And that's the beauty of Splore: everything is laid on for you and it's a cash-less event so you don't have to carry money about. You load money on to a (waterproof) wristband and your purchases are electronically deducted at all the outlets. Give your kids an allowance for the day on their wristband and away they go.
It's about as easy as camping gets with kids, and it's great introduction to music festival culture for the young ones. Hopefully that means that when they are older they aren't that person who is sunburnt and face-planted before the main band comes on.
The camping experience is a big part of Splore, which takes over Tapapakanga Regional Park every year. Reserved sites are roped off and marked out with your name so there is no room for turf wars " although you have to be considerate about where you place your guy ropes. There's even a a family camping area set aside that is quieter at night (and noisier in the morning).
You don't want to spend too much time at your tent though, because the great pleasure at Splore is heading down the hill to the parkland beside the beach where most of the colourful festival is based.
The bushwalk down the hill to the beach is an experience in itself with artworks and installations, some of which really come alive at night. Beside the beach there is a huge array of stalls, some peddling prosaic things such as clothing, jewellery, ornaments, food or drink, others alternative therapies or ways of life.
For children, throughout the day there is a continuous programme of entertainment, workshops (think circus skills, sand sculpture) and arts and crafts sessions (hat-making, play dough, giant bubbles). There are wandering performers and some of the stages also have bands providing family-friendly fare such as crusty pirate Captain Festus McBoyle and his motley band of misfits.
To cool off, you can swim at the safe beach and still keep an eye on the main stage. Anchored offshore is a raft with slides and diving platforms. Further up the beach is a freshwater swimming hole, with stalls and art installations along the way.
A good routine is to get yourself set up with all you need for the day - togs, towels, picnic blanket etc - and head out to enjoy the activities and entertainment. Then come back to your tent before nightfall, grab some warmer clothes and a torch before heading back down for the evening entertainment.
It's a natural rhythm to get into and that's what Splore is all about.
Need to know
When: Friday February 19 to Sunday February 21.
Where: Tapapakanga Regional Park on the Firth of Thames. Plot a course for Deerys Rd, Orere Point and look out for the signs.
What: A celebration of arts and culture underscored by a respect for the environment.
Who: British electronic outfit Leftfield has been announced as a headliner, with other notables such as Katchafire, The Dub Pistols and Nightmares on Wax. More acts are being announced all the time.
Cost: Tickets $235 per adult, youths (age 12-17) $125 when accompanying an adult, children under 12 are free with an adult. Reserved camping sites $100. Reserved camper vehicle $130. To bring a vehicle, you must purchase a parking pass ($50 but with a $35 credit to your wristband if you bring three or more people).
More info: splore.net
