Outdoor festivals often conjure images of loud music, crowds, and muddy fields—but they can also be wonderful family outings. As a seasoned festival-goer who's attended Paaspop with my own kids for years, I've seen firsthand how these events foster quality time and shared joy. Our children loved dancing to Armin van Buuren, and next year, the whole family will join for a full day. Inspired by HomeToGo's list, I've curated family-friendly outdoor festivals across Europe, ideal for combining with a holiday.
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Demand for family-oriented festivals is surging, with organizers adding kid zones, workshops, and activities. As a parent and avid attendee, I recommend these 12 events—from Dutch locals to European standouts—where everyone thrives.
On Vlieland, this festival blends music, film, visual arts, and abundant children's activities, plus ample relaxation spots.
Info: September 6-8, 2017. Weekend ticket: €21.50 adults, €20.00 children 4-17.
Top acts: Spinvis, Moss, Jens Lekman, Foxygen, Perfume Genius, and more.
Featuring Dutch favorites like The Handsome Poets and Broederliefde, this free event in a scenic park lets families relax while enjoying tunes from afar.
Info: June 25, 2017. Free entry.
Top acts: Alison Moyet, Henk & Melle, Jon Tarifa, Bootsy Collins, Broederliefde, and more.
Rockabilly, country, and roots punk meet kid-friendly fun in Nijmegen: workshops, rides, cotton candy, hula hoops, and more. Great for all ages.
Info: June 16-17, 2017 (kids' program Saturday). Tickets: from €4.00 children, €20.00 adults.
Top acts: Doghouse Rose, The Give 'Em Hell Boys, Boogie Beasts, Steve Lucky & The Rhumba Bums, and more.
Tip: For free outings anytime, check our guide to May holiday activities.
Since 2005, this medieval and fantasy festival unfolds in Keukenhof Castle gardens, Lisse, early August.
For farther travels or holidays, these gems shine.
Free for under-12s, with KidsZone offering supervised creative tents, circus workshops, and chill-out stories.
Info: June 8-11, 2017, Newport, England. Adults €232, teens (13-17) €172, kids free.
Top acts: Rod Stewart, Arcade Fire, David Guetta, Run DMC, Alison Moyet.
Europe's largest free open-air fest: 11 stages, kids' areas with waterslides, bouncy castles, trampolines.
Info: June 23-25, 2017, Vienna. Free.
Top acts: Mike Perry, Marc Pircher, Rene Rodrigezz, Mando Diao.
Music, art, films, and a family park (9 AM-9 PM) with workshops, inflatables, babysitters.
Info: July 6-8, 2017, Trenčín, Slovakia. Kids under 12 free, adults ~€99.
Top acts: Solange, M.I.A., Birdy, alt-J.
Kids' area: nature tours, theater, reading. Tweens: climbing, DJ lessons, journalism workshops.
Info: July 13-16, 2017, Southwold, England. 0-4 free, 5-12 €12, teens €167, adults €245.
Top acts: The 1975, Mumford & Sons, Fleet Foxes, Two Door Cinema Club.
Alice in Wonderland theme, yoga, babysitters beyond basics.
Info: July 19-22, 2017, Ostrava, Czech Republic. Adults ~€96 (4 days), kids under 1.40m free.
Top acts: Imagine Dragons, alt-J, Moderat, Norah Jones, Birdy.
Family-focused: Kids Disco with world's largest disco ball, School of Rock live.
Info: July 27-30, 2017, Lulworth Castle, England. Adults €249, kids €18-€149.
Top acts: Madness, Mark Ronson, All Saints, Anne-Marie.
Kids Corner: sandcastles, garlands. Noise-reducing earmuffs available.
Info: August 4-6, 2017, Katowice, Poland. Adults ~€80 weekend, under-10 free.
Top acts: Swans, PJ Harvey, Talib Kweli, Feist.
Beach area, babysitters, playgrounds. Week-long fun.
Info: August 9-16, 2017, Budapest. Adults ~€300 week, under-10 free.
Top acts: The Chainsmokers, Kasabian, P!nk, Wiz Khalifa.
Kidzapalooza: kids' stage, yoga, photo booths, music lessons, nursing area.
Info: September 9-10, 2017, Berlin. Weekend ~€149.
Top acts: Foo Fighters, Mumford & Sons, The xx, Beatsteaks, Hardwell.
Image via Shutterstock.
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