Introduction
Family Viewing Platforms are dedicated areas at festival stages designed to give parents and children a clear, comfortable view of performances. At a family-friendly festival, it’s not enough to have kids’ activities – families need to experience the main stage together without hassle. A well-planned family viewing platform ensures that even those with strollers or toddlers on shoulders have a safe, enjoyable space to watch the show. This keeps children entertained and parents relaxed, enhancing the overall festival experience and encouraging families to return year after year.
Why Family Viewing Platforms Matter
Festival organizers around the world have learned that when children can see and enjoy the show, the whole family stays engaged. Often, parents resort to lifting kids on their shoulders in the crowd, which can block others’ views and pose safety concerns. Some families stand at the back or behind sound booths just to catch a glimpse, as has been noted at major events like Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage (www.efestivals.co.uk). By creating a dedicated family viewing platform, festivals demonstrate that they value attendees of all ages. It transforms the event from a tiring day out with kids into a memorable adventure for young and old. An engaged child means happier parents – and happy parents become loyal festival-goers.
Key Features of a Family Viewing Platform
- Shade and Weather Protection: Children and even adults need relief from sun and heat. A family platform should include a canopy or shade sails to protect from sunburn or rain. For example, Australia’s sun-soaked outdoor festivals often use tented viewing areas so families can escape the midday heat while still watching performances. Shade keeps everyone comfortable and prevents crankiness or sunstroke during long daytime sets.
- Seating for All Ages: Unlike the general admission crowd where most people stand, a family zone benefits from seating. Sturdy folding chairs or benches allow parents to rest and even feed infants, and give grandparents a break. Priority should go to those who truly need seats (much like accessible platforms at events (fielddayfestivals.com)). Seating also helps when kids get tired – a quick sit-down can recharge them for more dancing later. Make sure seats are safe (no sharp edges, stable footing) and consider a few high chairs or booster seats if toddlers want a better view.
- Space for Strollers and Gear: Festivals that welcome families must account for the bulk that comes with parenting – strollers, wagons, diaper bags, etc. Design the platform with open space or a “parking” area where prams can roll in easily and park without blocking others. Keep pathways on the platform wide enough so parents don’t have to fold strollers (a huge convenience). Mark sections for strollers if needed, or provide a stroller check just next to the platform. This way, parents aren’t struggling with gear in a tight spot. A successful case was seen at an outdoor concert series in New Zealand, where a simple roped-off area for stroller parking next to the sound tent kept the viewing area itself less cluttered and safer for small children running around.
Clear Access and Signage
Even a great family platform won’t help if families can’t find or reach it. Clear signage from the festival entrance and family camping areas is essential. Use universally understandable symbols (e.g. a parent and child icon) and bright colours to direct people. Mark the access routes on festival maps and apps. Ideally, the path to the family viewing area should avoid the densest part of the crowd. Many festivals plan a side route or an entrance near the stage that is reserved for families and disabled patrons. For instance, some events in the UK provide a stewarded walkway along the edge of the field leading to viewing platforms (www.efestivals.co.uk), so parents with buggies aren’t forced to navigate through a sea of standing revelers.
At the entrance of the platform, post a sign with capacity information and guidelines. Families will appreciate knowing how many people can be up there at once and any time limits in place. Clear rules prevent misunderstandings and make it easier for staff to manage the area. If the platform fits 20 families, say so upfront with friendly wording: “Cozy Family Viewing Platform – Capacity 20 families. Please be mindful of others waiting to enjoy the view too!”
Managing Capacity and Time Limits
During peak moments – like the headline act in the evening – demand for the family viewing spot will spike. It’s important to have a fair system so everyone gets a turn. Many seasoned festival organizers recommend enforcing time limits or set rotations during these peaks. For example, allow each family a certain duration (say 20-30 minutes) on the platform if others are waiting. This can be coordinated by staff or volunteers stationed at the platform. A courteous reminder such as, “We have other families eager to get a view, would you mind rotating out in about 5 minutes?” can work wonders.
One approach is to use a numbered lanyard or wristband system at busy times – give waiting families a tag and call them up when it’s their turn. This was effectively used at a large food festival in Singapore, where families queued for a rooftop viewing deck; volunteers issued number cards so people could wander nearby until their slot, reducing crowding at the stairs.
For multi-day festivals, consider letting people reserve a time slot for key shows via the festival app or at an info booth. If your ticketing platform allows add-ons, you could issue a limited “family viewing pass” for headline sets. (Ticket Fairy’s platform, for instance, supports adding such extras to tickets in advance, helping gauge interest and capacity needs.) By managing this proactively, you prevent frustration and ensure safety – no desperate rush or arguments over space.
