Pack up the tent or book a nearby hotel and check out these six 2024 UK family friendly festivals offering creative workshops, live music, interactive theatre, games and play spaces galore to keep everyone in the family happy! Planning entertaining days out for kids that don’t bore parents to tears can be tricky so why not let someone else handle the fun at a family-friendly festival?
Six UK Family-Friendly Festivals for 2024
All About Imagination
Just So Festival – August 16th-18th
A truly immersive family friendly event held in the lush parkland of Rode Hall Estate in Cheshire, get lost in other worlds at the Just So Festival. Kids can step through the pages of a storybook and into whimsical play areas like the Enchanted Woodland’s Faerie Ring making flower crowns and magic wands or join a theatrical adventure to reach Dragon Island. Budding builders can craft or design at Design-a-Dale, while music lovers can dance along at the Peacock Garden mini-music stage. After dark, enchanting lantern processions light up the scene. Tickets and info at www.justsofestival.org.uk
The ’Mini Glasto’
Camp Bestival – July 25-28th
Bringing a creative twist to the music festival scene, Dorset’s Camp Bestival curates a dazzling line-up of family friendly performers while keeping the kids entertained with its delightfully dubbed Kids Garden. Between main stage acts, take them to make various masterpieces at craft workshops, pick up new skills like stilt walking in the circus area or wind down with a silent disco. CBeebies celebs are often involved in storytelling, theatre and dance workshops as well. Family fun for bigger kids too with comedy, food and pampering. Visit www.campbestival.net for details.
Family Friendly with a Wild Side
Shambala Festival – August 22-25th
At this indie Northamptonshire fest, families can opt to stay in the family-only camping area and spend most of their visit letting their imaginations roam free at the spectacular Kidz Field. Inside is an enchanting program of circus skill sessions, gigantic dressing-up boxes, a woodland play zone. There’s also an open-air planetarium and Baby Shambala music performances. Kids can peek behind the curtain with walkabout theatre groups and get creative with various arty workshops. Grownups without children should still visit Shambala for the transformative talks, healing sanctuaries and worldly music acts. Buy tickets at www.shambalafestival.org/tickets
The Food One
The Big Feastival – August 23-25th
Foodies and families unite at this festival hosted by chart-topping band Scissor Sisters frontman Alex James on his Cotswolds farm. While parents can indulge in delicacies from gourmet chefs, children are well catered for too. There’s multiple activity areas hosted by CBeebies stars presenting interactive storytelling, dance and plays. Stay awhile with glitter face painting, fairground rides, arts and science workshops. PLUS family raves and silent discos. Festival headliners provide the after-bedtime entertainment on the main stage. Browse www.bigfeastival.com for package options.
A Traditional Affair
Sandringham Game and Country Fair – September 7-8
For a quintessentially British family day out, attend this beloved country fair held on the Sandringham House grounds residence and estate of the royal family. In between browsing trade stands and watching gundog dashes, children can expend energy in the dedicated Children’s Park trying archery and climbing towers. Performers interact with little ones through shows. There’s storytelling, trails and workshops covering topics like local wildlife conservation. With enough picnic space, gardens and walking trails to wander for a weekend, families won’t run out of room to roam. A great Norfolk park and stay attraction. Purchase entrance at www.sandringhamestate.co.uk.
Music for All the Family
Camper Calling Festival – August 23-25
Getting the kids to enjoy indie rock bands as much as parents do is tricky, but this intimate music festival in Warwickshire attempts a middle-ground family zone. Alongside up-and-coming alternative acts, under 16’s can get creative by making personalised festival t-shirts, joining giant games of bingo and dancing along at family rave time. Film screenings, face glitter stations and play areas are interspersed around four music stages. As the lights come on, continue bonding over silent discos and outdoor movie nights. Request family camp tickets at www.campercalling.com.
Need lots of creature comforts and entertainment options to keep young festival attendees happy? You can’t go wrong with these family-focused UK 2024 festivals promising memorable adventures that selectively blend music, food, arts, nature and culture into one action-packed outdoor experience. Start planning your family’s next perfect day out!