze before we left and it has been good for 2-3 days even after the drive from the desert.. Just keep cold with a refill of ice if needed..