Stroller ‘Coat Check’ at Festivals: Secure Parking in All the Right Places

Family-friendly festivals often face a unique challenge: what to do with all those strollers and prams when parents want to enjoy the show? Without a plan, bulky strollers end up clogging walkways, piling up near stages, or toppling over in a muddy field. Savvy festival organizers around the world have discovered a solution borrowed from theaters and museums – the stroller “coat check.” This concept treats strollers just like coats at a coat check, providing secure, organized parking so parents can roam freely and venues stay safe and clutter-free.

A well-run stroller plan can dramatically improve the festival experience for families and non-families alike. It keeps aisles clear for foot traffic (and emergency egress), prevents stroller theft or mix-ups, and gives parents peace of mind knowing their child’s ride is safe. As seasoned festival producers know, a tidy stroller plan unclogs floors and minds, letting everyone focus on the music, food, and fun instead of worrying about tripping over a stray buggy.

Why Offer Secure Stroller Parking?

Parents with young children are increasingly attending festivals—from local food fairs to large music events—across the US, Europe, Asia, and beyond. These attendees bring along strollers, pushchairs, or wagons to transport kids and gear, which can present logistical headaches. Why not simply ban strollers? Because that would alienate families and make your event far less accessible. Instead, offering secure stroller parking shows that your festival welcomes families and has thoughtfully planned for their needs.

The benefits of a “stroller coat check” system include:

• Safety and Walkway Flow: No more blocked exits or congested paths caused by unattended strollers. Clear walkways reduce trip hazards and ensure better crowd flow, especially important during busy periods or emergencies.
• Improved Family Experience: Parents can enjoy performances or attractions without maneuvering a stroller through dense crowds. They know their stroller (and maybe bulky diaper bags or kids’ gear) is stored safely nearby.
• Theft Prevention: High-quality strollers can be expensive. Leaving them randomly parked invites opportunistic theft. A supervised stroller park with a check-in tag system deters thieves and mix-ups.
• Positive Reputation: Festivals that cater to families by offering amenities like stroller parking, nursing areas, and kids’ zones build a reputation as truly family-friendly. This can boost ticket sales in that demographic and encourage return visits.

In short, a stroller parking service is a win-win: families feel welcome and comfortable, and the festival site stays orderly. It’s an amenity that some theme parks and children’s events (such as the Vancouver International Children’s Festival) already provide, and music festivals from California to Singapore are starting to take note.

Choosing the Right Locations for Stroller Parks

Location is everything when setting up a stroller coat check. Festival organizers should identify high-traffic family areas and position stroller parks nearby for maximum convenience. Consider establishing multiple stroller parking stations at strategic spots, rather than one central drop-off, so parents are always close to their wheels when needed. Key locations might include:

• Beside Stages & Main Attractions: If your festival has designated family viewing areas or quieter zones at major stages, place a stroller park at the back or side of those areas. Parents can check in their stroller before entering the crowd to watch a band or performance, then retrieve it quickly afterward. By parking strollers next to stages (but out of sightlines and footpaths), you prevent a perimeter of prams from forming in the audience area.
• Near Toilets and Changing Stations: Bathrooms and diaper-changing areas are common stops for families. Provide a stroller parking zone right outside the restroom area so parents don’t jam a bulky stroller into a portable toilet queue or tiny washroom. A relieved parent can hand off their stroller to staff, take the toddler to the restroom, and know the stroller will be waiting when they return.
• By Kids’ Activity Zones: Family-friendly festivals often have kids’ activity tents, craft areas, carnival rides, or petting zoos. These become stroller parking nightmares if not planned for – dozens of buggies haphazardly strewn at the entrance. Instead, create a staffed stroller corral adjacent to the kid zone entrance. Parents can securely park strollers before entering with their children to play or do activities, avoiding a clutter of prams inside the area.
• At Entrances or Shuttle Stops: If your event is spread out or has a shuttle from parking lots, think about a stroller check at the main entrance or shuttle drop-off. Some families might prefer to leave the stroller in a safe spot at the gate if terrain beyond is unsuitable (muddy fields, crowded dance floors) and pick it up when exiting. This is especially useful at festivals held on difficult terrain (mud, sand, hills) where stroller use inside is limited.

