There’s no need for kids big and small to miss out on all the festival fun this season. While nearly all the big music festivals have kids entertainment these days, there are plenty of lively weekend festivities and week-long celebrations that are perfect for families who want to chill, dance, and be merry together!
So if you want to give your little ones a taste of the festival life (without the killer hangover), take a look at our quick selection of some of the best family-friendly festivals happening in Kent this year.
For those who don’t want to lose that festival vibe once the music ends, then look to sun-soaked Margate where a ‘festival in a day’ experience awaits you, all summer long. Dreamland Margate gets a special mention in our family-friendly round up, as the seaside vintage park has a huge programme of live music and entertainment planned this year, including the likes of some famous faces!
Friday 5th - Friday 12th August 2022
Broadstairs Folk Week is back for another year and we couldn't be more excited! The concert Venue will be at the Festival Arena in the Memorial Recreation Ground, next to Broadstairs train station. This festival is a great choice for families looking for a musical adventure with their little folkers, with a festival bar and food stalls in the park. It wouldn't be a proper festival experience without the camping element. Luckily for you, Broadstairs Folk Week is bringing you just that, with their Festival Campsite located just a 15 to 20 minute walk from the centre of Broadstairs.
Saturday 28th - Monday 30th May 2022
Falling on a bank holiday, it’s time to gather the family and embrace the atmosphere and action of the 1940s. Pay attention to an action-packed battle featuring real-life vintage army vehicles or why not truly immerse yourself into the era, with a 1940s hairdo at the beauty parlour. Seems like the perfect educational fun day out, where little historians can salute to the Sergeant’s infamous assault course in some hands on activities.
Saturday 11th June 2022
Why should those families with little ones miss out on all the fun?! The Kent Festival are saying just that with their Tots Fest addition to the main festival. The morning includes everything your mini festival goers could wish for, from Inflatable fun to funfair rides, face painting to their favourite mascots and did we forget to mention, it’s FREE!
Sunday 28th August 2022
August bank holiday you’re all in for a treat! Kent Tribute Festival is back for another year at the grounds of Strode Park. It’s time for the whole family to prepare for a day full of entertainment with live tribute acts and a host of activities including inflatable bouncy castles, lizard and reptile displays and some beautiful birds of prey from Whiteleaf Animals Farm! With tasty hot food stalls and bars serving beverages and refreshments, there’s no doubt in saying this Kent fest should be marked in your diary this summer.
Sunday 26th June 2022
Music on the Farm is calling your name this summer! Located on their family farm in Ripple, hosted by Solley’s Ice Cream, spend the day being entertained by a variety of outstanding local musicians, as well as plenty of events to keep the little ones amused. With onsite vendors and bars, you and your family won’t go hungry, or why not put on your own spread and bring a picnic! Oh, and without forgetting to mention Solley’s ice cream!
Saturday 30th July 2022
There’s some major fun going down in Maidstone this July with a River Festival the whole family can get on board with, we mean literally, get on board! Round up the family and enter your team in the raft race! Or watch from the riverside and cheer your fellow crew members to victory. The fun doesn’t end there. As the evening approaches the boats begin to glow, lighting up the river, whilst the award-winning fireworks display lights up the sky.
Saturday 6th - Sunday 7th August 2022
Mote Park welcomes back Rock the Mote this August, for a festival everyone will be sure to love! Watch the next best thing to your favourite original artists, from a mixture of genres, including the likes of Guns 'N’ Roses, Dolly Parton and Dua Lipa. For those of you who just can’t get enough of the fun, why not make it a truly memorable experience and purchase a camping ticket?! With fairground rides to keep your energetic little ones entertained, food and drink vendors, as well as the entertaining acts, there’s enough fun to last all weekend!
Friday 17th - Sunday 19th June 2022
The Black Deer Festival is all about the family friendly vibes, showcasing a full weekend of music, food and drink, and plenty of yeehaw moments to be made! Little explorers will be in their element at the Young Folks section of the festival with an exciting range of activities to partake in. From tree climbing and zip wire, to a silent disco and deer hunt, we can confidently suggest that there will be no boredom in sight at the American style festival.
Saturday 30th - Monday 2nd May 2022
Dance the day away at this 3 day spectacular festival event. Join the whole city in coming together in the streets, parks, local pubs and bars of Rochester and listen to the quirky sound of live folk music.
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th August
Set sail to Whitstable this August for a family get together at the Whitstable Boat Show. This 2 day event will give visitors FREE access to all that's on offer, including: Dinghy Racing in Town Sailing Regatta, RNLI & HM Coastguard Displays, Whitstable's historic oyster yawls & boatyard, Maritime Heritage exhibition and family workshops. Plus local artisans, artists and street food. How could this knot be on your to do list this summer, you're shore to have an oresome time!
Rock The Boat
Saturday 16th - Sunday 17th July
Switch on the games and immerse yourself into The Historic Dockyard Chatham to celebrate video games, gaming culture and creativity. This attention-grabbing weekender will draw in all those who have a passion for gaming, whether you play like a pro to novice, you and your little gamers will be able to watch, play and learn about games; meet special guests; join competitions; experience new and retro gaming; as well as enjoying fun, interactive exhibits such as Robot Wars and Cosplay masquerade.