Strategic Placement Near Amenities
“Location, location, location” applies to festival features too. A family viewing platform should be placed with convenience in mind:
– Near Restrooms: Young kids need frequent bathroom breaks, and parents appreciate quick access too. Ideally, position the family platform within a short walk of the family restrooms or portable toilets with baby-changing facilities. Some festivals even bring in dedicated family toilet units – if so, keep them adjacent to the viewing area. This way, a parent can take a child to the loo and be back before they miss much of the show.
– Close to Water Stations: Children dehydrate faster, and parents constantly need to refill water bottles or mix baby formula. Having a water refill station or drinking water tap by the family zone is a huge plus. At California’s Coachella, for example, water stations are spread out, but a smart festival producer would ensure one is near the designated family picknick area by the stage. Hydrated kids are happier kids.
– Adjacent to Medical and Chill-Out Zones: While you hope it’s never needed, being near the first aid tent is reassuring for families. Minor scrapes or overheating can be tended to quickly. Also, if your festival has a quiet “chill-out” tent for overstimulated kids (some events do provide sensory-friendly tents), situate the viewing platform so that families can easily step away to calm a child and then return.
– Line of Sight and Sound: The platform obviously needs a good sightline to the stage. Try to position it at stage level or higher (a slight elevation helps shorter viewers see over the crowd). Many festivals choose a spot slightly off to the side of the front-of-house mixing desk or next to the accessible viewing platform. This ensures a direct view of at least the stage screens if not the performers themselves. Keep in mind wind direction for sound as well – if it’s too far off-axis, families might not get the full audio experience. Test the view yourself from that spot during early soundcheck to confirm it’s satisfactory.
Placing the family zone thoughtfully not only helps parents, it also prevents families from giving up and leaving early because of inconvenient treks. A classic tip is to place the family platform where families would logically gravitate. For instance, at a large festival in Dubai, organizers actually designated specific viewing areas for families, separated from the rowdier crowds (www.emarat.directory). The result was a more relaxed atmosphere for parents, and less friction between those groups who wanted to party and those there with children.
Success Stories and Examples
Many successful festivals have implemented family-friendly viewing solutions:
– Electric Picnic (Ireland): This major music festival in Ireland welcomes families with open arms. It provides family camping and kids’ programming, and families report having memorable weekends together (www.boards.ie). A big part of that success is giving parents ways to enjoy shows without worry. While Electric Picnic has plenty for kids to do, organizers noticed parents with little ones hanging at the back during headliners. Learning from global best practices, they’ve begun incorporating more infrastructure for families, from calmer viewing spots to child-friendly vantage points, so no one misses out on the fun.
– Camp Bestival (UK): Curated by Rob Da Bank, Camp Bestival is often hailed as the gold standard for family-centric festivals. Everything is geared towards families, from its lineup to its facilities. They set up areas where parents can watch the main stage while kids play safely in view. The producers made sure there are hay bales and deck chairs near stages, giving a casual seating option. It’s not uncommon to see strollers parked next to a platform with toddlers bopping along to the music. This approach has won Camp Bestival numerous “Best Family Festival” awards and the loyalty of thousands of parents.
– Glastonbury Festival (UK): Emily Eavis and the Glastonbury team expand the Kidzfield every year – a whole zone of the festival devoted to kids’ entertainment. However, Glastonbury’s sheer size means families still face challenges at main stages. Veteran festival-goers have improvised by standing behind the Pyramid Stage’s accessible viewing platform so their kids can see the big screens (www.efestivals.co.uk). Glastonbury acknowledged such needs by increasing family camping capacity and providing wagon hire for kids, but an official family viewing platform at the main stages could be the next evolution. It would build on the festival’s legacy of inclusivity.
– Lollapalooza (USA): Lollapalooza’s Kidzapalooza mini-festival within the event is a great example of engaging kids during the day with their own performers (support.lollapalooza.com). Parents can take children to see kid-friendly acts and activities in a safe area. Come evening, though, many families want to enjoy the headliners together. While Lolla doesn’t yet have a formal family viewing platform, the concept could enhance their offering. Imagine a reserved section with shade and seating off to one side of the main stage lawn in Grant Park – families wouldn’t have to retreat far away once the big acts start. With Kidzapalooza keeping youngsters entertained and a family platform for main acts, festivals like Lolla can truly cater to all-age audiences from start to finish.
– Austin City Limits (USA): At ACL Festival in Texas, they introduced Austin Kiddie Limits, a dedicated family area with its own stage and activities, plus family services tents for nursing and changing diapers (support.aclfestival.com). They smartly placed these family services right next to the Accessibility Center, recognizing that parents with strollers share some needs with disabled patrons (like easier access routes and rest areas). This pairing of accessibility and family friendliness is a model others can emulate. The next step for ACL could be a formal viewing platform near the main stages so families don’t have to choose between hanging back at Kiddie Limits or braving the throngs for a glimpse of Billie Eilish or Foo Fighters.
