If you're heading to a festival with your kids this summer, you've probably got one big question: what on earth do we pack? The UK festival season can throw a bit of everything at you. That’s why we’ve pulled together our top essentials for taking kids to a festival —along with some tried-and-tested tips to keep your little ones happy come rain or shine.
We’ve based these tips on years of experience helping families get outdoors comfortably and confidently—whether you’re tackling your first family festival or you're seasoned campers with small feet in tow for the first time.
Video Review: 5 Essentials for taking kids to kids festivals
"Off to a festival! But what on earth do we pack?"
Checkout our video where we run through the five essentials you'll want to pack to taking your kids to festivals whatever the weather.
1. Waterproof Dungarees- essential kids festival clothing
When you're faced with a full-on mud-fest, waterproof dungarees are a lifesaver—especially for younger children under six.
Keep kids dry in the rain, damp mornings or even for puddle sitting!
Add warmth in the evenings when temperatures drop
Easy to layer over clothing without hassle
These are a must have especially if your little ones are the type to find every puddle, or if your festival includes woodland play, wild crafts, or nature-based activities.
2. Festival-Ready Footwear
Shoes can make or break a festival for kids. Here’s what we recommend:
Lightweight wellies : Brilliant protection for muddy or even dusty conditions
Closed-toe sandals : Great if the weather’s hot, and they protect feet from tent pegs and stubbed toes
Kids need to feel comfy enough to run, dance and play all day. Think practical and protective. Bonus points for footwear that’s easy to slip on and off when entering a tent.
3. Sun Hat with Neck Protection
UK festivals aren’t known for shade, so a sun hat is key—even when it’s cloudy.
Wide brim for face protection
Neck cape to protect the back of the neck
Chin strap or adjustable sizing so it stays put in the wind
Some of our favourites include Sunday Afternoons and Reima Rantsu hats—they’re adjustable, lightweight, and built for long wear.
Not only are they excellent kids' festival clothing, they also double up brilliantly for beach trips, hikes, or general summer days out, so it’s well worth the investment.
4. A proper fleece layer
Forget cotton hoodies—fleeces are warmer, lighter, and dry faster when wet or muddy.
Choose a high-pile fleece for extra warmth
Ideal for cooler evenings or sudden weather turns
Easy to pack and layer with thermals if needed
Even in midsummer, UK evenings can get chilly fast once the sun drops, and a fleece will keep kids cosy around the firepit or during evening shows... The ideal kids' festival clothing!
5. Head torch or clip on lights
Once the sun sets, having your own light source makes a big difference. Plus, kids love them!
Head torches : Great for late-night toilet trips or navigating tents
Clip-on zip lights : Useful for tent zips, guide ropes, or even as mini night lights
Look for ones with multiple colours or modes—fun and functional. They're also a great way to help kids feel a bit more independent when moving around the campsite.
🛍️ Other Handy Extras
While the big five kids festival clothing are essential, here are a few extras worth packing:
Reusable water bottles – staying hydrated is key
Small bumbag for kids to carry their own bits (for extra safety add an ID card with your mobile number in case they get lost)
Ear defenders for little ones if you’re around loud stages or fireworks
Labelled clothing —inevitably, something will be left in a field
Spare socks and underwear – more than you think you’ll need!
Microfibre towel – compact, quick drying, perfect for unexpected showers or wash-ups
Visit Little Adventure Shop to get your kids kitted out for their summer festivals
At Little Adventure Shop, we stock outdoor clothing and accessories designed specifically for kids—from waterproof dungarees and UV-protective hats to fleeces and kids’ head torches . Everything we recommend, we’ve tested with our own families. Our goal is to help kids enjoy the outdoors comfortably whatever the weather.
Explore our full collection:
Author: Rebecca McCalla
Founder of Little Adventure Shop, Rebecca is passionate about the outdoors. She has raised her children with a love of being outside, having adventures, whatever the weather.
