Family-friendly Festivals

6 Kid-Friendly Festivals Around the World

Last updated 9th December 2017

From music fests to ancient flower viewing celebrations, these festivals are top notch options for families with kids of all ages.

Just So, Cheshire, England

Just So is a storybook come to life. Costumes are encouraged and activities run the gamut from storytelling, theatre performances and juggling to pillow fights and a bakeoff. Stop by the Jitterbug tent to bust a move or sign up for the Tribal Tournament, where you can earn points for your “tribe” by participating in whacky games and competitions. Get into the fun with face paint, silly alter egos, and leave your inhibitions at home—you’ll be glad you did.

Completement Cirque, Montreal

This annual summer festival is one giant circus spectacular. Streets, parks, sidewalks and shops become stages for acrobats, jugglers, clowns and trapeze artists. Watch incredible aerial displays alongside gorgeous gothic architecture and sample delicious French cuisine in a city renowned for its rich cultural heritage. Kids can even get in on the action with trampoline, trapeze, tightrope, and hula hooping stations. Don’t forget to book a room at one of several hotels in close proximity to the festival so you can view the show from the comfort of your suite. Two such options are The Hyatt Montreal and Le Square Phillips Hotel & Suites.

Austin Kiddie Limits at Austin City Limits, Texas

Enjoy this well-known music and food event with the kids in tow thanks to this festival within a festival. Little ones can embrace their inner rock star with punk hairdo and temporary tattoo stations. Plus, daily dance parties, snow cones, ping pong tables and family photo booth offer a fresh take on the usual lineup of kid-approved activities. Baby-changing stations and stroller-friendly family lanes are an added bonus for parents intimidated by larger crowds.

Cherry Blossom Festivals, Japan

Take part in one of the most beautiful annual traditions in Japan at any of multiple cherry blossom festivals nationwide. Steeped in centuries of tradition, the festivals are held during blooming season every spring (typically from March-May) and can be found in prime vacation destinations such as Tokyo, Fuji Five Lakes, and Hirosaki. The blooms only last for a week or two, so viewing season is celebrated with tons of food and entertainment across the region. Do as the locals do and take in the delicate pink petals with a picnic in the park. And for the ambitious family of travelers, consider nabbing a Japan Rail pass and hit up multiple festivals for the ultimate viewing experience.

Provins Medieval Festival, France

Your family will feel totally transported to the Middle Ages at this massive festival set on a UNESCO world heritage site. Surrounded by medieval architecture, take part in reenactments, games and feast like a king on traditional cuisine. You can expect scores of people in costume, as well as period-themed market stalls and music troupes. Try your hand at calligraphy and archery (a kid-approved favorite) or watch a thrilling jousting match from the stadium.

The Good Life Experience, Wales

Billed as a music festival, literature workshop, outdoor experience and food celebration, this festival lets you do it all. When not watching one of the multiple musical acts, take a campfire cooking class or give axe throwing a try. Kids activities are free and the event is pet friendly, so no one has to miss out on the fun. It’s also not unusual to camp out at the festival to truly get into the spirit and put those campfire cooking skills to work.