- Splendour in the Grass (Australia): One of Australia’s biggest festivals not only allows kids but created Little Splendour, a children’s festival inside the festival (kidzklub.com.au) (kidzklub.com.au). This includes a quiet zone, sandpits, and even babysitting services for certain hours. By giving kids their own space, Splendour ensures families can attend the whole weekend. They also maintain a family-friendly campground and provide amenities like a family lounge. The main stages at Splendour have nearby field space where families often congregate with blankets. Knowing this, the organizers make those areas a bit more comfortable – some shade tents and a clearer view. It’s an informal approach, but it shows that even huge festivals can adapt their layout to welcome families.
These case studies highlight that whether a festival is explicitly geared towards families (like Camp Bestival or Kaleidoscope in Ireland (www.irishtimes.com)) or a broader event that simply accommodates them, considering sightlines and seating for parents and kids pays off. The producers who innovated in this area have seen positive feedback. Families talk to other families – a mom or dad who had a great time because their kids were happy will spread the word and become an ambassador for your festival.
Safety and Risk Management
A family viewing platform must not only be convenient but also safe. Here are crucial safety considerations:
– Structural Integrity: If you’re building an elevated platform, use professional staging and have it inspected. It should support the weight of multiple adults plus children, strollers, and maybe dancing toddlers! Incorporate railings around edges to prevent accidental falls, and ensure there are ramps or gentle steps for wheeled access.
– Non-Slip Flooring: Kids spill drinks, and rain happens. Use anti-slip surfaces on the platform (textured rubber mats or painted grip) to avoid falls. Regularly check for and mop up any spills.
– Secure Shade Structures: Tents or shade sails must be secured against wind. The last thing you want is a canopy flying off in a gust. Weigh down or stake structures properly, and if severe weather is forecast (thunderstorms, high winds), be ready to temporarily close the platform for safety. It’s better to err on the side of caution and have a plan to evacuate the area quickly if needed.
– Staffing and Monitoring: As mentioned, having staff or volunteers assigned to the family area is wise. They can help enforce rules politely, assist parents with strollers, and be a point of contact in emergencies. Train them in basic child-friendly communication – a smile and patience go a long way with stressed parents. Staff can also coordinate with security if any non-family attendees try to intrude, or if someone refuses to respect time limits.
– First Aid and Ear Protection: Consider keeping a basic first-aid kit at the platform (band-aids, etc.) or a radio to call medical staff quickly. Also, festivals are loud – many events sell or give out ear defenders for kids. It’s a good idea to have a stock of disposable foam earplugs at the family platform entrance, free for any parent who forgot to bring protection for their child’s ears. This shows you care about the kids’ safety and comfort.
– Lighting: If performances go into the night, ensure the family platform and its access path are lit. Soft lighting (rope lights or LED lanterns) helps families navigate safely without irritating sightlines. Kids get sleepy; imagine trying to carry a toddler and a stroller down an unlit path at 10 PM – a recipe for trips and falls. A well-lit route back to the camp or parking is part of risk management for families.
By proactively addressing these safety points, you reassure parents that the festival has thought of everything. This builds trust and lets them focus on having fun with their kids.
Adapting to Different Scales and Audiences
Not every festival has the budget of Glastonbury or the scale of Lollapalooza. But family viewing platforms can be scaled to fit anything from a local community festival to a large international event:
– Small Local Festivals: If you’re running a community music festival or county fair, you might not afford a big platform. Instead, create a family viewing zone. For example, rope off an area to the side of the stage and set up a simple shade tent and some benches or hay bales. Families will appreciate the gesture, and it can be done with minimal cost. Make sure this zone is slightly elevated if possible (even a small hill or riser) and clearly mark it as reserved for parents with children.
– Medium Festivals: For regional festivals expecting a few thousand attendees with a moderate family turnout, you can rent a scaffolding platform that holds, say, 30 people. Work with staging companies to include a ramp. Perhaps secure a sponsor for the family area – local businesses or brands often love to associate with family-friendly initiatives. A beverage company could provide free water or a shade structure, or a toy brand might decorate the area with fun visuals. Sponsorship can offset the costs of chairs, umbrellas, and staffing.
– Major Festivals: At large-scale festivals (50,000+ attendees), you might need multiple family viewing platforms – maybe one at each big stage. Plan them into your site layout from the beginning. These should be as significant as your ADA (disabled access) platforms. In fact, it could be efficient to design a combined platform that serves both disabled patrons and families, since both groups benefit from seating and unobstructed views. Just be cautious to allocate capacity appropriately so neither group is shortchanged. Major festivals should also integrate their ticketing or registration with family services: e.g., allow people to indicate if they’re bringing kids at ticket purchase, so you can estimate family numbers and plan accordingly.