When choosing each spot, ensure the ground is stable and level (strollers shouldn’t be parked on a slope where they can roll away). If outdoors on grass or dirt, you might lay down mats, plywood, or other flooring in the stroller park to keep wheels from sinking in mud. Mark the areas with clear signage like “Stroller Parking” or “Stroller Coat Check” banners, so families can spot them easily.

Staffing the Stroller Coat Check

A stroller parking area should be staffed like a real coat check – this is crucial. Unstaffed “stroller areas” can devolve into chaos or invite theft. Assign a team of friendly event staff or volunteers to manage each stroller park during all peak hours. Their duties will include tagging strollers, monitoring the area, and retrieving strollers efficiently for owners.

Key staffing considerations:

• Training: Brief the stroller park staff on how to handle strollers carefully (many are pricey or have sleeping babies inside!). Train them in the check-in/check-out procedure thoroughly before gates open.
• Capacity Planning: Estimate how many strollers you might need to accommodate and ensure you have enough staff per shift to handle rush times. For example, around midday when families arrive, or right after a headline set ends, you may get dozens of parents coming all at once. Plan for a low staff-to-stroller ratio during these surges so there’s no long wait.
• Friendliness and Professionalism: These staff are effectively concierges for your festival’s parents. Encourage them to be welcoming and patient – a smile and a helping hand (like holding a baby for a moment or helping collapse a stroller) will create a great impression. This kind of service goes a long way to reducing family stress on-site.
• Security Vigilance: In addition to customer service, staff should keep watch that no one without authorization enters the stroller pen or removes items. They are the first line of theft deterrence, so having alert personnel is key. Instruct them to politely check claim tags or wristbands for every stroller taken out, every time.

Depending on the size of your event, you might station 2-3 staff at each stroller park (more for very large festivals). Consider assigning a supervisor or roving manager to oversee all stroller parks, ensuring consistency and stepping in if one area gets overwhelmed.

Tagging and Fast Match-Back System

To make retrieval easy and error-proof, implement a tagging system that links each stroller to its rightful owner. This can be as simple or high-tech as you want, but the goal is the same: when a parent comes back for their stroller, staff can instantly confirm which one is theirs and hand it over without confusion.

Here are a few effective approaches to tagging:

• Numbered Tag + Claim Stub: The classic method. When a stroller is dropped off, attach a weather-proof numbered tag to the stroller (e.g., tie a tag around the handle or canopy). Hand the parent a matching stub with the same number. Ideally, use large, bold numbers easily seen from a distance. When they return, the parent shows the stub (or tells the number) and staff fetch the stroller with the corresponding tag. This is simple and works even if technology fails.
• Wristband Matching: Many festivals issue RFID or barcoded wristbands to attendees. You can leverage this by tagging each stroller to the family’s wristband ID. For example, have a handheld scanner or a notebook at the stroller park: record the parent’s wristband code or name against a tag number, or even attach a small duplicate wristband/label onto the stroller. When they come back, scanning or checking the wristband confirms their identity. This method speeds up match-back and adds security (only the person with the original wristband can claim the stroller).
• Family Name Tags: Some smaller events use a name-based system – write the parent’s name and phone number on a tag attached to the stroller, and give them a slip with a corresponding identifier. This personalizes the service and can help if someone loses their claim ticket (ID can be checked as backup). However, avoid publicly displaying full names/contact info on the stroller where others can see; fold the paper or use a code for privacy.

Whichever system you choose, make sure it’s fast and foolproof. Stroller pickup should be a matter of seconds, not minutes. Organize the parked strollers in a logical way (by tag number order, or in rows) so staff can locate a specific stroller quickly when a parent arrives. Nothing is worse for a tired parent than waiting anxiously while staff search for their pram among hundreds.

Pro tip: If using numbers, post a visible range of tag numbers at each row or section of the stroller park (e.g., “Strollers 1–50 here”). This way, a parent could even be allowed into the pickup lane to point out their stroller under staff supervision, expediting the process.

