Families looking for something different to do this summer could try shaking up their routine with a music festival. It’s not just about the multitude of activities on offer – from bouldering to science experiments – it’s about embracing the unexpected.
“Festivals strip away the familiar scaffolding of daily life and replace it with something altogether wilder and more alive,” said Sharon Reuben, family programmer for Latitude. “Suddenly you’re all in it together: navigating muddy fields, sharing a tent, eating food you’d never normally try... That shared unpredictability is the magic.”
Festivals can help children build self-confidence too. “There’s something about the festival environment that gives children permission to be fully, joyfully themselves,” she continued. “They’re braver, sillier, more curious. That confidence, that lightness, is something you carry home with you long after the wristbands have faded.”
So fire up your imagination and do something extraordinary together at one of the best family-friendly festivals, all (at the time of writing) with tickets remaining for 2026.
Best for learning
Bearded Theory, Derbyshire
Headteacher not happy with your children taking Friday off? Bearded Theory runs its own festival school and sends a letter to school excusing them, explaining that on Friday they’ll be taught everything from maths to science and art. Parents get time to themselves to indulge in nostalgic bands like Pixies and Garbage, as well as modern rock and indie, like Sprints and New Dad. The children’s area is handy for the main stage, set among hay bales at the back.
Catton Park, Derbyshire; May 20-24. Info: beardedtheory.co.uk
Best for little ones
Elderflower Fields, East Sussex
Celebrating its 15th birthday this year, Elderflower Fields is welcoming returning families whose toddlers are now teens. It’s a great starter festival for younger children, with live performances, creative workshops, sports and woodland activities, spread across the May bank holiday weekend. Food and drink are provided by local Sussex producers.
Ashdown Forest, East Sussex; May 22-25. Info: elderflowerfields.co.uk
Best for world music
WOMAD, Wiltshire
Moving to a beautiful new site outside of Bath, Peter Gabriel’s feast of global sounds and flavours can’t be missed. In the World of Children, young ones wander between craft and activity tents, helping to create puppetry masterpieces for a parade. The music is wildly varied and the often unusual sounds and instruments appeal to children as much as they do to oldies. The Taste the World stage hosts musicians who talk about their culture and cuisine.
Neston Park, Wiltshire; July 23-26. Info: womad.co.uk
Best for comedy
Latitude, Suffolk
It’s the 20th edition of this lakeside festival, known for its comedy, spoken word and day-glo sheep. This year, there are talks about science and an interactive museum, headlined by astronaut Helen Sharman. Spoil yourselves with a sit-down meal at a restaurant in a polytunnel or try paddle-boarding. With quirky late-night areas in the woods, Latitude is a hit with teens who are starting to get a taste of independence. David Byrne, Teddy Swims and Lewis Capaldi are performing.
Henham Park, Suffolk; July 23-26. Info: latitudefestival.com
Best for lake swimming
Wilderness, Oxfordshire
The site at Wilderness isn’t flat (leave buggies at home) but it’s lovely, combining mellow glades, grassy bowls and, at night, a laser-filled valley. The centrepiece is a reed-fringed lake, with a string of hot tubs and swimming (new for this year is a children’s lifeguarding class). Spectator sports take place on the playing fields, there’s a compelling programme of talks and children’s activities are close to the main stage. Scissor Sisters, Carl Cox and The Last Dinner Party top the bill.
Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire; July 30-Aug 2. Info: wildernessfestival.com
Best for wellness
Camp Bestival, Dorset
The summer’s biggest festival for families is jam-packed with entertainment and has a focus on wellness. The Slomo Wellbeing area at Camp Bestival has hot tubs, breathwork, yoga, gong baths, reiki, sauna sessions and massages. In the shadow of Lulworth Castle, the main stage welcomes the likes of Dick and Dom and Mr Tumble in the daytime, then Fatboy Slim, Self Esteem and De La Soul at night. Elsewhere, you’ll find DJ sets and acrobatic performances scattered amid fairground rides, repurposed caravans and a giant robot mascot.
Lulworth Castle, Dorset; July 30-Aug 2. Info: dorset.campbestival.net
Best for teenagers
Boardmasters, Cornwall
With plenty happening on the cliffs as well as down in the surf, Boardmasters is an excellent choice for teens. The music takes place at Watergate Bay, while Fistral Beach is home to surf competitions and beach bars. There’s an extended family and creative area opening this summer, with an open-air silent cinema and a new on-site restaurant with a children’s menu. A more chilled out, family camping area is promised too. Fatboy Slim and Kasabian headline, alongside Lily Allen, who’ll be performing West End Girl.
Newquay, Cornwall; Aug 5-9. Info: boardmasters.com
Best for fancy dress
Just So, Cheshire
The carnival of the animals is a Just So tradition. With different animal teams to join, festival families wear ears and tails. This is a festival built on play, with circus performances, campfire songs and storytelling under the stars. Programme highlights include the 80s Ultimate Party Gameshow, a museum of memorable trees and family yoga. This year’s silly skirmish will be fought with odd socks, so pack some clean ones.
Rode Hall, Cheshire; Aug 21-23. Info: justsofestival.org.uk
Best for food
Big Feastival, Oxfordshire
A lively blend of a food market and music festival, families at The Big Feastival can look forward to entertainment from CBeebies favourites like Justin Fletcher, alongside a variety of tasty treats. Attend a food workshop, a tasting session or sample something smokey from the fire pit stage. Shake it all out to music from the likes of The Streets, Basement Jaxx and Bastille. Little ones can meet animals from Adam Henson’s Cotswold Farm Park too.
Kingham, Oxfordshire; Aug 28-30. Info: bigfeastival.com
Best for non-campers
Victorious, Hampshire
Victorious has a multitude of stages. The seaside town of Southsea offers festival-goers a range of warm and dry accommodation, though there’s a camping field too. New for this summer is an expert-run parkour zone and a Stone Age-themed area, with wrestling also back by popular demand. The Kids Arena has a stage and a beach, hosting character meet and greets plus arts and crafts. Richard Ashcroft, The Black Keys and Kasabian perform.
Southsea, Hampshire; Aug 28-30. Info: victoriousfestival.co.uk
Best urban
Forwards, Bristol
Up on Clifton Downs, Forwards benefits from the leafy vibes of parkland with the convenience –and warm beds –of the city nearby. Day tickets are popular, which might suit some families. The children’s area is a creative space that’s open from 12pm to 6pm. Here you’ll find workshops, interactive shows, crafting, science experiments and a soft play. Tems, Self Esteem and Little Simz headline.
Clifton Downs, Bristol; Aug 29-30. Info: forwardsbristol.co.uk
Best for indie
End of the Road, Wiltshire
Set in Victorian pleasure grounds, with wandering peacocks and a botanical garden, End of the Road is a safe, picturesque space for families with young children. The Walled Garden stage backs onto woods where art installations and low-tech games, like skittles, ping pong and a giant marble are hidden.
Children’s crafts and workshops take place beside a lawn for plate spinning. The main stage hosts indie acts, with Pulp, CMAT and Mac DeMarco headlining this year.
Larmer Tree Gardens, Blandford Forum, Dorset; Sept 3-6. Info: endoftheroadfestival.com