Also consider the cultural context of your audience. In some cultures, extended families attend festivals together (kids, parents, grandparents). For instance, certain cultural or religious festivals in Asia are very much multi-generational events, so seating is even more crucial for elders while kids run around. Tailor your family area to the demographics – if you expect lots of toddlers, maybe include a small soft play area adjacent; if teens are coming with parents, you might focus more on just having a chill zone with phone charging and let the teens mingle.
Community Engagement and Feedback
Don’t design in a vacuum – engage with the community of festival-going parents. After each event, solicit feedback on family amenities. You can send surveys to ticket buyers who purchased family tickets or have a comment box at the info kiosk. Ask what could be improved. Families might surprise you with creative suggestions, like providing storytime sessions in the evening or having older kid “junior volunteers” help younger ones on the platform.
Some festivals have formed family advisory boards – essentially a small group of parent attendees who give input on festival planning. This was done by a folk festival in Canada, leading to changes like adjusting performance schedules to not conflict with bedtime for little ones and adding a breastfeeding tent near the main stage. By involving your audience, you not only get great ideas but also build goodwill. People love to feel heard, and when those ideas are implemented (like a better viewing area), they’ll feel a sense of ownership and loyalty to the event.
Community engagement also means acknowledging public efforts. If you noticed that families were informally using a certain area as a makeshift viewing zone (like behind a mixer or on a small hill), give those attendees a shout-out in a post-festival blog: “We saw many of you found creative ways to watch the show with your kiddos – rest assured, we’re working on making that even better next year!” This transparency turns a potential negative (lack of facilities) into a positive narrative (organizers listening and improving).
Marketing the Family Experience
Having a family viewing platform is not just a logistical feature, it’s a marketing asset. When promoting your festival, highlight the family-friendly facilities prominently:
– Mention the platform and family zone in your website’s FAQ and festival guide: e.g., “We have a dedicated Family Viewing Platform with shade, seating, and stroller parking so parents and kids can enjoy the headliners too.”
– Include photos (from previous years or mock-ups) of smiling families watching a show from the platform. This visual speaks volumes to prospective ticket buyers who have kids; it tells them “Your family will be welcome and taken care of here.”
– If any well-known festival producers or artists endorse the family friendliness of your event, quote them. Perhaps a DJ who is a new parent publicly appreciated that your festival had a safe spot for their spouse and baby to watch their set. Those anecdotes are golden for PR.
– Use social media to show off kid-friendly moments. A short video of children dancing with earmuffs on, on the platform, could go viral in a heartwarming way. It counters the narrative that festivals are just chaotic, drug-fuelled parties – instead, it shows them as inclusive community celebrations.
Remember to also be inclusive in language – welcome single parents, guardians, and all types of families. Make it clear that an adult with a child is eligible for the family area, no “traditional family” definitions needed. The more welcome people feel, the more likely they are to buy that ticket and bring the kids along.
Key Takeaways
- Plan for Families from the Start: Incorporate family viewing platforms and zones into your festival layout during the design phase, not as an afterthought.
- Essential Features: Provide shade, seating, and space for strollers on the platform so families can be comfortable during performances.
- Clear Signage & Access: Mark family zones clearly on maps and with signs. Ensure there’s an easy route for parents with kids to reach these areas without navigating dense crowds.
- Fair Usage Policies: Use capacity limits and gentle time restrictions during peak shows so everyone gets a chance at a great view. Consider staff and simple systems (like wristbands or number tickets) to manage this smoothly.
- Prime Location: Position family viewing areas near water stations and restrooms (especially those with baby facilities) to make it convenient for parents juggling little ones’ needs.
- Safety First: Build any platforms to high safety standards – think sturdy construction, railings, non-slip flooring, and secure overhead cover. Have staff supervise the area and keep it secure and friendly.
- Adapt to Your Festival: Scale the solution to your event size and audience. Even small festivals can cordon off a family area, while huge festivals might need multiple large platforms.
- Learn from Others: Look at festivals like Camp Bestival (UK), Electric Picnic (Ireland), Austin City Limits (USA), or Splendour in the Grass (Australia) for inspiration on family-inclusive features (www.boards.ie) (support.lollapalooza.com) (kidzklub.com.au). Many have thriving family programs that keep parents and kids happy.
- Engage and Evolve: Solicit feedback from attending families and be willing to improve year over year. Show families you value them, and they’ll become some of your festival’s biggest advocates.
By prioritizing sightlines and seating for families, you ensure that a day out at a festival becomes a cherished memory rather than an exhausting ordeal. A little extra thought and investment into family viewing platforms can transform the atmosphere of your event – making it truly feel like a welcoming, all-ages festival where everyone, from the smallest child to the oldest grandparent, can share the joy of live music and culture together. Seeing well means being well-engaged, and engaged families will keep coming back for more.
27th September 2025