Summer is nearly upon us, and with the limitations of covid-19 behind us, we can look forward to a whole host of family friendly festivals 2022.

We’ve scoured the season to bring you the very best child-friendly festivals, that range from music festivals to gourmet events and family camping experiences. Plus we’ve put together a list of must-bring items for family days out with toddlers.

Whether you plan to go for a day, a night, or even longer, there’s something for everyone with ten of the best family friendly festivals UK 2022.

But first – don't forget to pack these essentials for your child...

 Toddler festival essentials

1. Wellies – let’s face it, we never know what the great British weather will send us. But trench foot should not be one of them! Bring your kids wellies, for the perfect day out with the kids!
2. Munchy Play plate – Easy to slip into your overnight bag, this easy-to-clean plastic plate is the perfect accessory for mealtimes, plus doubles up as entertainment at mealtimes. No more dropping paper plates on the floor or eating off the grass!

3. Wet wipes – you wouldn’t leave home without them, but double the amount for any festival, it will be well worth it.

4. Calpol capsules. If you don’t want to bring a bottle, you can now get handy Calpol satchets, so easy to use on-the-go, don’t leave hone without them.

5. Ear defenders – if you’re attending a family music festival with loud music, it’s wise to invest in some ear defenders. In a recent survey, Made for Mums named Ems For Kids Baby Ear Defenders the best for newborns.

Wild Words Festival

Where: Colesdale Farm, Hertfordshire
When: 3-5 June
The newest Kids festival 2022 has arrived! Wild Words is family friendly literary festival celebrating books and all things literary. With a backdrop to walks in nature, it’s a top covid-friendly festival choice that all the family can enjoy. If you love books, poetry, reading and being at one with nature, this is a family-first event to add to your list.

Readipop Festival

Where: Caversham
When: 8-10 July
Not, of course, to be confused with Reading festival (!) this is more a family festival than a rock one! Along with big name talent and local artists, there’s some thoughtful events that the kids can partake in, including lots of crafts. For the grown-up’s, don’t miss the award-winning food on offer and craft beers, helping to redefine child friendly festivals 2022.

 

Lovebox Weekend

Where: Gunnersbury Park, London W3 8LQ
When: 16 July
Calling all parent ravers and 80s throwback dance fans, Lovebox has come a long way since its early party days in Clapham. The newly expanded festival includes a spectrum of musical genres form grime to bouncy disco, and a plethora of fun events for toddlers and children to take part in. We’re talking Ping Pong, Karaoke and of course dancing in the sunshine! It’s oe of the surprising family music festivals 2022 has to offer.

 

Doune the Rabbit Hole

Where: Cardross Estate, Stirlingshire
When: 14-17 July

When it comes to days out with the kids in Scotland, this is one weekend you won’t want to miss.  Designed for families, the weekender is loaded with music, events and fun. Learn circus skills, perhaps take part in a kids drumming session, or get all cosy in the baby zone. It feels like a mini festival, with camping and glamping available. The line-up is always interesting, this year including Belle and Sebastian and Teenage Fanclub, making it one of Scotland’s best family-friendly festivals.

Latitude 2022

Where: Henham Park, Suffolk
When: 21-24 July
The most famous and celebrated award-winning family festival 2022 UK is back! Once again, there’s activities and entertainment for little ones of all age from toddler to teenager, set across three fun areas, to the backdrop of a stunning lake. Day out with the kids don’t get better, with pizza making, fire shows, wood crafts and science experiments to get involved in. If you only go to one family festival 2022 – make it this!

 

Kendall Calling 2022

Where: Lowther Deer Park, Lake District
When: 28-31 July
Described as a “safe and family-friendly festival” Kendall Calling is a community event that has something for everyone. This includes activities for mothers and babies, to workshop events for teenagers. Tickets including family camping too, so that’s one less thing to worry about. There are over 250 artists and a whole host of fun and quirky events taking place. For kids this includes face painting, art events and so much more.
 

Camp Bestival

Where: Lulworth Cove, Dorset
When: 28-31 July
Founded by ravers-turned-parents Mr and Mrs DJ Rob da Bank, the family music festival is created with families in mind. Even though it’s one of the larger festivals, there’s plenty for all ages to enjoy over this fun-filled weekend. The ‘Upper Kids’ Garden’ is designed for children, with a dedicated toddlers area too, plus there’s soft play, sensory activities and face painting to enjoy. The stages include the brilliance of Horrible Histories, Mr Tumble and Dick and Dom. While the main music stage include crowd-pleasers with Rag ‘N’ Bone Man headlining. We’re personally very excited about Sophie Ellis Bextor’s Kitchen party making an appearance! All hands in the air for this brilliant child friendly festival 2022.

 

Green Man, Wales

Where: Brecon Beacons
When: 18-21 August 2022
This has got to be one of the best family festivals for green outdoor space. Set in the tranquillity of the Welsh valleys, some 25,000 visitors are expected to decamp to this family-friendly weekend. There’s tons for everyone to do, including a dedicated area for babies and toddlers called ‘Little Folk’. Don’t forget to bring your family camping equipment and sleep out under the stars!

The Big Feastival

Where: Alex James’ Farm, The Costwolds
When: 26-28 August
There’s a running joke that London decamps to The Costwolds in the summer, which might just be the truth when it comes to one of the best family festivals within the city limits. This is the place where good food and foot-thumping tunes collide, and best of all, under 12s go free.

 

Notting Hill Carnival

Where: Notting Hill, London
When: 24-27 August
Undoubtedly, one of the best family music festivals 2022. Notting Hill is back and best of all, it’s a free family day out in London. The biggest street party in Europe must be experienced at least once, with a celebration of Caribbean culture and a street-party vibe in West London. Bright colours, vibrant foods and carnival floats are the vibe, and if you come on children’s day, you’ll fit right in. Don’t miss it!

 

If you're looking for other fun family days out with the kids, check out this feature for inspiration >>>>