Children at Nowhere

If you’ve been to Nowhere or Burning Man before, you know that it is an adult environment – but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for kids as well.

Self-expression

While Nowhere brings out the kid in many adults, it is still primarily an adult atmosphere. You should talk to your kids in advance about the kind of things they might see or hear, and discuss what they will and won’t be OK with. You and your children will never be forced to participate in activities you’re uncomfortable with. Your fellow Nowhere-goers will respect your limits. And if you set the example of an open mind, you may find your kids have an even easier time accepting their surroundings than you think. Most importantly, have fun! When you’re sitting on the ground doing arts and crafts, enjoying a mid-day nap or jumping on a trampoline dressed as a cowboy, you realise that here everybody gets to be a child again.

Self-reliance

One of the core ideas behind Nowhere is radical self-reliance. Dealing with the extreme weather without the creature comforts of home is a challenge, but also a great opportunity. Before you leave for Nowhere, read over the survival guide carefully with your child, and make sure they understand what they might find there. This also gives you the chance to talk through any questions with us well in advance.

When you arrive, ask No Info (our information desk) to find one of the Kid Representatives, and they can show you all the nooks and crannies of the site, including the areas that aren’t safe. It’s up to you to set boundaries for your child, but some areas are off-limits to everyone (for safety), and these will be clearly marked. Many of the surrounding ditches and outcrops, for example, are made of treacherously crumbly earth. It’s important for your child to know where things are – it gets very dark at night, and a trip to the toilet can be challenging and potentially dangerous.

Most people at Nowhere are happy to hang out with kids and, in the community spirit, will naturally keep an eye out for them, but if you want to go off without your kids for a night, you will need to arrange childcare. We do not provide a babysitting service at Nowhere!

Participation

Most of the events and workshops at Nowhere are fun for all ages, and there will be some events created with children in mind. Dressing up is a great way to participate and express yourself. Costume Camp has a great collection of clothing and accessories, but it could always use more, especially for kids! See if your kids have anything they would like to bring or a special costume idea – this is a great opportunity for them to express themselves, too!

First aid/emergencies

It’s important to remember how far away you will be from civilisation. EEA citizens will find a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) very useful, so make sure you get one before travelling. The nearest hospital is about an hour away, and a basic medical centre about 20 minutes away. We aren’t legally allowed to administer medication, so if there is anything you feel you or your child will need, please be sure to bring it. Any child with long-standing conditions should bring meds and spares in case of loss or damage. Onsite, we have a Red Cross ambulance crew in case of emergencies and a medical tent with basic first aid. There will be someone there 24 hours a day, with a radio and mobile phone.

Safety

The same applies at Nowhere as in the default world: always know where your child is. The Nowhere community is small and friendly, but we cannot predict the actions of everyone there. We can guarantee, however, that if anyone is subjected to inappropriate or disrespectful behaviour, it will be handled swiftly and respectfully.

Teenagers

Most teenagers coming to an event like this are capable of taking care of themselves, and some may have been to events like Nowhere or Burning Man before. While we understand this and will treat your teen as an equal member of the community, legally anyone under the age of 18 will be considered a child.  What you let your teen do is your business, but bear in mind that behaviour such as under-age drinking is illegal at Nowhere, just as it is elsewhere in Spain.

Preparation

With searing heat in the day and plunging temperatures at night, you need to dress for the occasion. It’s always good to wear natural fibres, which allow the skin to breathe. Be sure to cover the head and neck. Footwear is needed to prevent injuries from loose screws or sharp rocks – they’re easy to miss, especially when it’s dark. With all of these accessories, we might as well make it fun! This is the perfect chance to break out the pirate hats, bandanas and mad-scientist goggles. With this world being so different from their own, consider bringing things that are familiar to them (such as teddy bears or blankets) so they feel more at home.

You may wish to consult with your family GP before going into the desert, explaining the nature and duration of the trip. If you have any specific medical questions, feel free to email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

What to bring

As well as the recommendations in the survival guide, you may want to think about the following:

• nappies, powders and anything else needed for changing an infant
• a proper shade structure
• sun cream (the highest factor)
• moisturiser
• child-friendly mosquito repellent
• antiseptic lotions
• antihistamines for all children over 2 (for mosquito bites)
• child-friendly painkillers
• plenty of snacks with sugars and salts to replenish those lost through sweating
• goggles (the winds are not as harsh as at Burning Man, but dust still gets everywhere!)

FAQ

Will there be somewhere to change my child’s nappies?
We’ve not had changing facilities in the past, but if you are bringing a little one who needs changing, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , and we can discuss options.

If we come, and then we have to leave on Friday night because the kids don't like it, can we get a refund?
Ticket sales are non-refundable.

Is there a discount on children’s tickets?
Children under 14 are free but they do need to register. When purchasing your own ticket, you will also need to select a children(s) ticket in addition to your own. Some sort of Proof-of-age for the children will also need to be shown at the gate upon arrival.

I'm arriving early to help build my theme camp. Can I bring my child with me?
No children under 14 are allowed on site during set up or take down. During these times the site is effectively a building site. There will be lots of power tools, splinters, people moving heavy objects, and everything else you would expect on a construction site. If you’re thinking of bringing a teen with you for set up, please contact us and we can discuss options.

There is now also a Facebook group for Nowhere parents to to share problems, suggestions, solutions. Conversations do not have to relate solely to Nowhere.

For more information, or to let us know you are bringing your child, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Please note: We consider a ‘parent’ to be 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.