Rocking Parenthood: Guide to Navigating Lollapalooza with Kids

As a music-loving teenager growing up in the 90s, I reveled in the sounds that defined the era: Grunge. Alternative Rock. Hip-Hop. Together they are the soundtrack to some formative years of my life. The years between adolescence and adulthood, when I thought I knew everything and spent every last penny I earned on tickets to concerts coming anywhere within a two-hour drive of my Ohio hometown. 

One of my favorites was the long-running Lollapalooza, which toured from '91 to '97 before hitting pause for a few years after declining ticket sales and finally settling down to call Grant Park "Home Sweet Home Chicago" in 2005. I would be lying if I didn't admit that I had a lot of opinions about the new, stationary, Lollapalooza experience - shaped primarily by my new reality of being a parent to two young kids and living in Downtown Chicago. I made assumptions and made up my mind without ever actually attending as a parent, but at the same time, I also longed to be in that park, in front of a stage, singing and dancing my heart out.

Last year I had the opportunity to check my assumptions at the door, go to Lollapalooza AND bring both of my kids along for the experience. Perhaps it helps that my kids are now older, but here are my tips for any other families considering going this year and bringing the kids along for the fun:

• Strollers are permitted! Do not worry that you have to wear or carry your younger children the whole time. You are also allowed to bring in a blanket or sheet to spread out and sit on.
  • Other items you will want to bring along are binoculars, hats, sunscreen (non-aerosol), and reusable water bottles. Water-refill stations are plentiful and easy to access. 
  • I recommend packing everything in a clear bag to make security as easy as possible. 
    • Bags must be smaller than 12" x 6" x 12", but only bags larger than 6" x 9" MUST be clear!
• Children Under 8 are FREE and each ticketed adult can bring two children into Lollapalooza with them!
• Kidzapalooza is legit fun (and not just for the kids!) Head over to Columbus & Balbo to take in the area designed just for kids and their families.  There is a stage with a solid lineup of performers, a dance floor, and a separate festival area full of activations that will allow the youngest music-lover to feel right at home. There are also some great spots to just relax, grab a bite to eat, or even read a book if you need a break. This is also the place to go for a place to change a diaper, feed a baby, or pump in a private space. This area in the festival is just for kids and their adults, so it provides a break from the mostly-adult areas in the rest of Lollapalooza.
• Tag-a-Kid is located at Guest Services (right outside of the Kidzapalooza entrance) where adults can register their children with the festival and receive a specialized wristband. In the instance that a child gets lost, there is a way to reunite them with their parent/adult.  
• Noise-reduction headphones are a good thing. Everyone can get a little overstimulated in a space that is so vibrant with sights, sounds, and smells and some of the shows are loud for even adult ears. Bring a pair of headphones for your littles just in case, especially if you plan on being up close to a stage for a show.
• Minimal & Realistic Expectations are a good thing to embrace for your first visit to Lollapalooza, especially with kids, so if there is a performance you really, really want to see give consideration to what time you will arrive, or perhaps plan an exit strategy for the kids to avoid forcing them into an all-day affair. You are able to leave and re-enter two times a day after your initial entry scan.

Little did I know that those cassette tapes and concerts of my youth would shape not only my taste in music but also my future experiences as a parent. What is more surreal and heartwarming is the fact that I'll be bringing my own kids along, passing down the joy of live music, meeting new people and creating memories that bridge generations.

As a parent, attending Lollapalooza in Chicago was an unforgettable experience for both my kids and me. From the moment we entered the festival grounds, the atmosphere was electric, with the sounds of laughter and music filling the air. It was great to see my children's faces light up with excitement as they explored the various sounds and kid-friendly attractions.

Kidzapalooza was truly impressive, featuring talented artists and bands who knew how to engage their young audience. I was delighted to see my kids dancing, singing along, and participating in interactive performances, fostering a love for music and the arts in them. The organizers ensured that the activities catered to a wide range of ages, so both my five-year-old and my tween found something enjoyable to do throughout the day. Safety and security were obviously present, especially in the Kidzapalooza area, which provided me with peace of mind. The staff and volunteers were friendly, helpful, and always ready to assist with any concerns. The fenced-off area made it easy to keep an eye on my children, and the various amenities, such as water stations and shaded areas, made the experience comfortable for the whole family. 

All in all, attending Lollapalooza in Chicago was a fantastic way to create lasting memories with my kids, and I can't wait to return for another magical weekend of family fun and music this summer.

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