Festivals aren’t just for the young—they’re for the young at heart, and there’s something powerful about showing your kids that the world is still full of sound, colour, and connection.
Festivals aren’t just for the carefree twenty-somethings anymore—many parents who grew up with the buzz of Reading or Glasto are now keen to pass that magic on to their kids. Whether you’ve got toddlers, tweens, or teens in tow, there are amazing UK festivals that offer a mix of music, culture, and family-friendly fun. Here's a look at five major festivals where both grown-up gig-goers and next-gen fans can make memories together.
Reading Festival – The Coming-of-Age Classic
When: August Bank Holiday
Where: Reading, Berkshire
Best For: Parents reliving their alt-rock youth and teens discovering it
Once the stomping ground of angsty teens and mosh pits, Reading is still loud, proud, and guitar-heavy—but it's also becoming a rite of passage for teens, often as their first "real" festival. For music-loving parents, this is your chance to show the kids where it all began. While it’s not traditionally billed as family-friendly (no child-specific zones), it’s doable with older teens (think 13+) who can handle big crowds. Book a hotel or campervan nearby and set some check-in points. Pro tip: Take your kid to see one of the iconic legacy acts—you’ll both be surprised how much your playlists overlap.
Latitude Festival – The Ultimate Family-Culture Hybrid
When: July
Where: Henham Park, Suffolk
Best For: Parents who love a thoughtful mix of music, comedy, and arts with loads for kids
Latitude has nailed the family-friendly brief. Think big-name headliners (Alt-J, Pulp, etc.) and side-stage gems, but also a dedicated Kids Area and Teen Zone packed with workshops, DJ lessons, and forest trails. It’s one of the few festivals where you can listen to Phoebe Bridgers by night and see your 9-year-old paint a giant puppet by day. Camping is well-organized, with family areas that are quieter but still close to the action. A top pick for families that want culture and calm alongside killer sets.
Isle of Wight Festival – Vintage Vibes for All Ages
When: June
Where: Seaclose Park, Newport, Isle of Wight
Best For: Music-loving families with a taste for nostalgia and an easy-going setup
One of the UK’s oldest festivals, Isle of Wight knows how to cater to generations. The lineup usually has something for everyone—expect classic rockers, indie heroes, and pop icons. The family camping area is a safe haven for those with younger kids, and the Big Top tent often hosts comedy and theatre that appeals to all ages. With ferries and a bit more travel involved, it feels like a proper family adventure. The vibe is relaxed, and the crowd a good mix of seasoned festival-goers and wide-eyed first-timers.
Camp Bestival – A Festival Designed for Families
When: July
Where: Lulworth Castle, Dorset (and a sister festival in Shropshire)
Best For: Parents with young kids or tweens who still want the full experience—just a bit more magical
Camp Bestival is like Glastonbury for families—with glitter, bubbles, and actual nap breaks. Curated by DJ Rob Da Bank, it brings quality music (expect acts like Orbital, Rudimental, or Sophie Ellis-Bextor) with a heavy dose of whimsy. There are circus acts, workshops, bedtime stories, and a soft play tent. For teens, there's a chilled vibe and lots of space to explore independently. The Dorset setting is stunning, and everything from food stalls to toilets are geared for comfort. This is the easiest on-ramp to festival life for your kids—and you’ll still get your fix of great tunes.
Glastonbury Festival – The Bucket List, Done Right
When: June
Where: Worthy Farm, Somerset
Best For: Festival veteran parents ready to share the holy grail with older kids
Yes, it’s enormous. Yes, it's a bit mad. But Glastonbury can absolutely be a family experience—and a life-defining one at that. With a dedicated Kidzfield, circus areas, chill-out zones, and a sprawling layout that allows for days of exploration, there’s magic in every corner. You’ll need to plan well (and walk a lot), but watching your teen’s face light up at their first Pyramid Stage set is unforgettable. Camp in the family fields, pace yourselves, and treat it like a five-day adventure. For many music-mad families, Glastonbury is the ultimate bonding moment.
🎧 Final Thoughts: From Mosh Pits to Milkshakes
Festivals aren’t just for the young—they’re for the young at heart, and there’s something powerful about showing your kids that the world is still full of sound, colour, and connection. With a bit of planning (and maybe some ear defenders), you can create memories that hit just as hard as your favourite headline set.
Published on 04 June 2025 by Ben Robinson
