Outdoor orchestra concerts with kids: what to bring

An outdoor concert is one of the easiest ways to take a child to hear an orchestra. Families sit on blankets, children can move and whisper, and the music is often light. A little packing makes the evening go well. This page has a list of what to bring, where to sit, and what to expect.

Why outdoors works for children

• Children can move. A child can lie down, stand up, or dance at the edge of the crowd.
• Whispers are fine. The sound is carried by speakers, and no one hears a small voice.
• The music is friendly. Programs lean toward marches, film music, and well-known classics.
• Leaving is easy. A family can walk away at any time.
• Some are free. Parks and towns often pay for summer concerts. Check the event page.

What to bring

For sitting	For comfort	For the child
A blanket	Water	Ear protection
Low chairs, where they are allowed	A picnic or snacks	A quiet toy or a book
A waterproof sheet for under the blanket	Sunscreen and hats	Paper and crayons
A cushion	Bug spray	A sweater for after dark
	Wipes and a bag for trash	A small flashlight for the walk out

Check the rules first

Each park has its own rules. Look at the event page before you pack.

• Chairs. Some lawns allow low chairs alone, and some have a chair section at the back.
• Food and drink. Some allow picnics, and some sell food on the grounds.
• Glass. Many parks ban it.
• Dogs. Many concerts do not allow them.
• Tents and umbrellas. They block the view and are often banned.
• Rain. Find out whether the concert moves indoors, moves to a new date, or is called off.

Where to sit

Near the back or at the side. With small children, sit where you can get up and walk without stepping over other blankets.

Away from the speakers. The sound is loudest right in front of them.

Near a path. A path leads to the toilets and the way out.

With a view of the stage. A child who can see the players pays attention longer. On a flat lawn, sit closer. On a hill, sit higher.

In the shade, if the sun is still up. Remember that the sun moves during the evening.

Fireworks and cannons

Many summer concerts end with fireworks. Some play the 1812 Overture with real cannon fire.

• Bring ear protection. Well-fitting earmuffs made for children are the usual advice. Put them on before the first bang.
• Warn your child. Say what will happen and when. A child who expects the noise is braver.
• Move back. For a child who hates loud sounds, watch the fireworks from far away or from the car.
• Leave early if you need to. You can still hear the music on the walk out.

Read ear protection for kids at concerts and the 1812 Overture for kids.

Before you go

1. Look up the program. Play one or two of the pieces at home during the week.
2. Check the start time. Summer concerts often start late, so that the fireworks come after dark. Plan a nap or a quiet afternoon.
3. Check the gate time. Lawns fill early. Many families arrive an hour or more ahead and eat their picnic while they wait.
4. Plan the trip home. Traffic after a big concert is slow. Pack pajamas for small children.

During the concert

• Name what you see. Point out the conductor, the violins, and the drums.
• Let small children play. A quiet toy on the blanket is fine.
• Listen for a favorite. Tell your child which piece is coming next.
• Take a walk. A lap around the edge of the lawn resets a restless child.
• Clap along when the crowd does. At an outdoor concert, the audience often claps in time with a march.

How it differs from the concert hall

	Outdoors	In the hall
Seats	A blanket on the grass	A numbered seat
Sound	Through speakers	With no speakers
Moving and talking	Fine, within reason	Not during the music
Food	Often welcome	Not in the hall
Clothes	Casual, with layers	A little neater
Program	Lighter and more mixed	Longer pieces

An outdoor concert is a good first step. The hall can come next. Read first orchestra concert with kids.

Things to do together

Pack the bag. Give your child the list, and let them check off each thing.

Conduct from the blanket. Lie on your back and conduct with one hand in the air.

Spot the instruments. Bring the orchestra seating chart. Find each section on the stage.

Draw the night. Draw the stage, the lawn, and the sky after dark.

Name that tune. Keep a tally of the pieces your child knows.

Print and play

Bring the concert scavenger hunt. Read classical music for the Fourth of July, kinds of classical concerts, and taking a toddler to a concert.