Children at Nowhere FAQ

Can I bring along my little one?
Children are welcome at Nowhere; however, this is NOT a child-oriented event. You are your child's parent*, no one else. We don't know your standards for what you do or don't want your child to see, so we can't tell you that our event is or isn't the place for your little one.

If you have been to Nowhere before, or to Burning Man, you have some idea of the sort of things to which your child could be exposed. If not, it may be a good idea to come alone for your first time, rather than pay for a non-refundable ticket and then leave halfway through when you realise that it's far too hot for your child's comfort.

Will there be children-focused events there?
Only if you make it happen. As with everything else at a No Spectators event, that's up to you. There is no Kids' Camp, nor are there activities specifically designed for children, unless YOU want them and make them happen.

This bears repeating: there are no centrally-organised activities or facilities for children. It is up to you, as a parent and participant, to ensure that the things your child needs are available.

Will my kids be safe? You aren't all biker paedophiles, are you?
One of the central tenets of our philosophy is radical personal responsibility. Plenty of folks at Nowhere love kids, and we've never had any safety problems in the past. But there are going to be lots of power tools lying around at various times during the event, and there are several acres of land - including drops of approximately 2 metres - in which an unsupervised child could get lost or hurt. Keeping your child safe is your responsibility. Again, if you've never been to Nowhere or Burning Man, it may be best to come alone to your first so that you can know what you're getting into.

Can I leave my kids in my tent at night while I party with you all till sunrise?
This is another question that you must answer for yourself. How would your child react to waking up in a strange place alone? Would he go wandering off in search of the bathroom and risk getting lost? Would he know you were right over there with the people in the cool costumes? Do you feel comfortable leaving your child alone in your tent unsupervised? Because the only supervision your child will receive during the weekend is that which you provide.

Is there babysitting?
Only if you make it happen. There will probably be wonderful people at the event who would be happy to keep an eye on your little one while you attend to something, but: a) don't arrive expecting anyone to look after your child, and b) Day Care Camp does not exist. If you think it should, make it.

Is there a kids' menu?
Only if you make it happen.

I hear certain things happen at Burning Man that I don't want my child to see. Will they happen here?
Because each event is a unique product of the vision and energy of the community, it's impossible to say what will or won't happen. If you're worried your child will see something you don't want him to see, you'd be safest assuming he will see it if he comes, and act accordingly.

Will there be changing stations?
Only if you make it happen.

My kid is scared of "X". Can you guarantee that no one will do this?
Nope. Again, Radical Personal Responsibility is the order of the day here.

I'm not sure my kids will like it if there aren't Disney movies, cookies and candy; will these be provided?
Say it with me: Only if you make it happen.

If we come, and then we have to leave Friday night because my kids don't like it, can we get a refund?
Ticket sales are non-refundable. If you aren't willing to risk having to leave early, it would probably be better if you came alone.

My 14-year old kid wants to learn to weld cuz it looks cool. He's pretty coordinated; can he take lessons?
Your child is your responsibility, so it's between you, him, and the person you find who is willing to teach him.

I'm a single parent, and my child spends some weekends with my ex. Nowhere is being held on my ex's weekend, but sometimes that gets changed at the last minute. What if I plan to come alone, but on Friday afternoon I find out that I'll be bringing my child? Can we get a ticket on the gate?
Reduced price tickets for 5 - 12 year olds and free tickets for under fives are only available till the end of May. This is for two main reasons: we need to know how many people are coming, and this is especially true in the case of children, and we believe that you, as a parent, will need at least a month to prepare yourself and your child for the event.

I'm arriving early on site to help build my theme camp. Can I bring my kid with me?
No children are allowed on site during set up or take down. During these times the site is effectively a building site, and hence: a) it is a much more dangerous environment, and b) people on site will be far too busy to take extra care around a child.

*Please note that in this FAQ, parent refers to anyone legally and, more importantly, emotionally responsible for the health, well-being, and upbringing of a child, whether a genetic parent-child relationship exists or not. From the standpoint of the law, and of responsibility, a child is anyone under the age of 18.