Weather-Proofing and Protection

Outdoor festivals must contend with sun, rain, and dust – all of which can affect parked strollers and the belongings left in them. Part of a good stroller parking service is keeping the gear safe from the elements. Provide basic protections so parents don’t return to a soaked or sunbaked stroller:

• Rain Covers and Tarps: Keep a stock of simple rain covers or tarps with weights/fasteners on hand. If rain threatens, staff can quickly drape covers over rows of strollers or lend covers to parents as they check in. Ideally, your stroller park is under a tent or canopy for shade and rain protection, but having extra rain covers is wise for open-air setups. No parent wants to pop their child back into a puddle-filled stroller seat!
• Sun Shade: On hot sunny days, try to situate stroller parks under trees or provide a shade structure. Prolonged sun exposure can make metal parts and seats hot to the touch (and also fade or damage stroller fabric). A large tent or even a series of beach umbrellas over the stroller area can keep things cooler.
• Dust and Mud Mitigation: In dusty fields (like desert festivals) or muddy grounds (think rainy European festivals), consider providing a rinsing station or wipes for wheels upon retrieval. At the very least, staff can advise parents to fit rain covers to shield strollers from mud splatter. Keeping the parking area itself on a ground cover will reduce how much dirt ends up on the stroller wheels and frames.
• Clean and Tidy: Maintain the stroller area throughout the day. If anything spills, clean it up. Don’t let trash accumulate around parked buggies. This not only looks unprofessional but can also attract insects. A tidy area reinforces to parents that their equipment is being well cared for.

Additionally, encourage parents to remove any valuables or essentials from the stroller before check-in, just as they would at a coat check. Staff can remind them to take wallets, phones, or diaper bags they may need. You might even provide a few lockers or secure cubbies for small items at the stroller station (especially if you charge a small fee for the stroller check, include a free locker use). Minimizing valuables left with strollers further reduces risk of loss or damage.

Deterring Theft and Ensuring Security

A primary reason to create a stroller coat check is to prevent theft or accidental stroller “swapping.” Festival producers must treat the security of strollers with the same seriousness as they would a bag check or locker service. Here’s how to keep everything safe:

• Controlled Access: Set up physical barriers (bike racks, fencing, or even a roped-off area) around the stroller park with a single entry/exit point. This makes it easy for staff to monitor who comes in and out. Only staff should retrieve and organize strollers inside; attendees wait at the entrance or counter. This controlled flow itself is a huge theft deterrent, as no opportunist can simply grab a stroller and run off.
• Tag Verification: As mentioned above, match tags or wristbands every time a stroller leaves. Even if a parent is in a rush, train staff not to waive the checkout step. Knowing that every stroller is being checked in and out formally will discourage would-be thieves since they can’t just blend in.
• Visible ID on Strollers: Use claim tags that are brightly colored or even have the festival logo. This way, any stroller taken out without permission is easily identifiable as belonging to the stroller check (staff or security roaming the grounds could spot someone walking away with a tagged stroller suspiciously). Numbered tags also make it unlikely someone would take the wrong stroller by mistake.
• Security Personnel & Cameras: For higher-profile events or if you have an area with dozens of pricey prams (some deluxe strollers cost as much as a laptop), consider assigning a security guard to the vicinity or installing a temporary CCTV camera focused on the stroller area. The sight of an official security presence can further dissuade theft. Plus, if an incident does occur, you have backup to review what happened.
• Theft Deterrent Devices: While not common, some festival organizers offer optional cable locks that parents can use to lock a wheel of their stroller to a rack within the stroller park. If you go this route, make sure it doesn’t hinder staff’s ability to move strollers as needed. Usually, the other measures (staff supervision, tagging, controlled entry) are sufficient without individual locks.

Importantly, communicate to parents that while you are providing a secure service, they should avoid leaving high-value items in the stroller storage. Money, electronics, and personal documents should stay with them. Provide a claim check receipt that also briefly states any liability waiver (e.g., “Strollers are parked at owner’s risk; the festival is not responsible for lost or damaged items, though staff will take all reasonable care”). Being transparent about security measures and policies will help set the right expectations and build trust with your audience.

