6 best family-friendly festivals

Who says festivals aren’t family-friendly? There are copious music and art festivals across the globe that pride themselves on hosting an event open to all ages.

These six festivals offer the perfect balance of family-friendly programming and acts that are well-worth travelling for.

Field Trip (Toronto, Canada)

Toronto’s Downtown Community Music and Arts Festival (aka Field Trip) features prolific performers, a celebratory vibe, and family-friendly organization. Since its conception, Field Trip has organized a dedicated kid zone called Day Camp where young festival-goers can enjoy special performances by some of the biggests acts of the weekend in addition to well-known children’s music artists. Admission is free for children under the age of 12.

Isle of Wight Festival (Newport, UK)

On the Isle of Wight, even the youngest of your party will find a line-up worth getting excited about. In addition to the heavyweight performers, the Isle of Wight has a Kids Zone where families can enjoy performances and activities including arts and crafts, storytelling, magicians, and circus acts. Admission is free for children under the age of 12.

Latitude (Southward, UK)

It’s no surprise that Latitude has previously won the title of Best Family Festival and Best Family Day Out. In addition to the main music, theatre, and arts venues, there are three areas dedicated to kids, teens, and families. Within these areas, children and families can immerse themselves in music, media, technology, dance, theatre, and even wildlife survival skills. Admission is free for children under the age of four, £10 for children aged 5 – 12, and £140.50 for teens aged 13 – 15.

Festival Beauregard (Hérouville-Saint-Clair, France)

While the adults rock out to Festival Beauregard’s impressive line-up, the younger attendees can create their own music in the festival’s Space Kids area. In addition to activities like arts and crafts, juggling, and makeup workshops, young musicians will have the chance to build an instrument and create their own music. Children under the age of 12 with valid identification enjoy ticketless entry.

Colours of Ostrava (Ostrava, Czech Republic)

With the sheer number of children’s activities available at the Colours of Ostrava, four days might not be enough. To escape the grown up crowds, the younger visitors can crawl down the rabbit hole to an Alice in Wonderland-themed oasis and join a competition to find the White Rabbit, Alice, and the Mad Hatter. When the search is over, they can watch special musical and theatre performances on the family areas’ three designated stages, flex their artistic muscle with some arts and crafts, or participate in organized sports and games. Children under 140 cm in height have free admission.

Joshua Tree Music Festival (Joshua Tree, USA)

Self-proclaimed as “a family-friendly global music experience”, there’s something at Joshua Tree Music Festival for everyone. While the entire festival is great for children, there is a Kidsville area where the youngsters can enjoy crafting, face painting, yoga, puppet shows, and more. Admission for children aged 10 and under is free and children aged 11 to 16 get a reduced ticket for $90.