A Blog For Mums
There’s something magical about watching your child run barefoot across a field with glitter on their cheeks, clutching a handmade wand, completely free and completely happy.
Family-friendly festivals aren’t just watered-down versions of adult events. They’re built around children. The pace is gentler. The atmosphere is warmer. The entertainment is designed for curious little minds (and tired parents who still want to enjoy themselves).
If you’ve never considered one before, it might sound a bit chaotic. Camping? With children? Voluntarily? But the right family festival can feel less like survival and more like a shared adventure you’ll talk about for years.
Here are five of the biggest and best family-focused festivals in the UK, all designed with children at the heart of the experience.
If your children are under five, this one is truly built for you.
TOTFest is specifically designed for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Rather than loud headline acts and late nights, you’ll find interactive shows, gentle entertainment, storytelling, messy play, sensory experiences and plenty of space for little legs to explore safely.
It runs as a touring event across several UK locations, typically during late spring and summer. Because it’s aimed at very young children, everything is scaled appropriately — shorter sessions, manageable crowds, lots of toilet facilities, and plenty of places to sit and snack.
It’s usually a daytime event rather than a full camping weekend, which makes it ideal if you’re not quite ready to commit to sleeping in a tent with a toddler. Think of it as a festival introduction — colourful, joyful and beautifully manageable.
Best for: Families with babies and preschoolers who want a gentle first festival experience.
Gloworm Festival is a proper weekend camping festival — but one built specifically for families.
Usually held in early summer in Nottinghamshire, Gloworm blends live music with children’s TV characters, theatre, craft workshops and fairground rides. The atmosphere feels celebratory rather than chaotic. You’ll see buggies next to deck chairs, and toddlers wearing ear defenders while dancing to kid-friendly acts.
There’s a mix of tribute bands for grown-ups, children’s performers, and interactive experiences. It’s that rare balance where parents can enjoy live music while kids are equally entertained.
Gloworm works well for families with primary school-aged children who want something lively but still age-appropriate.
Best for: Families ready for a full weekend festival vibe without the “adult festival” edge.
Usually taking place in mid-summer in Cheshire, Just So Festival feels like stepping into a storybook.
It’s an arts and imagination-led festival, where children are invited to dress up, explore woodland installations, join storytelling sessions and take part in creative workshops. There are music stages, but the focus leans more toward creativity and wonder than chart hits.
You’ll find themed tribes that children can “join,” lantern parades after dark, and hands-on activities that genuinely spark imagination. It’s less about screens and more about mud, paint, costumes and connection.
This one works beautifully for families who love the outdoors and want something that feels whimsical and immersive rather than commercial.
Best for: Creative families who love arts, dressing up and outdoor adventure.
Usually held in summer in Cheshire, Deva Fest offers more of a traditional festival format — but with a strong family focus.
There’s live music across multiple stages, tribute acts, DJs, and entertainment for all ages. One of its big draws for families is the inclusion of children’s activities and fairground attractions, often included in the ticket price.
It’s slightly bigger in scale than some purely child-focused events, which makes it a good stepping stone for families who want the festival feel without diving straight into mainstream mega-festivals.
You’ll find plenty to keep older children entertained, and enough music variety to keep parents happy too.
Best for: Families with mixed ages who want something lively but still welcoming.
Usually taking place in late spring or early summer in East Sussex, Elderflower Fields describes itself as a family festival designed especially for children up to early teens.
It blends music, sports, adventure and creativity. Think bushcraft workshops, circus skills, sports sessions, craft tents and smaller live music stages. It’s active rather than passive — kids aren’t just watching, they’re doing.
The scale is intentionally manageable, which means fewer overwhelming crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere. For many families, this makes it a sweet spot between “big festival energy” and feeling safe enough to let children roam (within reason).
Best for: Families with energetic children who love being outdoors and trying new things.
There’s something powerful about sharing live experiences with your children.
You’re outside. You’re away from the washing pile. No one is worrying about screen time or school runs. You’re building dens, eating chips on the grass, listening to music as the sun sets.
Children get independence in a safe, contained environment. They try new activities without the pressure of weekly clubs. They see adults relaxing and having fun too — which might be the best lesson of all.
And yes, it can be tiring. But it’s the good kind of tired. The kind that comes with muddy trainers and glitter in the car seats.
If you’re considering your first family festival, a little preparation goes a long way.
The magic of family festivals isn’t in perfectly staged Instagram moments. It’s in sticky hands, spontaneous dancing, and your child falling asleep mid-sentence in a camping chair while music drifts across the field.
And honestly? That’s the kind of memory that sticks.
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