Although Lollapalooza seems to appeal to the outgoing youth, the event has activities for all ages, especially for North Shore kids, teens and parents. If you’re worried the bands will be neither entertaining nor appropriate for younger children, check out the Kidzapalooza section of the event’s website to see all the bands and activities included for a family friendly environment. This year marks the 20th anniversary for the annual 3-day music festival that will feature 150 bands on 8 different stages in Grant Park, including Eminem, the Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Muse, My Morning Jacket, and many more. As this extravagant event is rapidly approaching (August 5-7), it’s time to start planning ahead to make sure you and your kids have a safe and memorable experience.

If your family includes children that aren’t able to maneuver the festivities on their own, we’ve got a few suggestions that will keep both you and your kids entertained. You won’t be able to stop your little ones from singing along with Ralph’s World, a real rock and role experience for kids. Chicago’s own The Q Brothers, known for adapting Shakespeare’s famous works into rap musicals, will also be running a hip-hop workshop for the little ones. The Happiness Club, made up of Chicago kids, perform entertaining hip-hop and pop music numbers that encourage their peers to make the right choices in life. When the kids aren’t listening to their favorite bands, there are dozens of tents where they can enjoy a variety of activities. They can make music of their own at the Drumzone, or can try on new looks at the Funky Hairdooz place. Other tents provide a double dutch workshop, temporary airbrush tattoos, rock star yoga, and silk screening bags and T-shirts.

Now for a plan of attack. With all the music to be had, it may be in your best interest to take some time to check out the event’s site and pick out the bands you want to see. The best thing to do is make a schedule; the site provides a map of the park, which will be helpful when planning what activities and what acts you want to participate see.

Lollapalooza has plenty of tasty restaurant vendors your family will enjoy, as well as several Camelbak filling stations with free filtered water to keep you hydrated. However, you may want to plan on bringing plenty of melt-proof snacks and refillable water bottles. Think about bringing along a carry-all that is comfortable enough to tote around all day long.

Be sure to check the weather beforehand and plan accordingly. If there’s even a chance of rain, be smart and bring a rain jacket or poncho. You’ll be kicking yourself when you’re soaking wet and you left your ponchos at home. Make sure to pack  sunscreen, hats or visors, sunglasses and even an umbrella for added protection from the sun or rain. Even so, there are several tents and lounges that will provide you with shade, seating and AC to keep cool.

To avoid getting lost in big crowds, determine an easy-to-find meeting location with your teen. Cell phones are a good back-up, but it’s good to be prepared if a phone runs out of batteries, if the reception is poor…or the music is too loud.

And, last but not least, enjoy Lollapalooza! —Rachel Bowker