"Should We Bring the Kids?": A Toddler Mom's Guide to Festival Season

As a young person eager to explore the city, nothing gets me more excited than Syracuse’s festival season. The season officially kicked off with the Taste of Syracuse, which drew thousands of people, including myself. However, even while I was having good time, I couldn’t stop asking the question “should we have brought the kids?” So, let’s break it down:

Photo courtesy of Taste of Syracuse (@Tasteofsyracuse)

To add some context: my children are two years and five months old and I'm already an anxious parent. So, although most of the summer's festivals are labeled "Kid-friendly," I'm not exactly jumping for joy while thinking about the logistics.

The large crowds can be overstimulating and difficult to navigate with a stroller, and I don't know about you but, my 2-year-old has officially started exercising her free-will... a recipe for disaster if you ask me.

That said, festival season is not slowing down anytime soon. Here's a list of July festival's that I believe are absolutely kid and stroller friendly :

Inner Harbor Pizza & Pasta Festival:

• Lets be honest, this is probably 50 percent of every toddler's diet anyway (can't forget chicken nuggets)!

• The Inner Harbor is always a great place for a stroll, crowds are manageable and they can still experience the live music and fun that comes with a festival.

  
  

Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival:

• Hands on experiences, perfect for young creatives!

• Festival goers are encouraged to bring their own art utensils and there's even a chalk art competition that kids (and adults) can participate in.

Syracuse Puerto Rican Festival:

• Maybe not the best if your kids are sensitive to loud music, but mine won't miss an opportunity to show off her dance skills!

• This is also a fun opportunity for my kids especially to rep their flag, eat different foods and celebrate their culture.

Ultimately, finding that balance between family fun and peace of mind means picking the right festival, the right time, and simply trusting your instincts. While my toddler and baby might not be ready for every event, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the city together, or spend the night at grandma's.