Kids and concerts - how young is too young? *UPDATE* - Free Iron Maiden ticket

[Puppet Guy]

***UPDATE TO THREAD***

So all the point below is now moot - I've got an extra ticket to tonight's show because of illness. If you want it send me a PM.



So, I'm going to the Iron Maiden show tonight, and for a couple of days I was having a hell of a time trying to find someone to look after the young puppets. It was such a hassle that for a very brief time I was considering taking them with us (it was about thirty seconds before I thought better of it). Both of my kids are between six and ten years old and I was mainly concerned about the volume more than anything, but all the other side-shows of a big arena metal show were factors. At the same time I was also curious about how my artistically-minded kids would interpret such a theatrical show - one kids draws constantly and is really influenced by what she sees (tell me you're not intrigued by a kid's drawings of a ten-foot Eddie).

I know that lots of younger kids end up at things like Folk Fest and similar-type concerts. What I'm wondering is what you all think about concerts at arena-type venues. Anyone seen smaller kids at these kind of shows? How old you all were for your first rock concerts and such. Anyone?

[tipenmat]

I think it depends on your tickets. If you have GA tickets and the crowd is a bit more active you might have trouble finding a good spot. If it is assigned seating it should be alright. I have taken both my kids to concerts starting at around 4yrs old and I just make sure they have headphones/ear plugs. I have taken them to venues like MacEwen with no problems, we just stayed in the back of room and didn't bother anyone. I think older kids would even be ok without headphones if not close to the stage. I think Iron Maiden would be a really interesting experience for a kid.

[Ozy_Flame]

Five year old kid on the video screen at Iron Maiden last night rocking out with his dad (kid even had big ear protectors with British flags on them). He was having a blast. I say if they enjoy it and know that it's going to be loud, go for it. It's how they learn what they like and don't like.

[8 Ball]

The last arena venue concert I went to was Metallica with Lamb of God. There were four youngsters between I would say 8 to 12 in front of us. They seemed to really enjoy it. The volume as you say would be a key factor, and the potential for them getting bored and wanting to leave early would be another one. As far as the sideshow goes, they will probably see humans doing what they do at rock concerts, but I honestly wouldn’t worry to much about that imo.

[Sliver]

Took my son to Pennywise when he was nine at Mac Hall. Bought him some over-the-ear ear protection. One of the roadies grabbed him and took him to the side of the stage to watch for a bit. All the cool punk dudes high fived him everywhere he went because they thought it was cool a little dude was at a show. He loved it and it was such a great experience.

[Amethyst]

I know lots of people who take kids that age (and younger) to concerts. They just use the ear protection. As for the other stuff they would see, I think that's up to you when you want them to see that / explain it.

[Puckbag]

Took my son who was 7 at the time to AC/DC the last time they were in Edmonton. Gave him some ear plugs, no big deal. He had a blast and still talks about it.

[Dube]

Bring ear protection and it should be fine!

[Cecil Terwilliger]

Proper ear protection and keep them out of the crazy areas of the pit and you’re good to go.

Just don’t buy hose $2 drug store ear plugs. Get some proper ones.

Bigger concern might be all the weed smoke.

[81MC]

In my experience, Maiden shows are pretty friendly to younger kids, in content and fan base.
As for earplugs, London Drugs should have those orange 3M foam plugs for like $1. Been wearing them for drumming for 15 years, they’ll do just fine.

[photon]

If you can get high fidelity earplugs, they're nice because they don't muffle the sound they just reduce the intensity so you can still hear everything clearly. Be nice if they can actually enjoy the music Though I guess that depends on the age and how much they like music in general.

[Puppet Guy]

Good suggestions from everyone. However, it's all a moot point now because wife AND kids are all sick right now and I'm actually stuck with an extra ticket. Anyone want a Maiden ticket for tonight?

[Scroopy Noopers]

Originally Posted by 81MC

In my experience, Maiden shows are pretty friendly to younger kids, in content and fan base.
As for earplugs, London Drugs should have those orange 3M foam plugs for like $1. Been wearing them for drumming for 15 years, they’ll do just fine.

Sorry but this is terrible advice. Invest $20 in your child’s future hearing. It’s at the most fragile when young.

You shouldn’t be inserting anything in your ear canal. People roll up foam plugs and that is not even how they are suppose to be used. They cause a multitude of problems. At the very least buy the wax ones and use as instructed (~$10).

I have pretty bad tinnitus and I would do absolutely anything to change that.

[gasman]

Originally Posted by Scroopy Noopers

Sorry but this is terrible advice. Invest $20 in your child’s future hearing. It’s at the most fragile when young.

You shouldn’t be inserting anything in your ear canal. People roll up foam plugs and that is not even how they are suppose to be used. They cause a multitude of problems. At the very least buy the wax ones and use as instructed (~$10).

I have pretty bad tinnitus and I would do absolutely anything to change that.

Wrong, that's exactly how they are supposed to be used.

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/content/earplug.html

[dino7c]

Originally Posted by Puppet Guy

Good suggestions from everyone. However, it's all a moot point now because wife AND kids are all sick right now and I'm actually stuck with an extra ticket. Anyone want a Maiden ticket for tonight?

Would be all over this if I was in town...hope you find a date