One of our favourite things to do in the Summer as a family is to visit a festival. You can't beat sitting in a field watching the sun go down, listening to some cracking live music and taking in the atmosphere. Most festivals have a dedicated kids area and here you can find all sorts of activities to keep them busy. As the kids get older, we have started to try a few different ones and we have certainly found our favourites!
Here’s a guide to some of the best family-friendly festivals in the UK.
1. Camp Bestival
Location: Lulworth Castle, Dorset
When: 31st July - 3rd Aug
Camp Bestival is the ultimate family festival, combining music, arts, and family fun. Held in the picturesque grounds of Lulworth Castle, it features a stellar lineup of music acts such as Sugababes and Tom Jones, alongside comedy shows, theatre performances, and workshops. Kids can enjoy the enormous Kids’ Garden with circus skills, face painting, and a dedicated toddler area. The festival also includes a wellness area for parents to unwind, making it a hit with families of all ages. Don't miss the fireworks on the Sunday evening!
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| Elliot in the Lower Kids Garden, Camp Bestival |
2. The Big Feastival
Location: The Cotswalds
When: 22-24 August
The Big Feastival, founded by Jamie Oliver and Alex James, is a celebration of food and music set on Alex James’ farm in the Cotswolds. It features live cooking demonstrations from top chefs, a fantastic music lineup including Faithless and Nelly Furtado, and plenty of activities for kids. The Big Top offers theatre shows, Cbeebies stars and much more, while older children can enjoy workshops and outdoor sports. The festival’s focus on good food and fun makes it a deliciously delightful experience for families. Top tip, look out for Barrioke in The Outpost - highly recommend!
3. CarFest
Location: Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire
When: 22-24 August
CarFest, created by radio DJ Chris Evans, is a fantastic blend of cars, music, and family entertainment. Families can enjoy a vibrant mix of car shows, live music (looking forward to Busted and Sam Ryder this year!), great food and a host of activities for children. The festival includes a dedicated Kids’ Kingdom with crafts, circus skills, and sports activities. The track show, featuring classic and modern cars, is a highlight for all ages, and the proceeds support UK children’s charities, making it a feel-good event for the whole family.
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| Carfest Car Paddock |
We visited Carfest for the first time last year and it was fantastic - easily one of the best family friendly festivals we've been to. We are looking forward to heading back this year!
4. Green Man Festival
Location: Brecon Beacons, Wales
When: 14th-17th August 2025
While Green Man is renowned for its impressive lineup of indie and alternative music (CMAT and Wet Leg are appearing this year), it’s also incredibly family-friendly. The festival’s Little Folk area provides a haven for kids, with workshops, storytelling, and musical performances tailored for younger audiences. The festival’s stunning location in the Brecon Beacons offers plenty of opportunities for families to explore the natural beauty of the area.
5. Gloworm Festival
Location: Thoresby Park, Nottinghamshire
When: 8th-10th August 2025
Gloworm Festival is designed specifically for families with young children. It offers a magical and immersive experience with a focus on fun and creativity. The festival features live performances from popular children’s TV stars such as Justin Fletcher and Andy and The Odd Socks, interactive theatre shows, craft workshops, and outdoor adventures. The Gloworm Woods are perfect for exploring, and the festival’s relaxed atmosphere ensures a stress-free experience for parents and kids alike.
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| Pic Credit - Sue Davis and girls at Gloworm Festival |
6. Camp Kindling
Location: Sevenoaks, Kent
When: 15th-18th August
Camp Kindling is the ultimate summer camp-style festival for families who love a bit of adventure mixed with festival fun. Set in the beautiful Heritage Pine Forest in Kent, this unique event offers everything from archery battles and treasure hunts to woodland crafts and paddleboarding. It’s all about getting stuck into activities by day and enjoying live music, comedy, and campfires by night. With its token-based system, you can pick and choose your favourite experiences, making it perfect for families who like flexibility — and marshmallows by the fire!
7. Gone Wild Festival
Location: Powderham Castle, Devon
When: 21st-24th August
Gone Wild Festival is a unique family festival that combines outdoor adventure with music and entertainment. Co-founded by Bear Grylls, it offers a wide range of activities, from bushcraft and survival skills to climbing, kayaking, and obstacle courses. The festival also features live music, storytelling, and workshops, making it a perfect blend of education and fun. Set in the stunning grounds of Powderham Castle, it’s an excellent choice for families who love the great outdoors.
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| Gone Wild Festival |
8. Victorious Festival
Location: Southsea Seafront, Portsmouth
When: 22nd-24th August
Victorious Festival is a vibrant family-friendly event set against the beautiful backdrop of Southsea Seafront. It boasts an impressive lineup of music acts (including Kings of Leon and Madness) across multiple stages, along with a dedicated Kids Arena featuring character meet-and-greets, live performances, and interactive activities. Families can enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, and a variety of sports and games. With its seaside location, it also offers the opportunity to relax on the beach and enjoy the coastal atmosphere.
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| Kids Arena at Victorious Festival |
9. Latitude Festival
Location: Henham Park, Suffolk
When: 24th-27th July 2025
Latitude Festival, held at Henham Park in Suffolk is an all‑round family festival treasure that blends big-name music acts like Sting, Fatboy Slim, and Snow Patrol with a full-on kids’ extravaganza. Spread across three dedicated zones—the creative Kids Area, the calm Enchanted Garden, and nature-packed Camp Greenpeace—you’ll find everything from theater workshops, bug safaris, and pond dipping to tree-climbing, bushcraft, yoga, storytelling, puppetry, and science shows—all free to join, with only the funfair rides costing extra
Tips for Enjoying Festivals with Kids
- Plan Ahead: Check festival websites for family-friendly amenities and activities.
- Pack Essentials: Bring weather-appropriate clothing, snacks, and comfort items for the kids.
- Stay Safe: Keep a close eye on your children and use wristbands with contact information.
- Take Breaks: Allow for downtime to avoid overstimulation and keep everyone happy.
These family-friendly festivals offer a perfect mix of entertainment, creativity, and outdoor fun, ensuring that both kids and parents have a fantastic time. So pack your bags, gather your family, and get ready to create some unforgettable memories at these wonderful UK festivals!
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| Exploring Carfest |
