The facts are in. Research shows that the vast majority of today’s consumer market values experiences more than material items. For consumers with children, this sentiment only grows. Surveys suggest that nearly 90% of parents in America believe that experiences are more valuable for their kids than goods. If you are in the events industry, this means that you have even more to gain by making your event family-friendly. Furthermore, as more millennials become parents, this trend will continue to increase. Now is the time to get onboard with events that are fun for the whole family, or you may get left behind.

So you’re ready to plan your family-friendly event. You may be thinking, “I’ve got a sandbox, giant jenga, and grilled cheese truck, so I am good to go!” Slow down there. There are ways you don’t even realizing you may be sabotaging your fun-for-the-whole-family festivities.

• Too much alcohol

Feel free to sell cocktails and spirits of all types, but do not create an atmosphere that encourages drinking. Happy hour specials, two-for-one drink deals, and other incentive-driven discounts are for another time and place.

• Big kid games only

Amusement park attractions where riders must be a certain height typically favor children nine years of age and older. If you are going to have giant swings or bumper cars, it is a good idea to include rides that parents with babies and toddlers can enjoy as well.

• Not accessible

Every corner of your event should include ramp access. In addition, make sure you have a location to store unoccupied strollers. If you don’t, your event could be littered with empty strollers and disoriented parents trying to figure out which one belongs to them.

• A one-size-fits-all approach

Make sure to have multiple activities for both the kids and the adults. You wouldn’t put one dart board in an arcade and call it a day. Similarly, don’t settle for one sandbox in an event geared towards families. Kids have different interests and play styles based on their age and personality. Treat them like the individuals they are with a variety of games and activities. There are obviously budgetary constraints to account for in every event, but the more types of entertainment you can provide, the better!

• Event staff that has no idea how to work with kids

Don’t hire a team of intimidating nightclub bouncers to watch over the children. Parents won’t like it, children won’t like it, and your nightclub bouncers definitely won’t like it. Save all of them the misery and find well-qualified, kid-friendly chaperones. On a scale between summer camp counselor and the Secret Service, your staff should fall much closer to the counselor side. Similarly, you need more staff than you would for an adults-only event. Even with one or more adult chaperones per child, kids can easily get lost in large crowds. You staff should be the extra eyes and ears necessary to keep everyone safe and having fun.

• Diaper-changing in only the women’s bathroom

It’s 2019. Parents share child care responsibility. Single dads will be at your event. Same-sex parents need a place to change their babies. You should welcome all parents and guardians and make sure they have everything they need to enjoy your event.

• Ignoring your market and relevant influencers

No matter what your market looks like, we can almost guarantee that there are influencers with young children. Influencers are not just young, single people, and many do have kids. Invite relevant influencers to your event, or work out a paid promotion with them.

• Not explicitly inviting families and children

Your website and invitations should clearly reflect family friendliness. Parents don’t have time to read a long invitation or get in touch with the team and inquire if it would be appropriate to bring their kids. If you want families to feel welcome at your event, your promotional material should scream ‘kid friendly!’

The best way to set your event up for success is with the help of an experienced event planning and production company. Contact Wizard Studios to get started on an event that’s sure to be fun for the whole family.