If you’re searching for the best family friendly festivals in the UK, you might be surprised by how many amazing options are now designed specifically with children in mind. From woodland adventures to seaside music festivals, there are so many family friendly festivals in the South of the UK that make it possible to enjoy live music, entertainment and outdoor fun with babies, toddlers and older children.
As a mum of five, I’ve found that the key is choosing festivals that are relaxed, well-organised and genuinely cater for families – not just “allow” them.
Below are some of the very best family friendly festivals UK families can enjoy, especially across the South of England.
Camp Bestival – The Ultimate Family Friendly Festival in Dorset
When it comes to family friendly festivals in the UK, Camp Bestival is often the first name that comes up and for very good reason.
Held at Lulworth Castle, this award-winning festival is designed from the ground up for families. It combines big-name music acts with an incredible range of children’s entertainment, making it one of the most complete family friendly festivals UK has to offer.
There are dedicated baby and toddler areas, circus workshops, rides, storytelling tents, fancy dress parades and shows dedicated to the kids. It’s one of the few festivals where parents with babies genuinely feel catered for, with chill-out spaces and family camping areas making a huge difference.
For many families, Camp Bestival is the gold standard of family friendly festivals, we have been going for years and absolutely love it!
Victorious Festival – A Seaside Family Friendly Festival in Portsmouth
If camping isn’t your thing but you still want the festival experience, Victorious Festival is a brilliant choice.
Held at Southsea Common, this large seaside festival offers a relaxed and flexible way to enjoy live music as a family.
We have attend just for the day in the past, which is ideal when travelling with babies or younger children. There are fairground rides, kids’ entertainment areas, street food stalls and plenty of space to explore. They also have great headliners year on year.
Being right by the sea also makes it feel more open and manageable than traditional enclosed festival sites.
Camp Kindling – A Magical Woodland Family Friendly Festival
For families looking for something smaller and more immersive, Camp Kindling is a hidden gem among family friendly festivals. Set in a woodland environment, it focuses on creativity, outdoor adventure and connection. Think forest school activities, crafts, live performances, campfire storytelling and over 100 included family experiences.
It’s one of the most relaxed family friendly festivals UK parents can choose, especially for those attending with babies or toddlers who may need a slower pace and more space.
Elderflower Fields – One of the Best UK Family Friendly Festivals for Outdoor Play
Located in East Sussex, Elderflower Fields is a beautifully curated festival designed entirely around families and children.
It’s often described as one of the most authentic family friendly festivals in the UK, focusing on outdoor play, creativity and nature. Activities include bushcraft, climbing, kayaking, circus skills, storytelling and nature trails.
Unlike larger festivals, it feels calm and safe, which makes it particularly appealing for families with younger children or babies.
If you’re looking for a truly child-focused family friendly festival UK experience, this is one of the best.
Latitude Festival – A Big Festival with Strong Family Friendly Areas
Although larger in scale, Latitude Festival remains one of the most popular family friendly festivals in the South thanks to its dedicated children’s programme and family camping areas.
Held at Henham Park, it combines music, comedy, theatre and arts with a strong family offering that makes it suitable for mixed-age families.
While it feels more like a traditional major festival, the dedicated kids’ areas and structured family spaces make it a strong choice for those wanting a full festival experience while still attending one of the leading family friendly festivals UK has to offer.
The rise of family friendly festivals in the UK has completely changed how families can enjoy live music and outdoor events together.
Whether you choose the full immersive experience of Camp Bestival, the seaside ease of Victorious Festival, the woodland magic of Camp Kindling, or the creative freedom of Elderflower Fields, there is a family friendly festival UK families can enjoy with children of all ages, even babies as young as 4 months old.
The best part is watching your children experience live music, nature and creativity in a completely new way and realising that festivals don’t have to stop when you become a parent.
