Kids Coachella: How to Throw a Backyard Music Festival So Cool Even Your Toddler Will Need a VIP Pass

Let’s be honest: Coachella is fun in theory—but in reality, we’re not lining up for $19 smoothies or rationing our cell battery to find our friends by the glow of the Ferris wheel. We’ve got kids now. And if we’re being really real? We want the glitter, the groove, and the glam—but without the porta potties, TikTok bros, and endless foot blisters.

Enter: Kids Coachella.

It’s a backyard blowout. A sensory-smart, glitter-dusted, snack-stacked music fest lite—curated by you, approved by them, and cool enough for Instagram, even if the only influencers attending are your 4-year-old twins and the neighbor’s Frenchie in sunglasses.

Let’s build your backyard into the coolest, coziest, most inclusive Coachella-for-kids-meets-Gwyneth-on-a-budget experience out there.

The Vibe: Backyard Desert Chic Meets Bubble Machine Heaven

Think desert pastels. Think inflatable cactus. Think string lights, boho teepees, soft picnic rugs, and a bubble machine haze that turns your backyard into a desert rave for toddlers. We’re not doing bounce house chaos. We’re doing curated vibes.

The Lineup: Your Personal Spotify Wrapped, Kid-Approved

Kidz Bop…but make it live.

• Hire a local teen band to cover popular kid-friendly hits.
• Or use your Sonos system and create a custom “Kidschella” playlist with:
  • Pharrell Williams – “Happy”
  • Harry Styles – “As It Was”
  • Bruno Mars – “24K Magic”
  • Moana Soundtrack (obviously)
  • Queen – “Don’t Stop Me Now” (a timeless win)
  • Yo Gabba Gabba remixes (don’t knock it until you’ve danced to it in Crocs)
• Surprise Set: Karaoke Tent
  • Glitter mic, mini stage, and one bold parent belting Let It Go to get the kids involved.

Coachella-Worthy Shopping List

(Yes, this is your excuse to shop like Goop had a baby with Etsy and they both had an Amazon Prime account.)

Decor + Aesthetic Musts:

• Inflatable cactus garden – Sunnylife or FUNBOY
• Boho teepee tents – Little Dove Kids or Crate & Kids
• String lights + solar lanterns – Globe lights from Terrain or Pottery Barn Teen
• Bubble machine – Kidzlane or Fubbles
• Mini disco ball – Urban Outfitters
• Chill Rugs & Poufs – Ruggable or Etsy woven mats
• Custom signage – “Welcome to Kidschella” wood sign from Minted or Etsy

Fashion Essentials:

• Mini fringe vests + sparkly bomber jackets – H&M Kids or Zara
• Glow-in-the-dark tattoos and glitter face gems – Conscious Ink + Unicorn Snot (non-toxic)
• Noise-canceling headphones – BANZ or BabyBearEar (a must for sensory support)
• Hats + sunnies – Jan & Jul bucket hats, Babiators shades
• Crocs or Native Shoes – festival-proof and washable (bless)

Sensory + Chill Intermission Zone

Kids on and off the spectrum need a cool-down corner just like we need shade after one too many Aperol spritzes.

Create a “Sensory Lounge”:

• Foam mats + squish pillows
• Organic cotton weighted blanket (Baloo or SensaCalm)
• Soft lights + lava lamp
• Fidget toys (Fat Brain Toys, Dimpls, Pop-Its)
• Cooling wipes (Honest Co. or WaterWipes)
• Noise-canceling tent with lavender mist diffuser
• Mini projector with calming visuals or slow cartoon loop (Puffin Rock, Bluey, Nico the Hedgehog)

Pro Tip: Have parents on a text loop for sensory needs/mini breaks—like a backstage pass for decompressing.

Festival Foodie Setup: Snack Lineup Better Than Coachella

Because we’re not doing soggy pizza or whatever’s left in a crushed Ziploc. This is elevated grazing. Think Erewhon meets Lunchables.

Curated Snack List:

• Bento-style boxes with:
  • Organic strawberries
  • Star-shaped almond butter + banana sandwiches
  • Coconut milk cheese cubes (Violife or Miyoko)
  • Grain-free pretzels (Savor Street or Quinn)
  • Tiny containers of Primal Kitchen ranch for dipping
  • Watermelon slices cut with cookie cutters (stars, hearts, dinosaurs)
• Glow popsicles – Use Zipzicle bags and fill with:
  • Dragonfruit + coconut milk smoothie blend
  • Organic lemonade + raspberry mash
• Mom + Dad zone:
  • Spiked kombucha bar (Juneshine or Flying Embers)
  • Mini charcuterie cups (yes, solo cups, but elevated)
  • Seedlip mocktails
  • Recess sparkling adaptogen drinks for chill parents

Bonus Feature: The Calm Cove

It’s not a rave tent. It’s a re-centering station for the elite.

Sometimes you need a moment away from the main stage. Sometimes you need compression, calm, and the ability to flop like a glamorous sea lion. That’s where The Calm Cove comes in.

It’s a cozy rave-meets-spa sanctuary—engineered for the neurodivergent VIPs who don’t want to leave the party, but do want a break from the drama of joy.

Inside The Calm Cove:

• Body Socks (the good ones): Look for Fun and Function or Southpaw compression sacks in every size. A whole sock crew = immediate cool-down.
• Crash mat zone: For full-body regulation flops. Covered in washable plush blankets from Bearaby or Pottery Barn Teen.
• Silent disco corner: Wireless headphones (PuroQuiet or JLab JBuddies) + custom sensory playlist = dance therapy without the noise overload.
• LED lava floor tiles: Because stepping on moving light feels futuristic and strangely therapeutic.
• Mini fan wall: With handheld, rechargeable fans for cooling, soothing, and vibe control.
• Weighted lap pads + cuddle plushies: Organic cotton options from SensaCalm and Slumberkins.
• Dim starlight projector + blackout curtain walls: Instant cocoon mode.

The Calm Cove Essentials Basket includes:

• Stretchy resistance bands
• Fidget cubes