Best Family-Friendly Festivals Around the World You Should Visit

2 July 2025

Vacations are fun. But a family vacation that involves colorful parades, music, dancing, food, and joy-filled faces everywhere? Now that’s next-level! Family-friendly festivals are becoming the go-to way for parents to expose their kids to global cultures, delicious cuisines, traditional art, and the sheer joy of celebration. The best part? Many of these festivals are tailor-made for children—with dedicated kids’ zones, creative workshops, and activities designed to spark their imaginations.

So, if you're planning your next big adventure and want to weave in something memorable and enriching, you’ve come to the right place. We scoured the globe to bring you the ultimate list of the best family-friendly festivals around the world that every family should consider adding to their bucket list.

Why Choose a Family-Friendly Festival?

Let’s pause here for just a sec—is attending a festival with kids even worth the effort? The answer is a powerful "Yes!" Think about it:

- It’s educational without being boring.
- It brings families together in shared experiences.
- It boosts creativity and appreciation for diversity.
- It’s pure, unfiltered fun.

Festivals give children real-world insights that no textbook can offer. Plus, dancing in the streets with face paint and cotton candy? Come on, it’s a no-brainer.

Now, let’s dive into the most magical family-friendly festivals across the globe.

1. Keene Pumpkin Festival – New Hampshire, USA

Ever wondered what a town filled with thousands of glowing jack-o'-lanterns looks like? Welcome to the Keene Pumpkin Festival! Held every October, this festive celebration in Keene, New Hampshire is a pumpkin lover’s dream.

Why It’s Great for Families:

- Carving stations for kids and adults
- Parades, face-painting, and pumpkin bowling
- A safe and small-town atmosphere
- Sets world records for most lit pumpkins—yes, really!

It's like Halloween, but turned up to eleven. Expect smiles, cider, and unforgettable memories.

2. Notting Hill Carnival – London, United Kingdom

Don’t let the crazy costumes fool you—Notting Hill Carnival is surprisingly family-friendly, especially on Children’s Day.

What Makes It Awesome:

- Held in August (hello, summer break!)
- Dedicated Kid’s Parade on Sunday
- Tons of food trucks with Caribbean delights
- Bubbles, steel drums, and dancing in the streets

Grab some ear protection for the tiny ears, and you’re golden. The colors, the music, and the joyful energy are something your kids will talk about for years.

3. White Nights Festival – St. Petersburg, Russia

If your family thrives on art, culture, and music, this one’s a hidden gem.

Festival Highlights:

- Ballet and opera under the glow of midnight sun
- Street performers and fireworks on the river
- Museums and attractions open late

The surreal "white nights" (where the sun barely sets) add a magical touch to this already enchanting experience. It's like stepping into a fairytale—just bring a light jacket!

4. Taipei Lantern Festival – Taiwan

Imagine walking with your children under thousands of glowing lanterns floating in the sky. Sounds dreamy, right?

What You Can Expect:

- Held during Lunar New Year (January–February)
- Dragon and animal-shaped lanterns
- Lantern-making workshops for kids
- Fireworks and night markets full of kid-approved treats

This festival will light up your family trip both literally and figuratively. It’s a cultural experience that feels straight out of a storybook.

5. Vivid Sydney – Australia

This one’s for the tech-loving families. Vivid Sydney is all about lights, lasers, projections, and interactive installations.

Why Families Love It:

- Giant light sculptures and illuminated walking paths
- Free outdoor performances
- Hands-on art projects for kids
- Runs for nearly a month, so you have timing flexibility

It’s equal parts science fair and art exhibit—with a splash of music. Perfect for curious little minds.

6. International Balloon Fiesta – Albuquerque, USA

Hot air balloons galore! If your kids love bright colors and big sky adventures (who doesn’t, really?), this is a must-see.

Family Perks:

- Held every October
- Special “Kid’s Day” with interactive zones
- Dawn balloon launches and night glows
- Local food and Native American performances

Pro tip: get up early. The mass ascension of hundreds of balloons at sunrise is jaw-dropping.

7. Carnival of Venice – Venice, Italy

Masks, gondolas, and historical costumes—sounds like a storybook come to life, right?

What’s in Store:

- Family parades full of color and drama
- Mask-making workshops for kids
- Street jugglers and puppet shows
- Less chaotic than you might think!

It's a classy mix of fun and fantasy. Even teens will appreciate the Insta-worthy vibes here.

8. Gion Matsuri – Kyoto, Japan

This centuries-old Japanese festival is all about tradition, culture, and community spirit.

Why You Should Go:

- Takes place in July—a bonus if you're on summer break
- Parades with stunning floats (some weigh tons!)
- Yukata (summer kimono) rentals for kids
- Street food like Yakitori and shaved ice

You’ll feel like you stepped back in time. Plus, the orderliness and safety make it very family-conducive.

9. Day of the Dead – Mexico

Despite its name, Día de Muertos is a celebration of life and memory, and it's bursting with culture, color, and heart.

Family-Friendly Features:

- Parades with larger-than-life skeleton puppets
- Altar-making workshops for kids
- Sugar skull decorating and traditional dancing
- A gentle way to talk about life and death with kids

Held from October 31 to November 2, it’s the kind of heartwarming cultural immersion families never forget.

10. Edinburgh Fringe Festival – Scotland

Yes, it’s a hub for artsy adults, but it’s also surprisingly awesome for families.

Why It’s Great:

- 3,000+ performances including magic, puppetry, and kid theater
- Free shows everywhere
- Family zones with games and activities
- Held in August (perfect summer vacay!)

You’re not just watching, you’re participating. And when your child gets pulled onstage? Just be sure your phone camera’s ready!

11. Diwali – India

The Festival of Lights is one of India’s most important celebrations, and it’s a feast for all five senses.

Must-Know Highlights:

- Fireworks that light up the night sky
- Diyas (oil lamps) and rangoli (colorful art patterns)
- Sweet treats galore—think laddoos and jalebi
- Cultural performances and cozy family vibes

It’s like Christmas, Fourth of July, and New Year’s all rolled into one, with a deep spiritual backbone.

12. Frozen Dead Guy Days – Colorado, USA

Okay, bear with us—the name sounds wild, but it's family fun from start to finish.

Why You Shouldn’t Skip It:

- Coffin races, snow volleyball, and polar plunges
- Tons of music and arts for all ages
- Costume parades and quirky contests
- Held in March, near spring break season

Your kids will giggle for days. It’s quirky, weird, and 100% unforgettable.

Tips for Attending Festivals with Kids

Not all festivals are created equal when it comes to accessibility and comfort, especially with kids in tow. But with the right game plan, festivals can go from chaotic mess to magical memory maker.

Handy Survival Tips:

- Pack snacks – A hungry kid is a grumpy kid.
- Dress in layers – Weather changes, especially in outdoor festivals.
- Bring a stroller or carrier – Little legs get tired, and festivals mean walking.
- Set meeting points – Just in case someone (including you!) gets separated.
- Stay hydrated – Festivals can be hot, long, and draining.
- Plan downtime – Don’t overschedule; let kids decompress.

The Last Word

Family-friendly festivals can transform ordinary vacations into once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether it's the spellbinding lanterns in Taiwan, the dazzling hot air balloons in New Mexico, or the cultural burst of India’s Diwali festival—every event on this list provides a way for families to bond deeper, learn more, and build lasting memories.

You don’t have to be a wanderlust pro to enjoy these festivals. All it takes is a little planning, a sense of adventure, and a willingness to let your hair down and dance with the kids.

So what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars, pack your bags, and get ready for family fun on a whole new level.