Ohana festival is a popular 3-day music festival held annually at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, California. With its gorgeous beachfront setting, star-studded lineup of rock, indie, electronic and reggae artists, and emphasis on community and positivity, it’s no wonder Ohana has quickly become a must-attend event for music lovers on the West Coast. But is this laidback fest with its beach vibe also an event where parents can bring their little ones? Let’s take a look at what Ohana has to offer families.
Security and Supervision
Safety should always be the number one priority when considering bringing kids to a large-scale public event like a music festival. At Ohana festival, all attendees including children are required to have a 3-day festival pass wristband. Wristbands must be kept on for the entire weekend so staff can identify that you belong there. There is also security staff monitoring the festival grounds at all times. Bags and cooler bags may be searched upon entry. While Ohana festival does not have a specific area just for families, the environment is pretty safe, controlled, and secure throughout.
Kid’s Activities
Ohana festival does not have a full kids zone with lots of activities tailored just to little ones. However, there are some components that children would enjoy. The festival features a 13,000 sq ft “Tiki Room” containing vendor village with arts, crafts, clothing and more available for purchase. Kids are sure to love browsing the eclectic bazaar. There is also a Tiki Bar serving up tropical cocktails for the grown-ups. Additionally, the beach location makes building sandcastles and playing in the ocean a built-in activity option for families.
Food and Drink
Ohana festival has a wide variety of food and drink vendors on site to keep the whole family fueled up. Offerings range from corn dogs, nachos and funnel cake to poke bowls, vegan burgers and fresh lemonade. With so many options for kids and adults alike, there are plenty of family-friendly bites to be had. Alcoholic beverages are also available at designated areas for parents, while juice and soda options are perfect for the little ones. Families can easily tailor meals to their needs.
Seating and Relaxation
A day full of music, sun, sand and stimulation can take its toll on little kids (and parents) quickly. Ohana festival does have some nice spaces where families can take a break. The 21+ Craft Beer Barn offers seating at picnic tables. There is also a shaded Tiki Bar area with tables and stools in the Tiki Room. Parents could plan to take breaks and relax with the kids in these spots when needed. However, it is recommended to bring blankets, mats, and portable beach chairs to stake out a home base spot where kids can rest and recharge near the stages.
Music Lineup and Schedule
A major draw of Ohana festival is getting to see big name artists in an intimate beach setting over a weekend. However, some acts may not be entirely kid-appropriate due to lyrics, content or loud volumes. Ohana announces their lineup well in advance, so parents can screen shows on the schedule they want their kids to see or avoid. Afternoon sets on the main stage tend to be safest for youngsters first experiencing a music festival. There are also bands like The Beach Boys and Michael Franti & Spearhead who have a mellow, beachy vibe perfect for family listening.
Festival Hours
Here are the hours for the different days of Ohana festival:
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Friday | 2:00 pm – midnight |
| Saturday | 11:30 am – midnight |
| Sunday | 11:30 am – 10:00 pm |
The late night schedule, especially on Friday and Saturday, may be too much for kids and families. An early bedtime for children is recommended, having parents alternate attending the festival without kids at night. Or families can opt to just do part of the daytime activities.
Set Lengths
Music set lengths at Ohana festival range from 30 minutes up to 90 minutes for headliners. Shorter sets in the 30-45 minute range are best for keeping kids engaged rather than sets approaching 90 minutes. Bands usually play 45-60 minutes, a good duration for little ones.
Lodging and Transportation
Ohana festival takes place at Doheny State Beach which is easily accessible right off the Pacific Coast Highway. Parking is available on site, but does tend to fill up. Shuttle passes can be purchased to get to and from Dana Point hotels, reducing transport stress.
Family-Friendly Hotels
There are several family-friendly hotel options conveniently located close to the festival grounds. The Dana Point Marina Inn has rooms with bunk beds along with an outdoor pool and waterslide. La Quinta Inn & Suites offers family suites to accommodate kids. Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa is a good luxury choice featuring cabanas and multiple dining options. Holiday Inn Express is an affordable hotel with bunks and free breakfast.
Glamping
For the ultimate family experience, check out Ohana’s Tiki Room glamping options. Premium yurts with air conditioning provide a camping adventure without the fuss. Family-size six person tents are also available, complete with comfy mattresses and bedding. Glamping tickets often sell out early, so book your Ohana glamping spot ASAP.
Conclusion
While Ohana festival does not have an extensive dedicated kids zone, there are still plenty of elements for families to enjoy. The beach setting, food options, craft marketplace and some mellow music sets make it possible for parents to bring children during the day or early evening hours. However, the late night schedule and crowds may be too much for kids. Families should determine their own comfort level. With preparation and reasonable expectations, Ohana can offer families a taste of music festival fun in one of California’s most beautiful oceanfront locations.