Smooth Layout and Traffic Flow

Careful layout design of the stroller parking zone will prevent frustration and even dangerous bottlenecks. Keep lanes wide and organized to avoid pile-ups, especially during peak pickup times like after a major act finishes. Here are some layout tips from veteran festival planners:

• Wide Aisles: Design the stroller park with generous aisle space between rows of parked strollers. Make the aisles wide enough for two strollers to pass side by side. This allows one parent to retrieve their stroller while another parks theirs, without causing a jam. Remember, some double strollers or wagons are extra-wide; account for those too. A good rule of thumb is an aisle of about 5–6 feet (1.5–1.8 meters) minimum.
• Entry and Exit Flow: If possible, have one clearly marked entrance and a separate exit for the stroller area (similar to bag check or coat check windows). For example, a parent drops off at the “check-in” side and later goes to a “pick-up” side. This keeps people from bumping into each other. If space doesn’t allow two separate points, at least create a single-file queue system with stanchions so there’s an orderly line rather than a crowd.
• Set Change Rush: In music festivals, note the timetable for major stage performances. Often, families might park strollers during a big show and then all come to collect them when the set ends (or before the next act begins). Anticipate these rushes by having extra staff ready just beforehand, and by making sure the most popular strollers (those dropped off recently) are parked in an easy-to-access spot. Designate a temporary “quick grab” holding area for strollers that parents have signaled they’ll need soon (could be via a text system or just verbally, “I’ll be back right after this set”). This way, staff can pull those few strollers up front for immediate hand-off.
• Avoiding Main Thoroughfares: Position the stroller park a little off to the side, so that any queues or crowds around it do not block major pedestrian routes. It should be near the action for convenience, but not in the flow of traffic. For example, if near a stage, tuck it behind the sound booth or off one end of the viewing field, rather than dead center at the back where everyone exits.
• Signage and Visibility: Use tall flags or banners to mark stroller areas so that approaching parents can locate it from afar. This prevents wandering (with kids in tow) looking for where they left the stroller. Also clearly signpost the rules: e.g., “Stroller Parking – free service, operating 10am–8pm” or “Show claim ticket for retrieval.” Informational signs reduce confusion and speed up the process because parents know how it works before they arrive at the counter.

By thoughtfully planning the physical layout, you ensure that the stroller parking enhances flow instead of becoming a new choke point. The goal is a swift, efficient system that can handle the ebb and flow of family needs throughout the event schedule. A well-placed and well-designed stroller park will almost go unnoticed in operations (which is a good thing!), except for the grateful thanks from parents who use it.

Communication and Family Awareness

Even the best stroller coat check won’t be used if attendees don’t know about it. Integrate the stroller parking plan into your festival’s communications from the start. This will not only direct families to use it, but also serve as a selling point for your event’s family-friendliness.

Tips to get the word out:

• Pre-Event Information: In your website FAQ, tickets email, or festival app, include a note about family services. Mention that “Secure Stroller Parking will be available at Locations X, Y, Z during festival hours.” Highlight that it’s free (if it is) or what the nominal fee is. Emphasize the convenience and security features (“staffed stroller parks with tag-in, tag-out service”).
• Festival Map: On the site map or program guide, use a stroller icon to mark the parking areas. Often, festival maps mark water stations, medical, etc., so add stroller parks to that legend. This small step normalizes the idea that your event expects families and has provided for them.
• Signage on Site: As families arrive, you can place signs in parking lots or entry gates: “Bringing a stroller? => Look for stroller coat check at [locations].” Within the grounds, directional arrows or banners can guide people (“Stroller Parking this way”). Don’t assume everyone will recall the pre-event email; clear on-site signs are a must.
• Staff & Volunteers Spreading the Word: Train entry gate staff or roaming info volunteers to mention the stroller service when they see parents with young kids. A simple “By the way, we have a stroller check by the main stage if you need it” is helpful. Also, the MC on stage or announcements can include a reminder for parents about where to park strollers safely, especially if you see congestion starting.
• Include in Family Packages: If your ticketing platform (like Ticket Fairy) offers family tickets or child add-ons, include a blurb during purchase or in the confirmation. For instance: “Family Ticket includes access to Kids Zone and use of our free Stroller Coat Check service on-site.” This can reassure parents even before they step foot on the grounds.

Proactive communication ensures high adoption of the stroller parks, which in turn means fewer rogue strollers creating obstacles. It also signals that your festival is thoughtfully designed for families — a powerful message in marketing. Word-of-mouth among parenting communities will travel fast that “this festival thought of everything, even stroller parking!”

Learning from Experience: Successes and Pitfalls

Implementing a stroller coat check might involve some trial and error, especially if it’s a new feature for your festival. Here are a few real-world lessons and common pitfalls to be mindful of, drawn from veteran festival organizers’ experiences:

• Case Study – The Muddy Field Solution: At one outdoor food festival in New Zealand, organizers noticed parents struggling to push prams through a muddy field after rain. On the fly, they set up an ad-hoc stroller parking under a large tent at the field’s edge, using hay bales to prop up stroller wheels from the mud. Parents were so relieved that many suggested the festival make it a permanent feature. The next year, they improved it with proper flooring and a check-in desk. This quick thinking turned a potential failure (frustrated families leaving early) into a success story of customer care.
• Lesson – Don’t Skimp on Space: A festival in California tried offering a stroller park but underestimated how much room it needed. They squeezed it into a 10×10 foot pop-up tent. By mid-day it was overflowing, and staff had to start lining strollers outside the tent in the open, defeating the purpose. The takeaway: plan for more capacity than you think you’ll need—strollers take up space, and it’s better to have room to spare than a cluttered mess. You can always scale back if it’s too large, but adding extra space mid-event is hard.
• Lesson – Peak Time Management: One common pitfall is not anticipating rush times. For example, at a music and arts festival in Canada, a popular children’s performer drew dozens of families to one stage at 3 PM. Stroller check-in was busy beforehand, but the real chaos hit when the show ended and everyone came to retrieve at once. Staff were overwhelmed, and some impatient parents started to wander in to grab their own stroller. That caused confusion and a minor security breach. The festival learned to deploy extra staff temporarily during scheduled peaks (e.g., end of a kids’ show or evening when families head home) and to gently cordon off the area to maintain order.
• Success – Sponsor Partnership: A creative example comes from a large cultural festival in Singapore. The organizers partnered with a baby gear company to sponsor the stroller parks. The sponsor provided branded rain covers and free stroller accessories (like clip-on fans and sunshades) to families who used the service. In exchange, the stroller park booths had the company’s logo and gave out product brochures. This offset festival costs and enhanced the service with high-quality amenities. Families loved the extra perks, and the sponsor appreciated the positive engagement with their target audience. Consider if a local baby product retailer, stroller manufacturer, or family-oriented brand might want to support your initiative.
• Failure – Lack of Awareness: An Australian festival introduced a fantastic stroller check program but forgot to adequately publicize it. The result? The staff waited idly while parents continued to struggle pushing strollers through crowds, oblivious that help was available. Only late in the day did word spread of the service. This underscores that even the best plan can fail if people don’t know about it. Always invest effort into promoting new attendee services.

By learning from such experiences, you can refine your stroller parking plan each time. Solicit feedback from parents during or after the event. Maybe include a question in post-event surveys: “Did you use the stroller parking? How was your experience? Any suggestions?” Constant improvement will help this become a seamless, appreciated part of your festival operation.

Key Takeaways

• Strategic Placement: Position stroller parking areas next to family-centric spots (stages with kids’ content, bathrooms, play zones) so parents can conveniently drop off and pick up strollers as needed.
• Staffed and Secure: Always have dedicated staff managing the stroller “coat check.” Use a tagging system tied to parents (via numbered tickets or wristbands) to ensure quick, correct returns and to deter theft.
• Weather & Theft Protection: Provide rain covers or canopies to shield strollers from weather. Use fencing, one entry-point, and visible ID tags to prevent theft or mix-ups. Remind parents not to leave valuables in stored strollers.
• Spacious Layout: Design the stroller park with wide lanes and clear organization. This prevents pile-ups during popular set changes and allows multiple parents to retrieve or park strollers without conflict.
• Communication is Key: Promote the stroller parking service in all communications. Clear signs and pre-event notices will ensure families know about and use the amenity, keeping walkways clear for everyone.
• Family-Friendly Reputation: Executing a tidy stroller plan not only unclogs festival grounds, it wins over the hearts of family patrons. A little extra effort here greatly enhances your festival’s image as an inclusive, safe environment for all ages.

By incorporating a well-thought-out stroller “coat check” at the right places in your festival, you elevate the experience for attendees with children and relieve crowding for everyone else. It’s these kinds of thoughtful details that distinguish a truly great family-friendly festival. Invest in the comfort and ease of your audience, and your event will reap the rewards in loyalty and praise for years to come.